On-campus dining has undergone major changes throughout the past few years. The University Center underwent major renovations about 6 years ago, and the university cafeteria was notably renovated the summer before fall semester 2023. This year, Samford Dining has continued to expand with its newest location: The Bulldog Bistro.
Last week, I had the pleasure of trying out The Bulldog Bistro. Located just inside the doors and to the right in our new rec center “The Bert,” as The Samford Bee has coined it, The Bulldog Bistro can be easy to miss if you head straight down the stairs to the weights or down the hallways to a treadmill.
The Crimson’s public relations manager, Lola Casey, and I stopped by for lunch at the Bistro. I ordered the Pimento Cheese and Chicken Sandwich, and Lola ordered the Pesto Chicken BLT Melt Sandwich.
The ordering process was very efficient. The workers even asked me in advance if I would order a smoothie so they could begin making it while I was ordering. I entered my order on a tablet along the wall and had the option to use a meal swipe (all of their flatbreads can be ordered as meal swipes during select hours) or use a credit/debit card.
The food was phenomenal; it is likely my favorite meal I have had on campus. Like many students, I have had my gripes with Samford dining options in the past. But with the expansion of the “caf” and new meals at The Bulldog Bistro, the number of options and opportunities to enjoy fresher ingredients at places like City Bowls, Freshens or the Bistro diminishes any qualms I could have.
My sandwich tasted fresh. The bread was well-toasted, the cheese was nicely melted, the chicken was well-cooked and I felt energized the rest of the day. I also enjoyed a Banana Berry Smoothie, which tasted like pure fresh fruit.
I highly recommend The Bulldog Bistro. They have a lot of healthier options, accept meal swipes for much of their menu, provide food options unavailable at other campus locations and hold a high standard of quality for their food while serving students quickly.
Staff Writer
