A Comprehensive Guide to Dining Options at Rice University
Navigating the diverse culinary landscape at Rice University can be an exciting experience, especially for new students and graduate students. From on-campus serveries to nearby restaurants and grocery options, there's something to satisfy every palate and dietary need. This guide provides a detailed overview of the dining options available to the Rice community.
On-Campus Dining: A World of Choices
Rice University offers a variety of on-campus dining locations, each with its unique offerings and atmosphere. Meal cards are accepted at all on-campus retail dining locations, providing convenient access to a wide range of culinary experiences.
Serveries: Your All-Access Dining Pass
The five serveries-Baker, North, South, West, and Seibel-are central to the Rice dining experience. They offer an all-you-can-eat, buffet-style service with diverse menus that change weekly. You'll find fruit, salad, and sandwich bars, multiple hot food entrées, daily vegetarian options, pizza (at lunchtime), a grill, desserts, and much more.
Baker Servery: Known for its homey vibe, Baker Servery offers a comforting dining experience close to the residential college.
North Servery: With diverse menu choices to appeal to a wide variety of tastes, North Servery also boasts some of the best seating, including the North College Commons and outdoor dining areas.
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South Servery: Offers smoothies and a Mezze bar.
West Servery: A haven for those with allergies or dietary restrictions, West Servery provides plenty of healthy options. It also features a dedicated sauté station free from the Big 9 food allergens.
Siebel Servery: Conveniently connected to Lovett College, Siebel Servery offers a variety of options throughout the day, including breakfast bagels, seasoned chicken, ravioli, and more.
Curbside at the Club
Curbside at the Club brings together the delicious, award-winning culinary talents of Rice University chefs with convenient, to-go ready meals for members of the Rice Community.
Little Kitchen HTX
Little Kitchen HTX is a family-owned local business that features local ingredients from vendors like Houston Dairymaids, 44 farms, Animal Farm, PlantIt Forward Farms, and Honey Child Sweet Creams.
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Special Dietary Considerations and Sustainability
Rice University prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and staff, with a strong commitment to inclusivity and sustainability in its dining program.
Food Allergens and Dietary Restrictions
Each menu item is clearly labeled with the Big 9 food allergens, making it easier to make informed choices. For personalized guidance, consult with the on-duty chef or manager. Halal-certified meats are prepared fresh and available at all serveries. During Ramadan, meal times are extended at select serveries as needed to support those observing the fast.
Sustainable Dining
Rice is committed to leading the way in sustainable dining by incorporating innovative and responsible practices. They embrace a plant-forward culinary approach, emphasizing the use of fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes. Eco-friendly disposables that are compostable or recyclable are provided to minimize waste. Rice partners with Moonshot Compost for a comprehensive composting program designed to divert organic waste from landfills.
Beyond the Serveries: Exploring Other Options
While the serveries offer a convenient and comprehensive dining experience, there are other options to explore both on and off campus.
Valhalla
Valhalla is a graduate student-run pub that started 40 years ago as a place for graduate students to hang out, relax, and socialize after a long day. It is staffed by graduate students and alumni volunteers.
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Grocery Shopping and Off-Campus Dining
While on-campus dining provides many options, you'll probably have to do grocery shopping at some point. In a city as large and diverse as Houston, there is always plenty to see and do.
Staying Active and Social: More Than Just Food
Rice University offers a variety of activities to complement its dining options, promoting a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle.
Recreation and Sports
Rice provides a state-of-the-art recreation center, the David and Barbara Gibbs Recreation Center, which opened in 2009. This multi-level facility boasts two swimming pools, squash and racquetball courts, ample cardio equipment, a dedicated weights room, multipurpose courts, and rooms for fitness classes. The recreation center also offers various fitness programs. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the R.O.P.E. program at the Rec Center is a great option.
Intramural and college sports are a great way to meet new people. Intramural sports, popularly called IM Sports, are more about fun and enjoyment than serious competition. GSA also participates in college sports as a “graduate college.” Club sports are coordinated by the individual clubs. Beer Bike is a combination intramural bicycle race and drinking (chugging) dating back to 1957.
GSA Activities
With GSA, you will have free admission to Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts: Houston, and Houston Museum of Natural Science. Stay tuned with GSA Announcements for signup sheets!
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