Roberta D. Cranmer Dining and Conference Center

430 Helen, Hellen Flatt Dr, Columbia, KY 42728, United States
+1 270-384-8097
$$$ Cafeteria
(55 Reviews)

Welcome to the Roberta D. Cranmer Dining and Conference Center, a hidden gem in Columbia, KY, where the atmosphere is as inviting as the food is delicious. This cafeteria-style dining choice is particularly popular among college students, offering a vibrant and communal experience that's hard to beat.

Step inside, and you'll immediately notice the spacious seating arrangement designed for both intimacy and larger gatherings. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick lunch with friends or host a more substantial dinner event, the Cranmer Dining Center accommodates your needs effortlessly. The comfortable seating invites you to linger a little longer over your meal, making it an ideal spot for conversations and celebrations alike.

One of the standout features of the menu is the extensive salad bar, hailed as the best in town by many guests. With an array of fresh greens and toppings, you can create your perfect salad masterpiece. In addition to this, diners can enjoy a rotation of hot entrées, a sandwich bar, and a delightful selection of desserts and ice cream. For just $12 all you can eat, it’s no wonder diners like Donna Rieder describe it as “great food and selection at a great price.”

While the center is alive with the energy of college life, as noted by Big Dowdy, who praises the “awesome college students” and the “amazing dining staff,” the atmosphere can sometimes get lively. This adds to the fun and social vibe, making it the go-to place for students like Shawn Wathan, who loves the variety it offers. With a menu that caters to diverse palates, even Kara Hunter found something to enjoy despite a few dishes being subtly seasoned.

Cleanliness and upkeep are top priorities here, which contributes to the overall dining experience as mentioned by David Goguen. Many guests walk away with not just a satisfied appetite but also a sense of having dined in a well-maintained establishment—a true testament to the dedication of the staff.

In reviews, Phil Hanna sums it up perfectly, stating it is “the best deal in town for variety, quality, and service.” If you find yourself in the vicinity of the Columbia area, particularly when the students return in August, make sure to stop by the Roberta D. Cranmer Dining and Conference Center for a meal that promises both satisfaction and value.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours

Monday

07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

55 Reviews
michele foster

15 Aug 2025

The food is wonderful. The seating is comfortable. Big enough for large lunch/dinner group. The best salad bar in Columbia.

Donna Rieder

23 Jun 2025

Great food and selection at a great price, $12 all you can eat. A bit noisy in a room full of college kids, but that's part of the fun!

shawn warthan

21 Jun 2025

Wonderful place for the college kids to eat. So many options to choose from.

David Goguen

20 Jun 2025

Good food. Nice atmosphere. Staff is great. Very clean and well maintained. Highly recommended.

Kara Hunter

09 Jun 2025

Not bad, some of the food was under seasoned for my personal tastes but overall not a bad place to grab a bite to eat.

Phil Hanna

06 Jun 2025

The best deal in town for variety, quality, and service; Cranmer Dining Center provides an assortment of meal possibilities from the sandwich bar and grill to hot entrees, a wonderful salad bar, varied desserts, and ice cream.

Rebecca Abner

04 Jun 2025

Definitely one of the best schools I have ever ate at and really the best food around. Great price for a buffet style meal, not open to the public till August when the students start back but if you are in the area you should check it out then.

Big Dowdy

26 May 2025

Packed with awesome college students who are nice. Dining staff is amazing and the prices for an all you can eat buffet that includes your drink is cheap!

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