Renovation puts a new twist on Der Rathskeller

Der Rathskeller at the Memorial Union reopened this week after a monthlong makeover with several changes geared to provide customers with a new level of dining in the historic and popular gathering space.

Gone is the familiar grab-and-go area. Instead, food is now ordered from a brand new menu that features several German-themed pub style items, along with appetizers, wraps, sandwiches, panini, salads, soup and chili.

Customers are given pagers that let them know when their food orders are ready.

There is also an interesting breakfast menu, including paninis, kartoffel latkes (potato pancakes), and Der Apfelgarten, a sandwich with fresh apples, apple butter and melted cheddar grilled between cinnamon raisin bread. Those are just some of the new items. Breakfast will be served until 11 a.m. daily.

House Favorites include burgers, brats, Reubens and other sandwiches. In the appetizer category, there are German meatballs, cheese curds, French fries, currywurst, nachos and chili-cheese fries.

Why the change?

Jim Long, Wisconsin Union restaurant director, says that during the last five years the demand for fast-food-quality meals has steadily declined.

“Today’s students have high standards when selecting a place in which to spend their dining dollars and to meet these expectations a concept and design change was in order,” says Long.

There have also been some physical changes made in the Rathskeller:

• A half-wall has replaced the old serving line and tray rail;
• The center cash island has been removed and the center archway is now a main entrance into Der Rathskeller; and
• A new pickup counter now resides in the third archway.

“We hope the new design and concept will be well received by the campus community,” says Long, “and we are very excited to showcase our new space and menu.”

The next few weeks will feature a number of celebratory specials as patrons explore what the new restaurant has to offer.