The UAB Hospital cafeteria offers a rotating menu with prices designed to accommodate both staff and visitors seeking affordable meals. If you are spending time at the hospital, knowing what food options are available can save you time and stress. This guide breaks down the UAB Hospital cafeteria menu with prices, so you can plan your visit better.
Finding good food in a busy hospital can be tricky. You want something quick, but also tasty and reasonably priced. The UAB cafeteria aims to hit that balance, serving thousands of meals daily. Let’s look at what you can expect to find, from breakfast to dinner.
Uab Hospital Cafeteria Menu With Prices
The main cafeteria at UAB Hospital is located on the first floor of the Jefferson Tower building. It’s a large, open space with multiple stations. You can find everything from hot entrees to grab-and-go salads. The menu changes daily, but there are consistent staples you can count on.
Breakfast Options And Costs
Breakfast is served early, usually starting around 6:30 AM. The options are simple and filling. You can get a hot breakfast or a quick pastry.
- Hot breakfast plate (eggs, bacon or sausage, grits or potatoes): around $4.50 to $5.50
- Biscuit with egg and cheese: $2.75
- Biscuit with sausage or bacon: $3.00
- Oatmeal or grits bowl: $2.25
- Yogurt parfait: $2.50
- Fresh fruit cup: $1.75
- Bagel with cream cheese: $1.50
- Coffee (regular): $1.25
- Bottled juice or milk: $1.00 to $1.50
Prices can vary slightly depending on the day. The hot breakfast plate is a popular choice because it’s hearty and cheap. If you are in a rush, the grab-and-go section has pre-made breakfast sandwiches for about $3.00.
Lunch And Dinner Hot Entrees
For lunch and dinner, the main line offers a rotating selection of comfort foods. The menu changes weekly, but you will always find a meat, a vegetable, and a starch. The price for a full plate is usually between $5.00 and $7.00.
Typical entrees include:
- Fried chicken or baked chicken
- Meatloaf with gravy
- Grilled or fried fish
- Pork chops or roast beef
- Vegetarian lasagna or pasta
Each entree comes with two sides. Common sides are mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, mac and cheese, or coleslaw. A la carte sides cost about $1.25 each. If you just want a small meal, you can buy a single entree for $3.50.
Grill And Deli Station
The grill station is open all day. It serves burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs. The deli counter makes custom sandwiches to order. This is a good option if you want something fresh.
- Cheeseburger with fries: $4.75
- Grilled chicken sandwich: $4.50
- Hot dog with chili: $2.50
- Grilled cheese sandwich: $2.75
- Deli sandwich (turkey, ham, roast beef): $4.00 to $5.00
- Side of fries or onion rings: $1.50
The grill is busy during peak hours, but the line moves fast. You can also order a wrap or a panini for around $5.00. The deli has a salad bar option too, but that is a seperate station.
Salad Bar And Fresh Options
For lighter fare, the salad bar is a solid choice. It’s a pay-by-weight system. You fill a bowl with greens, toppings, and dressing. The price is around $0.49 per ounce. A typical salad costs between $4.00 and $6.00.
Toppings include:
- Lettuce, spinach, mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots
- Croutons, bacon bits, cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, sunflower seeds
- Grilled chicken or tuna salad (extra charge)
There is also a pre-made salad section with wraps and salads in containers. These are priced between $3.50 and $5.00. The pre-made options are handy if you want to grab something and go.
Pizza And Pasta Station
The pizza station serves by the slice or whole pies. It’s a favorite among younger staff. The pasta station offers spaghetti, fettuccine, or baked ziti.
- Slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza: $2.00
- Whole personal pizza: $5.50
- Pasta bowl with sauce: $3.75
- Add meatballs or chicken: $1.50 extra
- Garlic bread: $1.00
This station is open for lunch and dinner. The pizza is made fresh throughout the day. The pasta is also a good value, especially if you add protein.
Beverages And Snacks
Drink options include soda, tea, lemonade, and water. There is also a coffee bar with specialty drinks. Snacks like chips, cookies, and candy bars are available near the registers.
- Fountain soda or tea: $1.25
- Bottled water: $1.00
- Specialty coffee (latte, cappuccino): $2.50 to $3.50
- Bag of chips: $0.75
- Cookie or brownie: $0.50
If you want a smoothie, there is a machine that makes them for $3.00. The coffee bar also has pastries like muffins and danishes for about $1.50 each.
Daily Specials And Rotating Menu
The cafeteria runs daily specials that are not on the regular menu. These are often themed, like “Taco Tuesday” or “Fish Fry Friday.” The specials are usually a good deal, priced around $5.00 for a complete meal.
Examples of daily specials:
- Monday: Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
- Tuesday: Tacos or burrito bowls
- Wednesday: Baked chicken with rice
- Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce
- Friday: Fried fish with hushpuppies
The rotating menu is posted on the cafeteria’s bulletin board and sometimes on the hospital’s internal website. If you are a visitor, you can ask at the information desk for the day’s menu.
Hours Of Operation
The main cafeteria is open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Weekend hours are shorter, usually 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The grill and deli close about 30 minutes before the main cafeteria closes.
There is also a 24-hour vending area with snacks and drinks. Some floors have small convenience stores with pre-packaged food. These are open 24/7 but have higher prices.
Payment Methods
The cafeteria accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. There is also a meal card system for employees. Visitors can pay with any major credit card. There is no extra charge for using a card.
If you are staying at the hospital for a long time, consider buying a reusable cup. It costs $1.00 and gives you discounted refills on soda or tea for the day.
Tips For Saving Money
Eating at the UAB cafeteria is already affordable, but you can save even more. Here are some tips:
- Buy the daily special instead of a la carte items. It’s usually cheaper.
- Share a large plate with someone else. Portions are generous.
- Bring your own reusable cup for drinks.
- Skip the bottled water and use the water fountains.
- Check the salad bar for leftovers. Sometimes they discount items near closing.
These small changes can save you a few dollars each meal. Over a long hospital stay, that adds up.
Special Dietary Needs
The cafeteria tries to accommodate different diets. There are vegetarian options at most stations. The salad bar has plenty of plant-based choices. Gluten-free items are limited but available.
If you have a specific allergy, talk to the chef or manager. They can tell you which dishes are safe. The cafeteria labels common allergens like milk, eggs, and nuts on the menu boards.
For patients on special diets, the hospital has a separate room service program. Visitors cannot use that service, but the cafeteria does have some low-sodium and diabetic-friendly options.
What Visitors Should Know
If you are visiting a patient, you can eat in the cafeteria. There are no restrictions for visitors. The seating area is large, but it gets crowded during lunch (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM). Try to eat earlier or later to avoid the rush.
You can also take food to the patient’s room, but check with the nurse first. Some patients have dietary restrictions. The cafeteria provides takeout containers for free.
There is a small outdoor patio if you want fresh air. It’s a nice break from the hospital environment.
Comparing Prices To Other Options
The UAB cafeteria is cheaper than most nearby restaurants. A fast-food meal near the hospital costs $8 to $10. The cafeteria’s full plate is around $6.00. That’s a significant savings.
If you are staying at the hospital for multiple days, the cafeteria is the best value. The food is also fresher than fast food. The hospital kitchen prepares meals from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UAB Hospital cafeteria have a menu online?
There is no public online menu. The menu changes daily and is posted inside the cafeteria. You can call the main hospital number and ask to be transferred to the cafeteria for the day’s menu.
Can I use a credit card at the UAB Hospital cafeteria?
Yes, the cafeteria accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. There is no minimum purchase for card use.
Are there healthy options on the UAB Hospital cafeteria menu?
Yes, there is a salad bar, grilled chicken, and fresh fruit. The cafeteria also offers vegetarian and low-fat options. Look for the “heart healthy” label on some dishes.
What are the cheapest items on the UAB Hospital cafeteria menu?
The cheapest items are side dishes like a baked potato or a cup of soup for about $1.25. A grilled cheese sandwich is $2.75. A slice of pizza is $2.00.
Is the UAB Hospital cafeteria open on weekends?
Yes, but with shorter hours. Weekend hours are typically 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The grill and deli may close earlier.
Final Thoughts On The Uab Hospital Cafeteria Menu With Prices
Knowing the UAB Hospital cafeteria menu with prices helps you plan your meals without stress. The food is affordable, varied, and convenient. Whether you need a quick breakfast or a full dinner, the cafeteria has you covered.
Remember that prices can change slightly, but they remain reasonable. The rotating menu keeps things interesting. If you are visiting the hospital, the cafeteria is a reliable place to eat without breaking the bank.
Take advantage of the daily specials and the salad bar for the best value. And if you have dietary needs, just ask the staff. They are helpful and accommodating.
Eating well while at the hospital is possible. The UAB cafeteria makes it easy with good food at fair prices. So next time you are there, head to the first floor of Jefferson Tower and grab a meal. You won’t regret it.