Der Rathskeller

Mark Manville

3.011 months ago

The Rat/terrace is my favorite place in the world to hang out. I have literally spent thousands of hours here over my lifetime, enjoyed hundreds of musical acts, sunsets, and sunny afternoons. DEFINITELY visit here, that's 5 stars! But this is supposed to be a rating for a restaurant, specifically the one inside the Rat. To be blunt, the food is nothing to get excited about, and you usually have to wait in line a long time to order, and then another stretch before it's ready (they give you a pager). Also, it's rotating student cooks, quality is inconsistent. There had been a few consistently "pretty good" things on the menu before covid (the Rat salad, salmon burger, and the friday fish fry come to mind) but after they reopened post-pandemic they have a different menu that isn't even as good as pre-2021, and don't even have a friday fish fry anymore, you have to go next door to the Lakeview Lounge (although I've given up on that too after three tries). The pizza and pasta at Strada, also next door but not on google maps, is not too bad. But honestly if you're on the terrace just go to the brat/burger stands, at least you get them right away, and they have an extensive condiment bar to "deluxe" them. This is based on many orders, focusing on the last 2-3 years. I now only get food here if I've come here for some other activity. An aggregate rating of 4 stars surprises me, but as I look at other reviews many aren't actually rating the food, but hanging out on the terrace (again, fully in agreement on that part, it's great). But it looks like pretty much EVERY food joint in Madison is above 4 stars?! Is this Lake Wobegon, everyone is above average?

Faith F

5.0a year ago

One of my favorite places to go in Madison. They have a variety of burgers, wraps, and chicken nuggets that are all delicious. Their cheeseboards and sauces also get an honorable mention. Since they are inside Memorial Union, it’s a perfect place to eat on terrace by the lake. Have loved coming here all of my undergraduate years

Brandon Goodale

1.02 years ago

It looked good, but the western burger was awful. The bun was dense and rubbery, the meat tasted like bad frozen meatballs, the bacon was hard and chewy. I took one bite and trashed it, and I normally finish food that is at least edible. The fries were the best part and even they were just ok.

Andrew Hayman

5.04 years ago

A+ setting for a nice evening and A++ if there's live music...I had both on my Wednesday evening visit. The views of the Lake make it special. I had the Smokehouse turkey gourmet grilled cheese. This is truly not a grilled cheese, but it is a very tasty sandwich. It is better described as a grilled turkey sandwich with bacon, avocado and cheese. It was 10.95 with the upgrade to onion rings.

Steven Mindel

4.04 years ago

A great place to grab a quick sandwich and maybe a beer on campus. Super views of the Terrace. After your sandwich and beer, you can have an amazing Ice Cream at the Scoop. Fun times!