DINING SERVICES

At all of our Mercyhurst Dining facilities, we strive to offer unparalleled dining experiences for our guests. We offer diverse menus, from-scratch cooking, fresh locally sourced foods, and friendly service to make dining at Mercyhurst more than a meal.

Parkhurst Dining Nutrition Facts

Meal Plans

View the Dining Guide 2018-19

Dining Hours

Grotto Commons Dining Hall

Grotto Commons is an all-you-care-to-eat dining facility. The Grotto is our largest food facility on campus, and is located in Egan Hall. Grotto Commons has seven food stations, including: the Daily Dish, the main serving line filled with a variety of comfort foods; the Oven, which serves hand-tossed, homemade pizza baked in our stone oven; Bravissimo, our chef-run station that prepares restaurant-style dishes right before your eyes; the Grill station, which has hand-pressed burgers and fresh-cut fries daily, along with a rotation of several different menu items; the Deli, offering a variety of freshly sliced meats and cheeses that you can get baked or pressed; the Salad Bar, with 78 items prepared fresh each day; and the Clean Plate, which caters to guests with allergies and food sensitivities. Equipped with its own certified kitchen, the Clean Plate offers a diverse menu with items that are safe from the eight major allergens.

Hours of Operation: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.


501 Grille

The 501 Grille is our all-you-care-to-eat location in Ryan Hall. The 501 Grille serves restaurant-style dishes served from our European kitchen. A smoker, rotisserie, authentic wok, grills and a fryer create the base for our menu selection, with five service points surrounding the equipment allowing for Asian-inspired dishes, smoked wings, pasta or burgers. Enjoy the salad bar with two daily soups, as well as a full dessert bar featuring our Perry’s ice cream to finish your meal. 

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.


The Laker Inn

Located on the lower level of the Herrmann Student Union, the Laker Inn provides a special food court dining experience with a la carte options to the students and guests every day. Accepts Dining Dollars, Bonus Bucks, credit cards and cash.

Cinco Cantina

  • Made-to-order tacos, burritos, salads, tortilla chips, salsas and queso

Egg Bar

  • Made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, pancakes, French toast and omelets

Local Premium Coffee and Bruetta Tea

  • Made-to-order specialty coffees and loose leaf teas

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

laker inn

The Roost

Mercyhurst’s Irish heritage is celebrated at the Roost, a full-service, restaurant-style pub serving traditional Irish fare. From Reubens to an Irish whiskey burger, raise a pint of Guinness and toast to Mercyhurst.

The Roost includes a fully appointed bar and restaurant staffed by employees of the university’s food service vendor, Parkhurst Dining, as well as an adjacent conversational setting with a rustic stone fireplace anchored by plush leather couches. Named “The Playwright Snug,” this area features pictures of famous playwrights adorning the walls along with eclectic items of Irish memorabilia.

Besides house cocktails like the Irish Mule and Four Leaf Clover, the Roost has both draught and bottled beers along with wine. The menu offers Reuben Puffs, Fish & Chips, the Roost Burger, an assortment of Create-Your-Own Sandwiches, and much more, including decadent desserts like Chocolate Trifle, Lemon Cheesecake and traditional Irish Coffee.

The pub is open to all guests, but will only serve alcohol to those 21 and older. Hours are Sunday through Wednesday, 5 to 10 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight.

the roost

Anchor Express (in Ryan Hall)

Located in Ryan Hall, Anchor Express is open to all students and offers convenient grab-and-go food and limited grocery items. Features include:

  • Starbucks coffee, including specialty drinks and Frappuccinos
  • Fresh-made personal pizzas and deli wraps
  • Hot dinner and late-night specials
  • Ben & Jerry’s pints and ice cream novelties
  • Fresh-baked pastries and desserts
  • Variety of sandwiches, salads and fruit
  • Variety of snacks and candies
  • Assorted bottled beverages
  • Health and beauty aids
  • Accepts Dining Dollars, Bonus Bucks, credit cards and cash

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.


Bookstore Cafe

Bookstore Café Located in the Mercyhurst Bookstore, the Bookstore Café is a great place to enjoy coffee and snacks while studying or visiting with friends. Features include:

  • Starbucks coffee, including specialty drinks and Frappuccinos
  • Fresh baked pastries
  • Variety of sandwiches
  • Variety of snacks and candies
  • Local, fresh-made bagels
  • Assorted bottled beverages
  • Accepts Dining Dollars, Bonus Bucks, credit cards and cash

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Our Staff

Mercyhurst Dining Services
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA 16546
Fax: 814-824-2400

Marcy Fickes
Executive Chef
Office Phone: 814-824-2187
mfickes@mercyhurst.edu

Lori Blakeslee
Director of Retail Operations – Laker Inn/Ryan Hall
Phone: 814-824-3637
lblakeslee@mercyhurst.edu

Katie Boyd
Director of Dining
Egan Phone: 814-824-2150
Catering Phone: 814-824-2511
kboyd@mercyhurst.edu