If I were to write this review decades ago it would have been a 5 probably. However, MCL along with the Muncie Mall has declined significantly. On my most recent the day the day fire they were to close it was sad, but great memories. The customers came in to say final goodbyes. The place was worn down, but clean. My dish of roast beef, mash potatoes w/ gravy, macaroni and cheese w/ bread was ok. The cherry pie desert was better. But this day and this review is not about the food necessarily. It's about the decades of memories MCL has provided families. Generations of families came back to Muncie and MCL to gather around a cafeteria near to their heart. So long MCL. read more

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the food was ok but for retires food was too expensive i can't believe our bill was 40. i had 2 pieces of chicken mashed potatoes and small order of cucumber and onions my husband had one small salmon. patty small order of brackly neither of us had bread we had sweet. tea i do have to complment our waitress she was awsome!! i don't think we will return too expensive !!!!! read more

The good is great, fresh and warm. The service is amazing. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The deserts are awesome however they sell out fast. read more

Been eating at MCL restaurants for over 30 years. And damn. It's still amazingly great down home stick to your ribs kinda food. The beef manhattan is not to be missed! read more

MCL Restaurant & Bakery - Dessert area. - American Near Me - Muncie, Indiana

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The food was great. Getting a worker's attention is a different story. They need to work on that. What I liked about MCL in Anderson (before the mall went under) was it had a coffee pot out where customers could get a warm-up when they wanted it. read more

5 stars for best cafeteria specimen for miles and miles. I was welcomed by every single staff member who without fail greeted me in a genuine manner. You're directed me to the food line where you choose items a la carte. Not cheap but not really expensive either especially given the homemade freshness and flavor. All-American food but not the dry aged junk you may think of when you harken back to the school cafeteria days. Delicious breaded pork tenderloin, $1.99 each soft large chunky chocolate chip cookies, nice seating choices available and free drink refills. I was the youngest person there by about 40 years. read more

Good food - good service - good price! We haven't been for years and we're thrilled with everything!

The pie is great!! My business that I am the owner of always celebrates birthdays by ordering pies from MCL! We love to get a variety of pies and just have a blast at the office that I own. read more

Where to begin? Grew up on MCL Cafeteria the one out at the old Southtown mall. Years ago from 1977 to 1994 then MCL went out of business in 1994 and about 9 years later so did Southtown mall. What I remember is some damn good home cooking food in a cafeteria style setting with a fine dining sitting atmosphere. Awesome beef Manhattan with double meat and extra mash I ordered. Chicken is very good finger licking good in fact. The sticky bun is something else and the deserts mmm, pecan pie, custard, Strawberry shortcake, the list goes on and on and on. Taste really fresh and homemade, high quality ingredients. Muncie MCL brought back those memories, food is just about like it's always been for the most part, enough where me wants to go. Unfortunately I don't live close to this location to come very often. Sad I know, but it's true. read more

Ordered pick up...craved roast beef, it's coming just like broiled meat, any flavor, and the sides , mash potatoes, and broccoli casserole coming in the same container ,just a very small portion... so desapointed, I just ate the mash potatoes read more

My little guilty pleasure when I want some just down to earth cooking. Specials daily and never am disappointed. Staff is always pleasant and helpful. Nothing fancy, just decent food cafeteria style you choose what you want. I return often when I am nearby. read more

I've eaten here many, many times. Surprised to read the reviews. Frankly, I've never had a poor meal here. The fried chicken is always good, as is the various fish entrees. The roast beef is tasty. Sides are always delicious. The MVP plates are a smaller entree, 2 sides and bread for about $6.50. Full size entrees run $8-10. Best pecan pie around - and the no suger added blueberry is awesome. read more

Their food is always hot and delicious. I love the roast beef and the ham and beans. The chicken is good and the mashed potatoes and gravy are so yummy. They have a large selection of vegetables, all are good. The desserts are good also. My favorite is lemon meringue pie or the chocolate torte. The salads and Cole slaw are wonderful. Fresh fruit and puddings and hello good too. Can not go wrong here. read more

As usual the ham & beans were just slightly warm. This place needs a bank of microwaves in there dinning area. They take no pride in what they serve or how they slop it on your plate. read more

Have eaten there many times and today we are bringing a large party. Tim is setting up tables& chairs for us on 5 minute notice! Thank you Tim-- great service before we even arrive! read more

One star is a bit harsh, but I can't go more than two. As everyone knows, MCL is for old people. There is lots of very sweet and salty food. The pies are two sweet and the mashed potatoes and beef are two salty. The roast beef used to be my go to there, but I feel as if MCL is really past its prime. Just because a restaurant serves old people doesn't mean it, too, has to decline. It is unfortunate that so many of these are stuck in malls---I hope someone rejuvenates the chain. If you want midwestern-style cafeteria food done right (done amazingly, actually), try Gray Brothers in Mooresville, IN. read more

Really thankful to find an MCL, having moved here recently. My food was very good; fish, slaw, & green beans. Service was great !!! read more

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I'm going to have to disagree with the reviewers who gave this place low ratings. I eat here frequently, often because it is conveniently located inside the Muncie Mall and is a great place for a quick lunch when you are not in the mood for fast food. The previous reviewers were right that MCL's customer base is largely "old folks", but don't let the "Medi-Care Lounge" scare you away, MCL is solid. Their menu changes daily and you can check online ahead of time to see what they're offering before you go. MCL's specialty is primarily home cooking, but they also have other items such as spaghetti and burgers too. If you are a vegetarian check out their salads, fruit, vegetable plate, and fresh baked breads. They have a carryout window located on the left of the main entrance to the Muncie Mall and a cafeteria line if you are dining in. They also have friendly young ladies to refill your drinks and assist you with your needs if dining in, don't be cheap and tip them after your meal. Cookies and Pepsi products too! read more

MCL Restaurant & Bakery - the entrance to the restaurant - American Near Me - Muncie, Indiana

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Ate here several times. The Chicken & Noodles were more broth than noodles and the green beans were bland. I won't be back for seconds that is for sure. Their beef & noodles were the same. When will restaurants understand that skimping on portions will not gain you repeat business ? At least at a buffet you can get the portions that are fair. read more

MCL has always been one of my favorites. The staff at this location is always very friendly and they will constantly check on you during your meal. The food for being a cafeteria is fantastic. They have the best roast beef, mashed potatoes, rolls, and green beans I know of. Not to mention really good pudding that I get every time. I've probably been to this location well over 100 times and its usually always amazing food and service. read more

I don't know why this place received such lousy ratings a couple years ago, but my Mom and I went there and had a very good meal. Staff was courteous, food was great. A little pricey, but this is a restaurant that doesn't use a microwave so I don't mind that. Overall a very good cafeteria style meal! read more

This was my 1st time eating at MCL, I had the Roast Beef Manhattan on white bread it was so good can't wait till we come back in June so we can eat here again. The staff was very accommodating we had a large family of 9 so the staff put tables together so we could all eat together. Thank you for your hospitality. read more