LILI KIM / ASST. NEWS EDITOR

If there’s one thing to know about USD students, it’s that they appreciate good food. From the SLP Mediterranean station to crepes at Aromas, good food is nestled in almost every corner of campus. As of last month,  Bert’s Bistro, located in Mother Rosalie Hill Hall,   redesigned     its menu and decor with a retro diner aesthetic to honor USD’s 75th anniversary. 

Previously, Bert’s offered an array of Caribbean and East African sandwiches, as well as açaí bowls, smoothies and salads. According  to Bert’s manager Grace Wagner, the decision to change the menu was in the works for a while. 

“We’ve had the previous menu for a few years, and the goal was to have a menu with fewer items but higher quality,” Wagner said.  

Now, students can choose from sub-style sandwiches, burgers and fries, bagels and new salad options, alongside remaining favorites such as açaí bowls and espresso drinks. The new food pairs with the remodeled interior, reminiscent of a 1950s diner, complete with a jukebox in the corner.

Without a grand reopening or email announcement, the menu change and dining room makeover came as a surprise to most students.

USD senior Nicole Savaria, an employee at Bert’s, explained that the change has created a new buzz in the eatery. 

“A lot of people have come in shocked, and some people have walked out, but for the most part people order something new and end up liking it,” Savaria said. 

As an employee, Savaria also tried menu items and recommended the Bella Vita sandwich or the burger, which “is cheap since it comes with fries and a drink.” 

Many students have found new favorites at the eatery, and are excited about the fresh start. 

“The philly cheese steak sandwich is pretty good,”  USD first-year Kimberly Jimenez said. “It’s   better to switch it up, especially for those who don’t have a car.”

Some die-hard Bert’s lovers, however, did not share the same positive reaction. USD junior Eli Zublin visited the restaurant nearly twice a week, before the menu change. 

“They got rid of a lot of stuff that made Bert’s worth going to,” he said. “The menu change will definitely affect how often I come.” 

Similarly, USD senior Jane Miller shared her mixed feelings about the change. 

“It’s nice to have something new, however, it’s a bummer that they added more American food, because Bert’s was one of the only places on campus that had food from other cultures.” 

This menu shift follows the recent opening of Oliva cafe in the Knauss Business Building in the fall of   2022.   Similar to Bert’s, Oliva offers burgers and sandwiches, as well as Mediterranean-style food. 

Right across the street from Bert’s Bistro sits another popular eatery, La Paloma, which also offers American  style sandwiches, salads and chicken plates. 

Beyond  students, the cooks and legendary grill masters of Bert’s Bistro also adapted to the change, yet according to lead cook Rodney Robinson, the updates are positive additions to the USD campus. 

“I like it a lot,” Robinson said. “Everyone’s adverse to change at first, but a lot of people are enjoying it.”

Robinson also recommends students keep an eye out for new breakfast items coming in the next couple weeks. “Come and try it out,” he said. “It’s the same fun atmosphere, but different look and food.” 

Bert’s Bistro has long been a staple in USD students’ dining experience at USD, with its fresh grilled entree options  and view of the ocean. Amidst the buzz and mixed reactions, Bert’s Bistro  continues to serve a variety of options to the USD community. 

Bert’s has redesigned its interior to look like a 1950s diner. Anjali Dalal-Whelan/The USD Vista