Originally opened in 1973, the Rathskeller, or the “Rat,” serves as a student gathering place and a popular spot for the legal consumption of beer and wines. The birthday celebration featured a band, “Roaster and Toaster’s Mocktails,” a slider-eating contest and giveaways with tank tops and flip-flops. It marked another milestone in the Rathskeller’s journey from its old home in Gautier Hall to its current location in the Shalala Student Center (SSC). Originally established in Gautier Hall, the Rathskeller was taken apart and relocated to the University Center when the SSC was being built and settled in its current location once construction finished.
During its construction, the Rathskeller was intended to be a place where students exchanged ideas in an open and fun environment, according to Everett Price, director of the Rathskeller. Today, the Rat prides itself on allowing students to play a major part in its operation.
“[The Rathskeller] is financed by the students, designed with the help of students and ultimately [is] operated largely by the students of the university community,” Price said.
Price summed up what makes the Rathskeller at Miami special in a few concise words.
“It’s the students who make the Rathskeller special.”
Correction, Feb. 11: The article originally said the Rathskeller first opened in 1976.