The Memorial Union is one of the most iconic places on campus at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Located along the scenic shoreline of Lake Mendota, it’s a gathering place for students, faculty, and visitors. But beyond its architecture and history, the biggest draw is food. Understanding Memorial Union food hours can help you plan your visit for a satisfying meal or a quick snack.
Memorial Union Food Hours Matter
Timing matters when you’re hungry or grabbing coffee between classes. The Union offers multiple dining spots, each with its own schedule. If you arrive when a location is closed, it can be frustrating. That’s why checking the Memorial Union food hours before you head out is a smart move.
You might want a morning coffee, a midday burger, or ice cream after sunset. The Union offers it all, but not all at once. Different places open and close at different times, especially in summer or during academic breaks.
| Location | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Scoop | 1 scoop cone/dish | $4.75 |
| Daily Scoop | 2 scoops | $6.25 |
| Daily Scoop | 3 scoops | $7.50 |
| Daily Scoop | Waffle cone add‑on | +$1.25 |
| Daily Scoop | Pint to-go | $8.75 |
| Daily Scoop | ½ Gallon to-go | $15.50 |
| Daily Scoop | Fabulous 15 sundae | $25.00 |
| Daily Scoop | Milkshake | $9.00 |
| Peet’s Coffee | Sausage-Egg-Pepper-Jack | $5.20 |
| Peet’s Coffee | Bacon-Egg-Cheese Bagel | $5.20 |
| Peet’s Coffee | Egg & Chorizo Burrito | $5.20 |
| Peet’s Coffee | Chicken Pesto Panini | $6.35 |
| Carte | Create-Your-Own Salad | $11.50 |
| Carte | Signature Bowls | $10.50 |
| Carte | Extra topping | +$1.00 |
| Carte | Premium topping | +$1.75 |
| Brat Stand | Brat | $5.00 |
| Brat Stand | Plant-Based Brat | $6.50 |
| Brat Stand | Cheeseburger | $6.00 |
| Brat Stand | Terrace Lemonade | $3.99 |
| Badger Market | Bacon & Egg Bagel | $4.99 |
| Badger Market | Sausage, Egg & Cheese | $4.99 |
| Badger Market | Chorizo, Egg & Cheese Burrito | $4.39 |
| Badger Market | Vegan Sausage & Egg | $6.39 |
| Der Rathskeller | Small Fries | $3.00 |
| Der Rathskeller | Shareable Fries | $5.50 |
| Der Rathskeller | House Salad (small) | $5.75 |
| Der Rathskeller | House Salad (large) | $8.00 |
| Der Rathskeller | Caesar Salad | $8.00 |
| Strada | 12–16″ Pizza | $12–16 |
| Strada | Pasta Bowl | $10–14 |
| Lakeview Lounge | 16″ Family Pizza | $15–18 |
| Lakeview Lounge | Appetizers & Beers | $6–10 |
Morning Options
If you’re an early riser, Memorial Union still has something for you. Peet’s Coffee opens early, making it a favorite morning spot. You can grab a hot coffee and a pastry on your way to class or work. For convenience items, the Badger Market opens at 8:00 a.m.
| Location | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Peet’s Coffee | 7:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
| Badger Market | 8:00 a.m. | 10:00 p.m. |
These options are reliable and consistent for anyone needing breakfast or morning snacks. Memorial Union food hours begin early enough to serve even the earliest student commuters.
Lunchtime Favorites
Lunchtime brings out the big flavors at the Union. From pizzas at Strada to brats at the Brat Stand, options abound. Most lunch services start at 11:00 a.m. and continue until late afternoon. The variety helps students avoid long waits during the rush hours.
For something quick and healthy, Carte offers salads and sandwiches, perfect for a lunch break. The variety ensures everyone finds something that suits their taste.
Late Afternoon Dining
As the day goes on, some places shut down while others ramp up. For example, Carte closes around 4:00 p.m., but Der Rathskeller stays open until 10:00 p.m. This gives you flexibility during those awkward hours between lunch and dinner.
The Lakeview Lounge also opens in the afternoon, giving you a relaxed setting to enjoy a meal with a lake view. Knowing the Memorial Union food hours helps you avoid surprises when looking for a bite between classes or meetings.
Dinner and Evening Treats
Evenings at Memorial Union are lively, and so are the dining spots. The Brat Stand, Lakeview Lounge, and BBQ Stand stay open till 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. This is especially helpful if you have late-night study sessions or social meetups.
Der Rathskeller and Daily Scoop are perfect for casual dinners or dessert. A scoop of Babcock ice cream while sitting on the terrace is a favorite experience among students.
Seasonal and Holiday Changes
Not all hours are consistent year-round. Memorial Union food hours change during summer, winter break, and holidays. Some locations may close entirely during long academic breaks.
It’s best to check the official Union website or the posted schedules at each location. That ensures you don’t waste a trip or miss your favorite snack.
Popular Spots Locations
Knowing what each food spot offers is just as important as knowing when they open. The food is diverse, ranging from coffee and sandwiches to pizza and ice cream. Below is a table summarizing popular locations and their top offerings.
| Location | Food Type |
|---|---|
| Peet’s Coffee | Coffee, pastries |
| Badger Market | Snacks, drinks |
| Strada | Pizza, pasta |
| Carte | Salads, sandwiches |
| Daily Scoop | Ice cream |
| Der Rathskeller | Pub fare |
| The Brat Stand | Brats, burgers |
| Lakeview Lounge | Pub food, pizza |
| BBQ Stand | BBQ dishes |
This overview complements your knowledge of Memorial Union food hours by matching food with times.
Where to Relax and Dine
Each dining spot has a different vibe. Peet’s is more of a grab-and-go place, while Der Rathskeller is a social hub. The Lakeview Lounge offers stunning views, making it a great dinner setting.
The Terrace is open-air, so if the weather is good, you can enjoy your food outside. These places not only offer meals but also memorable experiences.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re visiting Memorial Union for the first time, it helps to plan. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Check Memorial Union food hours online before you go.
- Try local favorites like Babcock ice cream at Daily Scoop.
- Visit Strada during early lunch hours to avoid the crowd.
- For lake views, go to Lakeview Lounge after 2:00 p.m.
These tips help maximize your visit and avoid closed doors.
Final Thoughts
Memorial Union is more than just a student building. It’s a place to eat, socialize, and unwind. However, with so many food choices, it’s important to know when things are open. By staying informed about the Memorial Union food hours, you can ensure a smooth, satisfying, and on-time experience.
Whether you’re stopping by for morning coffee or a late-night burger, the Union has it all. Knowing the schedules helps avoid disappointment and keeps your cravings in check.
