I just love love going to the Union! Yesterday they brought out the terrace chairs and there were so many people outside, it was wonderful! The weather was perfect and i decided to watch the sunset here. There are always so many things you can do here. During the summer they have open mic, different bands playing and movie nights! They have a lot of different options for food and drink and they sell ice cream as well! You can hang out with friends or study outside or inside. If you can't figure out what to do on a summer day just head down to the Union! read more

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Very nice place to eat and drink with friends/family. Right on the water with several good options inside. Can get extremely crowded and buggy during the summer, and the concerts can be annoyingly loud. Great spot overall read more

Warning, I only went once, and this is only for the Terrace at night. But hands down the worst rap music and worst IPA beer ever. Went in the evening and was blessed to have actually found a free parking spot right across the street. I was very impressed with how many people come here, quite the scene, but some awful guy was rapping on the stage, and swear I could have done a better job. EVERYONE in our large group hated it. Someone got a pitcher a low end hoppy beer, and it was like drinking hop tea with a crateful of molasses, even starving college students like good beer. read more

Morning, afternoon or night - there is honestly always something fun to do at the Terrace. With the new renovations that have been done this past year, it's really worth visiting, especially if you haven't been in a while. You can get a yummy brat, street corn, or the famous Babcock ice cream out by the waterfront...or listen to live music....or get a pitcher of the *finest* Wisconsin beer. It's just such a beautiful place to sit out with friends, grab a snack, and enjoy the nice weather. Definitely one of the most beautiful parts of UW's campus. Expect busy crowds on the weekend; weekdays are much more tame. But there is plenty of seating so that you usually aren't able to find a place! read more

As a visitor from out of town, my first stop of Madison was getting dinner and drinks at Memorial Union Terrace. We got there around 8pm on a summer week night, and the sun was just starting to set. Sunsets at the Terrace are BEAUTIFUL! There's the lake with a bunch of boats lining the horizon and the pier full with people enjoying their food. When I picture a chill evening out on the lake front, this is it. The surrounding area has a variety of food options including the Brat Stand, the Gazebo, and a few other stands that I didn't get to explore. THE BRAT STAND* Brat $3.75 (highly recommended - great flavor, though smaller portions. would get 2) Vegan Brat $4.25 (heard from a meat eater that this wasn't very tasty) Hamburger $3.75 Cheeseburger $4.00 (another popular option besides the brat) Bacon Cheeseburger $4.75 Veggie Burger $4.75 Hot Dog $3.50 Chicken Sandwich $4.25 Corn on the Cob $3.25 (Grilled with the husk) Ranch seasoned corn $3.60 Chips $1.15 A ton of different beers on tap *There's a station on the side to add your own condiments including onions and relish SEATING There's a bunch of small tables with about 3 seats around the "upper" and "lower" level of the terrace in between the union and the lakefront. There are also benches closer to the water, and you can also sit along the pier with your legs dangling above the water. The evenings are pretty packed, so try to go with a smaller group of people if possible in order to maximize your chance of finding seating. Overall, this is an ideal place to enjoy a cold beer on a warm evening while watching the sun go down over the water. Can't beat that! read more

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Awesome spot to be at during the summer. Live bands, good food and drinks. The sunsets in the summer are great for a evening date night if they're are barely any clouds. Love it there. read more

Summer at the terrace, has been a treat. Sitting by the lake and taking sunset as granted. It's just too good to be true. From Adults of all age, to college students, to teenagers, kids and dogs, we find them all in the terrace, all enjoying themselves. With a brat and beer at a minimal cost. There are many more selection in different counters throughout the union, both outdoors and indoors. I tried their Kebob it was so-so, I will stick with the brat (at "Brat Station") if you know what I mean. There's also pizza, sandwiches, ice cream if you want something else other than my favorite brat. For beverages, there's a wide selection of beers on taps or bottles or cans. And much wider selection if you go to the indoor bar counter. After satisfying your stomach, you got all night to chill out. With a great crowd out there with you. It's been my best experience downtown this year's summer after the recent renovation. I could literally do this all of my free time. A little bit of music in the background tops it up. A gorgeous sunset. What else do you need? I cannot tell you how much I enjoy it. Looking forward to the alumni section construction to be done soon. read more

Memorial Union - Sunset view of the terrace - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Madison's paradise. The summers are always good and can be best at the Memorial Terrace. The lake around is spectacular and the sunset's from here are spellbound. You will feel the dynamic activeness around the place with lots of people and kids playing around. The Brat's stand is awesome. They serve the best hot dogs, beers and corn of Madison. Madison's best hangout spot. read more

Memorial Union and The Terrace is nothing like you've ever encountered on a college campus. And it has the magical ability to turn regular Americans into Europeans. It has to be the largest outdoor cafe anywhere in the midwest, and situated right on a lake. On any given day from spring through autumn, you will find crowds of students, students with their parents, dogs, kids, locals and tourists enjoying draft beer and brats, and other offerings on this splendid terrace. You can sit by the water and feed the ducks, swim off a dock, or hike for miles into an adjacent wooded area called picnic point. There's biking and boating right there, too. The Union is more like a day resort than just a college union. Indoors, you have the very European Rathskeller, or self-service beer hall. Get a mug or a pitcher. And right next door is a very mod pizza kitchen with a choose-your-own topping bar staffed with friendly, outgoing coeds. There is also a theater and concert venue. an arts studio where you can make pottery and paint to your heart's content-and all of these open to the general public. The outdoor activities group called "The Hoofers" make their home here as well. They will be busy with their sailboats as you walk past their facility. My favorite thing is a good late morning hike from the Union into Picnic point, and then a leisurely pitcher and brat on the lakefront, pretending I'm on the Champs Elysees. As good as it gets, yes. And uniquely Madison. read more

I could write paragraphs about how great the Memorial Union is. Great food, view, people and staff. One of the best spots in Madison to relax, enjoy the music or sail boats with great beer. I have always loved going here and will continue to do so. read more

Normally this would be a five-star review. I am giving it a one star review due to the absolute dumpster fire that the new process is. Starting with apps and reserving. Let's just say for simplicity sake it is complicated. Secondly, you now have to pay for your table. Thirdly the mask police are really irritating. The passive-aggressive nature at which they have staff hound you is really insulting. My fiance and I walked in there and had a specific mask on. The attendant asked us if we would like a real mask. To that, I said no. As we were walking out away from people leaving ( No one within 50 feet) I took my mask off and had someone in the distance yell at me to put it back on even though we were at the exit. The beer selection is about half as best. No charm in this place currently and would highly recommend against going under current hysterical conditions. Usually, my favorite place in Madison to go to. Hard for me to write something like this about the Union, but they earned it. read more

The Memorial Union was highly recommended to me by my friends that went to the University of Wisconsin. As soon as you walk in you can feel the energy. There was a mix of families, college students, and other visitors on the patio. We grabbed a table overlooking the gorgeous lake and then went in to order food and beer at Rathskeller. They had a few beers on tap and we enjoyed some Spotted Cow while we waited for our food to be ready. There was music playing and it was such a fun and relaxing atmosphere. We had sandwiches and a "small" pretzel with cheese and mustard. The sandwiches were amazing, juicy and had a lot of flavor. The pretzel was also very delicious. I was expecting the cheese to be a little more spicy. Instead it was more of a pure creamy flavor with no spice. It was still very good and I actually enjoyed the mustard more with the pretzel than the cheese. Overall, I would highly recommend anyone visiting Madison and the university to check out the patio at the union. It was by far one of the most memorable places in Madison during my visit. read more

Memorial Union - Spotted cow on the patio - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Forget the beer, forget the iconic Madison location. Forget the music. Forget everything. The absolute best thing about the Memorial Union is the sunset and it was be the reason I would tell anybody that's visiting to go see it. It's a must. Beyond that the people watching is priceless. Pack a cooler and enjoy the free show. read more

The Memorial Union is definitely a highlight for campus. Its on the lake and when spring hits for real, the chairs and tables are filled all of the time! As you walk in you can hear and soon feel the buzz and energy, there are students, educators, visitors, employees of UW Madison all hanging out and enjoying the breeze and the view and the CHEESE CURDS! The Rathskeller has good bar-like food, there are other restaurants in there that serve pizza, pasta, sandwiches and ice cream! Oh and of course beer...Some nights there is music playing and people are just enjoying themselves after a long week. This is the place to be if you come to town and are looking to relax, enjoy the breeze and to enjoy some cheese curds! read more

Went to see steely dance tonight which was good was waiting too big for two of the last sing that didn't get played because the union had to kick them out At 9:30 read more

Awesome place on campus! I was visiting a friend for the weekend and she brought me to the Union. Cool place for students to hang out, but even as a non-student I felt like it was a great place. There are a number of restaurants with various themes and cuisines, including German beer, pizza, and ice cream. Downstairs is Wheel House Studios where you can buy canvases, crafts, etc. And use their art studios. It's free for students (you just pay for the materials) and it was $4 for a guest pass for the day. They provided all the paints, brushes, cups for free and it looked like there are different classes, too. Outside is the terrace, arguably one of the most iconic UW Madison locations (it has its own geofilter on Snapchat!). It's a bit noisy because of the construction next door, but sitting out on the iconic terrace chairs eating an ice cream cone and overlooking the lake was a beautiful afternoon. I would recommend checking out the union to anyone visiting Madison. I think I got a good feel for the university and student life on campus in only one stop! read more

This is one of the two things that I miss the most about my old school. I have so many great memory about the Union. This was where I first had Babcock Ice-cream. This was where I came to meet friends. This was where I came to enjoy beer and music on the terrace during Summer. This was where I got to sail and windsurf on lake Mendota during Summer. This was where I waited for the Van Galder Bus when I wanted to go to Chicago. This was where I got to see the frozen lady Liberty during Winter. This was and will always be the place to be when you are at UW. read more

You like a nice day to sit lake side this is a great place to sit have a bratwurst and a beer. Can't beat the scenery of the lake. Prices are good the sausage was good as well. read more

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A beautiful day in Madison saw us walking off our large breakfast near Camp Randall Stadium, strolling through the University of Wisconsin campus, with the Memorial Union fixed in our minds as our destination. I was immediately impressed by the amenities inside, like the Daily Scoop serving up Babcock ice cream, Peet's Coffee, the modern dining room of Lakefront on Langdon, and der Rathskeller - a fantastic German style beer hall with a number of local brews on draft. But the coup de grâce was heading out to the Terrace with a couple of pitchers of Spotted Cow in hand. The weather was gorgeous, the warm sun tempered by the cool breeze, and a large crowd in good spirits, sitting in the Terrace's iconic chairs, watching the sailboats on Lake Mendota. One tip: you actually pay a $1 deposit on each pitcher which is credited back to you on each return, so if you hold on to yours, pick up a few left absent-mindedly at other tables, amass 9 or 10, your next pitcher will be virtually free. We enjoyed the beer and the atmosphere so much, that we returned the next day, with the Terrace awash in a sea of red, as Badger fans flooded in before the big game against the Buckeyes. So magical was it that in one picture it looks as though heaven itself is shining down upon us, and two weddings were held on the several verandas. In fact, so magnetic was the Memorial Union Terrace, that we were drawn back again after the game with a number of other fans riding the high from an upset victory. I had to keep reminding myself that the Terrace would be 2 degrees in January, otherwise I would have filled out an application to the University of Wisconsin right then and there. read more

Memorial Union - Heavenly - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Duh- Terrace = Awesome. #1 place to go in Madison in the summer. Live music, good social atmosphere, right on the lake, reasonably priced beer. You just need to get a 'guest pass' if you are not an alumn. They don't allow dogs. But if you do have a dog, just pretend to leave and walk around in a circle. It works every time. read more

I literally come here at least once weekly. Normally it's okay (note that I didn't say good or great.) Tonight, however, my buffalo chicken wrap was almost entirely iceberg lettuce. I don't have the time to remedy this, but it is less than satisfactory to say the least. read more

I am so biased in my review of the Union, but that's because I have a personal obsession with the building, the events in and around it, and the sense of community formed from experiences in it. I literally made my best friends because of the Union. word. Without a doubt this is the one place that you *have* to go on any trip to Madison. A million different places to go both inside and out of the building, so you're bound to find some nook that you're happy in.. BUT, I will just focus on the outdoor Terrace rather than the indoor area because there's just too much to say. - Free live music most nights in the summer booked by students on the WUD music committee - Best place to people watch, period. - Brat stand - Beer! (Did you know the Wisconsin Union was the first student union in the nation to serve beer? Drink your pitchers with pride!) - Babcock ice cream! (homemade by the university dairy!) - Beautiful view overlooking the lake (and swim off the pier if you dare..) - Hoofer sailing! (Take lessons, go out on one of the boats with a friend who sails, or just watch them go on nice windy days) The Union was a vital element to my undergraduate days in Madison- Go enjoy it! read more

I was Yelping Madison before I came, and if there's one thing that Madison folk get downright weepy over, it's the Terrace. So we went. And I totally get it. Insanely cheap microbrews, get to keep the pitcher, great selection, sitting outside by the lake.... I'd be weepy over it too if I lived here. read more

Who doesn't love spending a nice summer day hanging at the Union? My friend from North Carolina stopped in for his first Wisconsin visit, and the Union didn't disappoint. Sitting with pitchers of beer and hot dogs in the sun next to the lake was the perfect Saturday before hopping over to Taste of Madison. He enjoyed the chill vibes, and the relaxation of people watching. Definitely a mandatory stop for him on his next visit. read more

Memorial Union - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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If I ever find myself homeless in Madison, you know where to forward my mail.

Memorial Union is pretty fantastic. Whether you're grabbing a sandwich at the cafeteria or a bevvy of beer at the Rathskeller, this centrally located hub is tops. And, of course, the terrace is like no other. Beautiful. Tranquil. Fun. And perfect for people watching or relaxing with friends. During my collegiate years I drank many a beer on this patio and consumed tons of delicious sandwiches, cookies and more. As others have said, this is home to many who live in Madison and a must-visit for those who drop in for a weekend. If you're lucky enough to grab a seat on the terrace in the warmer months, keep hold of that table...it gets super busy! Be sure to grab a scoop of some delicious locally made Babcock ice cream on the way out! read more

How many college campuses do you know where you can drink beer in between classes while sunbathing on an outdoor terrace and staring out at a beautiful big lake? I spent lots of time doing just this. There are so many fantastic things to do like sitting on the dock feeding the ducks or winters stepping out onto the frozen lake on dares. I dreamed of having an authentic terrace chair in my own home. I know there were lots of plots to steal the colorful well known terrace chairs by EVERYBODY on campus--who didn't wanted one? I don't know of anybody who actually carried through or succeeded but a similiar theme throughout campus. First night when I was a freshman in college we came to the Terrace. I saw a live band playing outdoors here--it was the Guffs. Unbelievable! Right then and there I fell in love with Madison. Sweet sweet memories. Quite possibly the only reason why I bought the lifetime membership was so that after graduation I could still buy beer at the union. Not that I visited often enough to make it worth while--but just because. No one can say a bad thing about the UW-Madison memorial union/terrace. Cool things you can look forward to doing..... eating brats cooked in beer, free live bands, strawberry cheesecake ice cream made on campus, drinking beer in the Rathskeller (pub inside the union), sunbathing between classes, "studying" while really scamming and just killing time. This is THE place to be on campus. read more

This is one the best terraces in the city of Madison. Lots of tables and chairs that face Lake Mendota. The Brat stand serves Wisconsin Brats with all the fixins that you could imagine. Top one or two off with a local brew and sit back and watch the activities on the lake. read more

All I can say is that when I saw this place for the first time I thought to myself, "this is where people go to school?" Available to students: Beautiful views Beer Ice Cream Boats Not a bad way to spend four years. Oh yeah, the student union is opening a Peet's Coffee soon. Probably the first one in Wisconsin in fact. Congrats Madison, you have become infinitely cooler. read more

You haven't been to Madison if you never step your foot to Memorial Union of UW. This place is the life of the city, from Winter to Fall, from morning to evening, this place is full of LIFE. All great parties are usually held here, straight, sideways, hippies, every kind of people's party just look for the right floor or room. It has ice creams, coffee, food court, souvenirs, bus stops to nearby cities, you can find lots of things here... Need some refreshments while studying for summer school? Just sit outside and enjoy the view of the lake and if you're guys, some girls are sunbathing in the bikini, woohoo!!! I didn't go to school here, but I love coming to this place, it's always HAPPENING!!! read more

Great place to bike to along the lakeshore path during the summer. Other then 2020 - some nice bands to listen to outside on the terrance - movie nights -- various special events. Nice place to have a beer and brat overlooking Lake Mendota and the sailboats. Especially nice after I come back in from sailing.. read more

Don't bother eating here. Go straight for the pitchers of beer! Favorite Activity: playing cards on the terrace in the summer and picking up any leftover pitchers that out-of-towners leave unattended! (You get a dollar for every pitcher returned!) If you've ever studied German/been to Germany, you must take a look at the Ratskeller. When the fireplaces are lit, it's a great place to study! The only thing that is missing is the Dance Dance Revolution machine that they used to have circa 2003. :( read more

Firstly, I would like to call out anyone who says it's cold in the winter. You are an idiot. Wisconsin is cold in the winter, get over it. It isn't the fault of the Union that the weather is too cold for you. Just because you live in California in the winter doesn't make you 'smarter' than those who don't. Second, WHO ever said this was the number one restaurant in Madison? Pretty sure if you went to the website, you'd figure out pretty quickly that it's a college union/gathering place and not a restaurant. That's kind of on you. It's not about the food, people. Did you notice that there are other types of listings on Yelp than restaurants? This is one of them. Do, however get you some Babcock Ice Cream in the front lobby off Langdon - good stuff but prepare for a line on summer weekends. The Memorial Union is the boiled down essence of Madison summer. MU, State Street, and the Capitol Square Farmer's Market collectively IS Madison in the summertime - and it's wonderful. Long hours drinking beer on the terrace and watching the boats, listening to bands, just talking and enjoying the precious northern summer are what I remember about this magical place. In the winter, there are plays, shows, events, bands, etc and cozy little spots to study on a cold night. This place is awesome. On Wisconsin! read more

This was really cool. Great spot in the river. Fun different options of food drink and ice cream. It made for a very nice evening.

Every time I come down to Madison to visit the baby brother, he takes me to get ice cream in the Union. And every time we get ice cream in the Union, I cry inside that I don't have this wonderful place in Minneapolis. The patio is gorgeous and the view of the lake is insane. I am so jealous of Badger people. What a fun atmosphere and a great privilege. I will be back on Labor Day weekend, so ready the peach ice cream! read more

Do you often find yourself doing nothing on a weekend afternoon? If that's the case, the Memorial Union will be the perfect place for you! Come here for all of the nothing you do! Come here to relax and do nothing! Gaze into the blue, crisp waters as you do nothing! Hear the birds chirping among the trees as you do nothing! There's so much nothing to be done!! read more

Best place ever for friends & Alumni to gather on campus! Looking forward to Spring 2018 when they bring the chairs back out! read more

Memorial Union - Beautiful fall day at the Union Terrace - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Most food sucks here. It's crappy cafeteria food that seems a bit too expensive. Hot dogs are particularly inedible. I am told the brats are great though, but I'm not a real fan, so I can't comment. I guess the whole idea of eating and drinking by the water doesn't seem so impressive to me. Where I grew up, you could do that all the time, basically year round, and in lots of different places, so it's just not such a big deal. I don't see what's so great about the crowds during the summer. I mean, I like a festive, happy environment, but I don't like big crowds either. It's kind of pretty, but in a very small scale, hokey kind of way. Eh... read more

Do not - I repeat - DO NOT get the nachos. They are disgusting. Bad chips and gagg--ging cheese sauce. And topped with canned jalapenos. As some other reviewers have asked - why would I go back here? The only reason is that it is a large outdoor venue with a big sky view, lake traffic to watch and good people watching too. If you have to meet a large group on a nice day, go here. Order (from inside only) the salmon sandwich. It is not horrible. read more

This Student Union is like no other. It is amazing and the setting is beyond beautiful. I recommend going in the summer when you can have your own table and you don't have to fight for chairs... Babcock Dairy sells ice cream here, too. I posted photos of my son eating the Blue Moon Ice cream. Totally delicious no matter what flavor! The cafeteria is pretty good, the prices are reasonable (although I am not a student on a student budget) and there are movie nights and live music as well. This is just the heart of the summer when it comes to living or visiting Madison, WI. read more