Finding tasty, diverse, authentic, and affordable eating options on and near campus is easy as pie.
On-Campus Dining
The MCAD Cafe
Whether you need a full meal or just a coffee to keep you running, the MCAD Cafe has you covered. Unique Food Solutions, MCAD’s food service provider, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during the academic year offering a wide variety of fresh food options that are healthy and delicious on both our regular menu and through our daily rotating specials. We do our best to accommodate those with special dietary needs and preferences, including offering a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, to name a few. Learn more about the Cafe at mcad.edu/cafe.
Resident Student Food Plan
MCAD recognizes the importance of healthy eating and easy access to food for academic success for students. While MCAD’s residential apartments provide fully equipped kitchens, MCAD also has an on-campus cafe serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on weekdays during the academic year. To promote healthy eating habits, new incoming resident students are required to purchase a $600 per semester declining balance food plan to be used in the MCAD Cafe. Returning students have the option to opt-out of the food plan during the 2021/22 academic year. Beginning in 2022/23, all resident students will be required to participate in the food plan.The plan will be charged each semester along with tuition and MCAD apartment rent. Student’s may choose to add additional funds to the minimum plan.
Cafe Declining Balance Meal Cards
While cash and credit cards are accepted at the Cafe, students are highly encouraged to purchase a declining balance meal card that operates much like a gift card. It provides a convenient method to pay for meals at the Cafe or through our online mobile order system.
- PURCHASE a card at mcad.edu/cafecardpurchase
- Check card BALANCES or ADD VALUE at mcad.edu/cafecard
- Place an ONLINE ORDER at mcad.edu/cafeorder
While a physical card is available, we recommend students use the virtual cards that are kept on each student's personal cell phones for ease of payment, immediate access to card balances and to easily add value. Alternatively, visit us in person during regular business hours and we can assist you. Full refunds are available at any time by emailing cafeteria@mcad.edu or calling 612-874-3592.
Making Your Own Meals
If you like to make your own meals, our convenient campus shuttles make regular trips to grocery stores, allowing you easy access to the ingredients you need. Additionally, here are some grocery stores located within walking distance of MCAD's campus:
- Aldi Foods
2601 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408 - Shuang Hur Supermarket Minneapolis
2712 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408 - The Wedge Table
2412 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
If you live in on-campus housing, the full kitchen in your unit includes a refrigerator, oven, and stove.
Off-Campus Dining
Located on Nicollet Avenue, just two blocks from MCAD’s campus, the famously popular Eat Street is a top Minneapolis destination with more than fifty unique, authentic eating and shopping establishments. Whatever your taste and budget, Eat Street has something for everyone. Here are just a few of our favorite spots:
- Black Sheep Pizza
- Copper Hen
- Glam Doll Donuts
- Gyst Fermentation Bar
- Icehouse
- Jasmine Deli
- Krungthep Thai
- Pancho Villa
- Pho 79
- Spyhouse Coffee
- Wedge Table
Beyond Eat Street, Minneapolis and St. Paul are quickly rising in the national food scene—in fact, we have been named one of the top five food cities in America, as well as America’s next great food city.