Yale Dining Halls as Chain Restaurants

A few weeks into the school year, I opened Beli and saw a sight I never expected to see. Jonathan Edwards Dining Hall, ranked on my feed, and boldly categorized as “Food Court.” Food Court? I thought - how disgraceful. Granted, I’d never thought of a dining hall as something you could or should actually review, but as a JE lover, I decided that at the very least it could be considered a restaurant. With rotating menus, dedicated chefs, and each carrying their own ambience and loyal diners, we should be putting slightly more respect on these dining halls' names. At the very least, they deserve chain restaurant status.

Berkeley- Cheesecake Factory

Inexplicably long wait times and a cult following, but you can’t deny the food is good. 

Branford -TGI Fridays

Slightly nostalgic, good with friends, and always busier than you think it should be. Forget about it for months and then have a meal there and think “maybe I should eat there more often” (and then don’t).

Pierson- Cracker Barrel:  

All it's missing are those rocking chairs out front. Need I say more? 

Davenport- Season’s 52

Maybe it's the dark woody aesthetic, or maybe the fact that alumni dinners were going on the total of 3 times I’ve been here, but Davenport strikes me as elevated and polished, but never a first choice.

Morse- Buffalo Wild Wings: 

I don’t know if it's the glowing red axe, walrus carcass, athletes, or what, but add a few flatscreen TVs and Morse might as well be a sports bar. 

Ezra Stiles - California Pizza Kitchen:

Morse’s superior sibling with west-coast energy. Great lighting, outdoor seating, and average pizza that still hits the spot.

JE- Macaroni Grill: 

Good people, good music, and dim lighting. All it needs are some crayons and paper tablecloths. Say what you want about the food, but the atmosphere speaks for itself. 

Silliman- First Watch: 

Bright interior, bustling atmosphere, enticing menus. So full of promise… until you’re greeted with long lines and food that's surprisingly mid. Only go for breakfast.

Ben Frank- Carrabba’s

Named after a founding father, but somehow gives off suburban-Italian energy. Solid food, nice decor, tucked away booths, and not many complaints.

Pauli Murray- Olive Garden: 

Keeps with Ben Frank’s italian flair, but with more community and warmth. Soft serve is to Murray as Breadsticks are to Olive Garden. Unlimited, delicious, and the real reason people keep coming back.

Saybrook- Panera:

You remember how good it is every once in a while. A staple for breakfast. Steady, reliable, cozy.

TD- Outback Steakhouse

Might as well be in the outback if you’re trekking to TD. But secretly the food and vibes make it one of my favorites.

Trumbull- Chilli’s 

Chaotic in the best way, and always a good time. Reliable menu, with a few standouts.

Hopper- Applebee’s: 

Perfectly average. Only go here out of convenience or don’t want to see the person you are getting a meal with (the lights might as well be turned off)