No matter how much money is put into making a cafeteria look nice, it is still always cafeteria.

The UW spent quite a bit of money getting the Lakefront Cafe into shape in Memorial Union; it's spacious and looks nice (for being a cafeteria and all), but the food and the prices do not match up to the aesthetics.

I would say the only affordable item in the cafeteria, which is also reasonably priced (sort of) is the vegetarian chili (which is also vegan). It is thick and spicy (not really "hot" spicy though, just filled with savory spices), with big and small chunks of vegetables. There was something in there resembling the texture of TVP, and I got really excited about that, but then got the chili again another time, and it was gone forever. Maybe it is a random occurance, I do not know.

I have tried the stir-fry before... it costs way too much for a tiny portion of greasyx3 vegetables, most likely a frozen or pre-prepared mix of some sort, over way too much white rice in proportion. It was close to disgusting. This was one of the only two vegan options (besides a plain, extremely over-priced salad and the aforementioned chili). The vegan options are slim if you're not busting with cash; and even if you are, they still are not in abundance. The food is mostly bland and greasy (except for the chili: I will still stand by it), and I give it an overall bad review, obviously.

The drinks in there are extremely overpriced, being over a dollar for a bottle of water, and cans of soda peaking over the 75 cent mark... much closer to a dollar. Tiny bags of chips are overpriced, and even the fruit is quite expensive for the quality (non-organic, and quality in general).

Doesn't the University get enough money out of the students as is? Eating is only a necessity for functioning properly, so you'd think they wouldn't exploit those caught on campus without a lunch and little time. If this is the case, I highly recommend fare from a cart in Library Mall, or make sure you leave enough time to pack your own lunch.