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Dining and Meal Plans

Choosing where to eat—and how it fits into your daily routine—is an important part of campus life. Drake’s meal plans are designed to be flexible, convenient, and inclusive, combining all-you-care-to-eat dining with Dining Dollars you can use across campus.

Dining and Meal Plans

Where to eat on campus

From sit-down meals to quick grab-and-go stops, Drake’s dining locations are designed to fit your day—whether you’re studying, socializing, or on the move.

  • Hubbell Dining Hall – Or "The Hubb", is the heart of campus dining, featuring all-you-care-to-eat stations with options for every taste and dietary need.
  • Starbucks at Olmsted – Your go-to for coffee, pastries, and a comfortable spot to connect or get work done.
  • Cowles Café – A convenient stop in the library for coffee, snacks, and quick meals between study sessions.
  • On the Go – A checkout-free convenience store in Olmsted where you can tap your Drake ID or card, grab what you need, and head out—your items are automatically charged, making it one of the fastest ways to refuel between classes.

Menus and Hours

Map of On-Campus and Off-Campus Dining


Nutrition and Dietary Support

From allergen-friendly options to vegan, vegetarian, and mindful choices, Drake Dining helps you find meals that fit your needs—with nutrition info, labels, and access to a campus dietitian for personalized support.

Learn More

Meal Plans

As part of the on-campus living experience, students in residence halls are required to select a meal plan. Whether you prefer unlimited access to the dining hall or a block plan that fits your schedule, Drake offers options that adapt to your routine. Commuter students also have access to a variety of meal plan options, making it easy to enjoy dining on campus throughout the week.

Meal Plans Meals Average Meals/Week Dining Dollars Guest Passes
Unlimited Plus* Unlimited Unlimited $320 6
Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited $120 6
175 Block Plan 175 meals 11 meals/week $670 0
205 Block Plan 205 meals 13 meals/week $545 0

*This is at a higher cost.

For a detailed breakdown of costs associated with each of the meal plans above, please visit the Tuition and Fees page here.

Meal Plans Meals Average Meals/Week Dining Dollars Guest Passes
125 Block Plan 125 meals 8 meals/week $200 0
75 Block Plan 75 meals 5 meals/week $300 0
40 Block Plan 40 Meals 3 Meals/week $300 0
All Dining Dollars Plan 0 0 $250 10

For a detailed breakdown of costs associated with each of the meal plans above, please visit the Tuition and Fees page here.

  1. Log in to myDrake and select the Fork & Knife icon in the Campus Resources section to access the Housing & Meal Plan Selection Portal.
  2. Click “Apply Here” at the top of the screen.
  3. Select the Commuter Application for the semester you want a meal plan.

Questions?
We’re here to help—contact housing@drake.edu.

You can update your meal plan at the start of each semester—giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your routine.

Changes are available in August (fall semester) and January (spring semester) through the first Thursday of classes. After this deadline, meal plans are finalized for the term.

How to update your meal plan:

  1. Log in to myDrake and select the Fork & Knife icon to access the Housing & Meal Plan Portal.
  2. Click “Apply Here” and open your current application.
  3. Select the Meal Plan Selection tab.
  4. Review your options, then click Save and Continue.
  5. Complete your update on the Final Confirmation tab.

You’ll receive a confirmation email at your @drake.edu address once your changes are submitted.

Questions?
We’re here to help—contact housing@drake.edu.

Bulldog Bucks & Dining Dollars

You’ll love the flexibility and convenience of Bulldog Bucks. Simply load funds onto your Drake Card and use it like a debit or credit card to pay for food and more—both on campus and at participating off-campus locations.

What's the difference between Bulldog Bucks and Dining Dollars?
Dining Dollars are typically included with your meal plan and can be used at on-campus dining locations like Starbucks, Spike’s C-Store, Cowles Café, and concessions during athletic events. Bulldog Bucks can be used at all of those on-campus locations—plus select restaurants in Dogtown, printers across campus, the Bulldog Shop, and more.

Crowds around picnic tables in a Dogtown restaurant near the Drake campus

Off Campus Dining

Just beyond campus, Dogtown is a vibrant part of the Drake neighborhood known for its mix of local restaurants, retail, and unique character. With a wide range of options and a lively, walkable atmosphere, it’s an easy way to explore new flavors and experience one of Des Moines’ most diverse and historic areas.

Dogtown DSM