A Student's Guide to Tasty Eats across the 5Cs

By Vera Armus-Laski '18

The Claremont Consortium provides CMCers with resources that are atypical of a small liberal arts college experience. From extensive class offerings, to countless numbers of cross-campus clubs, the Consortium’s abundance of dining options is also quite notable, housing not one, not two, but seven (yes you read correctly) different dining halls.

If you decide to grab a meal at the 5Cs while visiting your student, you can use this guide of the most delicious dishes to help with your decision:

CMC - Collins
Though it may not have quite as esteemed of a reputation as some of the other dining halls, good ol’ ’llins, as it is affectionately nicknamed, does serve up a number of quality dishes. Featuring staples like sautéed-to-order stir fries, caprese focaccia sandwiches, and one of the most decadent bread puddings across the Inland Empire, Collins will always have something for even the pickiest of eaters.

Having recently revamped their cookie game, Collins now serves freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies every lunch and dinner. Warm and gooey, you no longer have to make that 15+ minute walk to Some Crust if you have a pressing craving that needs to be attended to.

Other Highlights: chilaquiles, eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, and flatbread pizzas

Pitzer - McConnell
From succulent ahi tuna bowls to creamy scalloped potatoes, or a surprisingly addictive Marsala cauliflower steak, McConnell Dining Hall is worthy of its own restaurant. It also boasts the Consortium’s best dessert bar with options like red velvet brownies and tangy lemon squares.

Other Highlights: breakfast torta, garlic focaccia, ropa vieja bowl, and onigirazu

Scripps - Malott Commons
From spicy tuna to salmon avocado, Malott’s sushi rolls are favorites amongst Claremont’s fish fanatics. The made-to-order salads, complete with fresh toppings like mandarin oranges or jicama, are also one of its selling points. Finally, its Nutella bread pudding, which is interspersed with layers of luscious, hazelnutty chocolate ribbons, is worthy of a James Beard Award.

Other Highlights: açai bowls, donuts, Shake Shack-style burgers, and pho

Harvey Mudd – Hoch-Shanahan
Though it is farther than many of the other dining halls, Harvey Mudd’s Shanahan Commons is notorious for its tasty meals. The Hoch, as it is sometimes nicknamed, always has tons of varied options like sushi rolls, made-to-order pizzas, Thai curry, or chicken posole. It also houses what is arguably the best (and most under the radar) salad bar in Claremont.

Other Highlights: coffee cake, breakfast burritos, croissant bread pudding, and French onion soup

Pomona - Frary, Frank, and Oldenborg
Though Pomona may be inferior to CMC in every shape and form (#gostag-thenas), its three dining halls do have an enticing array of offerings—whether it be açai bowls at Frary, brunch selections at Frank, or even themed lunch options at the Oldenborg language tables.

Frary Highlights: Nutella cruffins, monkey bread, poke bowls, and ceviche tostadas
Frank Highlights: chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon buns, bulgogi bowls, yakisoba stir fry, and dim sum
Oldenborg Highlights: grilled halloumi, pão de queijo, and chocolate pudding with brownie bites

Late-Night Options
While the dining halls do have limited hours, there are a variety of late-night eateries across campuses that cater to students who are looking for some late-at-night sustenance.

Claremont McKenna - The Hub
Highlights: mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, and chicken tenders

Harvey Mudd - Jay’s Place
Highlights: pizza and subs

Pomona - The Coop
Highlights: chicken teriyaki bowls, milkshakes

 

 

 

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