Eating well makes a big difference, especially during busy weeks. While we don’t have a traditional cafeteria, there are plenty of ways to stay fueled on and around campus. Whether you’re packing lunch, picking up something quick, or grabbing food at an event, we’ll help you make it work.

On-campus food options

NASA SpaceBar

Just a two- to three-minute walk from our building, the NASA SpaceBar is a popular spot for lunch or a quick break. Located in the NASA Research Park, it has indoor and outdoor seating and a rotating menu.

What you'll find:

collage of students eating together
  • Grill specials, burritos, deli sandwiches, salads, and pizzas
  • Packaged snacks and frozen grab-and-go options
  • Ordering is available on-site or ahead of time
  • A full bar and happy hour for students who want to unwind after a busy day
Current hours (subject to change):
  • Full Service: Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Grab & Go: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Grab & Go: Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Nextdish delivery

CMU-SV has partnered with Nextdish to make it easy to get lunch or dinner delivered to campus every weekday. Nextdish offers a wide variety of meals and cuisines, with new options each week. You’ll find everything from comforting classics to fresh, chef-curated dishes.

  • Use your Andrew email to waive delivery fees
  • Order through the app or website using the rotating weekly menu
  • Be sure to place your order ahead of time
    • Lunch: Order by 9:00 AM for same-day delivery
    • Dinner: Order by 1:00 PM for same-day delivery
  • Pick up meals in the hallway between the downstairs kitchen and the back patio, just outside Room 118

Delivery times

  • Lunch: Around 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM
  • Dinner: Around 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

View detailed ordering instructions

 

students eating lunch together

Campus events with food

Most campus events at CMU-SV include food, whether it's a career workshop, department mixer, or social gathering. These take place one to two times per week.

We also offer Healthy Snack Days one to two times a month with easy grab-and-go options like fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and chips.

Check the CMU-SV student activities calendar to view upcoming events on campus.

Planning ahead

Many students pack meals or snacks from home and use the kitchen areas on campus, which include refrigerators and microwaves. When your schedule gets packed, it helps to plan meals the same way you plan your work.

Suggestions from students:

  • Keep healthy snacks on hand for long classes or late nights
  • Set a weekly reminder to pre-order meals or check the SpaceBar menu
  • Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated

Off-campus options

Looking for a change of pace or a quick grocery run? There are plenty of great options nearby.

  • Restaurants and cafes
    Downtown Mountain View is about a 10-minute drive from campus and has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and takeout spots. It’s a go-to for lunch with classmates, dinner after a long day, or weekend exploring.
  • Grocery stores
    There are several grocery stores close to campus, including general, international, and specialty markets. Here are a few student favorites:

Food routines look different for everyone. Whether you're packing meals, ordering ahead, or eating out, there are a variety of ways to make it work while you're at CMU-SV.