Dining Room
Dining is all-you-care-to-eat and open from 7 AM to 8 PM daily, so you’ll always have access to a meal no matter how packed your schedule gets. And beyond the food itself, the dining hall is genuinely one of the best spots on campus — a place where friendships are built, and the college experience really comes to life.
Other Options
When the sun sets and you need a break from studying, the Piasa Pub becomes the heart of campus social life. Picture this: a diner-style atmosphere, a stack of board games, and the legendary Pub Shakes which have students coming back night after night. Everyone has their favorite flavor, and discovering yours is a rite of passage.
Open in the evenings, the Pub is where you'll grab your favorite grilled foods, settle in with friends, and cap off every night with some crispy, salty fries and one of the best shakes in the Midwest. Ok, that’s a bit much. But you decide.
Each house has its own shared kitchen as well. Let’s be honest, some days you just want to keep your PJs on and have some mac and cheese or frozen pizza. This is also where many of our international students fix meals from all over the world. The flavors are fantastic, and spices fill the air. Ask for a taste.
Local Eats
Adventure awaits just down our bluffs! Right in Elsah, State Street on Lasalle serves house-made soups, fresh organic salads, and paninis with artisan breads – perfect when you want quality food without leaving the village.
Just 10 minutes away in Grafton, you’ll find relaxed spots along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Grab a riverside meal at The Loading Dock or enjoy casual seafood and sandwiches at Grafton Oyster Bar. For coffee or a quick pick-me-up, stop by Sunshine Grind Coffee House or Lighthouse Coffee Company.
In Alton (15 minutes away), grab a quick bite at The Brown Bag Bistro with exceptional sandwiches, soups, and salads. Additionally, Good News in Alton serves up wood fired pizza, and Old Bakery serves up American classics.
Alton and nearby Godfrey also have many coffee shops to choose from. From the eclectic Maeva’s (in an old schoolhouse) to Germania to Post Commons (in an old post office). For the traditionalists out there, Godfrey has Starbucks.
Head to Edwardsville (40 minutes away) for even more variety. Almost all the major chains are there (Raising Cain’s, Panda Express, Jersey Mike’s, etc.) And for true foodies, Cleveland Heath delivers gourmet comfort on Main Street, taking pride in an upscale, elevated experience in a casual setting with locally sourced ingredients. For a special night out, try 1818 Chophouse with hand-cut steaks, and fresh seafood...well as fresh as it gets in the Midwest.
