This is one of VCU’s healthiest options. The school has been pleasantly surprised at its popularity. They make everything right in front of you so you know it’s fresh, and the servings fill you right up until the next mealtime. The location opened in October of 2011 along with IHOP and Raising Cane’s.
OPTIONS
Wraps and salads, made the way you want it. Wraps can be on wheat, spinach, white or tomato. Meat options are chicken, grilled chicken, and tofu. Toppings range from lettuce to pineapple and hard boiled eggs. You can only get five toppings, including things like craisins, almonds, or raisins. There are a variety of sauces including 1000 island dressing, caesar, and the normal ranch.
WHERE
805 W. Grace St., at Laurel and Grace
HOURS
Monday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
You can swipe at all times.
Wrap, chips/fruit, drink
Salad, chips/fruit, drink
And you can also get a soup, and either half a salad or half a wrap for a swipe too. Or half a salad and half a wrap. It’s a pretty sweet deal.
BUSY TIMES
Between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. is when it sees the most business, in part because its neighbors Raising Cane’s and IHOP aren’t offering swipes. It gets pretty busy again around dinner times, partially because that’s when everyone is coming back from the gym.
QUALITY
Everything is always fresh, though since Croutons now packages their meat in bags, I would be a little wary of those. It’s really meant only to give equal servings to people, but still. The fruit is always fresh though.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
I think everyone should try a garlic wrap with spinach, pineapple, and caesar dressing, but that’s just me. Anything and everything tastes better with pineapple, and craisins are never a bad choice.
TIPS
If they mess up your wrap, just ask for a new one. They might try to double wrap it, but trust me, that is NOT GOOD. Try for something else. Also, you can request spinach in your salad. You are not limited to their mixed lettuce or their romane lettuce. And you can request for bottled water if they don’t offer it straight up, as they do allow you to get fountain drinks elsewhere.
It stands for the International House of Pancakes. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. The VCU location opened in October of 2011 along with Raising Cane’s and Croutons Salads & Wraps, and it has really done wonders for VCU’s food variety and convenience for freshman. It’s one of the only dining facilities to be open late, especially on the weekends.
OPTIONS
It specializes in breakfast foods, such as pancakes, breakfast burritos, parfaits, french toast, etc. but has really expanded its dinner courses with burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
WHERE
805 W. Grace St., at Laurel and Grace
HOURS
Sunday-Wednesday: 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 7 a.m. – 3 a.m.
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Swipes every day from 8:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m., and from 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
BUSY TIMES
It’s busy mostly at night, 9 p.m. to around midnight since it’s one of the few locations open and swiping during those times. It is one of the only places to get busy during the mornings, however, since the place is known for breakfast foods. I would never expect a long line, though.
QUALITY
The pancakes are good and about as much as you’d expect from an IHOP Express. The bacon can be hot and cold, though. I wouldn’t go in expecting fantastic bacon, but to be pleasantly surprised if you get good bacon. The eggs are mediocre but the omelets are good. The burgers are usually above average. The fries that come with all the dinner options are delicious though.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
If you’re looking for the best option ever, go for the grilled cheese. You will not be disappointed. EVER. Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity or the burger, if you’ve only got swipes. If not, then go for the stuffed French toast. The specialty pancakes receive low marks. Specifically, the chocolate chip pancakes.
TIPS
You can get eggs any way you want them and can request your Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity with or without eggs at all, or with all sausage or all bacon. Also, avoid the Make-your-own omelets unless you expect to have to open it up yourself and add all the ingredients in.
Along with Chick-fil-A , Raising Cane’s competes for the best chicken and best signature sauce on campus. It really gives them a run for their money, too, especially in terms of quality, convenience and availability. The VCU location opened in October of 2011 along with IHOP and Croutons Salads & Wraps.
OPTIONS
It’s not a large menu. Chicken tenders are their specialty, so if you go there expecting anything else, then maybe you should go to IHOP. They also make crinkle-fries as opposed to waffle fries or shoestring, and everything comes with a smattering of Cane’s sauce. The three finger combo comes with toast as well.
WHERE
805 W. Grace St., at Laurel and Grace
HOURS
Monday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Swipes are 5 p.m. to close every day.
Three Finger Combo: 3 chicken fingers, garlic bread, fries, drink
The Sandwich: 3 chicken fingers in a sandwich, fries, drink
BUSY TIMES
At 5 p.m., everyday, right when they start being able to swipe. It progressively gets shorter as the night goes on up until around 9 or 10 when it picks up again. The nice thing about this is that they really move you through the ordering line… it’s the waiting that gets kinda long.
QUALITY
Sometimes you get chicken that’s a little too crispy, and sometimes you get chicken that’s not crispy enough. You’ll always be satisfied, but I wouldn’t go there expecting the reliability of places like Chik-fil-A or anything.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
The three finger combo is the signature dish for a reason. It tastes good, and it fills you up. It is what made this flagship fly in the first place, so experience it for yourself. Also, always get the toast. It is one of the best things on the menu, and you are going to love bringing your friends who think bread makes them fat.
TIPS
You can get your toast replaced with more fries if you want to. Or, if you’re ordering one of the bigger meals, you can replace your cole slaw with more toast. The choice is yours. You can also order a sandwich to be made with two sides of toast instead of the bread.
A bit out of the way for most students, this eatery is home to food that feels home cooked. You can pick exactly what you want for everything you order, and what you can order ranges from chicken, to macaroni and cheese, to sandwiches to wraps.
OPTIONS
Meat choices: rotisserie chicken is always available. Pork BBQ, turkey, meatloaf and others rotate. Burgers are cooked upon request.
Sides: mashed potatoes and macaroni are usually available. Assorted vegetables rotate.
Wraps: wheat, white and spinach with your choice of many different deli meats. Plenty of toppings and dressings as well.
Sandwiches: just like ordering a wrap, just say your meat and cheese and whatever toppings and dressings.
WHERE
101 S. Belvidere St. – the corner of Cary St. and Belvidere
HOURS
Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: closed
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Swipes for everything, all the time.
BUSY TIMES
As a given semester progresses, more people realize how great the Cary St. Market is and as a result the lines get longer during peak times. Busy times fluctuate due to how many people the location can handle over a short period of time. If a couple large crowds rush at after their 11:50′s let out, the lunch rush will be significant. Some days are quieter and some afternoons get hectic.
QUALITY
Excellent. People agree the burgers are the best of on-campus on-meal-plan options. The cornbread is top of the line, and you will never feel like things are dry, but some choices may be over-seasoned.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
It’s a nice change to be able to make your own sandwich or wrap however you want it, so I recommend taking advantage of it.
TIPS
The cool thing is that yo can order things exactly like how you do it at Bleeker, even for the specialities. So if you want chicken and pepperjack, just go over to this place and do it up. You can also
 A business student favorite, considering it’s in Snead hall. Sandwiches are very popular, as are their salads. They offer something easy for students to eat while they work or during class, which is perfect for VCU’s own business building. It’s good food.
OPTIONS
Sandwiches on various types of bread with limited customization. The option for toasting your sandwich is available. Soups, salads and pastries are also available. Everything comes with a fountain drink. It also doubles as a convenience store, with food already to go, as well as candy sales and such.
LOCATION
301 W. Main St.
HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: closed
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Sandwiches, soups, and salads are swipeable, and everything else can be purchased with dining dollars.
BUSY TIMES
It gets busy right after a business classes end, just like Starbucks. Everybody rushes in to pick up something quick to eat, so try to go during odd hours if you want to avoid the lines.
QUALITY
Bleeker Sreet sandwiches are some of the best tasting swipe options on campus. Its sandwiches are known by their names, and every business student has an opinion on it. In general, each item is will taste pretty damn good.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
The Smoked Ham and Swiss and the California Turkey never disappoint, but if you’re in the mood for a Panini, try out the grilled chicken pesto. The four-cheese is a very popular option as well. If you’re willing to spend dining dollars, then I recommend the chicken pepperjack, considering it’s the best sandwich they offer. The roast beef can be a little risky, though. You will never know if it is actually going to taste good or not.
TIPS
Bleeker Street has a nice environment where everything is made in front of you. It’s small and can’t serve too many people at once. There are tables to sit at inside Snead Hall, however, and if you go often enough, the workers start to recognize you and your regular orders.
 Pan-Asian cuisine in the most convenient location VCU has to offer. The good location makes it a popular choice for VCU students, especially as a change of pace from things like Shafer and IHOP.
OPTIONS
Asian-inspired food at Nao & Zen, chicken or tofu over rice with stir fried vegetables of your selection. It’s a pretty sweet deal. You have soy sauce and sriracha sauce at your disposal, and chopsticks to use if you so choose. Your choices of rice include steamed, fried, and brown. You can also get eggrolls.
LOCATION
907 Floyd Ave. – Student Commons
HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: closed
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Dining dollars before 2 p.m. Swipes can be used 2 p.m. to closing time. You can get your average stir fry with chicken or tofu and a fountain drink.
BUSY TIMES
The Commons is busy during lunch but also sees a rush around 3 p.m. The lines tend to be substantial, but move pretty quickly. It is definitely the most popular of the daily options at the Commons.
QUALITY
Some would say it’s a step up from Shafer. It’s definitely a good change of pace, and it is very hard to screw up stir fry and rice.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
Every choice is a good choice at Nao and Zen, since you make it ready to order for yourself. You will find that the menu is simple enough for you to know exactly what you want, and rarely will you want to deviate.
TIPS
Utilize that sriracha sauce! You can ask the workers to throw your rice in with your stir fry while it’s cooking to get a more different taste.
 VCU’s answer to the Mexican food audience. They make everything right in front of you, exactly how you order it, whether that’s a burrito or hard shell tacos. They have you covered.
OPTIONS
You can have tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Your typical fastfood Mexican type thing. You have choices of chicken and beef for your meats, with tomato, lettuce, cheeses, and other toppings with a variety of salsas.
LOCATION
907 Floyd Ave. – Student Commons
HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: closed
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Dining dollars before 2 p.m. Swipes can be used 2 p.m. to closing time.
BUSY TIMES
Definitely not as busy as Nao and Zen, so I would not expect a long line any time. Maybe around dinner time is when I would be a bit worried.
QUALITY
It tastes alright. I wouldn’t say it’s the best option you have as far as VCU dining goes, but it definitely has its niche down pat. If you’re craving Mexican food and all you have to work with is swipes, go for it!
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
Burritos are easily the most value for your swipe. They really pack it down.
TIPS
You can get the melted cheese on your items now. You can also ask for salsa with your chips, but you cannot get melted cheese on the side for your chips for some reason.
 The only true restaurant-style location currently on the dining plan. ARAMARK has simplified some entrees, but many food options are restaurant quality. Chili’s has great hours and you can always order food to go. The biggest downside is the slow service, but that is to be expected with a sit-down meal.
OPTIONS
Chilis has a large menu, including burgers, pasta, salads, fajitas, etc. If it’s at a normal Chili’s, they probably have it here. This location also offers the deals Chili’s takes part in nationwide, like the 2-for-$20 deal. And you can pay for it all with dining dollars.
LOCATION
355 W. Cary St.
HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
IF YOU HAVE A DINING PLAN
Dining Dollars. Don’t forget to tip.
BUSY TIMES
The dinner crowd can get pretty large. The beginning and the end of the semester are usually pretty crowded too, since families are in town and students want to get rid of their dining dollars.
QUALITY
Most options are high quality. It’s a large step up from Shafer, but it’s not fine dining. It’s still made for a student’s convenience, but it will definitely be worth your money.
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
Margarita Grilled Chicken and the Crispy Chicken Crispers are both great, but the steaks and burgers are often over cooked. The 2-for-$20 deal is the way to go, but for whatever reason this particular Chili’s doesn’t consistently offer the special. If you don’t know what to get, try getting the appetizer sampler as your meal!
TIPS
There can be lengthy waits once you sit down at a table. It’s a big place, but it’s not staffed well when it’s busy. Allot at least an hour and a half for an average meal. You can order to-go and skip the waits and the tipping. Call 804-828-8484 and be prepared to pick up your order after 15-20 minutes. Also, keep in mind you can’t order alcohol with dining dollars.
Don’t worry anymore about searching all over the web to find out what you can eat for a swipe, because we will be your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about each VCU Dining Location. We have all the locations and times set up for you. Just click the following links to learn more about what each location has to offer.
810 Cathedral Place
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m – Midnight
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Not open on weekends
VCU Student Commons
Pizza Hut Express
Subway
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday: closed
Sunday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Chick-fil-A
Zoca
Nao and Zen
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: closed
Snead Building
Bleeker Street
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: closed
355 W. Cary St.
Cary St. Market and Deli
Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: closed
Chili’s
Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Laurel and Grace Place
IHOP
Sunday-Wednesday: 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 7 a.m. – 3 a.m.
Raising Cane’s
Croutons, Salads, and Wraps
Monday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
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