Up where the “A” is near
For a hungry student in between classes, the Taggart Student Center is the usually the most popular place to go and snag a bite.
Some students may not realize they can avoid the hustle and bustle downstairs and enjoy a peaceful haven for their meal – upstairs in the Skyroom.
The Skyroom is a full-service restaurant run by Housing and Food Services, which offers a fine dining experience located on the fourth floor of the TSC. To many professors, faculty and alumni, the Skyroom is an important place full of memories.
“You cannot complete your Utah State University experience without coming up to the Skyroom,” Betty Sialaris, manager of the Skyroom, said.
The quiet and serene atmosphere attracts many diners – along with the added appeal of a great view. The A on top of Old Main can clearly be seen, as well as the mountains and campus.
“I’m so impressed by the beautiful view and the peaceful feeling,” Agnes Moore, a visitor to Logan from Arizona, said. “I’m surprised it’s not inundated with people.”
Throughout the day, there is also a pianist playing, which Savannah Wiltermood, a hostess at the Skyroom, said helps create a “classy” mood.
When it comes to food, the Skyroom is complete with a salad bar, specialty drinks, dessert and more. The menu is changed every year, but continues to serve favorite entrees. On Tuesdays, a traditional “all-you-care-to-eat” buffet is served.
Phally Chhouk and Sandy Durtschi are students who said they come to the Skyroom to get something other than fast food.
“The food is really good in quality compared to other places,” Durtschi said. “It adds a different variety from what is downstairs.”
Many faculty members frequent the Skyroom for lunch and sometimes meetings. However, few students dare to venture up past the third floor of the TSC. Sialaris said the reason may come down to students’ tight budget and not wanting to pay a tip.
“That might be one distraction, but the food really is not expensive,” Sialaris said.
Menu prices range from $4.45 for half a sandwich, to closer to $10 for the buffet, but Wiltermood said it is a pretty good deal for the “hearty portion” that is served. Soft drinks also have free refills.
“It’s not too bad,” Chhouk said. “If you’re looking for the atmosphere, you don’t mind paying a little more.”
Another thing that adds to the Skyroom’s charm is its connection with the campus.
Every year beginning in August, a different department is featured and given the opportunity to decorate and display its message in the Skyroom and its menu. This year’s featured department is the technology management and commercialization department.
“It’s a great opportunity to get their department out there and have everyone else on campus see what they do,” Sialaris said. At night, the Skyroom hosts portions of school events, such as refreshments for the Howl and Homecoming, as well as Poetry and a Beverage, department dinners and wedding receptions.
The Skyroom is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sialaris said she invites everyone to come up and enjoy.
“I’d love for more students to come up,” Sialaris said. “They just need to come up and try it out.”
bmnelson@cc.usu.edu
The Skyroom is located on the 4th floor of the TSC. Faculty tend to use the skyroom more often than students but the restaurant is open to all who would like a more relazed dining experience.