Ferris Booth Commons

- Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027

In the vibrant, academic atmosphere of Morningside Heights, Ferris Booth Commons stands out as a central hub for students and the wider Columbia University community. More than a simple cafeteria, this buffet restaurant offers a versatile and expansive dining experience designed to cater to a diverse crowd. The concept of a buffet is taken seriously here, with a continuous flow of food and a wide variety of stations that ensure there’s something for every palate. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, with a recent makeover that included new flooring, flexible seating, and a redesigned hot food station to enhance the overall experience and improve flow. This isn't just a place for a quick meal; it’s a space where groups can gather, solo diners can find a quiet corner, and everyone can enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread. While it is a part of the university's dining system, its variety and offerings elevate it beyond a typical campus eatery. The focus on providing both comfort food and healthy options, along with a noted highlight on great desserts, makes it a destination for anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying meal. The very nature of a buffet restaurant, with its emphasis on choice and abundance, is what defines Ferris Booth Commons, making it a reliable and convenient option in a neighborhood with a lot of dining choices.

Ferris Booth Commons is a fine example of a modern university dining hall that strives to provide more than just basic sustenance. It's a place where the dining options are designed to fit into the busy lives of college students, offering service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The variety of food on offer is a key part of its appeal, with stations that serve custom-ordered omelets, pasta, quesadillas, and salad bars. They also provide daily offerings of pizza, soup, and menu specials. The attention to dietary needs is another important aspect of their service, with a dedicated vegan station and a wide range of healthy and vegetarian options. This shows a commitment to providing an inclusive dining experience for a diverse student body. While some reviews may point to inconsistencies in quality, especially for certain items, the consistent praise for the variety, desserts, and the nice staff highlights the venue's strengths. The ability to dine both indoors and with outdoor seating is another great feature, especially on a pleasant New York day. The atmosphere, described as casual and trendy, makes it a comfortable spot for groups to meet up or for individuals to enjoy a meal on their own. This multifaceted approach to dining, combined with a focus on variety and accommodation, makes Ferris Booth Commons an integral part of the Columbia campus and a go-to spot for those with a valid dining plan.

Situated within Alfred Lerner Hall at 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA, Ferris Booth Commons is perfectly positioned for easy access within the Columbia University campus. Its location on Broadway, a major street in the city, also makes it easily reachable from other parts of the Morningside Heights and Upper West Side neighborhoods. For those with mobility needs, the restaurant is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a "wheelchair accessible entrance," "wheelchair accessible restroom," and "wheelchair accessible seating." This is a crucial feature that ensures everyone can comfortably enjoy a meal. The restaurant is a central meeting point for Columbia students and groups, but its location also allows it to be a known spot for anyone with access to the dining hall. The central placement within Alfred Lerner Hall means it is a convenient and well-known part of the campus. For those utilizing public transportation, the address is in a very walkable area, close to subway stations and bus routes that serve the campus and surrounding community. This ease of access is a significant benefit for a bustling academic environment where convenience is key. The central, well-known location within a major university building makes Ferris Booth Commons a staple in the area, a place that is easy to find and navigate, whether you're a new student or a long-time member of the Columbia community.

Ferris Booth Commons offers a variety of services to make the dining experience as convenient and comprehensive as possible. As a buffet restaurant, its core service is "all you can eat," providing a great value for those with a valid dining plan. The dining options are extensive, covering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, which means it’s always an option no matter the time of day. They also have a wide range of food offerings that include healthy options, comfort food, and quick bites. The presence of both vegan and vegetarian options demonstrates a commitment to catering to different dietary needs, which is a significant service in today’s diverse dining landscape. While the provided information mentions "dine-in" and "outdoor seating," it is important to note that access is primarily for Columbia University students and staff with a valid dining plan. They also accept credit cards and debit cards for single-meal purchases, though the pricing for these is typically higher than what's included in a dining plan. The restaurant provides basic amenities like restrooms, and the staff is often praised for being "very nice," which adds to the overall positive atmosphere. The venue is also designed to accommodate "groups," making it a popular meeting spot for friends and study groups. This full range of services ensures that Ferris Booth Commons is a well-rounded and accommodating dining hall for its target audience.

The services offered at Ferris Booth Commons include:

• All-you-can-eat buffet dining
• Full-day service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodates groups and solo diners
• Healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options available
• Outdoor seating and dine-in options
• Accepts credit cards and debit cards for payment

Ferris Booth Commons has several key features and highlights that make it a standout. A major highlight, as noted by a reviewer, is the wide variety of "fresh bakery and deserts." This is a significant point of praise, indicating that the dessert station is a strong point of the buffet. The atmosphere itself is a key feature, described as "casual" and "trendy," and recent renovations have enhanced the space with new flooring and seating options to make it more comfortable and modern. The staff is consistently praised for being "very nice," which contributes to a positive and welcoming dining environment. The sheer variety of food offerings is another highlight, with a wide selection of comfort food and healthy options, including a dedicated vegan station. While some food items may be inconsistent, the fact that there are constantly new options and a rotating menu keeps things interesting. For those who are fans of certain items, like waffles on Sundays, the consistency of these fan favorites is a major plus. The restaurant also provides a social space for college students, serving as a popular gathering place. This blend of variety, a great dessert selection, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff are what make Ferris Booth Commons a well-regarded choice within the Columbia dining system, a place that offers more than just a meal, but a place to relax and enjoy with friends.

Key highlights of the venue include:

• A wide variety of desserts and fresh bakery items
• A recently renovated, casual, and trendy atmosphere
• Friendly and accommodating staff
• Extensive variety of food, including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options
• A popular gathering place for students and groups

For those looking to visit or get in touch with Ferris Booth Commons, here is the essential contact information: The address is Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA. The phone number is (212) 854-8324, and the mobile phone is +1 212-854-8324. This contact information is useful for any inquiries about hours of operation, dining plans, or general information. Given that this is a university dining hall, it's important to note that access may be limited to students with a valid Columbia University ID or dining plan, and calling ahead to confirm policies for non-affiliated guests is a good idea. The clear address on Broadway makes the location easy to find for anyone familiar with the area. The availability of both a landline and a mobile number provides a direct line to the dining hall staff, ensuring that any questions or concerns can be addressed promptly. This level of accessibility, both in terms of location and communication, contributes to the overall convenience of dining at Ferris Booth Commons, making it a reliable resource for the Columbia community.

When it comes to deciding what is worth choosing at Ferris Booth Commons, a few key items stand out, though the true value lies in the variety itself. The desserts and fresh bakery items are a definite highlight, with one reviewer calling them a standout feature. If you have a sweet tooth, this is where you should start. The "Sunday waffles" are another consistently praised item, making a weekend visit particularly worthwhile. The buffet’s all-you-can-eat model allows you to explore a variety of options, from custom-made omelets for breakfast to fresh salads and pasta dishes for lunch and dinner. For those looking for healthier options, the salad bar is a great choice, and the dedicated vegan station provides a wide range of satisfying plant-based meals. While some items may be inconsistent, the sheer abundance of options means you can always find something you like. Ultimately, what is worth choosing is the ability to customize your meal and try a little bit of everything. The freedom to build your own plate with comfort food and healthy options, along with a delicious dessert, is the core of the Ferris Booth Commons experience. It’s a place that offers a great deal of choice and a chance to find your own personal favorites within its extensive offerings, making it a reliable and enjoyable dining option for the Columbia community.

Ferris Booth Commons

Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA