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Inclusive Dining at the Union

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, low-carb or dairy-free, dining out may feel like an uncertain endeavor. Here, at the Wisconsin Union, we are committed to making you feel at home at our restaurants, markets and cafes, and isn’t food one of those things that makes you feel at home? Below you’ll find some of the Union’s most delicious items that you might not have even known fit your dietary needs.

Are you…

Vegetarian? Try:

The Caprese Grilled Cheese (der Rathskeller)

With Lake Mendota’s waves rippling just steps away, you’ll feel like you’re on an Italian seaside when enjoying this delicious, sweet yet savory comfort food. It combines rich, velvety mozzarella, sweet and peppery basil and rich, tangy balsamic glaze into a symphony of lakeside goodness.

The Impossible Burger™ (der Rathskeller, the Sett)

The Beyond Burger, found at der Rathskeller and the Sett.

Feeling left out when your family or friends go out for burgers and fries? Look no further than Memorial Union and Union South for a plant-based burger deemed the burger that “looks, cooks and satisfies” like beef. Try our chef-created Impossible Greek burger, or modify other burgers to include the Impossible Burger.

Vegan? Try:

Quinoa Black Bean Salad (Carte)

Carte, a grab-and-go sandwich and salad shop, is the perfect quick and healthy meal spot. Proudly serving fresh, local-sourced ingredients, one of Carte’s signature dishes is the Quinoa Black Bean Salad. Quinoa, black beans, grilled tofu, cherry tomatoes, edamame, red onion and dried cranberries make this salad feel more like an indulgence than a health-packed entrée. Tossed in a dressing of your choice (Make sure you choose a vegan dressing, such as the cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing.) and topped with sesame sticks, you might want to grab a salad for now and one for later.

Dairy-free? Try:

Bratwurst (der Rathskeller, Brat Stand)

A bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard served with french fries and pickles from der Rathskeller.

Brats are a true Wisconsin classic, a staple of the Union and, most importantly, a dining option oasis considering the many Wisconsin foods that revolve around dairy. Topped with sauerkraut, grilled onions and grilled peppers, the Union has all your grill needs covered. Inside tip: pair this with the Union’s corn on the cob without butter for a summer meal to remember.

With more than a dozen dining options on campus, we strive to be as inclusive as possible in our dining options. If you ever have questions about any of the food or beverage items available at the Union South, Memorial Union or our markets and cafes, there are menu/ingredient books available upon request at many locations, and we will always do our best to meet your needs. We hope to see you soon at one of our many dining options across campus!

Visit union.wisc.edu/dine/ for more information about Wisconsin Union dining. 

Author: Katherine Kermgard

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