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    Centerpointe Dining Commons

    3.1 (13 reviews)
    ModerateCafeteria
    Closed 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    CP on a good day: Flank Steak with Chipotle Sauce, Corn, and Brown Rice
    Michael Y.

    As a student of Cal Poly Pomona for four years and a resident of the school's university housing for two years, I've come to Centerpointe to chow down on meals after long days and late nights. Eating here is definitely a one of a kind experience. But many people in the campus community and those outside looking in might wonder what eating at this college dining commons might entail. With this, I wanted to write a review about my experiences at Centerpointe. Starting with location, Centerpointe is at the edge of the campus next to the Student Services Building (the "spaceship"), Kellogg's historic horse stables, the recently constructed Residential Halls (Sicomoro and Secoya). Although it is closer to some of the main streets, it is somewhat out of the way for both students and the outside world. Because the commons is farther away from the bulk of the classrooms on campus, only few choose to make the walk downhill to the housing district of the campus. For visitors looking to eat here, the nearest parking structure is Structure 1 and about a 5-10 minute walk away. With an extra expenditure of 8 dollars required to buy a daily parking pass, getting here isn't the most convenient. Entering in, you would first be met with the front desk area where you would pay first before entering in. Prices may vary based on when you choose to eat and what payment method you choose. But on average, lunch is around $12.25 and dinner is around $13.50 per person. Although Centerpointe takes cash, credit, meal swipes, and meal points (during summer), take advantage of the fact they accept Bronco Bucks as the meal is cheaper by a dollar or two (Bronco Bucks are only for the campus community). After paying, you would enter the main part of the dining hall that has all of the food offerings and seating. Seating areas vary, giving you options to sit at individual tables, barstools, in lounge chairs, outdoors, and more. Just be sure to bus your own plates and trash on your way out. Similar to many dining commons around the US, Centerpointe is an all you can eat buffet-style eatery with 6 main stations: Sandwich, Pizza, Pasta, Grill (Burgers, Chicken Tenders, Fries), Fusion (usually Mexican, but other food during breakfast and sometimes lunch and dinner), and Global (rotating ethnic foods, Mongolian, and sushi bar). In addition to the main stations, there are a few extra non-manned areas such as the salad bar (build your own salad, soup), all-day continental breakfast bar (bread and toaster, cereal, yogurt bar, cut fruit), dessert bar (pasteries, cakes, soft-serve, occassional donuts); and three drink fountain areas with Pepsico soft drinks, sparkling water, iced tea, coffee, milk, and soymilk offerings. Though this may seem like a large number of options, it is good to know that these stations do not change their menus (with the exception of global, whose menu changes with each meal). Furthermore, certain stations have been operating on and off since the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. sushi bar, mongolian, pasta). All this now said, I'd argue the 11-12 dollar price tag for all of these offerings is a very great value price-to-portionwise. Even in the nearby Pomona, Walnut, and Diamond Bar areas, it is extremely difficult to find any other eatery that has this much quantity for cheap. Even if you're a visitor paying for a parking pass, 19-20 dollars still isn't all too bad. The catch of this eatery, and similar to other dining halls, is the quality of food. Though the food is consistent at most of the stations, the bar is set pretty low as the food needs to be produced in mass. For the rotating global station, the food can be hit or miss depending on the day. There have been days where the station serves flank steak and whole crusted fish filets. But on other days, smaller ticket items like potato curry and beef stew with little beef are served. Although figuring out when the good food is served is close to impossible, a good rule of thumb is to go during lunch time. The food is more fresh, the chances of getting a better dish is higher, and lunchtime is cheaper overall. Personally, I enjoy the food at fusion, grill, salad bar, and sushi bar. One Closing Note: If coming for lunch, try to avoid coming between 12-1PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays as the campus has a free period called U-Hour. During this time, Centerpointe is usually crowded with both students and staff alike. Lunch service does not end until 1:30PM, so coming in in that last half an hour means there is more food and less lines. From all my experiences eating at Centerpointe, there are days where the food is 5 stars and other days where its 1-2 stars. As long as you keep in mind that you're paying 11-12 dollars and that you're at a college dining hall, I think it can be worth the time and effort. Because the experience fluctuates often, I'd say Centerpointe deserves a 3 star rating. Not bad, is great sometimes, but could be better.

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    Max C.

    good workers, always very kind. food is okay, some days you get lucky and it's good! the mexican food is a good go-to and you know you're lucky when it's gyro day.

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    2 years ago

    Cal poly has an awesome buffet really low-key. It has very good value and it's great food.

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    The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch

    The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch

    4.7(261 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Where does one start? I googled a fun place for my 69th birthday. This restaurant came up in the…read morefeed. I was so impressed the maître D came out and helped us find this restaurant. Upon walking into this restaurant, you felt you were at a five star restaurant. The staff greeted you with such care. As we walked to the table, you can watch the students cooking in the kitchen. Such care as they found in the best seat in the restaurant. The waitress greeted us with smiles. She listened to every dietary need that we had, to be on point she actually listened to what we had to say. In my opinion, this is very rare in this industry. She asked if we wanted a house special cocktail. The cocktail wasn't only tasty. It also tasted so delicious. We ordered the guacamole and the homemade chips that are made in house. They brought out the complementary homemade butter and rolls. Which are both made in the morning fresh We put our order in. The food was amazing such care in the preparation. And of course, who wouldn't order dessert on their birthday. The apple crumble was over top. Came warm with two spoons. They delivered a platter with the words, happy birthday in dark chocolate. Along with homemade whipped cream and a candle. The prices were surprisingly very reasonable for what we ate. If you want to celebrate a birthday with a beautiful view great care detail and delicious food This is the place to go. Or even go to dinner at a different place this is the location. The students and the staff are so friendly and helpful.

    My co-worker and I had delightful meal at The Kellogg Restaurant today Friday, Feb. 27 2026. The…read morefood was simply phenomenal, a true culinary masterpiece. I indulged in the freshest, juiciest ground beef burger I've ever tasted. The chef's spontaneous creation of a blue cheese dressing was an absolute revelation, complementing the salad, and the burger perfectly. The gourmet-like tortilla chips, hand-made avocado dip, and hand-cut fries were equally impressive, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to using only the finest, freshest ingredients--CalPoly grown from the Micro Farm that is in the backyard of the restaurant and Spadra. Brandon savored every bite of his steak frites, which were incredibly juicy and flavorful. The hand-cut fries were cooked to perfection, creating the ideal pairing with the grilled 6-ounce hanger steak. Brandon was so impressed with the quality of the food that he's already planning to bring his friends and family to The Kellogg Restaurant.

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    The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch - Kitchen

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    The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch - Whipped cream. Got a free apple crumble for my birthday.

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    Paradise Buffet

    Paradise Buffet

    3.3(658 reviews)
    7.8 mi
    $$

    Stopped by today (5/13/26) for my birthday since you get to eat for free ON YOUR BIRTHDAY (as long…read moreas you bring 3+ people): - me = FREE - my mom (senior discount) = $13.49 - my boyfriend (adult regular) = $14.99 - 1 adult drink = $2.69 SUBTOTAL = $31.17 TAX (9%) = $2.81 OVERALL TOTAL = $33.98 Surprisingly, there were a lot of people but not as crowded as the weekends. Lots of seniors due to senior discounts available during the weekday lunch hours. Paradise Buffet now serves SUSHI AND SASHIMI! I'm not sure when this started but it definitely was not there the last time I ate at this place. Not much seafood options (no more fried shrimp). Three is fried tempura shrimp and mussels at least (I ate a bunch of mussels to get my moneys worth) as well as fish (fried fish and fish fillet).

    Paradise Buffet may not be the most grand, aesthetically pleasing establishment but the quality of…read moresome of the items and the extraordinary and attentive service are unique and stand out here. Noteworthy: 1) The Hibachi grill- love the staff. They are alert and responsive to special requests eg well done noodles please. The sauces and oils are of good quality. The broccol, onions, mushrooms and cilantro have always been fresh and abundant.( photos). 2) Really delicious, well marinated and grilled chicken wings.( photo). 3) fresh salad bar with good quality a really nice balsamic dressing.. Lots of cut lemons next to a delicious cucumber and tomato salad. 4) from mac & cheese and wings to pizza for the kids to some good fish, steamed fish dishes with very attentive staff looking over and replenishing right away. 5) really good carrot cake and brownies. The team here that picks up the dishes deserves all the credit for their warmth, hard work and patience. Seniors over 60 get a 10% discount and it basically comes to 17 bucks plus drink and tip or so for an awesome lunch. Can't beat that.

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    Paradise Buffet
    Paradise Buffet - 09/28/24

    09/28/24

    Paradise Buffet

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    Centerpointe Dining Commons - cafeteria - Updated May 2026

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