I went to the Gordon Commons Dining Pavilion to check out the dining hall at the Arizona State University Downtown Campus recently, especially as I occasionally work right in the Gordon Commons office spaces. Note that the Taylor Place residence hall was renamed Gordon Commons several years ago, so the dining hall (or cafeteria) is actually the Gordon Commons Dining Hall. As an ASU employee, I had the opportunity to join a number of students and staff for lunch on occasion. Over the years, I have had plenty of opportunities to stop by this dining hall, and it just keeps getting better from the service to the food itself to the special events that take place in the dining hall.
Anyone can eat at the Gordon Commons Dining Hall whether an ASU student, staff, or faculty member or even a community member. You will need to be allowed into the community by the security staff on the south side of the building. The cashier at the dining hall accepts cash, credit card, meal swipes, or Maroon & Gold dollars (M&G). More information about meal plans at M&G dollars can be found on the Sun Devil Hospitality (Aramark) website: https://sundevilhospitality.asu.edu. One special event that takes place every few months is that a well-known chef is featured as they provide samples of their dishes and speaks to students, taking photos with them, and occasionally has recipes or a book to give out.
When entering Gordon Commons, you will need to pass the security desk and go around the elevator area, turning right when you see long tables with chairs, and to the right is the dining hall. When entering the Gordon Commons Dining Hall, there is a salad bar immediately straight ahead with salad, fruit, pasta, desserts, and much more. Further past the salad bar are the pizza station, grill, and other specialty stations. On the left are drinks while on the right is a healthy food station. While the pizza and sandwiches are pretty standard, the other options rotate each day. I have found many dishes that I love, most involving chicken or beef.
Sun Devil Hospitality has themed days, special events, and this past Fall, we've had Fork 'em Friday Cookouts with special meals outside on Taylor Mall for a set meal price. More information is on the Sun Devil Hospitality website or social media pages. Orientation programs, admissions events, and camps during the summer often use the dining hall for meals. The staff are also very friendly from the chefs and cooks to the managers to the servers and cashiers. They welcome questions and love to chat with the students and staff. If you're ever on the ASU Downtown Campus, definitely check out the Gordon Commons Dining Hall for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. read more