[media-credit name=’JAKE NAUGHTON/Herald photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]

Over the past year, every student on campus watched as the
new University Square was being constructed.

Lucky for us (pun intended), one of the newest additions to
the University of Wisconsin campus is the University Square Food Court designed
primarily with college students in mind.

Walking up to the second floor of the building, hungry
restaurant-goers are treated to a clean, bright eating environment
distinguished by brilliant green chairs and deep brown lounges perfect for
studying. The plasma televisions broadcast sports, game shows, news and soap
operas. One of the food court’s most exciting features is its satellite
television access. Combined with free WiFi access, there is little more the
technologically dependent student could ask for.

The restaurants open now include Sbarro Pizza, Quizno’s and
Nori Japan. Scheduled to open on Sept. 30 is Stir Fry 88, and sometime in
October the management company plans to introduce Bubble Island Tea, a chain
that specializes in boba, a Taiwanese tea with tapioca “pearls.” The food court
will also play home to Fattousch, a Mediterranean restaurant, Varsity Grill and
one additional restaurant that has yet to be determined.

Another unique feature attributed to the food court is a
private room with what management calls a “nano-wall,” a part of the room that
opens up to create a covered outdoor seating space. It can be rented for
private parties or simply enjoyed by the average food court patron interested
in taking in the view of Madison’s downtown area.

By the time classes are in full swing, management hopes to
extend the 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours to 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. from Thursday
through Saturday. This extension, of course, will cater to the late-night
eaters who will undoubtedly be awake “studying” on a Friday evening. As we all
know, the streets become curiously congested around 2 a.m. on weekend nights
due to the campuswide decision to “quit the books” and grab a bite to eat
before waking up bright and early the next day for some more diligent studying.

The University Food Court is a fun alternative to the
restaurants we’ve all grown to love on State Street. With its central location,
shiny televisions and modern yet comfortable color scheme, Madison’s newest
community eating establishment is sure to be a hit with students returning to
campus interested in a fresh place to study and grab a bite to eat.