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An Odyssey of Eats

October 17, 2023

By Stephanie Rizzo ’09

Rollins College students with on-campus dining options
Photo by Scott Cook.

At Rollins, we’re dishing up some of the best campus dining in the country. A pair of culinary enthusiasts team up to show you what’s on the menu.

Sure, Rollins has a reputation for its top-notch academics and beautiful campus, but did you know we’re also racking up accolades for our dining? It’s true. Everyone from The Daily Meal to Peta 2 has designated Rollins a bona fide destination for foodies. From fresh sushi to enticing entrees that wouldn’t be out of place in your favorite restaurant, our food isn’t merely delicious, it’s also inclusive. With options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies, there’s truly something for everyone.

But don’t take our word for it—just look at what’s on the menu during a typical day at Rollins. Join Brendan Manning ’23 and Hollie Tweedie ’25 to get the inside scoop on what makes Rollins a foodie favorite.

Meet the Foodies

Rollins College students Hollie Tweedie '25 and Brendan Manning '23
Photo by Scott Cook.

Hollie Tweedie ’25

  • Major: Marine Biology
  • Favorite Rollins dish: Asian fare from Dave’s Boathouse

Brendan Manning ’23

  • Major: English
  • Favorite Rollins dish: Grilled cheese and tomato soup from Fox Lodge Grill
Bush Cafe acai bowl
Photo by Scott Cook.

Hollie: When I have an early class, I like to start my day with an acai bowl from Bush Cafe. You can customize your bowl, and I get mine with Nutella, granola, and banana. I also grab an iced caramel macchiato with oat milk to help me power through class.

Rollins student Brendan Manning '23 holding up sushi box
Photo by Scott Cook.

Brendan: Before heading to my on-campus job in the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, I stop by Dave’s Boathouse to pick up some sushi. My favorite is the California roll with extra spicy sauce, and they make it fresh every day.

Rollins student Brendan Manning '23 with two plates of food
Photo by Scott Cook.

Brendan: Lunch is at the Cornell Cafe, which we call Tarpotle for its awesome Tex Mex-style food. I tear into a hearty veggie burrito and a side of Mexican street corn before hosting my weekly show on WPRK, our campus radio station.

Rollins student Hollie Tweedie '25 with a plate of food
Photo by Scott Cook.

Hollie: My busy morning of classes is over, so I meet friends for lunch in the main dining hall, which has so many options. Some of my friends grab wood-fired pizza while others hit up the international station for jerk chicken. I opt for a heaping plate of rice and sauteed veggies from the vegan and vegetarian station.

Rollins student Hollie Tweedie '25 in the C-Store
Photo by Scott Cook.

Hollie: After an afternoon of editing social media videos for my internship with Rollins’ Office of Marketing, I stop by the C-Store, our on-campus market that has everything from groceries and sundries to a trail-mix bar and grab-and-go dinner options.

Rollins student Brendan Manning '23 with a plate of chicken tenders
Photo by Scott Cook.

Brendan: Before heading back to my apartment in Lakeside Neighborhood, I pop into the Fox Lodge Grill for a classic dinner of chicken tenders and fries, which I enjoy poolside while rocking T Swift in my earbuds and catching the sunset over Lake Virginia.

A student uses her R-card at Burger-Fi.
Photo by Zach Stovall.

Around Town

Our hometown of Winter Park plays host to some of the area’s hottest restaurants, many of which accept Rollins dining dollars. Get ready to swipe at these local favorites.

Fresh & Co.

Park Avenue’s newest fast-casual eatery lives up to its name by offering sandwiches, smoothies, bowls, and made-to-order salads featuring the freshest local produce around.

Burger-Fi

Burger-Fi elevates the burger concept with chef-crafted creations, hand-cut fries, and decadent shakes. They even have veggie and vegan options.

Antonella’s Pizzeria

Consistently topping the city’s best-pizza lists, Antonella’s offers classic New York slices, calzones, and pastas in a cozy setting just steps from campus.

Chef putting a pepperoni pizza into an oven.

Dine with Us

Sample campus cuisine and explore our array of dining locations on a campus tour.

Schedule a TourSchedule a Tour

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