Cafeteria/ˌkæfəˈtɪriə/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Social Gathering Cafeterias are often social spaces where people eat and converse together. Let's catch up in the cafeteria during lunch. Pro Tip 2/3Self-service While you choose your own food, usually no table service is offered in a cafeteria. I picked out my lunch from the cafeteria and sat down. Pro Tip 3/3Casual Dining Cafeterias are casual: there's no need to dress up or reserve a table. I grabbed a quick meal at the school cafeteria.