Insider’s Guide to Food On and Around Campus

Whether you are dorming or commuting to campus, sorting out your meals might be tricky if you aren’t familiar with the La Sierra campus. Follow this quick insider’s guide to meeting all of your food needs, from snacks to meals on and around campus. You might have to focus on completing your homework, but you won’t have to worry about finding food to fuel your study sessions.

The Eagle’s Nest Cafe (aka Eagle’s or The Nest)

Location: Next to the Dining Commons and Student Lounge

The Nest is the perfect spot for commuters and dormers alike as you don’t have to pay to get inside. You can use cash, card, or your meal plan to pay for your food items. The Nest offers snacks and drinks including a Jamba Juice machine. They also have pre-made meals and snacks like fruit cups, sandwiches, and salads. The grill opens at 11 a.m., after which you can order hot food from the weekly menu made fresh right in front of you. Look out for the signs outside announcing the daily lunch specials for the best deal!

The Dining Commons (aka The Caf)

Location: Next to the Eagle’s Nest and Student Lounge

This option is best for dorming students as you can use your meal plan. Each day offers a specific food theme option like Mexican or Indian food, and a schedule is posted in the lobby. The caf has very specific hours, so make sure you check out the posted times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you don’t miss out. If you are a commuter and want to join your friends for a meal inside the caf, no worries! You can pay a flat fee with your debit card to enter the caf. Eat in, or take-away and enjoy your meal on the lawn. And as of the beginning of the 2018-19 school year, the caf now has a whole section with vegan options! 

The La Sierra University Bookstore

Location: Underneath the caf, next to the SALSU office and the Welcome Center

The bookstore is your one-stop shop for all things snacks related. Get your chocolate fix with a candy bar, or something salty like a bag of chips or popcorn as you make your way to class. The bookstore is also the best place to cool down with an ice cream or popsicle.

Oasis Cafe

If you’re in the mood for something else, you don’t have to look far. Located just across the street at the La Sierra Natural Foods Store, Oasis offers you a fresh and organic cooked meal with vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t forget to show your student I.D. card and receive a discount!

Of course, all the food options on campus are vegetarian, but don’t be discouraged if you happen to be a meat eater. Here are some of the most popular spots that are closest to campus:

1. Big Tuna: Craving sushi? Big Tuna is just around the corner and gives you a wide variety of sushi options to choose from, including bento boxes and sushi rolls.
2. WingStop: 50¢ Wing Wednesday’s and fries are enough to get you through any week.
3. Jimmy John’s Subs: Fresh custom made sandwiches, and they deliver to campus!
4. Rohey’s Wok & Grill: Japanese fusion at its finest, with lots of veggie options.

If you’re willing to go even further, there are tons of ethnic eateries in Riverside, not to mention plenty of fast food. No matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find it here.