As a visitor from out of town, my first stop of Madison was getting dinner and drinks at Memorial Union Terrace. We got there around 8pm on a summer week night, and the sun was just starting to set. Sunsets at the Terrace are BEAUTIFUL! There's the lake with a bunch of boats lining the horizon and the pier full with people enjoying their food. When I picture a chill evening out on the lake front, this is it.
The surrounding area has a variety of food options including the Brat Stand, the Gazebo, and a few other stands that I didn't get to explore.
THE BRAT STAND*
Brat $3.75 (highly recommended - great flavor, though smaller portions. would get 2)
Vegan Brat $4.25 (heard from a meat eater that this wasn't very tasty)
Hamburger $3.75
Cheeseburger $4.00 (another popular option besides the brat)
Bacon Cheeseburger $4.75
Veggie Burger $4.75
Hot Dog $3.50
Chicken Sandwich $4.25
Corn on the Cob $3.25 (Grilled with the husk)
Ranch seasoned corn $3.60
Chips $1.15
A ton of different beers on tap
*There's a station on the side to add your own condiments including onions and relish
SEATING
There's a bunch of small tables with about 3 seats around the "upper" and "lower" level of the terrace in between the union and the lakefront. There are also benches closer to the water, and you can also sit along the pier with your legs dangling above the water. The evenings are pretty packed, so try to go with a smaller group of people if possible in order to maximize your chance of finding seating.
Overall, this is an ideal place to enjoy a cold beer on a warm evening while watching the sun go down over the water. Can't beat that!