The Rathskeller was officially opened on December 18, 1972, and dedicated on February 10, 1973. Mr. Gautier was instrumental in initiating and following through on the Rathskeller project, and so, the Rat was formally referred to as Gautier Hall.

In June 2011, the Gautier Hall was demolished to provide space for a new Donna E. Shalala Student Center, where the new Rathskeller would reside. The Rat was temporarily located in the University Center. The new Rathskeller opened on August 20, 2013, in its present location.