A highly scientific analysis based on vibes, not nutrition facts.

At the University of Iowa, dining halls are more than places to grab food. They’re personality hotspots. Each one has its own energy, crowd, and main character potential. Whether you’re choosing based on mood, schedule, or pure instinct, here’s which Iowa dining hall matches your aesthetic.

Catlett Market Place

Aesthetic: clean, minimalist, coquette, preppy
Location: Catlett Residence Hall, east side of campus

Catlett Market Place is bright, modern, and organized—perfect for anyone who loves structure with a side of variety. With nine stations offering made-to-order pizza, burgers, fresh salads, and breakfast all day, meals feel both convenient and thoughtfully prepared.

Catlett is all about balance: a place where you can grab a quick snack between classes or linger over a meal while catching up with friends. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, with plenty of space to recharge, focus, or people-watch. If clean lines, thoughtful options, and an intentional vibe are your style, Catlett is the dining hall for you.

Burge Market Place

Aesthetic: eclectic, bold, high-energy
Location: Burge Residence Hall, east side of campus

Burge Market Place is always buzzing. Multiple stations feature made-to-order meals, rotating soups, freshly baked breads, and specialty rotisserie meats. It’s the place for students who like variety, options, and a dining hall that never feels the same twice.

It’s entirely nut-free, with the Thrive station offering meals free from gluten and the top allergens, including fish, shellfish, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and milk. Everything at Thrive is prepared in a controlled environment to avoid cross-contact. If variety, creativity, and a dash of chaos are your style, Burge has you covered.

Hillcrest Market Place

Aesthetic: cottagecore, artsy, dark academia, coastal
Location: Hillcrest Residence Hall, west side of campus

Hillcrest Market Place blends comfort, style, and variety. Nine stations serve made-to-order burgers, homestyle entrees, deli sandwiches, BBQ, and Asian dishes, all in a calm and inviting atmosphere. If reflective moments, quiet conversation, or soft indie film vibes are your thing, Hillcrest is the aesthetic match.

Not feeling any aesthetic?

Market2Go
Location: wherever your heart desires

For those who need meals on the move, the Market2Go program is perfect. Included in the meal plan, it lets you take meals to-go—whether to a residence hall room, the library, or the next class—while helping reduce waste.

This option fits anyone who values flexibility without giving up access to fresh, made-to-order meals.

Which One Matches You?

Many Hawkeyes move between dining halls depending on mood, schedule, or appetite. Some days call for the organized calm of Catlett, others for the bold variety of Burge, or the reflective comfort of Hillcrest. And sometimes, it’s just Market2Go and eat wherever life takes you.

At Iowa, dining halls aren’t just meals—they’re part of the student experience, community, and routine.