The Gasthaus

Oh Gasthaus. The number one contributor to my college weekday day drinking.
For an establishment on a college campus, this is like 4.5 stars. You can get beer in the student union. (Sometimes education in Wisconsin has its perks.) Disregarding that my tuition helped fund a bar on campus, this is a solid 3.
They have a pretty wide selection of bar food, which is pretty hit or miss but it’s university food service. I recommend any of the nacho offerings, but don’t plan on being productive afterward – they are a gut bomb and a half.
Their beer and alcohol selection is decent but a touch overpriced. Sometimes they have O-​Gii, which is always a plus in my book. Other than that? I’ve had my fair share of shots of rail vodka before heading off to my Russian class (as one might expect).
The space is huge. There’s a ton of TVs and projectors. You can opt to sit at the bar, but its pretty small. There’s a pool table.
If you can work with distractions, this is your study spot. Wanna sip a beer AND study for your calc exam? Look no further.

Your typical dimly-​lit college sports bar and grill. There are TONS of project screens showing all types of sporting events (I’ve even seen figure skating) and popular shows in the evening. And it’s located in the basement of the UWM union. That’s right… a full bar on campus! «Work hard, play harder» is often exhibited here by students and professors alike.
The G-​Haus, as I fondly refer to one of the highlights of my grad school days, isn’t just an exclusive UWM club. It is open to the public and it’s definitely a hidden gem if you have never been and happen to be at UWM or in the area. The drinks are cheap and well poured, and the food is inexpensive and pretty delicious. They have a rather extensive menu — appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and deep fried goodies. Portions are large and everything is cooked to order so it’s always hot and fresh.
The restaurant is actually divided into two halves; the front is brighter and has more seating than the back. This is normally where the undergrads and under-​agers hang out. The back portion is the «bar» area, the lights are dimmed and there is a pool table. This is typically where you’ll find the grad students contemplating their decisions in life and fretting over their astronomical work load. They rarely card for seating in the bar area unless it is a very busy evening. There is plentiful seating –booths, table, and at the bar.
If you’ve never been, I suggest gathering some friends for a Sunday Funday. It’s generally slow on Sunday and there aren’t as many pesky students hanging out here as they do Monday thru Friday. Don’t expect the fastest of service if you come in a big group, only a couple of the student workers are able to serve alcohol. Also for faster service, order your food at the food register that all the employees can work and drinks from the bartender. Bring cash for tips or hit up one of the no-​fee atms on the 1^st floor for cash. Plastic is accepted but they are unable to accept tips from credit cards. Parking in the Union structure is also free on Sundays!!!
Hours/​dates of operation coincide with the school year. The Gasthaus is closed over summer as well as during breaks. Definitely call or check the UWM website for up-​to-​date hours.
Other schools have their spot that serve up grill-​style food. What really makes the Gasthaus unique is the fact they have full bar; not many school have such an establishment on campus. It’s so wonderfully Wisconsin!!!

Who doesn’t want a bar on their campus?!
Attending UWM for the last couple of years for night classes this place is an amazing gift to help me get through those long nights.
Located in the basement, or first floor if you want the marketing language, next to the bowling alley (yes, the UWM union has a bowling alley too) this makes for a great place to grab drinks after studying or after a night class.
The specials rotate daily so check back each day to see what they are. The front area looks similar to a BW3s with 4 or 5 projection screens and lots of seating. This is where you place your good orders.
Walking onto the other side of the place you get into the bar, where there are around 12 beers on tap and more projection big screens and plasmas.
Great addition to the union and worth stopping by.