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Survival Guide

BU Dining Guide 2025

Where to eat at Boston University. Honest reviews of dining halls, meal plan advice, and the best restaurants near campus.
3 Dining Halls
50+ Nearby Restaurants
Updated Jan 2025

PRO TIP: Unlimited meal plans are only worth it if you eat 3+ meals per day on campus. Most students find the 14-meal plan is the sweet spot.

Best Restaurants Near BU

When you need a break from dining hall food

Chipotle

Fast Casual*0.2 mi
$

Raising Cane's

Fast Food*0.3 mi
$

Shabu-Zen

Asian*0.4 mi
$$

Pho Viet

Vietnamese*0.5 mi
$

El Pelon Taqueria

Mexican*0.3 mi
$

T. Anthony's

Pizza*0.2 mi
$

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian & Vegan

All dining halls have dedicated vegetarian stations. Vegan options are labeled clearly. Marciano Commons has the best selection.

Vegan Guide

Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

BU dining works with students on allergies. Gluten-free options available. Contact dining services for severe allergies.

Allergy Guide

What Students Say About BU Dining

Real opinions from BU students, sourced from RateMyDorm, Niche, and student forums.

The Good

"This dining hall boasts one big advantage: the wok station, which often features make-your-own stir fry."

via Her Campus

"The West Campus dining hall is generally viewed as more appealing than the Warren one."

via Her Campus

"West burgers are the best, and the food is served in larger portions than other dining halls."

via Spoon University

The Not-So-Good

"The stir-fry station is notorious for its long lines."

via Her Campus

"Lunch crowds and having to go through security add more levels of annoyance than other dining halls."

via Her Campus

"Food sucks. I am vegetarian so my experience was a bit limited."

via RateMyDorm

Frequently Asked Questions

Which BU meal plan is best?
The 14-meal plan is the sweet spot for most students. Unlimited is only worth it if you eat 3+ meals on campus daily. The 10-meal plan works if you cook or eat out frequently.
Can I use dining dollars anywhere?
Dining dollars work at all on-campus dining locations and some partner restaurants nearby. They're more flexible than meal swipes but still expire at year end.
Which dining hall is the best at BU?
Marciano Commons on West Campus is widely considered the best for variety and quality. Warren Towers dining is more convenient for central campus but less acclaimed.
Is BU dining good for vegetarians/vegans?
Yes! All dining halls have dedicated vegetarian stations and label vegan options. Marciano has the best selection. You can also contact dining services for special dietary needs.
Do meal swipes roll over?
Weekly meal swipes do NOT roll over. If you have a 14-meal plan, you get 14 per week and unused ones expire. Only dining dollars can carry over (within the academic year).
What are the dining hall hours at BU?
Most dining halls are open 7am-9/10pm on weekdays with reduced weekend hours. Marciano has late-night options. Check the BU Dining app for real-time hours.

Have a Favorite BU Food Spot?

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