Found in SUB II, Ciao Hall is the campus's primary cafeteria-style dining facility. There are numerous stations that offer daily specials, hamburgers and hot dogs, omelets (during the mornings and weekends), sandwiches,pizza, and ice cream. There is also a large salad bar and a big drink station (milk, juice, soda). Everything is all-you-can-eat and admission is 1 meal on a Mason meal plan. Unfortunately, those paying cash or off of a declining balance must cough-up $7, so it is not widely considered a good value for Freedom plans.

There are mixed opinions about Ciao Hall (the name is a pun?). Some people love Ciao because of the low cost (for meal plan users), large amount of food, and longer hours of operation. It also has lots of chairs and table, so it is great for large groups who want to chill out after a big event.

The main complaint students have about Ciao is...the food. The food doesn't usually taste much worse than any of the other Sodexho food places, but many campus residents claim that they often feel sick or experience "the runs" after eating at Ciao. In fact, some students believe that Ciao food not only can make you sick, but that over time a tolerance can be built up.

Despite the possibility of gastrointestinal distress, Ciao is a staple of the Freshman diet and many upperclassmen swear by it as well. Please share your Ciao stories in the comments section (especially if you feel you might have some coming on).

Sources:
GMU Dining Services
Weekly Menus