While the Union College dining Instagram account may have teased the dining changes as a new late-night option, most students – myself included – are much more excited about the new Rathskeller.
I went on the first day it was open – January 6 – and was shocked to see a line stretching up and out the stairs. Grabbing a menu loaded with tantalizing options like saffron rice and harissa chicken, I settled for the spicy turkey meatball on pita.
Students may have cracked jokes about “Union Cava,” but the Mediterannean fare here is no joke. The pita was soft, warm, and generously loaded with flavorful toppings. The pickled onions were crisp and delicious, and the Greek sauce was tangy and drizzled copiously over the spicy meatballs.
The veggies are extremely fresh, the sauces are delicious and ample, and the menu is exciting. The pita chips were crunchy and perfectly seasoned, and service was surprisingly fast despite Rathskeller being packed to the brim.
The food is one of the pricier options on campus, at 10.50 for a meal, but meal swipes are also accepted. I will miss the late-night option, though – the hours are disappointingly slim, and Dutch doesn’t quite compare to what Rathskeller used to be: I wouldn’t be the only student to fondly remember a milk-shake and fries at a cozy booth table after a long study session.
Additionally, it is a bit of a shame to upend Rathskeller’s 60-odd year history as a late-night spot (although I’m sure the sentiment was similar when Rathskeller stopped serving alcoholic beverages.)
Regardless, the new Rathskeller is the best college dining I’ve had anywhere, and is sure to be a mainstay.
