Even Seminoles have to eat, so get the scoop on everything food-related in Tallahassee including dining plans, prices, and destinations by checking out our guide to dining on and off campus at Florida State University. Let’s dig in!
Meal Plans at FSU
If you plan to spend a great deal of time eating on-campus, you might want to consider investing in a meal plan at FSU. This is particularly good for Seminoles who don’t have reliable transportation, time, or income for groceries and dining in the greater Tallahassee area. Currently, there are a few meal to choose from:
Open Access
This is the mack daddy of meal plans with unlimited meals plus three passes for guests and $250 to spend in FlexBucks per semester. Plus, students can order this plan now and save an estimated $1,000 from what they would pay at the door. It's quite a big deal for big eaters!
200 Your Way
If you think you’re only going to eat about a few times a week on campus, this is a pass to consider. Students receive 200 meals plus 3 passes for guests and $150 to spend in FlexBucks per semester. If you break down 200 meals into 16 weeks, you’ll find that to be about 12 meals per week, which is less than 2 meals within a day. This is a good option if you don't want to grocery-shop for all your meals.
125 Freedom
If you don’t like eating on campus often but you still see it as a necessity, consider the 125 Freedom meal plan. This includes 125 meals plus 3 passes for guests and $125 to spend in FlexBucks per a semester. That’s only 6 meals per a week, but students save about $100 from door prices if they invest in this plan. This means happier stomachs and heavier wallets!
55 Seminole
Still live at home but want the student discount? This meal plan is designed exclusively for commuters! It includes 55 meals plus 3 guest passes and $100 FlexBucks per semester. This adds up to about 3 meals per a week, which guarantees you can grab a quick bite to eat if you didn't bring lunch.
Top 15 On-Campus Restaurants at FSU
Don’t feel like driving? Have a class in 15 minutes? No problem! We have a list of the top 15 dining halls, cafes, and eateries found on FSU's campus.
The Suwannee Room is FSU’s signature student dining hall. Take a seat at long tables and dine with your fellow Semioles in this buffet-style eatery. You can expect to find fresh produce, warm pastries, and vegetarian dishes, too! Door prices start at $7.50 for breakfast, $9.00 for lunch, and $10.50 for dinner but students with meal plans can also take advantage of those.
If barbeque is more your pace, this is one restaurant to try. 4 Rivers Smokehouse specializes in slow-roasting and barbecue dishes from pulled pork to turkey. Students can even invest in a savory slider platter pay-per-plate. Bonus: they celebrate Taco Tuesday!
This is an all-you-can-eat facility designed for health nuts in mind! Enjoy delicious entrees blending the freshest produce and meats in all their dishes like turkey pot pie and rotisserie chicken. Plus, there’s an omelet bar open for breakfast! Door prices start at $8.70 for breakfast, $10.00 for lunch, and $11.00 for dinner, but students with meal plans can swipe in for entry.
This is essentially your grab-and-go snack shop! Buy anything from candy to coffee when you’re feeling the munchies, but not enough so to redeem a meal swipe.
If you like your local Chick-Fil-A, you’ll be happy to know there’s also one on campus! Students can buy meals as they go or exchange a meal from their meal plan to eat at this fried chicken chain.
Could you eat breakfast all day? So could we! How about burritos and salads? For sure. That’s why The Den serves some of the freshest breakfast and lunch entrees from open to close. Expect to find dishes like their Original Grand Slam or Cali Chicken Sandwich. You can also try their hand-spun shakes including their maple-bacon and chocolate stout flavors. There’s something for everyone here!
The Grid
This grid is another great place to grab a snack! Students can stop by and get ice cream, chips, or even Lucky Goat Coffee.
This eatery is considered a traditional one at FSU. Students can stop by this sit-down and order some delicious dishes straight from the grill including cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and their a la Caprese Chicken Sandwich. Simple yet delicious!
Looking for a good smoothie? How about pressed juice? If so, Natural! Express is your one-stop shop. All ingredients are fresh and prepared upon order including Cherry Pom, Simply Green, and Pink Lemonade flavors. This is worth a sip if you like fruity drinks. Students can buy out of pocket or exchange a meal from their meal plan here.
If you like hibachi or Asian-style cuisine, visit this eatery! Students can choose to customize their own hibachi bowls from tons of ingredients, including some from proteins, vegetables, and sauces. There are also egg rolls and dumplings available for purchase. Students can also buy meals as they go or exchange a meal from their meal plan to dine here.
FSU has two Starbucks locations right on campus! Students can get all their favorites directly from these spots.
Feeling like Italian? FSU has that, too! The Tuscan eatery has all your old-fashioned plates like huge meatballs and savory lasagna. Each entree is fresh from the oven and made from scratch. It’s absolutely worth a stop for all lovers of this cuisine!
The final all-you-can-eat dining hall FSU has to offer, this eatery has a homey feel with a bit of Seminole pride. Students can indulge in some of the freshest entrees like vegetable lover’s pizza or sweet potato french fries. Plus, students with the meal plan can take advantage of it here. How sweet is that?
Are you really in a rush? Stop at Garnet and Go and pick out an entree for the road including veggie burgers, grilled cheese, and hot dogs. Students also can customize their sandwiches the way they like them.
Chef Art Smith is the Seminoles’ Dining Ambassador, which means that he also has a little treat for his fellow peers via dining. This establishment was designed by the chef himself and serves savory dishes made with organic ingredients for more home-style cooking.
Top 10 Off-Campus Restaurants Tallahassee
If you’re a student at FSU but want to venture off-campus for a meal, consider these restaurants in the greater Tallahassee are that are near FSU.
Notable for its massive portions sizes and all-American bar food, Spear It is a unique dining experience for students and sport enthusiasts alike. Indulge in a variety of food options like their cherry pepper-smothered Bash Burger and house-made Veggie Burger; they also have a lengthy drink menu. If you’re looking for a last-minute place to eat or watch the game, Spear It is a must.
Located just a few minutes away from FSU, Voodoo is a great stop for hot dog enthusiasts on a budget. Try the many all-beef dog creations like the hummus-smothered Shareef or bacon-wrapped Good Ol’ Boy. The venue is casual and decorated with classic rock vinyl and punk party decorations from the 80s and 90s. If you’re looking for a comfy hangout and love hot dogs, Voodoo is the place for you.
Nothing’s better than a savory melt every once in a while, and that’s what Merv’s Melt Shop stands. Students can take a quick drive here and indulge in some classics like a Buffalo Bleu or a Parisian with bubbling brie and Havarti upon smoked turkey and apple. Their fancy tot menu is also brag-worthy. If you like American food with a twist, Merv is your go-to.
Feeling homesick? Let Gritz and Greenz help you feel better! This southern-style cafe serves comfort food by the dish like fresh cornbread, Chicken n’ Waffle Sandwich, or their Country-Fried Steak.
Are you a health buff? Looking for a fresh meal away from home? Vale Food Co. has your back! This restaurant is known for their plant-based bowls made fresh to-order. Pick from several different proteins, veggies, and sauces that satisfy all your cravings. A bowl might include their Chipotle Mac as a base and spicy tuna poke as a protein. Mix and match differnt options to your heart's content for a delicious and healthy meal.
Looking for a little slice of Heaven? Momo’s is considered one of the best pizza shops in the Tallahassee area, and their food speaks for itself! Pick from a hand-tossed, personal flatbread, "slice as big as your head," or calzone to get your experience started, then pick from over 20 toppings including pineapple and pesto sauce. If you can’t make up your mind, you can order their Pizza of the Month. At Momo’s, there’s no right or wrong way to have your pie.
Just 6 minutes away from the university is a unique experience your taste buds will enjoy. The Edison is a contemporary American eatery serving some of the most diverse comfort foods in all of Tallahassee. Try their Vodka Ravioli if you’re feeling a little Italian or their Green Tomato Grilled Cheese if you’re ready to try something crazy. Each dish has their own exclusive tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Food Glorious Food is one of our pricier recommendations, although it’s still a restaurant to visit. This is a contemporary bar and lounge that offers their guests private, indoor, or outdoor patio dining depending on the occasion. Guests can indulge in their brunch menu and dive into comfort food-themed dishes with a twist like Pork Chop and Egg made-your-way. If you’re looking for dinner,try their signature Bangers and Mash or Buttermilk-Battered Chicken Breasts. Don’t forget to save room for their lengthy dessert menu for a sweet way to end the day.
If you like the concept of freshly-prepared food with a variety of flavors served daily, Sage is an excellent choice. This restaurant is a comfortably casual experience that offers customers a range items from uniquely-brewed teas to their extensive line of brunch entrees. If you like seafood, try their Gulf Blue Crab Cakes Benedict, or take a bite of the Croquet Monsieur if you love black forest ham and sourdough bread. For dessert, try their Guava Cheesecake with juicy passionfruit sauce for something different and delightful.
Headed by Chef Donna for over 20 years, this casual restaurant serves some of the most flavorful Thai food in the Tallahassee area using tasty spices in dishes like their classic Pad Thai or Eggplant Curry. The atmosphere is quiet, and the food always hot, making this a destination for Thai lovers everywhere.
Whether you’re looking to dine in, eat out, or grab a snack, students at FSU have many dining options to choose from on and off-campus.
Find more restaurants in Tallahassee by registering on the 850area, your free guide to everything in the Tallahassee area. If you're looking for restaurants near Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee perfect for game day, we have a guide for that, too.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
