Ranking USC’s Dining Halls
photo credit: USC hospitality
by Maya Lopez ‘26
USC offers many different meal plans to students, and if you live on campus, you are required to have one of these plans. Students can purchase dining dollars to use at dining halls and other campus dining options, or you can opt for meal swipes. Regardless of your plan, here’s the rundown on which dining halls to visit for the best meals at your new home for the semester.
photo credit: USC hospitality
3. Everybody’s Kitchen (EVK)
First off, Everybody’s Kitchen. Sorry EVK, but today you come in last place. Located between the dorms New North and Birnkrant, EVK is the quintessential USC freshman dining hall. If you’re a freshman be prepared to see everyone you know – including some people you’d rather not see. If you’re not a freshman, be prepared for the overwhelming amount of freshmen.
EVK’s strong suits are its breakfast and, of course, the soft serve machine. In the morning, EVK has all the normal things the other dining halls have, but it also has a section where people can order omelets and burritos depending on the day.
I have a love hate relationship with the soft serve machine. On one hand, the ice cream is absolutely delicious. On the other hand, the machine is out of order about 75% of the time. EVK lunch and dinner are fine but sometimes they serve tilapia one too many times a week. As a bonus, EVK has a cozy outdoor patio that's nice to sit and chat with friends.
photo credit: USC hospitality
2. Parkside
Directly in the middle of the rankings is Parkside. Parkside is kind of a hike to get to, but if you live in or have class near Parkside, it's a convenient option. Parkside has the occasional Greek yogurt at breakfast and a soft serve machine as well. This dining hall has tons of natural light and nice high ceilings, but there isn’t much seating, so it gets full fast. As far as food goes, Parkside has consistently good lunch and dinners with lots of options for everyone. The dessert at Parkside is usually pretty limited compared to the other dining halls, but if you’re looking for a real meal, Parkside is a solid place to go.
photo credit: USC hospitality
1. McCarthy
In first place is McCarthy dining hall. This is commonly known as the best dining hall at USC. The food is reliable, and they have tons of unique amenities. At McCarthy, you can make your own USC shaped waffles and order a custom crepe. Additionally, they have a vegetarian section, and in the morning, they have Greek yogurt and fresh berries at breakfast. What really sets McCarthy apart, however, is that its aesthetic is inspired by Hogwarts (and you can tell).
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