Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What is Cafe Laura?

Cafe Laura is an educational partnership between Penn State Housing and Food Service and the School of Hospitality Management. Inherent to the development of students as professionals in the food service segment of the hospitality industry is their successful completion of food service simulation courses designed to prepare them for management positions. Each time Cafe Laura opens its doors, it is a unique blend of instructional food service laboratory and a contemporary dining facility open to the public.

Where is Cafe Laura located?

Cafe Laura is located in the Mateer building on Fischer Road, across the street from the Nittany Parking Deck. Interactive map of University Park campus. 

When is Cafe Laura open for lunch?
Fall 2022 Hours:

Kings Espresso Bar and Grab & Go Items 
Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 1:30PM

Lunch
Tuesday - Friday, 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Online Ordering via Penn State EATS: Monday - Friday, 11:00AM - 1:00PM (TAKEOUT ONLY ON MONDAY)

What are the prices* for lunch at Cafe Laura?
Homemade Soups: $4.49 / Bowl with Bread Service
Pizza by the Slice: $2.49 Cheese, $2.99 Pepperoni
Chopped Salad: $7.99 with Protein and Bread Service
Sandwiches / Burgers: $8.99 with Side
Homestyle: $8.99 with Side
Chicken Tenders with Fries: $8.29
Side of Fries: $2.49

* Prices are subject to change.

Can I get parking validated? (THEME DINNERS ONLY)
Your parking in the Nittany Parking Deck can be validated for up to two (2) hours.

What are Cafe Laura Theme Dinners?
Cafe Laura is known for their theme dinners, part of the Advanced Food Production and Service Management Laboratory designed to give students an opportunity to gain experience and a wide range of skills and techniques normally associated with the duties of a hospitality manager. The emphasis of the course includes, but is not limited to: the responsibilities of planning, execution, and evaluation of full service, theme-oriented, a la carte upscale dining productions. Themes are chosen by the student management group and menus are developed based on that theme; i.e. dining in Northern Italy was a previous theme with one of the entrees being Wild Mushroom Risotto.