08/13/2026
Early closure announcement: Stevenson Coffee House will close early tonight at 7 p.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
We anticipate resuming regular operations tomorrow.
Official UCSC Dining account. Our services & events are open to all. You belong here! Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage via linktree below.
UCSC Dining is a self-operated food service department here at the University of California, Santa Cruz. We are the 33rd largest food service operation in the nation, and the largest student employer on campus. We work to nourish the campus community so that all Banana Slugs can thrive! UCSC’s location on the Monterey Bay offers more than just magnificent views and unique educational opportunities
08/13/2026
Early closure announcement: Stevenson Coffee House will close early tonight at 7 p.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
We anticipate resuming regular operations tomorrow.
07/09/2026
Heads up! ☕️ Stevenson Coffee House will close early at 3 p.m. this Friday, July 10, for repairs.
Need your afternoon fuel? Check out other open UCSC Dining locations and live hours at dining.ucsc.edu/locations-hours (link in bio).
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
📸 Image Description:
A brown graphic featuring a central circle split into light and dark brown halves, with text reading "Stevenson Coffee House" on top and "Friday, July 10 Closing at 3 p.m." on the bottom.
07/02/2026
Planning to be on campus over the Fourth of July holiday weekend? The university will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3, but Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall has you covered with regular summer hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Friday through Sunday. All other summer dining locations will be closed during the holiday weekend.
Have a safe, relaxing, and happy Fourth of July weekend!
For real-time Dining hours and locations visit dining.ucsc.edu/locations-hours (linked in bio).
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
📸 Image Description:
fireworks graphic in shades of blue and magenta beneath the text "FOURTH OF JULY Holiday Weekend SPECIAL HOURS" written in matching colors on a solid white background.
06/21/2026
Summer Session starts tomorrow! To help fuel your summer studies, Summer Dining officially kicks off tonight with dinner at Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 🍽️
👀 Make sure to check summer dining hours and locations at the link in our bio.
Please note: Changes do occur throughout the summer, so be sure to double-check the hours and locations page before heading to your favorite spot!
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
📸 Image Description:
Light teal background featuring a subtle pattern of outlined fruits and vegetables like corn, eggplant, and citrus slices. At the top, the words "SUMMER DINING" are written in a large, bold, yellow block font with a dark blue 3D shadow effect. Centered below the text is a circular illustration showcasing the UCSC Banana Slug mascot lounging on a blue beach chair. The slug is wearing glasses and a wide-brimmed straw hat while reading an open blue book. The background inside the circle shows a sunny beach scene with a bright yellow sun, white clouds, and a calm blue ocean.
06/10/2026
🎓 On campus for UCSC Commencement Weekend? Be sure to check our special hours to see what is open before you head out to grab a bite.
• Friday, June 12: All dining halls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Merrill and Porter Markets will close early at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, June 13: Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For real-time dining hours and updates throughout the weekend, visit the link in our bio (dining.ucsc.edu/locations-hours).
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎉
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
📸 Image description:
A graphic with a light blue background featuring large, stylized yellow text outlined in dark blue at the top that reads, "COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND," followed by dark blue text that reads, "Special Dining Hours." In the center, a large circular emblem features Sammy the Banana Slug wearing glasses, a pink floral lei, and a dark blue UC Santa Cruz graduation gown and cap. Sammy is smiling with arms outstretched, surrounded by several blue graduation caps tossed in the air inside the circle.
06/08/2026
Good luck on finals, Slugs!
Need a study break, coffee refill, or meal between exams? Be sure to plan ahead as Dining Services transitions to end-of-quarter and summer operations.
Perk locations
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, June 11
• Last day of regular spring quarter dining operations
• Last day of Late Night service
• Last day of Banana Joe’s
• Last day of most retail dining locations
Friday, June 12
• Dining halls: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Merrill Market and Porter Market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
• Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
June 14-20
• All dining locations temporarily closed for end-of-year cleaning, maintenance, and summer preparations.
Visit the Dining Locations & Hours page (link in bio) for the latest schedules and updates.
A student sits at a wooden table using a laptop in a bright campus dining space or café. Large windows behind the student overlook trees and outdoor seating areas. The student’s laptop is covered with colorful stickers, and the student is wearing earbuds and focusing on their work. A dark blue banner across the top of the image contains the text, “FINALS WEEK SPECIAL HOURS” in large white letters. The UC Santa Cruz Dining logo appears in the lower right corner. The graphic promotes special dining hours available during finals week.
05/25/2026
Just a reminder that we have modified hours across campus today in honor of Memorial Day.
Here is what is open and closed for the holiday:
• All Dining Halls are OPEN today with regular operating hours!
• All other UCSC Dining locations (including Banana Joe's) are closed for the day.
Need to check specific times before you head out? Tap the link in our bio (dining.ucsc.edu/locations-hours) for full location schedules.
Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day, with special thanks to all who served.
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
.DSAS
Image Description:
An aerial photograph of the UCSC campus showing campus buildings, redwood trees, and vast green fields that look out toward the city and the blue ocean in the distance. Overlaid is a dark blue banner with white text that reads "MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL HOURS" and a blue UC Santa Cruz dining banana slug logo.
05/22/2026
Heading into the long weekend? Make sure to check our modified hours before you head out to grab a bite!
Here is what you need to know for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
• Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24: No late-night service at any location, including Banana Joe's.
• Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): All Dining Halls will be OPEN with regular hours!
• Monday Closures: All other UCSC Dining locations (including Banana Joe's) will be closed for the holiday.
For full, detailed hours for every location, head to the link in our bio (dining.ucsc.edu/locations-hours). Have a safe and happy weekend, Slugs! ☀️
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
.DSAS
Image Description: students eating at tables inside a bright UCSC dining hall with large windows showing outside greenery. The top half is covered by a large dark blue block containing white text that reads "MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND SPECIAL HOURS" and features the circular UC Santa Cruz dining banana slug logo.
05/19/2026
We have an important campus update regarding the University Center Bistro, along with some exciting news about a new community study space designed to support you through finals season.
Bistro Temporary Closure
Due to staffing changes, the University Center Bistro will be closed for the remainder of the quarter, effective Tuesday, May 19. We sincerely apologize for the disruption and look forward to welcoming you back for regular service in the fall!
University Center Cafe Hours
The University Center Cafe remains open to serve you with slightly modified hours, closing one hour earlier at 3 p.m.
Introducing the Alumni Room Study Hall
To make sure you still have a great place to gather and focus, we’re transforming the University Center Alumni Room into a dedicated study hall for finals. Whether you need a quiet spot, group study space, or a place to recharge, we’ve got you covered.
Fuel Your Finals (Free Snacks & Refreshments!)
To help you power through, we’ll have complimentary food, snacks, and drinks available (while supplies last) during the following hours:
•Tue – Thu (Regular Weeks): 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
•Finals Week Extended Hours: Monday (2–8 p.m.) | Tue, Wed, Thu (2 – 10 p.m.)
We know this time of year is demanding, and we hope this space gives you an extra spot to rest, focus, and support one another. Good luck with the end of the quarter! 💙
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in
Image description: cream-colored graphic featuring a stylized, symmetrical green tree logo enclosed in a border with the words “University Center Bistro & Cafe” in a brown serif font, positioned above the word “UPDATE” in large, dark green capital letters.
04/20/2026
The University Center Bistro & Cafe has a new mouthwatering take-out pizza menu! 🍕
Whole pizza pies are available Mon–Fri from 2–4 p.m.
Simply place your order at the University Center Cafe. Every pizza is prepared fresh to order in the Bistro.
Check out the menu at dining.ucsc.edu/ucen-cafe (linked in bio).
UCSC Dining Services are open to all and designed to be inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. Learn more by visiting the DSAS You Belong Here webpage. Link in bio.
Image Description
Graphic for a "NEW PIZZA MENU" launch uses a mid-century retro aesthetic on a warm cream background with a dark green border. The top section features the words NEW, PIZZA, and MENU stacked in a bold, vintage slab-serif font, with the word PIZZA highlighted in burnt orange between two green words and thick horizontal lines. In the bottom left corner sits the University Center Bistro & Cafe logo, which is a dark green circular emblem containing a stylized tree with symmetric branches and roots. To the right of the logo is a playful cartoon pizza slice character designed in a classic rubber-hose animation style, complete with pepperoni toppings, large expressive eyes, a wide smile, and white-gloved hands waving.