With midterms season in full swing, a lot of us are probably spending more time at Memorial Union and Union South. These study spaces have plenty of dining options, making them the perfect place to hunker down and grind for hours on end. Everyone has their favorite go-to Union restaurant, but which one is the best?
I’ve taken the liberty of ranking each Wisconsin Union restaurant from worst to best to help you get through those studying cravings. (Note that this is based purely on my subjective rankings, but you’ll want to trust me on this one).
Alright, so coming in last we have… South Cantina. It’s not that South Cantina is bad, per se. There’s just nothing stand out about it. It’s just meh. This make-your-own Mexican style restaurant appears to be a spoof on Qdoba and Chipotle. It has burritos, bowls, and tacos. The food is okay, it’s definitely not bad. But, if you’re looking for a burrito bowl to hit the spot, I’d recommend just going to Chipotle. However, South Cantina is great if you’re looking for something quick considering that the line is never long. With that being said, on Mondays and Wednesdays its only open from 11-2 and then 5-7. So, double check that it’s open before making the trip to Union South!
Not worst, but surely not the best, up next is… Carte. The only reason that Carte isn’t ranked higher is because it could be so much more. This sandwich and salad shop has a good selection of toasted to-order paninis and signature salads. You also have the option to craft your own salad with their numerous ingredients. It’s truly the perfect lunch spot. But, that’s the issue… it’s only open for lunch. Carte is open from 11-3, so it is not an option during a dinnertime study sesh. If you’re looking for a quick, healthier lunch, then Carte is your place. Perhaps check out some of their ~fall vibe~ menu items with the Butternut Squash salad and Cranberry Harvest panini!
Coming up next, we have… Peet’s Coffee in Memorial Union. Peet’s Coffee is great for a midday pick-me-up or breakfast sandwich. It's got the classic espresso drinks with some occasional seasonal treats (pumpkin spice, anyone?). The downside to Peet’s – it is always ridiculously busy. If standing in line for 30 minutes is worth a latte, then this is the spot for you. On the plus side, Peet’s is a beautiful study spot. It has lots of great seating so that you can sit down, enjoy your coffee, and get some work done.
Climbing up the rankings is… Prairie Fire in Union South. Yes, Prairie Fire is better than Peet’s Coffee. Don’t ask me how, it just is. For one, Prairie Fire has more food options than Peet’s, such as warm brie on a baguette. Also, the lines at Prairie Fire are usually significantly smaller than those at Peet’s. The coffee is the same, but occasionally Prairie Fire offers more seasonal/specialty drinks than Peet’s… making it just slightly better.
Finally, we are at the top 3. In third place we have… Strada. Strada is Memorial Union’s Italian pièce de résistance. Here, you can get delicious wood-fired pizza and pasta bowls. Choose from their many signature pizzas and pastas, or make your own. Feeling like a classic ‘za? Get a margarita pizza. Feeling a little more adventurous? How about Thai Chicken. Craving pasta instead? Choose from Strada’s six signature bowls or create your own. They truly have it all. Strada is also open from 11am-9pm, making it a perfect option for all times of the day. Skip pizza delivery, and head over to Strada!
The second place award goes to… Der Rathskeller. Der Rathskeller, affectionately known as The Rath, is a UW–Madison classic. Cheese curds dipped in rath sauce is a heavenly experience. It has classic pub food in a German-inspired atmosphere. Grab a burger between classes, or share a pitcher with friends and watch a Badger game. It is very noisy, making it a less than ideal place to study. But, if you’re just looking for a delicious meal shared with friends- The Rath is the place for you.
And finally, in first place, is… GINGER ROOT. Ginger Root is a surprise first place after slowly but surely passing the Rath in the eyes of the students. Ginger Root is the perfect quick meal to pick up on your way to class or while studying. Their Sesame Chicken is a cult-classic that leaves students coming back for more. They have rotating entrees so that you can get something new everytime you visit. The only complaint about Ginger Root is that the line gets pretty long, but it goes by very quickly due to some amazing workers!
There you have it. The unofficial Wisconsin Union restaurant rankings. Next time you need to binge for an exam or you want to just grab a bite with friends, stop at one of the many delicious Wisconsin Union dining units!