At Penn, deciding where to eat can be almost as challenging as deciding what to eat! With several dining halls scattered across campus, each has its own atmosphere, specialties, and reasons to visit. From group dinners to quick bites between classes, here’s what each of Penn’s dining halls brings to the table.

1920 Commons

When it comes to finding a place to eat with a big group of friends, 1920 Commons is hard to beat. Its biggest advantage is its seating variety. Smaller tables work well for a casual meal with a few friends, while long communal tables and large round tables can accommodate bigger groups. At a school where meals are one of the easiest ways to catch up with friends, having space for everyone is super important. In addition to being a convenient option for upperclassmen, the variety of food options is another plus, making it easier for everyone to find something they want.

Hill House

Hill offers a similar advantage when it comes to group dining, with long tables for larger groups alongside smaller tables and booths for a more intimate meal. Its range of food options also makes it a reliable choice when everyone has a different craving. Whether you want to meet friends after class or you’re running into familiar faces at dinner, Hill provides a comfortable setting for a meal that can be as social or as lowkey as you want.

*Photo Credit: Penn Residential Services

English House

English House, located in Kings Court College House, is worth visiting for its featured foods. Rather than sticking to the same familiar options, its front station often showcases dishes that make the meal feel a little more special. Bao buns and bulgogi dumplings have made an appearance, while toast with different toppings has offered another fun twist. These rotating features give students a reason to check out what's being served instead of defaulting to their usual order. It's a good spot to keep in mind when you're in the mood to try something new (or if you’re craving a smoothie!).

Falk at Penn Hillel

Falk at Penn Hillel stands out for its wraps and attention to different dietary preferences. Chicken wraps are a popular option, but students can also look for vegetarian alternatives, making it easier to find a meal that works for them. The ability to customize an order is especially helpful when you're looking for something familiar without wanting the exact same meal every time. As a kosher dining location, Falk also provides an important option for students seeking kosher meals.

McClelland Café

Some days, sitting down for a long meal simply isn't realistic, so that's where McClelland Café comes in! Its grab-and-go options, including sushi, udon, and chicken bowls, make it a convenient stop when classes and assignments leave little time to spare. In addition to having a quick meal, when the weather cooperates, the outdoor seating in the Quad offers a chance to enjoy the fresh air, catch up with friends, and take a break from campus life without being too far from class.

Lauder College House

Lauder has made an impression with its themed dining experiences. A recent highlight is a Hispanic Heritage Month menu that celebrated food from across Latin America. The featured dishes included Argentine steak, tostones, ceviche, different chicken preparations, arroz con leche, and horchata. The range of savory dishes and sweet treats offered a glimpse into the region's culinary diversity. Rather than treating Latin American cuisine as one single tradition, a menu featuring dishes from different countries gave students the opportunity to explore a variety of flavors in one place!

So, where should you eat?

Ultimately, there's no single dining hall for every occasion. Each dining hall has its own specialties and they each do different things best. While some students enjoy the dining halls, others dread the idea of having to eat at them. My recommendation is to give each one a chance so that you can form your own opinion on which dining hall is the best for you!

The Best of Penn Dining