We stopped by on July 4th 2026 to watch the World Cup on a giant screen and enjoy a beer and large pretzel. It was the perfect Wisconsin vacation experience! read more

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Been going to Der Rathskeller since I was an undergrad at UW, back when Johnny Carson was still on TV. [Yep, I'm an old tyme Badger - not only did attend, I even graduated ] It's the same as it ever was - iconic, popcorn, beer, entertainment (Live Music, World Cup, etc.) There's other fancier food options in the eastern end of the Memorial Union - probably better for food, peace & quiet, etc. But the Rat is the Rat... :) Service? Hmm.. You'll figure it out... :) read more

Der Rathskeller - World Cup on the big screen - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Came with a big party of 25 and ordered the cheese curds and a brat. It was conveniently located in the union right on the terrace overlooking the lake Ambiance 4/5 loved the German vibe Service: 3.5/5 Service was ok. It was slightly slow and their condiments, especially the special sauces were out because it hadn't been refilled. Food: 3.5/5 Nothing spectacular but it was solid. My favorite were the cheese curds. Price: 5/5 This is a great, very affordable spot to eat by the terrace. I preferred this spot over State Brats on state street. read more

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Always love the ambiance of this place. Little dimly lit, almost always busy, and just a warm nostalgia for all former badgers. We started outside because of how busy it was on homecoming but found a seat inside eventually to help us warm up. Love the smell of popcorn wafting through the air. The prices are always a bit more here but not bad if you opt for a pitcher with friends. Otherwise, maybe $7-9/ beer. Remember that if you're not a member, you have to pay $1 for a daily membership. read more

Der Rathskeller - two glasses of beer on a table - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I went during summer with my partner who is a UW alumni. It was a beautiful day on the terrace by the lake and we ordered a turkey avocado melt, fries, and ice cream. It was really one of the best melts/paninis I've ever had. The service was a bit slow, as there were a lot of visitors I guess that day, but the staff was kind and patient (I think it was a student behind the counter). Can't beat the outdoor seating and the prices either. read more

This is a conveniently located spot by the water in the union Terrace building. They have big screens where you can watch the games and plenty of seating throughout the floor. My food was prepared quickly, the sandwich was definitely fresh, but the fries were a little bit stale, I don't doubt that they were made the same day, but probably not close to when I placed my order. everyone was friendly and the sandwich was ready pretty quickly after placing my order. They gave us all buzzers so we could go take a seat and then come back one hour. Food was ready. I'll definitely be back. read more

Der Rathskeller - Caprese sandwich and fries - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Decent food, good service and great location. Loved the tater tots, thought they were better than the fries. The cheese curds were ok, a bit heavy on the breading, light on the cheese. The kids gobbled up the chicken tenders. My wife had a wrap which was good, I had a burger which was also good, nothing spectacular, but nothing wrong with it either. A good spot if looking to grab a bite and hit the terrace. read more

The portion is getting small. I had sharable chicken tender but not only the tenders get Smaller. the size gets smaller

This place has normal bar food with a college atmosphere. The food was good, the young male cashier was disinterested in serving anyone...I thought it was just me, but everyone was treated as if he didn't want his job. Other than that, the experience was satisfactory. read more

Der Rathskeller - Broccoli and Cheese soup and a bacon cheeseburger. - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Very similar to the quality/taste of Chili's or Applebee's. There's nothing special about this restaurant to me. I only went because I was with a group of people who wanted to go here because we wanted to sit on the lake front. The food took forever to come out & on top of that, my food came out cold! I had their special thai burger with fries (def should have subbed for fruit). You can tell the quality of ingredients they use isn't that great and that things are not fresh. read more

5 stars for beer selection and view. Could hang out here all day with a ice cold craft brew and views of the lake. Food is ok like the avocado and salmon sandwich, burger, and brats. But who cares...its a great view. read more

Der Rathskeller - Avocado and salmon sandwich. - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Loved their Chicken BLT sandwich. The four strips of bacon were extra thick and cooked to just beneath "crispy" and the chicken breast they used was big enough for a 200 pound man. I think they make their own chips, which may have been the best I've ever eaten. Even compared to the rest of the fried cheese curd offerings in Madison, DR's average or a bit above it. Finally, the terrace is RIGHT THERE for your intra-meal lake-viewing pleasure. read more

It's not perfect by any means, but honestly I think this place is pretty good for college cafeteria food though a little more expensive than what I've seen on other campuses. Typical selection of burgers and sandwiches and cheese curds (because this is Wisconsin, of course). Plus any college that sells beer in the Union gets extra stars in my book! When is Iowa going to get on that? I'm not too crazy about the atmosphere inside the building so of course the best part about coming here is taking your food out on the terrace during the summer and just enjoying some of the most picturesque views the Midwest has to offer. Some of my best college memories include sitting on the terrace, just chilling with friends and drinking beer while doing some people watching. 3 stars for the food, 5 for the view, 5 for the memories. If you ever find yourself on the UW Madison campus while it's still reasonably warm out, stop by and get some beer and cheese curds and sit out on the terrace for a truly magical experience. read more

Der Rathskeller - Enjoying a cold beer and a hot sandwich on the lake! - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Nostalgic local spot, the perfect type of place to hang out with friends for a beer and some burgers/fried food. Food isnt the best im sure theres far worse for university food. read more

This review is for the Rathskeller in its current (under construction) condition. It is an historic room, that has been very well-loved over the years. The food is pretty decent- largish portion sizes, tasty, but nothing too exotic or well-sourced. The main problem it has right now is that there is no longer any tap beer. I really cannot picture being in the Rathskeller without a pitcher of beer. Maybe that makes me an alcoholic; I think it makes me a Madisonian. If I could give it 1.5 stars right now, I would. I have had awesome times in this place, and I'm sure I will in the future, but right now, I have no reason to go there. There are better places to eat, cheaper places to drink, and better places to watch sports, music groups, etc. If you're in from out-of-town, you should stop by and walk through the place, but I know I'll be waiting until after remodeling is done to visit again. And I live nearby. And this hurts me. read more

Didn't go to UW but everyone tells me that our family's sigil should be a badger! So we had to check out the Rat in the heart of badger land. Glad we did. We had a late breakfast... good cheap eats with a nice patio and beautiful lake view. Not a bad place to be a student! or a tourist! read more

Great ambience. Good beer, very chill. Open for many groups. Boots = good times. What happened to the polka band on thursdays??? they were the best! read more

As a transfer from Indiana University I was so stoked that you could actually drink in the UW Rathskellar! (and smoke, back in my day). A great place to meet friends during the day or see a band at night. And yes, you will find places like this in Germany! read more

Meh. It started raining so I was forced to run I to this place. I didn't know how long the rain would last, and it was around dinner time, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat. I ordered poutine, these sausage balls and a salad - so healthy I know. When my food was ready, the waitress informed me that the gravy for the poutine was out :( then I was offered to be reimbursed or cheese curds. I opted for the cheese curds but the was given the fries and cheese sans gravy. The waitress said I could still have the cheese curds on the house since the fries weren't really poutine but I was too embarrassed about all the food on my plate. When I was describing this place to my friend, I told her it was like Disney world but not over priced. The restaurant is all dressed up in German decor, the food is mediocre but not expensive. read more

This place has actually improved (since I attended this institution back in the Dark Ages) in one key respect -- the jukebox actually has a legitimately diverse selection now! It's not the frat-boy douchebag musicbox that spouted out "Wherewolves of London", "Tempted" and every song on the Bob Marley "Legend" Album every miserable day that I worked in the cafeteria. I mean, you can actually make everybody listen to "Love TKO" and "I Don't Love You Anymore" now. Much nicer. One thing that hasn't changed, and knock wood never will -- the Paul Bunyan Room. The wonderful, wonderful PWA murals of the great lumberjack legends still surround the room in vibrant, living color. read more

I had to give the Rathskeller five stars - I have so many good memories of this place. As a student, you come here to get away from our housemates, on break from class, to study, to watch open mike night, to grab some Bascom ice cream, and the list goes on. Only in Wisconsin is the student union heavily influenced by German food, libations, and decor. This won't be the fanciest place you've been but it shouldn't be. It's an every man's place and everyone feels home here. On Wisconsin. read more

Here's the deal. Der Rathskeller is the bar, where you get beer, it's the hall, where you sit. It's not the place you get food, which is confusing because it's adjacent, but that's called Der Stiftskeller. I LOVE Der Rathskeller, I used to bartend there, I spent most of my college weekends tending bar and listening to awesome bands. I used to also love Der Stiftskeller, where you could get great burgers, awesome burritos, and REAL beer cheese soup, not to mention great chili. The recent renovation of the menu in an attempt to conjure a bit of old Germany left the place sadly lacking. I've had far better German food (FYI - a panini is not German), and can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss the grill and the bar food. And please, what the heck happened to the beer cheese soup?? Ack! And, stop calling your red vegetable soup chili, you used to have chili, someone must still have the recipe. read more

The food is only ok. Kind of expensive for the portion sizes, but I suppose you are paying for convenience. I really like the buffalo chicken wraps. They have a nice kick to them. All of the wraps are good as are the fries. One of the stars is for the beer. The selection is pretty good and it's fun to hang out at the Rath and play pool, watch a movie or listen to live music. They have open mic nights too. You can buy a decently sized bag of popcorn to go with your pitcher of beer. read more

Honestly, it's not that great. BUT it's a great atmosphere and a MUST for visitors to UW-Madison. Hopefully you get there when there's live music. Lots of fun! read more

I think the food at the Rathskeller is better after the renovation. They narrowed the options down a bit but what they do offer is consistently decent every time. I think the portions are reasonable. My go-to lunch selections are usually the chicken caesar wrap or the smokehouse turkey grilled cheese. They did get rid of the poutine from the menu but are now offering breakfast. read more

I love Der Rath's food. As a Badger, I go here often for lunch and breakfast. This rating is for the horrendously rude service I received today by the woman I assume was the manager on duty (brunette, wearing special hat.) She really negatively impacted my day and my impression of this establishment. read more

The sheer power and aura around this place for ten minutes helped finalize my decision to go to UW-Madison. I wanted to be there. The setting is that good. Enough said. read more

The Rathskeller is one of the go to locations for when you want to study while eating some above dining hall quality food. I personally always get the the chicken season wrap so I can convince myself I'm eating healthy. But then get a side of fries with it because 1. I got a Caesar wrap I deserve it and 2. Their fries are actually super good. On the handful of times I've gotten burgers there I also had no complaints. Good place to go to study that doesn't have the sad vibe of the library. But sometimes they play games on the tv, or have events on the stage which can be lots of fun to watch but very distracting if studying if your plan. read more

I ordered the Sun Fresh Salad and came to regret it the moment I picked it up from the counter. The lettuce was wilted, the baguette was so disgusting and stale that I couldn't eat it, it came with a packet of tasteless blue cheese slime (Kraft or some similar variety), and my stomach was twisting up on itself for the rest of the night. I'd love to give this little cafeteria the benefit of the doubt and say that, because I happened by during finals week, the students working there were all half asleep, and it would otherwise have served fresher food that's actually palatable (the baguette didn't just look stale, by the way -- it looked dirty). Whatever the case might be, I'll never order food from here again. read more

If you are considering attending the University of Wisconsin as an option for college, you MUST visit the Rathskeller to see what's up. I remember coming here 10 years ago when I was on my college tour and this place sealed the deal. It's unlike any other student union on any other campus I've seen. When you walk in, you feel both instantly cozy and but somehow have plenty of room. The whole place is all dark wood and murals and arcs of doorways and German decorating. The cafeteria also makes awesome sandwiches and gigantic chocolate chip cookies. There's nothing like looking out the window on a snowy day overlooking the lake as you sip cocoa or heading down for a couple beers on open mic night. This place is one of my favorite places on earth. You will love it. read more

Where to begin to do justice to this experience. The University of Wisconsin Memorial Union Rathskeller. For those of you not familiar with German-American culture, a "rathskeller" is German for what essentially amounts to a Bavarian-style restaurant and/or tavern featuring lots of beer and often located in a basement or subterranean area of some sort. The UW's Rathskeller loosely fits this description except in that its located on the main floor of the University's Union. This is the defining common leisure space of the entire university community, and - along with Paul Bunyan and the Green Bay Packers - one of the most fabled wonders in Wisconsin lore. Many cherished bonds are formed here as young and old, students and alumni, congregate day and night to share beer and laughs and to relax in the warm rusticated embrace of this great building. For me, the place holds many of my most precious memories. I'm not embarrassed to admit that I would often sit here for hours on end - all day sometimes - studying, snacking, drinking, playing cards, meeting and greeting friends who would pass through or likewise camp out for hours just to sit and chat on blustery winter days, because everyone did it. This was my home away from home; a feeling I've never really known for any other place. And if you've ever visited or attended school at the UW, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I hope you are smiling right now, recalling your own wistful memories. read more

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Leaving this review as an outsider who has no connection to the university. I came here because I had never been to Wisconsin and this appeared to be the closest source of cheese curds to my hotel. I wish I had someplace like this in college. It's cool that you can take the beer, etc. outside and sit on the terrace. read more

I don't care how many free shows this place throws it's not worth it in my opinion. The acoustics are horrible and the stage is smack in the middle surrounded by several walls where half of the seats can't see anything plus the place is generally packed just because it's free and not because people actually care to hear the music. And for food this place is as much of a joke as the rest of the Union's food offerings. I stopped drinking beer which seems to be the only thing this place is good for. But I guess it's cheap... read more

They changed up the Rathskeller recently, and it is not for the better. First of all, they decided that every sandwich HAS to have a side item: chips, fries, carrots, etc. If all you want is a burger, you are SOL. Next problem, food was disgusting! It was low quality and suffocated by a giant bun. Grossest brat I have had since some people in Chicago tried to make beer brats. On top of that, they now charge more than the KK, which has better food (before 2) and is only a block away. Now the only reason to go there is to socialize or study. read more

A student union in the manner of a German restaurant that serves beer - indeed, a whole pitcher for $8.50!!!! - automatically gets five stars. read more

Always wanted to find a nice spot that has tables designed for work like a coffee shop but serves beer. This spot does that, part student union, part patio, part coffee shop this place have everything you need. Food is great I recommend the smoked salmon sandwich - the only complaint is that they don't let you sub out fries, but they are fantastic so roll with it. A lot of college types and special events here. Always good ppl watching. Favorite place I've visited this year. read more

Has a great location as you can take your food out to the terrace and enjoy the lake, but the food is pretty average. Cheese curds are good but there are better in Madison. The best part about the Rathskeller is its location in the union and the overall atmosphere there. read more

The beer hall is just okay, it reminds me of a cafeteria that serves beer. Kinda lame, but beer makes it good. The adjoining Terrace is completely awesome though, I think the locals see them as being a couple different places though. read more

I guess I'm just not Wisconsin enough, or have been spoiled by too many brats in actual, Germany-bound Ratskellers, but this one always feels vaguely tomb-like despite its serviceable corn chowder (which I imagine is normally less-than-available beyond the grave.) read more

This place is nice when you want to be in the college environment. There is plenty of seating. Grab a cheap pitcher on tap, some popcorn, and chill in the back corner where there's a TV that airs sport games. Not too noisy except on nights with shows or DJs. Got Fat Tire on tap and it tasted a little old, so stick to the regular favorites. The staff are friendly on serving sizes too. read more