CAMPUS EATS

W hat’s there to eat at UCLA? Plenty, of course. The food options are as diverse as the student body. From full-service restaurants to fast food take-out, coffee shops to award-winning residential cuisine, this series features the current dining choices in each area of campus, complete with actual student reviews of their experience.


CENTRAL CAMPUS

Plateia
Description:
Mediterranean-inspired, sustainably sourced, California-fresh dishes.
Location:
Inside the UCLA Luskin Conference Center
Hours:
Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Review:
“Place is delicious! You can tell the cooks really enjoy what they’re doing. Have tried a variety of different items and haven’t been disappointed. Their veal pasta is amazing. I am in love with their risotto and broccolini. Their tiramisu is too good! Seriously everything.” – Genesis Q.
Bruin Buzz
Description:
Brewed Public Domain coffee, espresso drinks, pastries and sandwiches.
Location:
Ackerman A-level
Hours:
Monday - Friday 7 a.m – 6 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Review:
“I'm here way too much. But I just can't help it. Decent prices, open early hours. I highly recommend their spinach and feta tortilla wrap, which comes with feta cheese, spinach, egg white and sun dried tomatoes in a huge green tortilla — IT IS AMAZING, to say the least. Ask the cashier to heat up the wrap for you (trust me). In terms of coffee, I stick to the nonfat vanilla latte. It is super strong, and it can often be substituted as a meal (great for suppressing your appetite).” – Arash D.
Kikka Sushi
Description:
Asian-style noodles, sushi and boba.
Location:
Ackerman A-level
Hours:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Review:
“Come here so often and have tried almost everything. They have some pretty good deals with their noodles and sushi combo, which I would get when I was really hungry. Great deal for lots of food. Definitely recommend getting their tan tan noodles — peanuty and a dry noodle.” - Paulina L.
Taco Bell
Description:
All of your Mexican favorites: tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Location:
Ackerman A-level
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Review:
“The service is fast and considerate. Would recommend this Taco Bell! They typically get the proportions of the ingredients just right.” – Katie L.
Carl’s Jr.
Description:
Charbroiled burgers, chicken sandwiches, chili fries, shakes and a lot more!
Location:
Ackerman A-level
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Review:
“This place has saved my poor hungry soul many times! I've tried the bacon cheeseburger, a hearty mess of ‘I don't want to know what I'm digesting.’ There is also the constant contender, the teriyaki burger, always packing a one-two with its sweet pineapple and its savory patty. Finally, I often get the spicy chicken sandwich. This little guy will kill that hunger and give your taste buds a kick while keeping your wallet happy.” – Hanning X.
Rubios
Description:
Fish tacos and many more freshly prepared Mexican offerings right off the grill.
Location:
Ackerman Level 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Review:
“Oh man I can't say enough good things about this food - the flavors, the way the food is cooked, very tasty, melts in your mouth. The staff was so friendly and helpful too. We will definitely be coming back to eat the best fish tacos out there. I wish I could give six stars. Delicious!” – Christina C.
Veggie Grill
Description:
Vegan restaurant chain
Location:
Ackerman Level 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Review:
“Great quality food! I'm not vegan or even vegetarian yet really enjoy the food here. Ackerman Union was really missing quality food before VG opened.” – Omar A.
Panda Express
Description:
Gourmet Chinese food, from orange chicken to spring rolls.
Location:
Ackerman Level 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Review:
“This spot constantly delivers. They serve awesome food for reasonable pricing, there are no long waits even when the place is packed.” – Misael B.
CORE (Convenient Options Ready To Eat)
CORE
Description:
Featuring gourmet salads and sandwiches, plant forward bowls and tasty treats!
Location:
Ackerman Level 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Wetzel's Pretzels
Description:
Fresh-baked pretzels served hot! Lemonade and other drinks too.
Location:
Ackerman Level 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Review:
“My pretzel was soft, fresh and ready in a jiffy.” – Tigra C.
Lollicup Express
Description:
Serving boba tea, flavored teas, iced coffee and smoothies.
Location:
Ackerman Level 1
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Review:
“My guilty pleasure after a long day on campus is a taro milk tea with boba. I try to come when they’re on special like Milk Tea Mondays or Taro Tuesdays. The servers even give me the option to adjust the sweetness level or the type of dairy they use. Hands down my favorite spot to satisfy my sugar cravings.” – Anthony C.
Kerckhoff Coffee House
Description:
UCLA’s first coffee house is where campus culture and coffee collide since 1975. Taste the fresh pastries or have a light meal, try the soup and grilled cheese combo.
Location:
Kerckhoff Hall, Second Floor
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Review:
“This is one of my favorite coffee shops on campus. It’s very beautiful. This place has lots of tables and outlets along the pillars. It’s a nice place to gather and discuss homework, projects or study for any upcoming exams. It’s a loud, vibrant, yet productive atmosphere filled with hip-hop music from the speakers.” – Yoandra V.
Music Cafe
Description:
Serving boba tea, flavored teas, iced coffee and smoothies.
Location:
Ostin Music Center, First Floor
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Review:
“Yes to the coffee and yes to being a great study place on campus! I tried a cafe latte with almond milk then a French vanilla latte, and the French vanilla latte was yummy! It wasn't too sweet and tasted perfect with the croissant. There’re a few outlets on the ground nearby two of the tables so try to snag those tables if you can. Wifi is also strong here! There are also gender-neutral bathrooms!” – Annie B.

PART II of Campus Eats will feature dining options in North and South Campus.