I was here on a Friday evening. The place was very lively. There was live music. Everybody was cheerful. All the colorful chairs were occupied very early. The Brat Stand had the longest line for food. Their brats were the best. I also went for a spotted cow. I couldnt get the Friday special Jerk chicken sandwich, so had to be content with regular chicken sandwich. Smokehouse bbq was another stand. Burnt ends from this place was not good though. Barbeque chicken mac n cheese was ok. I was everything with a capital amber.
Austin B.
My partner and I took our host son from France to explore the state capital last weekend and had to visit the iconic Union Chairs! At first he didn't want to sit in the chair but he came around and actually enjoyed the experience! Teenagers don't love their pictures taken but boy do they look adorable when they do! Next time I'll need to stop in the Union and get a bite since I haven't done that yet! Recommend all Wisconsinites and out of staters to visit this spot!
Vivian W.
It's super nice sitting on the colorful chairs watching the lake and people. Weather is nice today, we got some Thai food from the food truck, everything taste yummy with the water view. We were told dog are not allowed at the terrace with the colorful chair. But it's ok on the black chair near the lake, so we end up moving there. No complains.
Vicki A.
I love the terrace in the summer. I am an alumni. But... I just ordered a local tap beer (small) and was charged $8.70. That's outrageous. $5 would leave a smile on my face; $6, even $7 acceptable--but $8.70?! The price of the whole 6 pack?! Get real!
John H.
We had a great time here. The terrace is an awesome place to sit outside in front of the lake and hang out with friends. There were also some pretty good food and drink options inside the Union. We'll be back if we're ever in the area again!
Lesley W.
Love the beautiful outdoor water area
Lawrence F.
The only way to really see the lake. Start at the union sitting on the patio. Then either take the walk on the lakeside path or go to a play or movie I. The union. Listen to all the grad students around you with all their energy. Of just grab a cone and flirt. Quintessential Madison!
Andrey Nevinskiy
Memorial Union is a must to visit place in Madison. Experience being a UW student with good food and beer with beatiful views of the lake.
Marc D.
The charm is gone. It was once a great little gem, now its a large corporate run space. The remodel looks awful and then the school let those kids spray paint the place and didn't bother to catch them. Overpriced and bad.
Lindsey B.
Best place on earth. Whether you need a place to study, grab a bite, or meet up with friends for a drink. This is the place.
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
Rachel B.
This place is so, so beautiful. It was my favorite part of Madison/the campus. It was filled with tons of locals, tourists, and students on a Friday evening so I expected it to be busy. It was difficult finding a seat but halfway through we caught a table after sitting right on the lake. This is such a magical moment in my head and I loved every moment being here. This is THE PLACE to go when visiting Madison or the school.
Michelle C.
You simply can't go wrong with the memories you make here. Nothing is better than sitting on a terrace chair with your buds by the lake sharing a pint as some local bluegrass band shreds away. Take your mom, take your coworkers, take your kid, or your dog. They call this place Madison's living room for a reason! Starter kit for an immaculate time: Pint of Spotted Cow Shareable onion rings from the Rath, with an ungodly amount of Rath sauce Maybe a hat if you're not sitting under a tree The best company (or even mediocre company) Then sit back and watch the sail boats on the lake float by in the distance and let the neighboring table's dog sniff away at your toes.
Michelle B.
Two words! Must Go Fun food, beautiful spot, Madison original Ice cream from Babcock hall, Good coffee shop Enchanting atmosphere
Gweneth C.
Whether you're a college student looking for a quick bite or a Midwest family looking for a reunion hang (cough cough), Memorial has got you covered. It's a Madison staple that covers the gambit from pizza to deep fried comfort food. Come here for some killer cheesecakes or even just a classic cone of Babcock ice cream. Me friends and I like to come here tanning during the summer on the docks. They also have great live music and performances in the evenings- just check their calendars!
I was here on a Friday evening. The place was very lively. There was live music. Everybody was cheerful. All the colorful chairs were occupied very early. The Brat Stand had the longest line for food. Their brats were the best. I also went for a spotted cow. I couldnt get the Friday special Jerk chicken sandwich, so had to be content with regular chicken sandwich. Smokehouse bbq was another stand. Burnt ends from this place was not good though. Barbeque chicken mac n cheese was ok. I was everything with a capital amber.
My partner and I took our host son from France to explore the state capital last weekend and had to visit the iconic Union Chairs! At first he didn't want to sit in the chair but he came around and actually enjoyed the experience! Teenagers don't love their pictures taken but boy do they look adorable when they do! Next time I'll need to stop in the Union and get a bite since I haven't done that yet! Recommend all Wisconsinites and out of staters to visit this spot!
It's super nice sitting on the colorful chairs watching the lake and people. Weather is nice today, we got some Thai food from the food truck, everything taste yummy with the water view. We were told dog are not allowed at the terrace with the colorful chair. But it's ok on the black chair near the lake, so we end up moving there. No complains.
I love the terrace in the summer. I am an alumni. But... I just ordered a local tap beer (small) and was charged $8.70. That's outrageous. $5 would leave a smile on my face; $6, even $7 acceptable--but $8.70?! The price of the whole 6 pack?! Get real!
We had a great time here. The terrace is an awesome place to sit outside in front of the lake and hang out with friends. There were also some pretty good food and drink options inside the Union. We'll be back if we're ever in the area again!
Love the beautiful outdoor water area
The only way to really see the lake. Start at the union sitting on the patio. Then either take the walk on the lakeside path or go to a play or movie I. The union. Listen to all the grad students around you with all their energy. Of just grab a cone and flirt. Quintessential Madison!
Memorial Union is a must to visit place in Madison. Experience being a UW student with good food and beer with beatiful views of the lake.
The charm is gone. It was once a great little gem, now its a large corporate run space. The remodel looks awful and then the school let those kids spray paint the place and didn't bother to catch them. Overpriced and bad.
Best place on earth. Whether you need a place to study, grab a bite, or meet up with friends for a drink. This is the place.
Restaurantji Recommends
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
This place is so, so beautiful. It was my favorite part of Madison/the campus. It was filled with tons of locals, tourists, and students on a Friday evening so I expected it to be busy. It was difficult finding a seat but halfway through we caught a table after sitting right on the lake. This is such a magical moment in my head and I loved every moment being here. This is THE PLACE to go when visiting Madison or the school.
You simply can't go wrong with the memories you make here. Nothing is better than sitting on a terrace chair with your buds by the lake sharing a pint as some local bluegrass band shreds away. Take your mom, take your coworkers, take your kid, or your dog. They call this place Madison's living room for a reason! Starter kit for an immaculate time: Pint of Spotted Cow Shareable onion rings from the Rath, with an ungodly amount of Rath sauce Maybe a hat if you're not sitting under a tree The best company (or even mediocre company) Then sit back and watch the sail boats on the lake float by in the distance and let the neighboring table's dog sniff away at your toes.
Two words! Must Go Fun food, beautiful spot, Madison original Ice cream from Babcock hall, Good coffee shop Enchanting atmosphere
Whether you're a college student looking for a quick bite or a Midwest family looking for a reunion hang (cough cough), Memorial has got you covered. It's a Madison staple that covers the gambit from pizza to deep fried comfort food. Come here for some killer cheesecakes or even just a classic cone of Babcock ice cream. Me friends and I like to come here tanning during the summer on the docks. They also have great live music and performances in the evenings- just check their calendars!