Food At Work
Authors: Kiran Basra, Nadine Barone, and Nicole Tais Frohlich
If you’re new to McMaster, or simply looking to try something different for lunch, navigating the campus food scene can be surprisingly tricky. Between classes, meetings, and research, it’s all too easy to default to granola bars and coffee and miss out on the great options nearby. To make things easier, here’s a quick guide to some of the best food spots on McMaster’s main campus and West 5th location.
Inside the hospital: If you want to eat a meal, hope that it’s between 11 am and 2 pm, since this is the only time that The West 5th Campus Cafe is open in the food court on Level 0. Otherwise, the volunteer-run Colours Café, tucked on the second floor, is open from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and will give you coffee, fresh sandwiches, bagels or light snacks. Half the staff at West 5th can be found in line for the Tim Horton’s in the food court, so I’d recommend budgeting most of your lunch break towards waiting for your Iced Capp. If it is after 5 pm or before 7:30 am, everything is closed. You can either fight with a vending machine, give up and starve, or venture outside. It’s always a good idea to meal prep and save some money, so if you want to heat up your food, there are microwaves available on level 0 near the food court.
Outside the hospital: Desperate enough to leave West 5th for food? Decide if your skills lie in speed or stealth. If your skills are in stealth, Mohawk Campus, on the other side of Fennell Avenue, has a food court. You have to pay student-meal-plan prices for student-meal-plan quality food, and half the places are closed. But they have Booster Juice and Starbucks, if you need a fun drink to fight the horrors.
If your skills are in speed, walk east on Fennel for a kilometre to get to the corner of Fennell and Upper James Street. This will take about ten minutes and for some part of the route there is no sidewalk so you will be taking your life in your hands! However, when you get to that corner you will find three Indian takeout restaurants selling the same things for the same price. Whether you decide on Indian Junction, Indian Spice, or Indian Express, you’ll get a decent meal for about $15. They're pretty fast, have options for dietary restrictions, and stay open until 12 am for the nocturnal grad student. Hidden in the plaza on the southeast corner, you’ll find Subway and another Tim Horton’s. There’s also Bulk Barn, if you intend to eat chocolate-covered raisins for dinner, and a Walmart, if you’re focused enough to pick up something quickly and head back to the hospital. Pick up your food as fast as you can and hit the road; you still have to walk a kilometre to get back to the hospital before your break ends.
The Chopped Leaf – Fresh and Healthy
Looking for a lighter or “healthier” option? The Chopped Leaf in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL) is a go-to spot for a variety of fresh salads, wraps, and bowls. It’s quick, filling, and great if you want something nutritious when you’re on campus.
The Phoenix – Food, Friends, and Board Games
Located near University Hall, The Phoenix is a student-run pub that’s perfect for unwinding. You can grab a meal, enjoy a drink, and even play board games with friends. It’s a McMaster classic and a great way to meet people outside of your program. They also host a variety of events throughout the year.
The Student Centre – Quick and Easy
If you’re short on time, the Student Centre has several quick options. Grab a smoothie from Booster Juice, enjoy a bubble tea from ChaTime in the basement, or grab a pizza slice from Pizza Pizza. There is also a Teriyaki Experience located here where you can get a pretty quick and decently sized meal.