Please note: Some R&DE retail locations may have modified hours of operation; please check the schedule as you make your dining plans.
Go cashless at R&DE retail locations
Purchasing Cardinal Dollars, loaded on your Stanford ID card, provides the security and convenience of a debit card. Swipe your Stanford ID card to spend Cardinal Dollars at any R&DE Stanford Dining, Hospitality and Auxiliaries retail location as well as athletic concessions stands at Stanford Stadium, Maples Pavilion and Sunken Diamond. Cardinal dollars expire August 16 of the fiscal year, and you can reload additional Cardinal Dollars at any time. Anyone with Cardinal Dollars including students may use Cardinal Dollars to purchase non-food items (such as sundries at Market – chapstick, Advil, etc). Cardinal Dollars are essentially the same as cash so it can be used for anything.
Stanford Students: Pay no sales tax* when you show your valid student ID
CA Sales Tax Regulation 1603 (k) provides a sales tax exemption for meals served to currently registered Stanford University students by Stanford-owned and -operated food outlets. In order to obtain this exemption, students must present their student ID at time of service. *Alcoholic and carbonated beverages and food products sold or served in a venue where an admission fee is charged upon entrance are subject to sales tax regardless of student status. Third party vendors require that all patrons, including students, pay sales tax.
Meal Plan Dollars
Many R&DE retail locations also accept the Meal Plan dollars that come with your dining meal plan, providing students the flexibility to purchase lunch, a healthy snack or beverage on-the-go without having to return to a dining hall. See below for the list of R&DE retail locations accepting Meal Plan dollars.
Locations Accepting Cardinal Dollars and Meal Plan Dollars
Locations currently open appear in bold below. Please check the schedule for up-to-date information.
Retail Venue | Cardinal Dollars | Meal Plan Dollars |
---|---|---|
The Axe & Palm at Old Union | x | x |
The Market at Munger | x | x |
SLACafé | x |
|
Decadence | x | x |
Union Square (U2) Mini Market | x | x |
Panda Express* | x |
|
Subway* | x |
|
Starbucks* | x |
|
Round Table Pizza* | x |
|
Zaida's Kitchen* | x | |
Kikka Sushi* | x | x |
Forbes Family Café | x | x |
Olives @ Bldg. 160 | x | x |
Med Café | x |
|
Cardinal Cafe Redwood City (Cardinal Cafe, Cardinal To Go, Cardinal Brew) | x |
|
Cardinal Dollars may be used at Stanford Dining halls, including Late Night @ Lakeside.
How to Purchase
Students
Purchase Cardinal Dollars online:
- My Account on the Stanford Dining website and add it to your student bill
- Credit card
Staff and Faculty
Parents
Purchase Cardinal Dollars for your student online:
Please be advised that the terms and conditions governing any of the R&DE Meal Plans, Cardinal Dollars, and any of the SDHA (Stanford Dining, Hospitality & Auxiliaries) services, products, offerings, benefits, features, or any other conditions related to them are subject to change without prior notice. This includes any aspects related to SDHA services, such as menu offerings, pricing, schedules, and any other features or benefits that SDHA provides. As we continuously strive to enhance our offerings, adapt to industry trends, or respond to the university or other conditions or requirements, we may update these terms from time to time. By enrolling in and purchasing any R&DE Meal Plan or Cardinal Dollars, you acknowledge and agree that this is considered as your acceptance of these terms.
Expiration
Cardinal Dollars expire August 16, 2025.
Meal Plan Dollars carry over at the end of each quarter and can be used throughout the academic year as long as you are enrolled in a meal plan. Meal Plan Dollars expire at the end of summer quarter, as long as you are continuously enrolled in a meal plan.
Contact
For additional information, contact us at diningplans@stanford.edu, or 650-723-4751.