I think Fordham University is the best. The best campus, location, community, classes, alumni, service opportunities and so on. However, despite my overflowing love for Fordham, there is something that needs serious work: the food. Fordham is known nationwide as the “#1 Worst College Dining Hall” and is ranked #16 out of over 5,000 for “Worst College Food in America.” Being in the heart of the Bronx just steps away from Arthur Avenue, a hub of incredible food, this is still shocking to me.
On that note, there have been some new and improved changes to Cosi, the campus dining spot many consider a Fordham staple. Located in Campbell Hall, this Fordham dining venue serves various breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Known for its classic Tuscan margherita pizza and free bread, Cosi is one of the most popular dining spots Fordham has to offer. The question is, is this improved menu enough to change the perception of Fordham food? I reached out to members of the community to get an answer.
As a resident of O’Hare Hall, one of the further spots from Cosi, I rarely go for breakfast when I am in a rush to class. However, many of my friends consider themselves regulars. Sofia Donohue, FCRH ’25, shared, “I’m a big fan of Cosi’s breakfast, especially the sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel.” This is one of the most popular breakfast items, along with the various avocado toast options. The garden fresh avocado toast is another favorite, especially because they offer gluten free bread. There are many other variations and toppings students can customize such as cranberries, pistachios, cherry tomatoes or bacon.
Currently, a few of their new most popular lunch and dinner items are the hot honey chicken sandwich and pesto chicken melt. When asked about Cosi favorites, Isaac Forson, FCRH ’26, commented, “The chicken pesto sandwiches are the best! I get them all the time.” This sandwich has roasted chicken, mozzarella, pesto and a sun-dried tomato spread. Brinda Purimetla, FCRH ’24, said, “I am not a fan of the breakfast, but I also like the adobo bowls and melts.” Ana Calendrillo boldly stated, “I think the food is the best on campus, but it takes so long to get your food, especially if you get GrubHub during rush hour.” Although there is often a long wait compared to the other dining options, I think it is worth it.
In addition to liking the new food itself, there is more to why Cosi is deserving of some praise. “Part of the convenience is that it is right next to the library, so it’s super easy to grab a meal before doing work, or to take a break from doing work,” said Donohue. Cosi is in a prime location, as it is accessible to students in the library, Campbell Hall, Salice and Conley Halls, Martys’ Court and Alumni Court South. It is also a great spot for commuters to grab a bite to eat to and from the train.
In addition to its location, many students also appreciate Cosi’s late hours. I personally enjoy stopping by after a late study session to grab a quick snack. A few grab and go options for students are oatmeal cups, fruit or bagels. They also have pre-made lemonade and iced tea that students can purchase without a long wait.
However, this praise also comes with disappointment. The recent menu changes evoked mixed emotions from students. Many were frustrated at the sudden removal of several Fordham favorites and unhappy with the changes. In regards to the new menu that was recently installed, Isabella DeRosa, FCRH ’26, shared that she was disappointed when they got rid of the spinach florentine egg sandwich. This breakfast item consisted of spinach, eggs and olive oil on an English muffin. Additionally, Kendra Kleintop, FCRH ’24, was a fan of a popular meal taken off the menu: the macaroni and cheese. “I am upset they do not have macaroni and cheese anymore… I loved it,” Kleintop said.
Although many students still frequent Cosi, others avoid it for alternative campus options. Purimetla shared, “I think that the chicken bowls at Dagger John’s are the best… I would prefer a Dagger John’s chicken bowl over anything from Cosi.” Kleintop agreed and also said that Cosi is a good place to pick up a croissant before hopping on the train, but thinks that “the BKG croissants are overall the best.” Furthermore, BKG is in an even better location, the McShane Campus Center at the heart of the Rose Hill campus.
Overall, most students love Cosi, and I guess I am one of them. Although it is not my favorite campus dining option, I still think it is a reliable spot with a great variety of options. Siobhan Rushin, FCRH ’26 shared, “I like Cosi because there is an aspect of consistency. As a chain, you know what you are getting each time you order.” I agree, and look forward to trying many more of the new items in the near future.
With the recent updates to the Cosi menu, I am looking forward to more changes to campus food, like the completion of the new dining hall, and am hopeful that this helps transform Fordham dining from being deemed “the worst” to “the best.”
