Bowles Plaza, known for its tranquil ambiance, is home to a secret past that most students are unaware of. Hidden deep underground, there once was a vibrant on-campus pub that served as a popular social hub for hundreds of students. The pub’s lively atmosphere, characterized by the clinking of glasses and the boisterous laughter of young adults, was a testament to its success in bringing together the campus community. Despite being a well-kept secret, the pub’s legacy continues to live on in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to experience its charm. 

The Rathskeller — originally known as the Umrathskeller, due to its proximity to Umrath Hall — was once a beloved establishment at WashU. Opening in the Fall of 1975, “The Rat,” as it affectionately became known, quickly became a hotspot for events, tasty lunches, and social happenings. As a staple of campus culture, it provided a space for students to socialize over burgers and indulge in affordable beer. 

“Thursdays at the Rat” was a weekly event where the restaurant would extend its hours past lunchtime to play a significant role in WashU’s bustling nightlife scene. The event consistently drew crowds that far exceeded the capacity limits of the space. In fact, a 2001 article sourced from Student Life’s Archive indicates that over 800 students would regularly attend the event, which far surpassed its maximum capacity of 310 people. Despite the overcrowding, “Thursdays at the Rat” remained a popular tradition among students, further solidifying the Rathskeller’s place in campus lore. 

Despite its popularity, the Missouri Liquor Control Board revoked the restaurant’s liquor license in late 2001 due to an investigation into underage drinking. By spring of 2003, attendance of its weekly Thursday-night gatherings had fallen so drastically that event sales dropped below $10.

“The Rat” remained open for lunch-hour operations but closed shortly after, before eventually being renovated and turned into office spaces. 

While the beloved campus hotspot closed its doors some time ago, the possibility of its revival has gained attention, particularly considering the fact that the university’s alcohol license has been restored, and alcoholic beverages are served at Ibby’s and a pub in the Knight center. 

“The fact that we have a liquor license at Ibby’s means that could be a site for expansion to a different kind of venue,” Dean of Students Rob Wild said. Even so, this new expansion wouldn’t look exactly like “The Rat.”

“The Rat wouldn’t have been a good space anyway — because of the size of our student body now,” Wild asserted. Since 2003, the size of the student body has swelled to approximately 8000 undergraduates. “We’re exploring it and whether we could create a couple of spaces where alcohol could be served legally, and we can provide that kind of venue again.” 

A student-driven committee dedicated to examining space allocation is evaluating the prospect of developing a possible nightlife site. “We’ve [administrators] asked them, and they’re in year one of a three-year planning process to look at the concept of social space and what would bring people together. From my perspective, as the Dean of Students, I think if the administration creates the space, it’ll be less successful than if it’s a student-driven space,” Wild stated. 

A poll conducted by Student Life on March 29 posing the question, Would you be in favor of WashU establishing an on-campus bar/concert venue for upperclassmen and grad students? received an overwhelming response. Over 93% of the 138 respondents favored the concept, indicating a strong desire for an on-campus nightlife venue and a drive to create a space dedicated to facilitating social activities. “I think the pendulum has swung so that there is less social life on campus, certainly. And so I think there’s a question about whether we can find a balance and allow more social activity on campus.” Wild said. 

Some peer institutions across the nation have successfully run on-campus venues similar to the historic Rathskeller, “There are other campuses that have spaces like this — in fact, some colleagues of mine and I visited Duke University in the fall, and they have in their student center two different bar spaces that they run, and they are able to run [them] safely and effectively. There are universities that are doing it better than us. Absolutely. I think we can find that spot,” said Wild. 

“The Rat” may never return, but its memory and legacy will continue to hold a special place in the university’s history, and a future successor may one day restore its central role on campus. 

Illustrated by Tuesday Hadden | Student Life