“Those who have experienced pre-renovation Appel may join me in commiserating the loss of a quaint and comfortable dining facility. While the food has remained almost entirely the same, the experience of dining at Appel (North Star) is now drastically different, and far less appealing.Appel was essential to my freshman year at Cornell. I would be up bright and early to have my morning omelette (still available) and watch the sun rise in the quiet leisure of the dining area. Even during my most challenging moments in the semester, in which I would drag myself to Appel in my pajamas, I still felt like I had a comfortable place to start my day and still feel like I was home.Now, the bright white lights, walls, and floors make the location less inviting. I no longer feel like I could be comfortable at Appel in my pajamas, which, while silly, I consider to be an important point to note when creating a space for students to engage with and feel at home in. And while yes, they have added some new amenities such as their "Bowl" station (think Chipotle with less), they have also drastically expanded the seating options (cramming the place to the brim) and completely removed the allergen-safe preparation area.I used to vehemently defend Appel as the best dining hall. The staff were kind, the food was good, and the place felt like home. The staff are still kind, and the food is still good, but the place no longer feels like home to me.“
“The Risley Dining staff are some of the nicest on campus. The themed meals are always really fun and the desserts are probably the best on North Campus. Everything is nut free and gluten free which is great if you or your friends have dietary restrictions.Dietary restrictions: 100% gluten-free and nut-free“
“The best dining hall on west no doubt... I see why it's called “cook” house now, bc whoever in the kitchen whipping it up knows what they're doing. The food is the best, the people are so nice and really give you a good amount of food. Never change Cook.“
“Okenshields is the only "all-you-care-to-eat" dining hall on Central campus where students can use a meal swipe. Expect long wait times and difficulty finding a seat during peak hours. Decor reflects that you are in a historic building, but things can get messy with so many students in and out.“
“Excellent place to eat food. They have a huge variety of foods. I actually like them better than the dining halls because the salad bar has more options and is more organized. They also pay by the lb for a lot of stuff, so you don't have to feel compelled to stuff yourself to get your money's worth. On the go snacks are available too.“