5 Great Places to Eat at Holy Cross

We know there's nothing that can compare to your family's home cooking. But that doesn't mean college food has to be a total bore. Chefs and cooks at College of the Holy Cross are constantly pushing the envelope with innovative, delicious, award-winning options. Take a look at some of students' favorite spots to eat on The Hill.

Kimball Main Dining Hall

As the College's largest dining area, Kimball serves as the main spot for students to eat on campus. Not only does the space give serious Hogwarts vibes (we can perfectly picture Harry and Ron sitting at those long wooden tables!), but the food is downright delicious and good for you — just ask Bon Appétit magazine, who recently listed Holy Cross as one of the top 7 healthiest college dining halls in the nation. Food in Kimball is served in an all-you-care-to-eat style.

Year-after-year Kimball favorites include a selection from the vast salad bar, personalized stir fry, and, of course, chicken parmesan (which is the meal of legends around campus). Have a food allergy or sensitivity? Kimball also houses the College's Food Allergy and Special Diet Program, which has won awards for its personalized care and planning for students with allergies.

Insider tip: Kimball serves hard pack ice cream on the first Monday of each month — be sure to stop by for a scoop or two!

Crossroads

If you're looking for a late-night snack while studying for your econ midterm, Crossroads is the place to be. Open until midnight every day of the week, Crossroads is the go-to favorite for burgers, chop salads, artisan deli sandwiches, made-to-order pasta and tortellini, flatbread pizza and the world's best French fries (we're only a bit biased).

And it's not just food that Crossroads is serving up — stop by on a Tuesday night to catch a 10-Spot, where students perform a variety of musical acts at — you guessed it — 10 p.m. Students over the age of 21 can also enjoy a pint of beer (or two!) from The Pub while watching a game or hanging out with friends.

Insider tip: Running late to class? Order food on the app Tapingo to have it ready to pick up when you stop by.

Cool Beans

Whether you're running off to class or sitting and catching up with a friend, Cool Beans is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and a muffin. Located in the Hogan Campus Center, Cool Beans serves as a super common gathering spot, and is open until 1 a.m. for those late-night study sessions (or Netflix binge-watching marathons). If you're there later in the evening, you might even catch an impromptu performance from one of the acapella groups on campus.

Tucked next to Cool Beans is On the Rock, a smoothie and ice cream station stocked with all the best options. And nestled behind Cool Beans is the Lobby Shop, where students can pick up groceries and other snacks to-go.

Insider tip: The breakfast sandwiches are something dreams are made of. Pair one with a smoothie for a perfect meal.

Lower Kimball Food Court

Hungry but in a hurry? Lower Kimball has a huge assortment of grab-and-go items, from burritos to sushi to chicken wings. Located on the second floor of Kimball Dining Hall, Lower Kimball's a-la-carte serving style makes it super easy to snag a sandwich on the way to class or before practice.

Lower Kimball is also home to the College's bakery, which churns out sweet treats like donuts, pastries, cookies and cakes all year long.

Insider tip: Be sure to grab a sample of sushi — the chefs are always experimenting with new combinations, and it's made fresh every day.

D'Agostino Café

It's hard to find a prettier place to eat than D'Agostino Café, set in the open-air atrium of the Integrated Science Complex. Enjoy sandwiches, soups and snacks made from locally-sourced ingredients, organic, fair-trade coffee, nitro cold brew and fresh-squeezed orange juice while surrounded by greenery and peaceful fountains.

Insider tip: Lunch time tends to be busy at D'Agostino Café. Stop by after 1 p.m. or before 11:30 p.m. to beat the rush.