(DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is meant solely for the convenience of the TRIWG participants. Listings do not represent an endorsement of the establishments; omissions similarly do not represent lack of endorsements.)
On Campus -- University Center (second floor) has several cash dining halls; the fifth floor of Wean Hall also has an open area for coffee, snacks and sandwitches.
Oakland (near CMU campus) -- S. Craig St. off Forbes Ave.: subshop, small cafe-type establishments, coffee houses, ethnic food establishments (Chinese, Indian); these are all geared to the student population.
Squirrel Hill (ca. 2 miles north east of campus) -- Murray Ave. between Forbes and Forward Aves: Murray Ave. is a fairly long stretch with several dining facilities; there are several Italian, Chinese, and kosher Jewish establishments as well as coffee houses, subshops, etc. While close to the CMU campus, this area can be considered a rather typical Pittsburgh neighborhood (if there is really such a thing) with prices to match.
Shadyside (ca. 2 miles south east of campus) -- Walnut Ave. off S. Aiken: this area also has a mix of restaurants (Italian, Japanese, etc.) and some bars; since Walnut is not as long a street as Murray Ave., there are fewer total establishments. Shadyside is a somewhat more wealthy section than Oakland or Squirrel Hill so the prices may be somewhat higher than thoses in other area.
Other: Uni-Mart (Oakland: S.Craig and Forbes) -- a convenience store that stocks snacks, and some personal items; Giant Eagle (Squirrel Hill: Murray and Bartlett St.)--this is a standard grocery store with a variety of foods, health/beauty supplies, etc.