I'm research staff at UW and I enjoy eating here. It's clean, well-run, and there is a large selection of items. The quality of the food is good! The meat is usually a little overcooked, though that is probably more of a "buffet issue" in general due to health codes than something specific to this place. The grilled veggies with feta is on point. Service is prompt and attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Austin Kuo
Very limited selection, but at least it's all-you-can-eat now.
Sreeja Potnuri
The worst food.
Travis B.
Carson's Pizza: Carson's Carryout was my go to comfort food when I attended UW-Madison from 2006-2010. The dinner helped me in two major ways beginning in the second semester of my Freshman year. First, it actually helped me drop the "Freshman Fifteen" (more like 25) that I gained during first semester. They did that because their pizza was so good that I used it as my one cheat meal per week, while eating immaculatly the rest of the time. Second, it helped me get over my home sickness because instead of going home I wanted to stay on campus for my weekend pizza! Joking aside, the pizza was phenominal during that time period. I did get a couple stinkers (the employees are mostly students, so you never know who will be making your food), but the majority were some of the best pizzas of my life. Carson's personal sized pizzas had a thick, doughy, and chewy crust with its own unique flavor. Each pizza was also loaded with cheese (except for a few of those stinkers, but that's bound to happen eating somewhere weekly for four years). I can't speak for the Carson's of today, but it definitely was Doughboy approved in my college days. Doughboy_Food_Reviews *Review based on 2006-2010
Jadin Baillie
Not sure why the pizza is so bad even though they advertise “pizza and wings”Deli is good, but nothing special
Natalie Kruzz
Carson's is small but that means it's never too crowded. Though they don't have a lot of options, you can always find out what's available ahead of time via the website (menus.housing.wisc.edu). The chill vibe is really different from other dining halls and it's conveniently located for Lakeshore residents (especially Adams, Tripp, and Slitcher).
Chris Trevino
Best small dining hall on campus
Hunter Wiese
Probably worst dining hall on campus
Emily C.
There's always a decent amount of options available during mealtimes. If you come on an off hour, they'll still likely have sandwiches, pizza, and some grab-and-go choices like pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, and sushi. The prices aren't remarkably expensive or cheap; for the food quality though, I'd say it's a little on the pricey side. If you have money on your Wiscard, you get a small discount. Food quality is mediocre, but it's a reasonable option if you're on campus and didn't pack a meal. The rotating meals vary from Mexican to Italian to basic meat/fish + veggies. They're updated menu is always listed online ( The workers are all students, and they do a good job and are decently friendly. They sometimes seem bored, but I don't hold that against them in the least. The seating options are nice, with a mixture of booths and tables. Aside from the really popular mealtimes (lunch mostly), you can pretty much always find a spot by an outlet if that's what you're looking for. They also have a back room with additional seating for peak times. All-in-all, I don't mind eating here. It's in a convenient location by work, and I find the environment a nice place to eat and work on my laptop. I usually go with a veggie sandwich or their Chipotle-esque Mexican option when they have it.
Want food before class? Want a decent priced meal meant for broke college kids? Don't go here. Food is very expensive since they know you don't have a choice, and they won't be open in time for classes.
Anna Eliese
Very few items you can expect to get a good amount of food for the price. Like one scoop of rice for dinner. It is so inconsistent and always an issue.
I'm research staff at UW and I enjoy eating here. It's clean, well-run, and there is a large selection of items. The quality of the food is good! The meat is usually a little overcooked, though that is probably more of a "buffet issue" in general due to health codes than something specific to this place. The grilled veggies with feta is on point. Service is prompt and attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very limited selection, but at least it's all-you-can-eat now.
The worst food.
Carson's Pizza: Carson's Carryout was my go to comfort food when I attended UW-Madison from 2006-2010. The dinner helped me in two major ways beginning in the second semester of my Freshman year. First, it actually helped me drop the "Freshman Fifteen" (more like 25) that I gained during first semester. They did that because their pizza was so good that I used it as my one cheat meal per week, while eating immaculatly the rest of the time. Second, it helped me get over my home sickness because instead of going home I wanted to stay on campus for my weekend pizza! Joking aside, the pizza was phenominal during that time period. I did get a couple stinkers (the employees are mostly students, so you never know who will be making your food), but the majority were some of the best pizzas of my life. Carson's personal sized pizzas had a thick, doughy, and chewy crust with its own unique flavor. Each pizza was also loaded with cheese (except for a few of those stinkers, but that's bound to happen eating somewhere weekly for four years). I can't speak for the Carson's of today, but it definitely was Doughboy approved in my college days. Doughboy_Food_Reviews *Review based on 2006-2010
Not sure why the pizza is so bad even though they advertise “pizza and wings”Deli is good, but nothing special
Carson's is small but that means it's never too crowded. Though they don't have a lot of options, you can always find out what's available ahead of time via the website (menus.housing.wisc.edu). The chill vibe is really different from other dining halls and it's conveniently located for Lakeshore residents (especially Adams, Tripp, and Slitcher).
Best small dining hall on campus
Probably worst dining hall on campus
There's always a decent amount of options available during mealtimes. If you come on an off hour, they'll still likely have sandwiches, pizza, and some grab-and-go choices like pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, and sushi. The prices aren't remarkably expensive or cheap; for the food quality though, I'd say it's a little on the pricey side. If you have money on your Wiscard, you get a small discount. Food quality is mediocre, but it's a reasonable option if you're on campus and didn't pack a meal. The rotating meals vary from Mexican to Italian to basic meat/fish + veggies. They're updated menu is always listed online ( The workers are all students, and they do a good job and are decently friendly. They sometimes seem bored, but I don't hold that against them in the least. The seating options are nice, with a mixture of booths and tables. Aside from the really popular mealtimes (lunch mostly), you can pretty much always find a spot by an outlet if that's what you're looking for. They also have a back room with additional seating for peak times. All-in-all, I don't mind eating here. It's in a convenient location by work, and I find the environment a nice place to eat and work on my laptop. I usually go with a veggie sandwich or their Chipotle-esque Mexican option when they have it.
Trash and they know it
Restaurantji Recommends
It's great!
Burnt pizza galore.
Friendly Staff!
Want food before class? Want a decent priced meal meant for broke college kids? Don't go here. Food is very expensive since they know you don't have a choice, and they won't be open in time for classes.
Very few items you can expect to get a good amount of food for the price. Like one scoop of rice for dinner. It is so inconsistent and always an issue.