The Best of Ohio State University Dining: Top Three

By Diane Kollman on September 18, 2012

At Ohio State, we are surrounded by food. The hard part is knowing what dining locations are the most convenient, affordable, and appetizing. If you missed the first part of the list, check out my previous article, The Best of Ohio State University Dining. I’ve already given you some of my favorites, but here are the absolute best.

From the OSU Dining Facilities Gallery

3. Kennedy Commons is the finest of the Traditions dining locations on campus. Renovated in 2011, the interior of Kennedy is aesthetically pleasing and serves several equally pleasing cuisine options, from burgers and breakfast entrées to salads and wraps. As an all-you-can-eat buffet, Kennedy is ideal for those with insatiable appetites. Unfortunately, food cannot be taken out of the dining hall, the only exceptions being cookies and ice cream cones. Seating can be filled to capacity at times and the hours are somewhat limited, but Kennedy is the best for those that want unlimited eats at a low price.    

Personal Favorites: Burgers, Chocolate Chip Cookies        Location: 251 W. 12th Avenue (South Campus, across from the Kuhn Honors and Scholars House)                                            Price Range:$10 (two blocks for all-you-can-eat)

From the OSU Dining Facilities Gallery

2.Union Market offers a number of different entrée selections, most notably paninis and hot sandwiches. In addition, the “Buckeye Passport” section of the market provides a unique ethnic cuisine, which changes every semester. This time around they have Cajun-styled dishes, such as blackened tilapia, spicy chicken, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. You can also create your own salad or yogurt parfait and choose from a colorful array of cakes and pies for dessert. If you have extra blocks to burn, you can even order whole cakes and pies to go. The Union also houses ExpressOH, a café that supplies everything you need to feed your caffeine and sugar addiction- mochas, lattes, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, cookies, muffins, bagels- you name it. Their homemade gelato, with flavors such as peanut butter, raspberry, and pistachio, is a rare and divine delicacy.   

 Personal Favorites: Toasted Ham and Cheese Pretzel Roll; Iced Union Mocha

Location: 1739 North High Street (Inside the Union)          

 Price Range:$3-$9 (1-3 blocks)

From the OSU Dining Facilities Gallery

1. Neil Marketplace has the highest quality of food on all of OSU’s campus. Each of Marketplace’s four divisions has something savory and unique to offer. The “West” cuisine station, which refers to western style food, has fresh pastas, such as chicken parmigiana and fettucini alfredo. The “East” cuisine station menu includes different types of stir-fry and chicken combinations. A wide selection of meats and cheese are offered at the Paninis and Wraps station. The Stone-Hearth, with its multi-style pizzas, is a personal favorite, providing Philly cheesesteak flatbreads and classic pepperoni pizzas. Portions are massive, but you have the option of a half or full size dish. But wait, there’s more! Neil Marketplace is also home to StreetSweets, a coffee and snack café, as well as a small grocery store that takes blocks. Keep in mind that the grocery store has a BYOB policy- bring your own bag. Marketplace is a fair distance away from even the south campus dorms, but it is well worth the trip. The low prices, big portions, and high quality dining experience will always make Neil Marketplace have a special place in my grease-coated heart.                  

Personal Favorites: General Tso’s Chicken (East), Cheese Classic Pizza (Stone Hearth)

Location:1578 Neil Avenue (On the corner of 10th Ave.)                                                        

Price Range: $3-$7 (1-3 blocks)  

Disagree with my rankings? Post a comment and tell me why.

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