Traditions at Kennedy

- 251 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210

For anyone in Ohio, especially those connected to Ohio State University in Columbus, the concept of a "buffet restaurant" might conjure images of endless choices and convenient dining. Traditions at Kennedy, while perhaps more accurately described as a comprehensive dining hall, perfectly embodies the spirit of a buffet, offering a wide array of food options designed to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Situated right on the bustling OSU campus, this establishment is a cornerstone of student life, providing not just meals, but a central gathering point for the university community. It represents a vital resource for thousands of individuals daily, offering everything from classic comfort food to specialized allergen-free options, all within a self-serve format. Understanding its role within the university's vibrant ecosystem is key to appreciating how Traditions at Kennedy serves the local population, extending beyond just students to faculty, staff, and campus visitors seeking a convenient and varied meal experience.

Traditions at Kennedy is strategically located at 251 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. This address places it firmly within the heart of the Ohio State University campus, making it incredibly accessible for the vast student body, faculty, and staff. Its proximity to various academic buildings, residence halls, and other campus facilities ensures that it's a convenient walk for anyone within the university's core. For those commuting to campus, the area around West 12th Avenue is well-serviced by the university's internal bus system, as well as by public transportation routes operated by COTA, Columbus's transit authority. While direct parking immediately adjacent to the dining hall might be limited, there are numerous university parking garages and metered street parking options available within a reasonable walking distance for visitors or those driving to campus. The central location not only makes it easy to reach but also positions it as a vibrant hub where students can gather, eat, and socialize between classes or during study breaks. The accessible design considerations, such as the height of the entrance desk and food service areas, further enhance its user-friendliness for a diverse population.

Traditions at Kennedy, as a major dining hall on the Ohio State University campus, offers a comprehensive suite of services primarily aimed at providing convenient and diverse meal options to its patrons.

• All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Style Dining: The core service is a self-serve buffet, allowing diners to choose from a wide variety of hot and cold food items, salads, desserts, and beverages, typically for a single entry price (often covered by meal plans).
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Service: Traditions at Kennedy operates throughout the day, providing continuous meal service for students, faculty, and staff from morning to evening, catering to diverse schedules.
• Allergen-Free Station: A significant service highlight is the dedicated allergen-free station, offering options like brown rice and other foods specifically prepared to avoid common allergens, catering to individuals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
• Dessert Station: Patrons can enjoy a variety of sweet treats, including cookies and other desserts, available at a dedicated station, completing the meal experience.
• Seasoning Station: A well-equipped seasoning station provides a wide array of condiments and spices, such as Cajun seasoning, red pepper, Tabasco hot sauce, mustard, and ketchup, allowing diners to customize their meals to their preference.
• Campus Meal Plan Acceptance: As a university dining hall, Traditions at Kennedy accepts various Ohio State University meal plans, making it a primary and convenient dining option for enrolled students.
• Guest Access/Payment: While primarily for those on meal plans, the dining hall also accommodates guests, likely through cash or credit card payment options at the entrance, allowing visitors to experience the offerings.

Traditions at Kennedy stands out for several key features and highlights that enhance the dining experience for its diverse clientele on the OSU campus.

• Wide Variety of Food: A major highlight is the extensive selection of food items available. Customers mention "chicken breasts, rice, hot dogs, and french fries," indicating a broad appeal that caters to different tastes and preferences.
• Focus on Accessibility: The dining hall demonstrates a commendable effort towards accessibility. This includes "lower height" food service, which is "greatly accommodating to wheelchair users," and accessible "entrance desk" height. While seating maneuverability can be challenging at peak hours, the general effort is appreciated.
• Dedicated Allergen-Free Options: The presence of an "allergen free station serving brown rice and other food" is a significant feature, crucial for individuals with dietary restrictions, showcasing a commitment to inclusive dining.
• Good Sensory Environment (at off-peak hours): At certain times, the "music is kept low and the area is kept clean," contributing to a "not too overwhelming" sensory environment, which is beneficial for those sensitive to high stimulation.
• Attentive and Accommodating Staff: A strong positive is the staff, who are described as "greatly accommodating" and dedicated to making the dining hall "as accessible and comfortable as possible." This personal touch significantly improves the overall experience.
• Excellent Seasoning Station: The inclusion of a robust "seasoning station with Cajun, red pepper, Tabasco hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, and more" allows diners to personalize their meals, adding an extra layer of satisfaction.
• Positive Food Quality (for campus dining): Despite some general challenges with large-scale food service, a customer explicitly gave five stars because "the food was better than I expected," indicating a positive perception of quality within the campus dining context.
• Ample Seating: The presence of "plenty of seating" ensures that, outside of peak hours, diners can find a comfortable spot to enjoy their meal.

For any inquiries or to learn more about Traditions at Kennedy, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 251 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

Phone: (614) 292-3573

Mobile Phone: +1 614-292-3573

Traditions at Kennedy is an exceptionally suitable dining option for locals in Ohio, particularly those in Columbus and connected to the Ohio State University community. Its location directly on the OSU campus makes it incredibly convenient for students, faculty, and staff seeking a comprehensive and accessible meal. The wide variety of food, catering to diverse tastes and including a crucial allergen-free station, ensures that there's something for everyone, addressing various dietary needs and preferences. The proactive efforts towards accessibility, such as lower food serving heights and an accommodating staff, demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusivity, making the dining experience comfortable for a broader range of individuals, including wheelchair users. While peak hours can be bustling, the generally clean environment and controlled music contribute to a pleasant sensory experience during off-peak times. Furthermore, the positive feedback on food quality and the extensive seasoning station allow diners to enjoy and customize their meals. Traditions at Kennedy serves as more than just a place to eat; it's a vital hub for the OSU community, offering consistent, varied, and thoughtful dining services that truly cater to the needs of its local patrons, making it an excellent choice for a buffet-style meal on campus.

Traditions at Kennedy

251 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA