You're running between a chemistry lab in Rock Hall and a lecture in SciLec, and your stomach is basically screaming. You don't have time to bike all the way to downtown Davis. Honestly, you probably don't even have time to wait in the massive line at the CoHo. That is exactly when the Silo Market UC Davis becomes your best friend, or at least a very reliable acquaintance.
It’s tucked away in the South Silo, and if you haven't been in a while, it might look a little different than the old bookstore Annex it used to be. It's not just a place to grab a lukewarm Gatorade. It’s a weird, efficient hybrid of a deli, a convenience store, and a sushi bar.
What’s Actually Happening Inside the Silo Market?
Most people think of the Silo as just the building with the Spokes burgers and the Peet’s Coffee. But the Silo Market UC Davis is its own beast. It's officially a LEED Silver-certified space, which is cool for the environment, but more importantly for you, it's where the "good" grab-and-go lives.
The deli counter is the real MVP here. They do made-to-order sandwiches with premium meats and—this is key—freshly baked bread. If you’ve ever had a soggy pre-packaged sandwich from a gas station, you’ll know why the "made-to-order" part matters so much.
They also have:
- Fresh sushi (provided by IFC Sushi)
- Boba (because it's Davis, and we'd riot without it)
- A massive wall of bottled drinks
- Random "I forgot my life" supplies like testing materials
The EBT and Aggie Cash Situation
Let’s talk money. Being a student is expensive. One of the biggest wins for the Silo Market UC Davis is that it accepts EBT (CalFresh). This is a huge deal for food security on campus. You can walk in and get actual groceries or eligible cold prepared foods using your benefits.
However—and this is a big however—the sushi and boba are usually run by a third party. That means you can't always use your EBT for those specific items. It's a bit of a bummer when you're craving a spicy tuna roll, but you can still use your Aggie Cash there.
Why the Vibe is... Polarizing
If you check Reddit or Wanderlog, you’ll see people either loving the convenience or complaining about the "Silo Smell."
You know the one.
Since the Market is right next to Spokes Grill, the scent of rice bran oil from the fryers tends to hang in the air. Some students find it unbearable after 10:00 AM. Others? They don't even notice because they’re too busy trying to find a table.
Finding a seat at the Silo is a competitive sport. The Market area itself is mostly for moving through, but the surrounding lounge space in the South Silo is often packed with people trying to ignore the sound of someone else’s Zoom lecture while they eat their pesto turkey sandwich.
Silo Market UC Davis vs. The Coffee House (CoHo)
It’s the classic campus rivalry. The CoHo is student-run and has that "community" feel, but the Silo Market is built for speed.
If you want a massive selection of custom salads and four different types of soup, go to the CoHo. If you have exactly twelve minutes to eat before a TA starts glaring at you for being late, the Silo Market is the move.
The Market also stays open later than some of the niche stations in the CoHo, though you should always check the "Aggie Service" app or the official dining website for the most current hours. Typically, the market side opens around 8:30 AM for the early birds and closes up around 5:30 PM.
Don't Fall for the Scams
This is a weird but necessary tip: the Silo area is a magnet for "stranded" travelers.
You’ll often see people near the Market or the bike racks asking for gas money or claiming their car broke down. It’s been a recurring thing for years. Don't feel bad about just keeping your headphones on and walking into the Market. The staff inside are used to it, and the campus has resources for actual students in need, like The Pantry over at the MU.
Practical Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to the Silo Market UC Davis, keep these "pro" moves in mind to save your sanity:
- The 10:30 AM Sweet Spot: The deli and sushi usually kick into high gear around 10:00 AM. If you get there at 10:30, you beat the lunch rush but everything is freshly put out.
- Check the Labels: If you're using EBT, look for the little signs. Most of the market items are covered, but the hot stuff and third-party sushi often aren't.
- The "Secret" Microwave: There is a microwave in the Silo. If you bought something cold but want it warm, or if you brought your own leftovers to supplement a snack you bought, it’s there. Just... don't put metal in it. People do it way more often than you'd think.
- Hydration Station: Instead of buying a $4 bottle of water, there are bottle filling stations nearby. Save your Aggie Cash for the boba.
The Silo might have started as a 1909 dairy barn, but today it’s basically the engine room of the south campus. It’s loud, it smells like fries, and it’s occasionally chaotic, but the Silo Market is the reason half the STEM majors at Davis haven't fainted from hunger during a lab.
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Next Steps for Aggies: Download the UC Davis Mobile app to check real-time dining hours before you walk across campus. If you're eligible for CalFresh, make sure your EBT card is set up and active so you can take full advantage of the grocery options at the market. Finally, if you're looking for a quieter spot to eat your market find, head over to the courtyard behind the Chemistry building for some actual peace and quiet.