Four Lakes Cafe - Madison

Good food for a hospital! They get their ingredients, meat and produce for local Wisconsin farms. They have a wide range of food styles from American comfort, A... read more Good food for a hospital! They get their ingredients, meat and produce for local Wisconsin farms. They have a wide range of food styles from American comfort, Asian, Mexican and more. They have a great salads bar that changes themes per day of the week. They make all their breads on site and desserts also. All food is made on site and the staff are so nice! ALSO prices are crazy cheap! You can get a whole meal for less than $7.

I completely understand that the cafeteria is closed, but the area outside seemed open to the public. After spending hours in the hospital, I thought it was rea... read more I completely understand that the cafeteria is closed, but the area outside seemed open to the public. After spending hours in the hospital, I thought it was reasonable to grab a quick snack there after three hours. It wouldn't have been so bad if the man working there hadn't been so rude! He asked if I worked in the hospital, and when I said I didn’t, he told me I wasn’t allowed to be in that area. I apologized and started to leave, but he followed me out and pointed out a sign in front of the cafeteria that said it was closed in a very condescending tone. The sign clearly states that the cafeteria is closed and is positioned further away down the hall. It doesn’t take much effort to be kind to others. He seemed to exert more energy on his rude behavior than on just being polite.

The prices have gone up. It's a good idea to bring food from home. They also hardly serve ice at Babcock Hall anymore. read more The prices have gone up. It's a good idea to bring food from home. They also hardly serve ice at Babcock Hall anymore.

The salad bar here is incredible and offers excellent value at $4.99 per pound, featuring a wide range of choices. I'm especially fond of the variety of microgr... read more The salad bar here is incredible and offers excellent value at $4.99 per pound, featuring a wide range of choices. I'm especially fond of the variety of microgreens available. At the 500-calorie station, I can't help but indulge in the mango curry rice—it's a bit spicy but packed with flavor, although I'm not completely sure it's really 500 calories... The staff is remarkably friendly, even during peak hours when the checkout lines can get quite long.

Although the ambiance resembles that of a hospital cafeteria, the area is clean and well-kept by the friendly and efficient staff. Some highlight dishes include... read more Although the ambiance resembles that of a hospital cafeteria, the area is clean and well-kept by the friendly and efficient staff. Some highlight dishes include the gouda mac and cheese, baked fish, beef pot roast, tofu curry, and any of the pie or cake slices from the fridge. So, if you find yourself at the UW Hospital VA Hospital Children’s Hospital complex, be sure to visit the cafeteria on the first floor—you may be pleasantly surprised!