The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom

The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is a restaurant/classroom teaching operation within Iowa State University’s world-renowned hospitality management program. The facility dates back to 1926, when it was built during an addition project in MacKay. It is named for Joan Bice, a 1952 graduate of Home Economics, who enjoyed working in the Tearoom. In 2001, a generous donation was made to honor Joan Bice Underwood and renovate and restore the facility, just like it would have been when she worked there.

The Food Production and Service Management Experience class (HSPM 380L) currently operates the restaurant/classroom. It is a non-profit, approximately 90-seat learning laboratory. Meal service is provided for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Lunch

Lunch is served from Tuesday – Friday 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. during the Fall and Spring semesters. We recommend guests arrive at the tearoom between 11:45 and noon for dining room service.

The Tearoom is closed during the following periods: Fall, Winter and Spring Breaks; summer

  • The first two to four weeks of each semester. As a teaching operation, we use the first two to four weeks of the semester to train our students. Watch our social media for each semester’s opening date or sign up for our newsletter to be notified of each semester’s opening date.

You’re always welcome to call us at 515-294-3330 or email tearoom@iastate.edu to double check operational hours before you plan to enjoy lunch with us.

Want the lunch menu and other Tearoom news delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter!

Reservations, Cancellations, and Payment

Walk-ins are welcome for dining in the Tearoom. However, we highly recommended you can make a reservation online at any time. Reservations are accepted using the online portal found below.

Groups are more than welcome! To ensure we can accommodate a larger group reservation, please use the reservation system in advance of your group dining with us. You’re always welcome to reach out to us at tearoom@iastate.edu with any questions you might have about larger group reservations.

We have gone cashless! Payment is accepted in the form of credit/debit cards only.

To-Go Options

All dine-in menu items are available as a to-go option.

  • Pre-orders: You can email tearoom@iastate.edu by 9 a.m. on the day you wish to order a to-go meal. Pick your meal up at our main entrance (23 MacKay Hall) during our operating hours, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • Walk-in orders: You are also welcome to walk-in to our main entrance (23 MacKay Hall) and place your order between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Please note that walk-in orders are available until items are sold out.

Fine Dining Events

The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is proud to offer fine dining events where guests can enjoy a multi-course meal typically featuring a themed menu.

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are available in increments of $1.00. They are available for purchase during operating hours.

Directions

MacKay Hall – Garden Level, 23A

The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is the centerpiece of the ground floor of MacKay Hall, located on Osborn Drive on the ISU Campus. The main entrance is on the east side of the tearoom. Visitors may enter through any door of MacKay Hall, and take any staircase or elevator down. Follow the main corridor until reaching room 23A.

Iowa State University’s Parking Division has multiple parking options for visitors:

Guests can also take CyRide, the City of Ames and Iowa State transit bus system.

For guests utilizing a ride share service, the closest drop-off point will be parking lot 36. Drivers can access this lot from Pammel Drive. This will be between Physics and Science Halls. Guests should then walk across Osborn drive, enter MacKay Hall, and proceed to the lower level.

Tearoom Information