Rutgers' On-Campus Eateries At New Brunswick

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a wide range of dining options for its students. With one of the largest collegiate dining services in the country, Rutgers provides a bounty of delicious choices, from quick bites to dining hall classics and Twitter-trackable food trucks. The university's dining services prepare 35,000 meals daily, with dishes co-curated by the Culinary Institute of America, emphasising sustainability.

Across its five campuses, Rutgers-New Brunswick offers various eateries, including Harvest, a new venue embodying the mission of the New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. Other options include Starbucks, Cafe West, Cook Cafe, Douglass Cafe, Dunkin', Henry's Diner, Kilmer's Market, Red Pine Pizza, and Sbarro.

In addition to on-campus dining, students can explore the diverse restaurants and cuisines in downtown New Brunswick, such as Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese, Ethiopian, and more.

Starbucks, Dunkin ' Donuts, and other coffee shops

Rutgers University in New Brunswick offers a variety of coffee shops and cafes for students to choose from.

Starbucks

There is a Starbucks on Livingston Campus, open from 8 am to 1 pm, and from 7:30 am to 2 pm on weekdays. There is also a Starbucks Truck that serves the Rutgers community.

Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' Donuts has two locations on campus, one at the Livingston Student Center, and the other at the Douglass Student Center.

Other Coffee Shops and Cafes

Rutgers University also has a range of other coffee shops and cafes, including Cafe West, Cook Cafe, Douglass Cafe, Harvest (IFNH and Juice Bar), Paparazzi Cafe, and Henry's Diner.

In addition to these options, Rutgers Dining Services operates one of the largest collegiate dining programs in the country, with a focus on sustainability and healthy food options. With over 35,000 meals prepared daily, students can enjoy a variety of dining options beyond coffee shops and cafes as well.

Food trucks

Rutgers University in New Brunswick is known for its food trucks, specifically the grease trucks that serve up "fat sandwiches" – calorie-laden, greasy, and fried delights. The trucks have been a part of Rutgers culture since the 1980s and are considered a beloved, quirky attraction. Although their original location on Lot 8 of the College Avenue campus has been lost to new construction, the trucks have been relocated to other areas of the New Brunswick campus.

The grease trucks are known for their "fat sandwiches", which are loaded with various combinations of fried ingredients like cheesesteak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon, and french fries. The sandwiches come with quirky names like "Fat Elvis", "Fat Koko", and "Fat Knight", the latter named after the university mascot. The original fat sandwich, the "Fat Darrell", was created by a Rutgers alumnus who convinced a truck owner to combine mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and french fries on a roll with marinara sauce.

The grease trucks have a dedicated following among students and locals, with some people even flocking to the trucks for one last sandwich at their original location before they moved. The trucks have been featured in the media, including an episode of "Man vs. Food" where host Adam Richman attempted the "Fat Sandwich Challenge".

While the trucks have moved to different spots around the New Brunswick campus, they remain a vital part of Rutgers culture and are sure to continue enjoying support from the university community.

Restaurants and cafes

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has eateries across its five campuses, including Busch, College Avenue, Cook/Douglass, Livingston, and George H. Cook. The university's dining services are the third-largest student dining operation in the country, serving 35,000 meals daily.

Livingston Campus

The Livingston Campus is home to Starbucks, The Rutgers Club, Dunkin' Donuts, The Rock Cafe, and Sbarro.

College Avenue

On College Avenue, you can find Panera Bread, CABfare, and Brower Commons.

Busch Campus

The Busch Campus has a variety of cafes, restaurants at the student centre, and a full-service dining hall.

Cook/Douglass Campus

The Cook/Douglass Campus includes Harvest, a new venue that embodies the mission of The New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. Other options are Cafe West, Cook Cafe, Douglass Cafe, Dunkin’, Henry’s Diner, Red Pine Pizza, and Sbarro.

New Brunswick City Centre

In the city centre, there is a wider selection of eateries and restaurants, including a range of cuisines. Options include Harvest Moon Brewery, Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar, and Stuff Yer Face, a long-time favourite among Rutgers students.

Dining halls

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has five campuses—Busch, College Avenue, Douglass, George H. Cook, and Livingston—and offers a range of dining options to its students.

Livingston Campus

Livingston Dining Commons is one of the dining halls on the Livingston Campus. The Rutgers Club is located on the second floor of the dining hall. The campus also has a Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, The Rock Cafe, and Sbarro.

Busch Campus

The Busch Campus has a full-service dining hall and several cafes and restaurants in the student centre. Students can dine at Woody's, the medical school cafeteria, located in the Kessler Teaching Building.

College Avenue Campus

The College Avenue Campus offers several dining options, from cafes to buffets, and off-campus dining in downtown New Brunswick. Brower Commons is a dining hall on this campus.

Cook/Douglass Campus

The Cook/Douglass Campus has a dining hall and several cafes and restaurants. HARVEST is a new dining option on this campus, which embodies the mission of The New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health. Cafe '52 (Mason Gross) and Cook Cafe (Cook Campus Centre) are also located on this campus.

Pubs and bars

Rutgers University in New Brunswick offers a variety of on-campus pubs and bars for students to enjoy. The Harvest Moon, located in downtown New Brunswick, is a popular local brewery and pub that has been a long-time favourite among Rutgers students. The establishment offers a range of beers and a cosy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.

For those seeking a more upscale experience, The Frog and the Peach is a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant and bar serving innovative American cuisine in a lively, upscale industrial space. The bar offers a full menu and is first-come, first-served, providing a unique and exciting experience for patrons.

Catherine Lombardi is another excellent option for those seeking an elegant and cosy atmosphere. This upscale Italian restaurant features two fireplaces, a lively bar, and a homey menu. It is the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a special occasion.

If you're in the mood for some seafood, Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar is the place to go. Located in New Brunswick, they offer a modern oyster bar with a hip vibe and a large variety of fresh local oysters and seafood-inspired seasonal dishes. Their full bar features signature cocktails and creative small plates, making it a great spot for socialising and indulging in delicious treats.

For a more casual experience, Stuff Yer Face is a well-loved spot by Rutgers students. Although the specific nature of this establishment is unclear, it is likely to be a pub or bar given its name and reputation among students.

Frequently asked questions