Otterbein University offers a wide range of dining options across campus designed to cater to every taste and dietary need.
Whether you are the early bird or the night owl, there is plenty to go around. There’s no pecking order, just swipe your Cardinal card at these locations and help yourself!
The Nest
2nd Floor of the Campus Center
A NEW dining experience recently landed for students! This is the main dining and socializing spot on campus. This modern lounge style space offers six food stations. Explore the perks of the new Nest.
Click to learn more!
OtterDen
1st Floor of the Campus Center
The OtterDen offers more than 300 items in a grab-and-go convenience mart, plus a daily smoothie bar and acai build-a-bowl. Check out the local restaurant pop-up dining specials!
Click to learn more!
OtterBean
Courtright Memorial Library
Get your Starbucks coffee fix here along with other beverages. Plus, a healthy variety of grab and go items that range from Schneider’s classic donuts to sandwiches and freshly rolled sushi.
Click to learn more!
Cafe at The Point
The Point
Made-to-order great breakfast and lunch items make this location popular with students. Enjoy a variety of unique chef-created salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. Some more grounds for thought: A coffee bar offering local Crimson Cup roast and fresh baked goods.
Click to learn more!
Otterbein Meal Plans
Your health. Your preferences. The focus is on you at Otterbein. Explore four dining meal plans, Cardinal Dollars, and Munch Money that allow you to pick a plan that fits your lifestyle, your diet, and your budget.
Our Partner, Parkhurst
Parkhurst Dining, Otterbein’s food services partner, is passionate about providing authentic food and flavors that are handcrafted and personally designed by their chefs. Learn more about their Culinary Gold Standards and their commitment to “creating smiles.”
The Nest
Located on the second floor of the Campus Center, The Nest offers a buffet-style menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a late-night menu. Hours vary slightly during the week and weekends, with limited hours offered during semester breaks. The Nest has six food stations catering to dietary preferences like vegetarian and vegan options, food sensitivies with a non-allergen station, classic entrees, grilled favorites, homemade pizza, and a full salad bar and soup station. See the interactive map below for details on all of the dining stations and benefits of the new Nest.
Every aspect of this popular new dining space was designed with student input and ideas! This includes a great addition like the new “Family Dining Table.” Have a special event to celebrate? Want to plan a meeting over lunch? Reserve the family dining table for the perfect space and place to dine with friends.
You can see what’s being served at the Nest each week.
Tour the Nest with President Comerford
Check out the highlights of the new Nest in this short tour.
Think of the Nest like the new campus living room. This is the kind of space and place that you’ll want to hang out to eat, to study, and to relax.
%
Very satisfied or satisfied with dining stations of the Nest
Take a Closer Look at the Nest
Explore the Nest’s eight different food stations and some of the other benefits of the newest dining venue on campus by clicking on the markers on the map!
Inspired Eats
- This space is gluten-friendly and FREE OF the nine most common allergens: dairy, egg, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat
- Has its own prep space and hot and cold storage
- Students can make choices specifically for their dietary needs and are able to see what ingredients are being used for each of the dishes at this station
V2: Vegan and Vegetarian
- Specially prepared vegan and vegetarian foods made with locally sourced ingredients
- Features various vegan and vegetarian protein options
- One vegan broth-based soup offered daily
Spoon and Fork
- Traditional entrée station
- Enjoy hearty, traditional dishes like lasagna and meat loaf
- Get your comfort food here
The Grill
- Features rotating grilled options including: burgers, sausage, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, and more
- All you can eat during meal hours
- Late night changes to an order menu
The Oven
- Pizza oven from Italy
- Dough made from scratch daily
- Hand tossed pizzas include: pepperoni, cheese, and featured toppings
Beverage Station
- Featuring Pepsi products
- Juices
- Milks (2%, whole, chocolate and soy and almond milk)
- Coffee and tea
- A cappuccino and hot chocolate machine
Flavor Station
- Featuring five pumps of the most common condiments
- A rack of a variety of hot sauces and spices requested by students
Dish Return Area
Located around the corner by the Flavor Station, return your plates and glasses to be washed. A tray-less dining hall lessens water usage, the all new appliances are energy-star rated and water conserving, and grant-funded recycling efforts support Otterbein’s green commitment.
Salad Bar and Soup Station
- Build-your-own salad bar with a variety of options
- Three soup choices daily—one of them will always offer a VEGAN broth based soup.
Bravo Station
- Sometimes options will be completely customizable where students will assemble a meal with ingredients of their choosing – like a bowl with their selected bases, proteins, toppings, and sauces
- Sometimes it might be allergen friendly pasta options with multiple choices in sauces
- Sometimes it might be individually batched dishes made fresh right in the space
- During morning hours, includes make-your-own waffles station
Other Fun Perks of the Nest
A retractable screen. Monitors. Great AV and a surround sound system. All of this technology was planned specifically for student events. Movie nights, open mic nights, student performances, watch parties — you name it.
Family Dining Table
We all know that time around the table with friends and good food is a great way to make memories. That’s the intention behind this Otterbein family table. Want to organize your roomie’s birthday dinner? Or maybe, your professor has arranged for a small group to eat with a visiting scholar? The family table is available to reserve for just these kinds of memories and meals. Plus, you just can’t beat the view from this spot!
Student Suggested Seating Options
All Nest dining furniture was tested by students and was chosen because it can be moved easily to set up all kinds of student events. Whether it’s comfortable booths and high-tops (both featuring power sources to charge up), smaller dining tables for studying, or lounge style seating, comfort and variety are yours for the choosing!
The Campus Living Room
One of many smart things about the New Nest is how everyone listened to student ideas and hopes for this new dining hall. Otterbein students submitted mood boards for the design aesthetic, tested out furniture, and advocated for more choices, flexibility, and customization in food options. Now, not only is the most popular dining spot on campus—it’s a great space for students to study, meet, and hang out during non-meal hours.
1847 Room
Featuring highlights from the University’s history as well as celebrating long-standing traditions, this private dining room is a great space for special events and meetings. When it’s not in use for office, organization, or club meetings, it will also be available for a quieter dining space. Another benefit — soon you’ll be able to reserve the room online!
The OtterDen
The OtterDen is located on the first floor of the Campus Center and has its share of special dining features designed for your convenience. In addition to offering fun and healthy choices, it’s also where you might find local businesses with an affordable pop-up meal option made fresh on campus! Convenience Mart: Shop from more than 300+ snack, cold, microwavable, and other food options to meet your cravings.
Smoothie Bar
Juice up with one of our five custom smoothies. Choices include Orange Creamsicle, Green Goddess, Choco Peanut Monkey, Mango Pineapple, and Strawberry Banana.
Specialty Bowls
Check out one of four specialty bowls for an extra boost of protein and fresh ingredients. Your choices include the Acai Bowl, the Elvis, the Nutella, and the Protein Bowl.
Local Restaurant Pop-Ups
Central Ohio is a foodie’s dream with great restaurants. This special partnership brings in some favorite food choices for a fresh meal custom-made by local restaurants. Check it out at the OtterDen for choice of restaurants and which days they are on campus.
The OtterBean
Located on the first floor of the Courtright Memorial Library, the OtterBean offers a full range of Starbucks® coffee, espresso, and tea beverages. You’ll also find a variety of grab and go items made fresh daily—from pastries made by Westerville’s own Schneider’s Bakery to sandwiches, salads, and sushi made in the kitchen at the Nest. Now, the Bean is also featuring grilled sandwiches and soups!
Most Popular Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Latte (seasonal)
Strawberry Refresher
White Mocha
Most Popular Food
Sandwiches
Sushi
Personal Student Favorites
Iced Dirty Chai with a Bagel
Fruit Cup & Strawberry Refresher w/ Lemonade
Mango Smoothie
Creating Smiles and Connections
Otterbein students count on more than a daily coffee fix from the staff at the Bean — they know they’ll get a caring check-in on how a big test went, or a follow-up on whether the interview landed them the job they were hoping for. Student thank you notes tacked up on the wall trace the real connections that happen every day in this popular campus spot!
“I always leave the Bean with something tasty and a smile on my face. Thank you for always giving me a reason to smile. I really appreciate you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The Point Cafe
Grab a great breakfast or lunch from a variety of unique chef freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. Also, check out the Point Cafe’s full coffee bar, featuring local Crimson Cup Coffee, with plenty of delicious fresh baked goods.
Most Popular Drinks
Point Mocha (white chocolate and caramel)
Mocha
Most Popular Food
Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread
Breakfast Sandwiches
Favorites Aspects of The Cafe
Friendly staff
Able to customize food orders
Guest Compliment Area
Serving more than great food and smiles — students value the personal attention they get from the Parkhurst team. We all know the little things are really the things that can matter the most!
“They’re literally the best. This place has kept me together for the past few years and I bought a meal plan just for them.”
Otterbein Meal Plans
Otterbein offers a variety of meal plans based on your needs:
- Cardinal Meal Plan: One meal available during the 19 meal periods each week. Great for students who want the freedom and convenience of enjoying 2-3 meals per day on campus.
- 210 Meal Plan: Includes 210 meals per semester and 150 Cardinal Dollars. Great for students who want to eat most of their meals on campus, while also enjoying occasional snacks and beverages. Averages 13 meals per week.
- 150 Meal Plan: Includes 150 meals per semester and 225 Cardinal Dollars. Great for students who need fewer meals but still want the flexibility of dining at any location on campus. Averages 9 meals per week.
- 120 Meal Plan: Includes 120 meals per semester and 260 Cardinal Dollars. Great for students who make some of their own meals and want the convenience of meals and snacks throughout campus. Averages 7 meals per week.
Check Your Meal Plan Status
Keep track of your meal credits, Cardinal Dollars, and Munch Money with the Touchnet 360U app.
Cardinal Dollars
Cardinal Dollars are included with most of the meal plans and can be used at any campus dining location, whether you’re needing a Starbucks® coffee from OtterBean or a freshly made sandwich from The Point Cafe. Unused Cardinal Dollars carry over from fall to spring term, but expire at the end of the academic year. When you run out of Cardinal Dollars, Munch Money can be added.
Munch Money
Munch Money is like Cardinal Dollars but can be purchased and added to an account at any time. Munch Money can also be used at any dining location on campus, including the Cafe at the Point. Munch Money does not expire at the semester end. After graduation or your last term in attendance, any unused Munch Money will be refunded.
About Parkhurst
Parkhurst is passionate about providing authentic food and flavors that are handcrafted and personally designed by their chefs for our guests. Their recipes come to life every day in our kitchens using the best ingredients prepared in the freshest ways possible. On the plate, Parkhurst showcases their passion for food with meals that are fresh, wholesome, and hand-crafted by talented and passionate chefs.
Creating Smiles
Parkhurst is driven by its family-owned roots and the belief that freshly prepared food and genuine hospitality can build connections. They aim to foster relationship-building and community around the dining table, designing experiences that energize guests and create meaningful moments. A core value is serving handcrafted, made-from-scratch food that is prepared with passion and served with a smile.
Know Your Source
Parkhurst believes that the decisions we make regarding where our food comes from, how it’s sourced and how it’s prepared have a direct impact on the health of our communities, environment, and guests. Parkhurst works with local farms and vendors including Prairie Farms Dairy, Northern Haserot, Premier ProduceOne, Schneider’s Bakery, Klosterman Baking Company, and Madelyn’s of Granville. All locally sourced food comes from within 50 miles of Otterbein’s campus.
Follow Us
Read Our Newsletter
Give Us Your Feedback
%
Very satisfied or satisfied with dining experience on campus
%
Very satisfied or satisfied with quality of food
%
Very satisfied or satisfied with service by team members
Culinary Gold Standards
- Our on-site chefs take pride in creating customized menus designed specifically for you.
- It is important to us that our guests can always find a meal free from the top 9 allergens and gluten.
- We care enough about freshness and quality to hand-bread our fish and chicken in house.
- Pizzas are made by hand with fresh, house-made pizza dough.
- Entrée meats and seafood are prepared fresh in our kitchens.
- We only serve real mashed potatoes, and we fresh cut French fries every day.
- Our soups and sauces are made from scratch using housemade stocks that our chefs prepare from fresh ingredients, making them free from preservatives.
- Our prepared salads and deli salads are made in house.
- We serve fresh, cage-free shell eggs.
- We source dairy products from local and regional family-owned dairy farms.