The Rathskeller is one of my favorite places in the world.   A great place to grab a beer and a sandwich and hang with the cool students of UW.   The best sandwich in Madison (the Ribeye) can be got here at the cafeteria (the cafeteria is an inexpensive place to grab lunch in Madison).   Many people hang out on the Terrace outside the Rathskeller, and the Terrace has an iconic status all its own, but there is something magical about the Rathskeller with it cozy amiable vibe.   In my time I have seen hundreds of students all watching a movie there laughing, quaffing dark beer, eating popcorn, and making snappy comments in unison.  You have to love a university union that has beer on draft (caveat to order beer there you have to be a student or taking classes or attending a conference).  On my first visit to the Rathskeller years ago I went out on the Terrace and watched a Reggae band go into a long extended hypnotic riff, while several female co-eds danced topless in front of hundreds of people amid the incense of you know what.   But that was a few years back.  Some nights, I am sure can be dull and uneventful with people playing cards, and studying quietly, but still, it's a place where magic can happen.   Most of all it is a welcoming place.  Very friendly and welcoming.  Just think about it: all the people who have been in there have been mostly happy, and that cheerfulness has permeated the place and now echoes from every corner.