I used to eat here while I was at USC about 20 years ago so I came back to reminisce one day I was on campus. It has completely changed! Granted I was there I. The summer so the menu was limited but I thought the selection was fine. PRO- large space and modern, salad bar has good topping selection, plenty of fountain drinks, reasonable price for a visitor who is not on a meal plan (about $12 for dinner all you can eat) CON- hot food bar was limited, food was good but pretty basic, lots of carb options but limited veggies All in all it was good. I came in for a nostalgic meal more than anything. Fight on! read more

If you're visiting the USC campus and looking for a full breakfast spread, check out this campus cafeteria, near the visitor parking lot on McArthy Way. Visitors (i.e., those not on a student meal plan) can pay $15 plus tax with a credit card and enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast. You can pick whatever you'd like from a surprisingly wide variety of options. The space is clean, and I was actually impressed by both the quality and variety of the food. The ambiance is casual, as you'd expect from a college cafeteria, but it wasn't overcrowded or noisy. I was able to enjoy my breakfast while catching up on some meeting agenda notes on my laptop. read more

Because I live in the North Area dorms, Everybody's Kitchen is very convenient. It only takes a short walk to get myself some grub. However, the food here is average. Everything is comfort food... as to how amazing EVK's food depends from person to person. Breakfast is usually the best time to come here. Fruits and yogurt are always available, as well as different varities of cereal, and are located in front of the entrance. The other section, for warm foods, differs from day to day, but are usually pretty tasty. Lunch and dinner are subjective. Dinner usually consists of leftovers from lunchtime, and lunch is usually OK. Expect Mexican or American food though. Overall, EVK is an alright place to eat for freshmen, but if you're a guest and a freshman swipes you in, then the food's better from that perspective =) read more

EVK Dining Hall @ USC - Luau Day at good ol' EVK at USC. - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It's good bc I feel included in everybody's kitchen. I wish this experience could last forever, but unfortunately I have to go back to my dorm and sleep. If sleep wasn't a thing, I would live in the soup section of EVK. I ate the salad; some of the best leaves I've ever put in my mouth. For dessert I got the ice cream, there were 3 options but only one of them worked. That's ok! Because that's the exact one I wanted. Leave it to EVK to know exactly what the people want. Really an institution created to cater to the masses. Here's the drink I had: poetic and emotional name that brought tears into my eyes. "Blueberry spa water". Pls eat here, I beg of you .... it was an out of body experience read more

Ewwwwww no. I had an unlimited meal plan Freshman year and lived in Birnkrant, so obviously I was always at EVK. I would always try to make the trek to Parkside or even Cafe 84 for better/cleaner food. The food repeats every 3 weeks. I've seen hair in the strawberry yogurt in the mornings and many many bugs in the salad/raw veggies section. Plates and cups almost always still have stains. How can a college dining hall be so dirty? Can't believe I'm saying this but please learn from UCLA Dining Halls (BPlate specifically). read more

First time here for field trip I did not like my experience first of all the staff are rude the cookers second the food is not good enough the pizza tasted like it was frozen and the chicken got no flavor on it. Including the people that were in the trip they did not like it. The food was not good and should really step up there game. Also there wasn't even desert Step up your game im greatful for the food but this is my first time I have ever gaved a bad review on a dining hall from a college. I also spend 2 hours in the restroom and I had to take my nausea pills hopefully I don't get food poison read more

Highlights of EVK: Chicken nugget Tuesdays, chili verde, sliced pickles, and chicken strips in the salad bar. The other dining hall, Parkside, does not have this. But Parkside still is the better dining hall for me. I don't mind coming here every once in the while though. However, I'd skip breakfast here and head over to Parkside. The quality of food for breakfast is just not the same here at EVK. Dry, tasteless breakfast pizzas and food that seemed to be sitting for a while even though I arrived 30 minutes after opening. read more

The USC meme page has a wonderful collection of bugs found in the food here. This dining hall is the freshman classic, but I'm not sure why. It's oily, greasy, salty, and unhealthy, but when you have no other options and you're on a freshman dining plan.... there's always evk. read more

EVK Dining Hall @ USC - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

You don't pay your employees enough. They work extremely hard but get paid minimum wage. I would really like to see the employees get treated better. read more

Not one of the better options at USC during the early 2010's, but did the job. Cafe 84 at KOH was superior (RIP).

Not bad, but there is a general agreement that Parkside is wayyyyyy better. Thanks, Eli! read more

If you're not a freshman, EVK is awesome. If you are a freshman... well, EVK gets old pretty fast. BUT I am giving EVK 4 stars because it has THE most amazing waffles ever. And it's DIY nowadays, but when I was a freshman, there was someone making it for you. Although... when I was a freshman, there was this outbreak of the a gastrointestinal virus that made people avoid EVK for days (they thought it originated there, but apparently that was just a rumor). We used to call this place E-VEE-GAY (no offense to my gay Yelpers). Nowadays, as a non-freshman, I am always grateful whenever someone swipes me in, becuase a) free food (which is a luxury!!) and b) AMAZING breakfast. If you don't come here for anything else, come here for breakfast. OH and the chicken nugget Tuesdays. They also used to have cous cous, which I LOVED, but they don't have it anymore! :( I've always enjoyed their soups, too. Freshman, ENJOY your newly renovated EVK while you still can--the EVK you have now is a million times better than the one I had my freshman year. read more

today's evk experience felt like the culinary version of townie by mitski. it did however give me a stomachache. :( read more

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Oh gosh, EVK brings back some bad memories o_O "Everybody's Kitchen" is the main dining hall for the freshmen at USC. It's literally 2 seconds away from New North and 30 seconds away from Pardee Tower where I lived so my dorm-mates and I came here a lot. EVK sucks you in because it's convenient. It is centrally located so that it is the closest option to the freshmen dorms but that doesn't mean it's good. Breakfast here is actually not bad, I'll give it that. With the installation of the waffle makers EVK breakfast got a whole lot better. I really enjoyed making my own waffle and topping it off with a bunch of fruit and syrup. Also if you went up to the window in the back you could ask the chefs to make you eggs any style: sunny side up, scrambled, omelette, you name it they would make it. That was as good as EVK got though.... Lunch and dinner were never very good. The line was always huge to get in, then you had to fight for a seat after you piled your plate full of semi-edible looking food. EVK was always coming up with weird concoctions like caesar salad pizza... what the heck?! The fries/tater tots were solid but those are hard to mess up. They always had pasta as well but the sauce was usually flavorless and who likes to eat plain pasta? The salad bar was consistently pretty good and at least we could always count on a hearty meal when it was chicken nugget day or korean rib day. Those were the best. The grill out back was also pretty good, especially when they would mix it up and have different options. Occasionally there would also be a special dinner going on in the next door room for the New North people, so my friends and I would sneak through the connecting door (behind the pizza station), grab some food (it was WAY better quality meat, vegetables and bread), then sneak back out to the main dining area. We loved these nights, we called them "Deluxe Meals". I'm not sure if this is still going on but those dinners saved our lives. In the end Parkside was always better but EVK was right next door. I've heard they have made improvements so hopefully EVK will get better and better as the years go by. read more

When I was a student here I ate everyday at EVK when I lived at Birnkrant. The food was great, salads, desserts, meat, potatoes and if that wasn't to your liking, you could get a fresh patty of hamburger and take it outside into the quad to cook on the grill. The breakfasts were good, the lunches good and the dinners good, SC did a really quality food plan for people. I don't think anyone could complain. It is not 5 star dining but for what you pay, you could pretty much get anything that you wanted. Also, this hall was where all of the other dorms came to eat so it was central to the social scene of that section of SC. So it was much more than just a place to eat, it was a place to meet and probably more important than the actual dorm floors because people would spend so much time here talking and moving from table to table catching up on the latest gossip. Great memories. Great times. read more

2.5 Stars I'm a regular here and I can tell you the food quality depends on what day you go. One day the food can be good (almost never great), and the next could taste like reheated plane food. Best things: Salad bar (except for the olive oil and vinegar containers, they're huge and hard to control how much liquid comes out...) And sometimes the fajitas (chicken and beef) at the Mexican station. And if you talk to the staff (if you speak Spanish, better), they will be more than happy to help you with any request. I literally created a huevo ranchero from scratch just by asking them! Sometimes Parkside is just too far, Paul... read more

I heard they revamped Evil Kitchen since we last came here as freshmen, but I refuse to believe that the roaches are gone and that they serve better fare than the make-your-own USC-branded waffles stand. Plus the swipers tend to be super anal about letting people give their meal credits to other people, and the other cafeteria workers look like they hate you. read more

EVK is one of those places you'll reminisce about later in life and suddenly feel like a millionaire (even if you're eating a PBJ). Where to begin? I don't think I even will; others before me have sufficiently covered its insufficiencies. Value for your money is awful if nonexistent, and it's only good if you have a meal plan, are starving and too lazy to walk elsewhere. That said, I hadn't come here since my freshman year before going back with a friend my senior year, and the transformation was unreal. Seeing all the 1-star reviews now, though, makes me wonder what they would have rated my freshie experience haha... -10000? So, to everyone bitchin' about everybody's kitchen, it could be worse. Way worse. Because it was! read more

There was an issue this semester when EVK was given a B for some minor issues for a brief time (something about some broken gadgets and the freezer being too cold?), but they fixed the issues right up. See the articles about it here: http://dailytrojan.com/2010/09/14/evk-receives-%E2%80%98b%E2%80%99-after-health-inspection/ http://dailytrojan.com/2010/09/24/evk-regains-its-%E2%80%98a%E2%80%99-after-second-health-inspection/ Other than that, I ate here when I pretty much was required to eat here. They had some interesting dishes that I've learned to make myself. (Their spicy garbanzo bean sauce thing is something I always thought delicious.) Their salad bar is better than that at Parkside, I think. And even Parkside does not have the lauded pita-bar, though I think the hummus is terrible and doesn't taste real at all. But still, there's plenty of grease to go around, if that's what you're hungry for, as well as some interesting vegetarian options. And for such a variety of dishes, the staff is always working to put fresh stuff out. I've never been satisfied with the watery pasta section or the tasteless tomato sauce that accompanies it, but the special of the day is usually edible, if not delicious. Really, I can't see what everyone complains about when they complain about EVK. I just don't see much reason to praise it as extraordinary, either. It's a cafeteria that tries very hard. They get an A for effort, B for the result in my opinion. I'm just indifferent to it, save when I get an odd something-chewy-and-gross in my fajita or something. Thank goodness I live in Webb now and can eat my own cooking daily! read more

EKV has wonderful asortment of cuisine... i ate here twice last year and it was AMAZING ! i highly recommend if u are in the area.. service is phenomneal and the kitty who lives outside is very Nice!! I will Defiantly be back.......love,,alyssa read more

As a former USC student, I've seen the good and the bad at EVK. While the good wasn't all that great...but the bad is bad. But what can you do as a student? You always end up coming back. I am writing this review mainly because EVK has changed A LOT this last year. They completely remodeled the interior, and changed the menu/options. Finally, it no longer looks like a cafeteria from the 1950's! Everything looks very modern now! They still have a lot of improvement to do with their vegetarian menu though. Now the food! Here are the basics, and what you can expect every time: Salad Bar: Iceberg lettuce, mixed greens, olives, corn, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, bell pepper, tofu, and tuna are usually there. They also have shredded cheese and various standard dressings. Pizza: They usually have one pizza that has meat and another that has vegetables. This pizzas always differ (meat loves, bbq chicken, buffalo chicken etc). These pizzas are okay. Nothing spectacular. Sandwich Bar: This is new! Now, they have a section where you can make your won sandwich on either toast or french bread. You usually have the option of ham, roast beef, or turkey. Additionally, you have spreads like mayo, mustard, hummus, and avocado (although not really fresh). Hot Food: Now this is the part that usually differs. They'll usually have some type of meat here, and some vegetarian sides. It could be salmon, chicken, meat load, pork, or anything for that matter. This is usually what makes it a good day or a bad day at EVK! Once they had tri-tip and salmon on the same day, and they were both delicious! Other days, it could be a curry fish that is just awful. Grill: One thing that EVK has over the other dining halls at USC is the grill. At the grill you'll usually have burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and/or some grilled veggies. Hot Iron: This is also new. They have a flat iron now which allows them to make things to order. For example, I've seen them make omelets, fried rice, and Mongolian bbq noodles here. They make this in front of you according to what you have choose to add. Final Verdict: EVK has definitely gotten a lot better over the years, so if you haven't been here recently, then you should come. However, it's really hit or miss. Some days it's just awful, and other days it's really good. For a USC student, this is kind of like the ex-girlfriend that keeps reeling you back in. You don't really know why you go back...but you usually do. read more

I think my biggest problem with a lot of the food here is the greasiness. I made the mistake of ordering an omelette once, and the chef dumped a ladle of oil onto it...why?! The next time, I asked for as little oil as possible, and he looked super annoyed. A lot of the vegetable dishes are also swimming in pools of oil. Other than that, the food here is very hit-or-miss. Sometimes the food is too salty, sometimes it's too bland. Sometimes the meat is tough as leather, sometimes it's perfectly tender. I do have to say though, the breakfast pastries, pancakes, pizza, and BBQ baked chicken are generally pretty solid. read more

Breakfast is edible. Lack of kind staff. Dinners and lunches will cause norovirus. If you want nicer dining hall food, make the trek to Parkside. read more

"Keep it simple" is the motto placed prominently on the wall of Everybody's Kitchen, a less-than premier dining hall at a premier university. At first, I thought "keep it simple" meant this was the place to go for the basics. While the village and parkside offer an array of complex options, EVK seemed to stick with American classics - burgers, cheese steaks, etc. Simple cooked vegetables, several types of meat-a concept I happen to like. As time went on, however, I began to suspect "Keep it Simple" actually stands for several other things. Chiefly, minimum effort. Meaning, only cooking good fresh food when a lot of visiting students or parents are on campus. Or keeping it too "simple" to check for caterpillars in their food before serving it to the bright young minds of our generation. Or keeping the broccoli nice and yellow and the burgers nice and cold. My confusion is furthered by the seeming lack of ability to fund better quality food in this establishment, coupled with the spontaneous hiring of a DJ to blast our eardrums out while we (try to) enjoy our mediocre food. My efforts to expose EVK are probably futile - it well represents the USC practice of spending on any and all things that make it LOOK good, but scimping out when it comes to the nitty gritty in the lives of students actually paying to be there - things like properly colored water in the faucets, or showers that produce more than a sullen drizzle. Things like caterpillar-free food and nice green broccoli. Fight On! read more

Wow, i don't know what they did. But they certainly spiffed up. I used to think Parkside was much more vegetarian/international friendly... but NO, EVK has drastically improved- SO MUCH that i ate here more often than parkside's cafeteria (even though i lived in parkside arts & humanities). Their weekend "brunches" and weekday lunches are superb. Brunches aren't really brunches...but more of REALLY good breakfasts. Instead of going to the omelette bar & telling the guy what you want in your omelette, you actually PICK OUT your ingredients from the salad bar (incl feta/mozzerrella cheese, onions, better mushrooms, etc). this way, you'd feel more comfortable by knowing exactly how much is it in your omelette. Another great thing is their belgian waffles that are cooked to order. They're so warm & fresh, & aside it are toppings incl various fruit (preserves), syrup, & cottage cheese. I don't really consider it brunch because of the lack of lunch options. Next, their lunch is amazing. I learned to love their lunches over parkside's. Ironically, I feel they're more vegetarian friendly than parkside now. They started to serve an extensive pita bread station with large pita bread pieces, taboule salad, dolomas grape leaves, avacado/plain hummus, chopped onions/tomatoes, fresh olives, rosemary olive oil/vinegar, & other middle eastern foods. I ALWAYS eat from the pita bread station, it's something I always crave. Another thing they spiffed up with was their salad bar by the other end of the room. There's now always a lady who makes fresh salads (greek, cobb, blue cheese, caesar, etc) in a bowl & serves it to you. Along her side are 2 other salads/cold appetizers like beet/bok choy salad. As for the hot foods... meh, usually not that great. Only great ones are their baked sweet potatoes, mac/cheese, & chicken nuggets. The fish usually doesn't taste that fresh.... & lastly, the desserts. I've only tried the carrot cake & cinammon/apple bear claws & mini muffins... & they're all delightful ways to end my meals. read more

Evil Kitchen. Irredeemable except for all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch. But even that's overpriced (like everything else at SC).

For a campus dining hall, this place deserves 5 stars if it were FREE, but for the actual cost a non-student pays, it's not worth it. The food is ok and it's fun, but like I said, if it's FREE. Try to get a friend to pay for your meal with his meal plan as opposed to actually paying to eat here. Oh and parking at USC sucks. I don't care if it is my alma mater, they need to be less evil about parking. read more

This food is gross. I've never been to prison, but I imagine the food is comparable. Even the salad is gross. How can salad be gross, you ask? Ask whoever is in charge of this place, because that is a mystery to me as well. read more

The food here is TERRIBLE. Nothing ever has much flavor and everything looks likes it's been circulating in trays for days. On an aside note, the music is weird! read more

People complain about how bad EVK is and how they get sick of it, but i'm a fan. I always go there on chicken nugget Tuesday and go there plenty of other times throughout the year. It is also a nice break from Parkside. The only negative is that sometimes they run out of food, but for a college dining hall it is pretty darn good. read more

The infamous EVK, to some "everybodys kitchen", to some "la cocina de todos." Aside from being a humorous farce of a kitchen, the clientele is a hoard of ignorant bafoons. Consistently pumping out oversalted kale, chili of nebulous origin, and old milk that has been fermenting longer than Hillary Clinton's snatch, the kitchen is more of an entertaining jest than an eating establishment. Aside from the kitchen, the hoard of uneducated, dull minded, and simply stupid students is astounding. What these students don't understand is the benefits of having Rand Paul as president. By aligning with traditionalist, patriarchal, and libertarian perspectives, we can be certain America will be in the hands of somebody we can trust. By only taking into account the desires of old white males and wealthy corporate executives, we can be sure that our nation will be run the way it needs to be. I simply don't understand why all of these poverty stricken, under privileged voters don't align with Rand. Rand Paul, 45th president of the United States. read more

otherwise known as everybody's kitchen! I gave it a 5 because it resides on the best southern california campus there is. The food is also decent. read more

this place is awful they only have tacos once a week and all the the other food is terrible. Their eggs are made of styrofoam and yellow food coloring They even tried to poison me once I had diarrhea for 5 months after eating their vile meat The cookies are good though tbh Overall would not recommend 2/10 read more

They fry everything here! AND you can stack your DIY waffles sky high with butter, syrup, whipped cream, strawberries, you get the picture.

EVK, my bad. Your food still blows but you did not deserve my rage-filled admonishment Turns out I picked up the norovirus. The food at EVK was not contaminated as I had previously believed. read more

This place sucks. Poor service, incorrect orders, they mix meats (sometimes you get beef in a chicken order at the hot bar), utensils are never properly washed, many people are rude, they always miss ingredients at the hot bar, half the week the food is inedible. Worst dining hall ive ever been to. Meal plan is total ripoff. read more