A Comprehensive Guide to Cornell University Dining Options

Cornell University offers a diverse and comprehensive dining program designed to cater to the varied needs and preferences of its students, faculty, and staff. From meal plans to retail cafes and convenience stores, Cornell Dining provides a wide array of options to ensure everyone finds something to satisfy their tastes and dietary requirements.

Meal Plans: Convenience and Savings

One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to enjoy Cornell Dining is through a meal plan. By simply swiping your Cornell ID card, you can access dining rooms at a reduced price and make tax-free food purchases at various on-campus eateries, including cafes, food courts, coffee houses, and convenience stores. A non-refundable $50 administrative fee is charged once each academic year upon enrollment in most meal plans.

Choosing the Right Meal Plan

Cornell Dining offers a variety of meal plans to suit different lifestyles and needs. These plans typically include a combination of meal swipes for dining room access, Big Red Bucks (BRBs) for tax-free food purchases, and bonus meals for guests. To upgrade a 2025-2026 meal plan, submit a Cornell Dining request ticket.

Meal Plan Requirement for Undergraduates

All undergraduate students living in on-campus housing are required to enroll in a meal plan. This requirement applies to all undergraduate students who entered Cornell in the 2021-2022 academic year and after. Students subject to the requirement will be automatically enrolled in the Unlimited plan or the House Meal Plan.

Unlimited Plan: This plan is mandatory for all first-year undergraduates.
House Meal Plan: Students residing in the West Campus House System (WCHS) are required to participate in this plan.
Bear Traditional Plan and South Campus Meal Plan: Upper-level and transfer undergraduates, except for those in the WCHS, may opt into these plans, depending on their residence.
SFL Supplemental Plan: Members of certain Sorority & Fraternity Life (SFL) organizations have the option to choose this plan.

On-campus housing subject to the meal plan requirement includes North and South Campus Residence Halls, the West Campus House System, Program Houses, McGraw Place Residences, and the Townhouse Apartments.

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Meal Plans Beyond Undergraduates

In addition to undergraduate meal plans, Cornell Dining also offers meal plans for graduate students, summer meal plans, and plans for Cornell staff, faculty, and retirees.

Understanding Meal Swipes and Big Red Bucks (BRBs)

Traditional Meal Plans and West Campus House Meal Plans include both meal swipes and Big Red Bucks (BRBs). Meal swipes grant access to residential dining rooms, while BRBs function as a declining debit account.

Using BRBs

BRBs can be used to purchase meals at dining rooms (when meal swipes are depleted), snacks or meals at retail cafes, items from vending machines that accept BRBs, and food or drinks at convenience stores. Online orders via GET can also be paid for with BRBs.

Advantages of BRBs

A significant advantage of using BRBs is that purchases are exempt from sales tax, making them a more economical option compared to credit cards or Cornell Cards. You can add to your BRBs balance at any time or ask a friend or family member to, at get.cbord.com/cornell or with the GET Mobile app, available for iOS and Android.

Dining Room Locations and Offerings

Cornell Dining operates ten dining rooms across campus, each offering unique menus and dining experiences. These dining rooms provide a wide range of culinary options, from holiday-themed meals to chef surprises and special dining nights. Students can sample a variety of menu options at no extra cost.

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North Campus Dining Rooms

Morrison Dining: Located in Toni Morrison Hall.
North Star Dining Room: Situated in Appel Commons.
Risley Dining: Found in Risley Residential College.

Central Campus Dining Rooms

Okenshields: Located in Willard Straight Hall.

West Campus Dining Rooms

Becker House Dining Room: Located in Carl Becker House.
Cook House Dining Room: Situated in Alice Cook House.
Jansen’s Dining Room at Hans Bethe House: Located in Hans Bethe House.
Keeton House Dining Room: Found in William Keeton House.
Rose House Dining Room: Situated in Flora Rose House.
104West!: Located on West Campus.

Note that the five West Campus House Dining Rooms hold House Dinners every Wednesday from 6-7pm, open only to members of each House. Our dining rooms reopen to others at 7pm following each week's House Dinner, and we welcome non-residents to join us after that time, or choose another dining room on campus for their Wednesday dinner.

Mobile Ordering and Contactless Payment

To enhance convenience and efficiency, Cornell Dining offers mobile ordering services and contactless payment options.

GET Order

Several cafes and grills are available on GET Order, a mobile ordering service that allows you to order in advance and skip the line. Orders can be placed hours ahead of time, ensuring meals are ready for pickup at your convenience. Access GET Order at get.cbord.com/cornell or search for "CBORD GET" in the app store. If you don't have a smartphone, just use a web browser on any computer or mobile device to place your order before heading to the eatery to pick it up. There is no fee for using GET Order to place your order.

Contactless Payment Methods

Most Cornell Dining eateries are cashless, utilizing contactless payment methods. Instead of handing over your Cornell ID card, you can use the GET My Card feature in the GET app to display a unique barcode representing your ID for both meal swipes and BRBs. Self-serve payment terminals are also available for credit and debit cards, supporting Apple Pay and Google Wallet, as well as chip cards. Access GET My Card at get.cbord.com/cornell or search for "CBORD GET" in the app store.

Sustainability Initiatives

Cornell Dining is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact through various initiatives.

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Beverage Rewards Program

The Beverage Rewards Program encourages the use of reusable cups by offering a 15% discount on self-serve hot or iced coffee, tea, and fountain beverages when using a clean cup, mug, or tumbler. Simply ask the cashier for a punch card and earn a punch with each purchase. Fill up the punch card to earn a reward drink.

Reusable Takeout Containers

In partnership with Fill It Forward, Cornell Dining offers reusable takeout containers at nine eateries. Guests can take their meals to go in these containers and swap them for a freshly washed container on their next visit.

Reusable Utensils

Reusable utensils are available for purchase at Cornell Dining cafes, promoting a reduction in single-use plastics.

Meals on the Move

The Meals on the Move program is designed to provide convenience for meal plan holders, increase variety, and reduce wait times during peak meal periods on Central Campus. For Fall 2025, breakfast options have been added, along with a third pickup location. Students can pick up breakfast or lunch from Crossings Café on North Campus, Rose House Dining Room on West Campus, or the Weill Hall Atrium on Central Campus.

Nutrition and Special Diets

Cornell Dining prioritizes nutrition and caters to various dietary needs and restrictions.

Online Nutrition Information

Detailed nutrition information is available online for several Cornell Dining cafes. This allows students to check allergens, identify vegetarian or vegan options, view nutrition information for individual items, and build a meal while tracking its nutritional content.

Allergen Awareness

Cornell Dining's culinary team and management undergo annual AllerTrain food allergy training to enhance awareness of ingredient labeling, cross-contamination prevention, and other related concerns.

Employment Opportunities

Cornell Dining provides students with meaningful work opportunities and leadership positions. From working in residential dining locations to coffee shops and cafes, students can hone their culinary skills and gain valuable experience. Supervisor and student manager positions are also available for those seeking leadership roles.

Accessing Dining Services

Dining Room Prices

Everyone is welcome to eat at Cornell Dining rooms. Those without meal swipes can pay with Big Red Bucks, staff can use MealChoice, and anyone can pay with a major credit card.

Hours and Menus

For up-to-date information on hours, menus, and special events, visit now.dining.cornell.edu. This resource provides details on what's open, where, and what's on the menu at each eatery, along with announcements about upcoming events.

Meal Periods

Meals served fall semester 2025 begin with lunch on Monday, August 18, 2025 and end with brunch on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Meals served spring semester 2026 begin with lunch on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 and end with dinner on Friday, May 22, 2026. The meal plan program does not cover Cornell’s recess for winter intersession. Big Red Bucks (BRBs) can be used during these recess periods.

Sick Tray Service

Students on a Cornell Dining meal plan can also take advantage of the sick tray service. Sick trays are available to students who are ill and unable to come to a dining unit for a scheduled meal. The student will not be permitted to use another meal in the dining rooms for that meal period.

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