Rat Days: A Center for Student Culture
Umrath Cafeteria, a standard dining hall closed in 1974 as WashU reenvisioned dining.1 After a series of construction delays, the highly-anticipated Rathskeller opened in 1975.2 This article (see left) documents the opening of the Rathskeller, often called the “Umrathskeller” or “the Rat.”1 The construction philosophy espoused for the project continued the pattern of dynamic but affordable space reuse. Natural stone walls and overhead pipes remained visible, maintaining the character of the space even with this new face.2
“It was a comfortable, welcoming hangout right in the middle of campus. It wasn’t a fraternity or a dorm room. It was a neutral ground where everyone could be together and have fun.”
—Nick Somers, AB ’84, Trustee1
The Rat served as a gathering place, seating about 200 students at a time and serving deli-style food in the day and bar-style food, including draft beer, all day.2 Live music and other forms of entertainment, especially television, were constantly supplied; this meant that many significant televised events were seen by students at the Rathskeller: the fall of the Berlin Wall, 9/11, the Miracle on Ice hockey game, and much more.1 The Rat closed in 2003 and is not occupied by offices.1
1. Dent, Emma. “Rat Tales.” The Source, Washington University In St. Louis, 15 Apr. 2024, source.washu.edu/2024/04/rat-tales/.
2. “Rathskeller to Open Sept. 29 on Campus, Washington University Record,” Introduction to DH Fall 2025, https://lucascaswell.publish.library.wustl.edu/admin/items/show/3.