The 51 Best College Bars in America
The 51 Best College Bars in America
Part of a good college education should really involve in-depth research of the bars on and around campus — let's call it a course in "social sciences" — but lucky for the slackers out there, I did your homework for you. This rundown of the top college bars in every state will ensure you won't go thirsty.
University of Alabama: Tuscaloosa, AL
Spicy wings, quick service, and plenty of TVs playing current games keep Alabama students coming back to the Houndstooth. Roll tide!
University of Alaska - Fairbanks: Fairbanks, AK
UAF crowds pile into the Marlin for a dark, intimate hangout that's pleasantly dive-y, plus occasional live music.
Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ
The open-air patio at Casey Moore's Oyster House is the place to be for cheap drinks and surprisingly good bar food — get the potato skins and oysters with creamy horseradish sauce.
University of Arkansas: Fayetteville, AR
Less rowdy than some other student watering holes, Sideways boasts an extensive selection of beers on tap, including classics, seasonals, and micro brews, perfect for sipping while shooting pool.
Stanford University: Stanford, CA
Stanford students and alumni swear by the Dutch Goose in Menlo Park for its chill back patio. Order sliders, fries, and the famed deviled eggs and discreetly carve your name into one of the wooden tables like patrons before you.
University of Colorado at Boulder: Boulder, CO
Grab a beer and a dose of nostalgia at World Famous Dark Horse. The casual joint is decorated with lots of dark wood and kitschy garage sale-esque items. Chow down on a breakfast burrito and stick around to watch afternoon football games. You won't be disappointed.
University of Connecticut: Storrs, CT
The Sports Bar in North Windham is the place to be and be seen on Thursday nights. UConn and Eastern students stay entertained with darts and pools inside, or hang out back on the outdoor deck.
George Washington University: Washington, DC
The GW crowd can be found at Sign of the Whale any given night or weekend. Sure, it's got sticky floors and rowdy regulars, but the staff is friendly and drinks are cheap — especially the fruity Whale Pail cocktails.
University of Delaware: Newark, DE
Smack dab in the middle of Main Street, Klondike Kate's has a spacious outdoor deck and amazing happy hour specials, so you can get a buzz without running up your bar tab.
University of South Florida: Tampa, FL
USF students drink up at German biergarten-style Mr. Dunderbak's. The steins of beer pair perfectly with schnitzel and other German specialties, plus there's live music.
University of Georgia: Athens, GA
Those looking for a fun evening out, go to The Globe for fish and chips and a casual pub vibe. UGA students and professors even gather here for meet-and-greets during the semester.
University of Hawaii at Manoa: Honolulu, HI
In-the-know locals post up at Tropics Tap House to dig into big cheeseburgers with garlicky fries or killer tacos (Taco Tuesday means tacos for $1 to $2 apiece). There are tons of beers on tap so you won't get thirsty during game time.
University of Iowa: Iowa City, IA
Deadwood Tavern is just the right hybrid of a townie and student bar. While not overrun with drunk college kids, it's got a young, fun feel, complete with pinball, a jukebox, and a pool table room. Make sure to order a Bloody Mary.
Boise State University: Boise, ID
Whether you want margs and tacos or Bloodys and wings, Crescent "No Lawyers" Bar & Grill is a campus go-to. You can always find big sports game on TV, plus quality music and an outdoor patio for warmer evenings.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Champaign, IL
Prepare yourself for plenty a sticky floor, crazy-loud music and some unsettling smells, but Kam's is always packed despite it all. Order one of the wacky drink concoctions and that pro alone will outweigh any of the cons.
University of Notre Dame: South Bend, IN
Linebacker Lounge — fondly nicknamed "the 'Backer" — has been around since the '60s, and it hasn't changed much since. Patrons dig the giant beers, killer burgers, homemade chili, and free popcorn in the company of fellow Fighting Irish fans.
University of Kansas: Lawrence, KS
This colorful pre- and post-game spot has plenty of character and charm, and students always find their way to the Wagon Wheel for top-notch pizza and cold beer while they cheer on their Jayhawks.
University of Louisville: Louisville, KY
If you're sick of guzzling cheap beer, the specialty cocktails at the Monkey Wrench will be a welcome change. Sip Kentucky Mules and jam out to live Bluegrass on Wednesdays, or assemble your own cocktail at the Bloody Mary bar during Sunday brunch.
Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, LA
Humdrum bar food definitely isn't on the menu at the Chimes. LSU students watch their fill of ESPN while tucking into crawfish etouffée, shrimp, and oysters at this chill Southern spot.
Harvard University: Cambridge, MA
Charlie's Kitchen has been around for more than 30 years, serving up cheap burgers and beer via quick, diner-style service. Add an outdoor beer garden and extensive drink menu to the mix, and it's no wonder the Ivy League kids keep coming back.
University of Maine: Orono, ME
The tri-level Bear Brew Pub has something for students of every stripe. Hit up the downstairs bar to enjoy incredible pizza and wings, dance it off at the club upstairs, or shoot some pool on the third floor. Students pack in on snow days for celebratory happy hour specials.
University of Maryland, College Park: College Park, MD
Nachos and "Big Ass Beer" specials keep Terps fans fueled up at Cornerstone Grill & Loft. Those less inclined to watch the game can take advantage of pool tables and plenty of space for dancing in the bar.
Michigan State University: East Lansing, MI
This laid-back bar and eatery, decked out in Sparty memorabilia, is the perfect place to start and end the night. Get going with Crunchy's impressive pizza, burgers, and craft beers, and stick around for low-key karaoke.
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Minneapolis, MN
The upbeat Library Bar & Grill has two levels of space for students to fill up. Take advantage of drink deals like fishbowls on Wednesdays, and settle in for trivia or jam out to pop music while playing pool.
University of Missouri: Columbia, MO
Broke students can still have a good time at Shiloh Bar & Grill thanks to the killer deals. It's the place to be for Sunday Funday — bring your crew to catch a Cardinals game or order thin-crust pizza and post up at one of the tables on the patio.
Mississippi State University: Starkville, MS
Darts, trivia, and live bands make Dave's Dark Horse Tavern an ideal post-football hangout spot. Vegan and gluten-free visitors will love the varied menu too.
Montana State University: Bozeman, MT
Track down hidden gem, the Molly Brown, for fun in the form of bar games like pool, darts, and trivia. Any game you'd want to watch is always on, and the friendly staff keep your drinks coming.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill, NC
Top of the Hill in a classic UNC watering hole, pouring house brews like Old Well White and Blueberry Wheat. Mingle with the crowd or browse the selection of board games behind the bar for a chill night.
North Dakota State University: Fargo, ND
Mosey over to Dempsey's Public House to catch live music or get behind the mic for karaoke on Tuesday nights. The Irish pub feel has a way of making anyone feel at home.
University of Nebraska - Lincoln: Lincoln, NE
They're serious about the live music setup at Duffy's Tavern — you won't hear any staticky sound here. Head over to watch a Huskers game and share one of the bar's crazy fishbowl drinks, and make sure to check out the fire pit out back.
Dartmouth College: Hanover, NH
Murphy's on the Green, a low-key local pub near campus, is a favorite among students for the stellar beer selection (the staff are happy to offer recommendations) and phenomenal food. Gluten-free and vegetarian options even make the cut.
Rutgers University: New Brunswick, NJ
There's not visiting Rutgers without a night out at Olde Queens Tavern — a local staple since 1933. Waiting in line is worth it when shuffle board, poker games, and 15 varieties of grilled cheese await inside.
University of New Mexico: Albuquerque, NM
Downtown Albuquerque's Marble Brewery churns out insanely good craft beers, from Oatmeal Stout to Wildflower Wheat. Students frequently come for growlers, or to enjoy flights and grub from the food truck parked outside.
University of Nevada, Reno: Reno, NV
The cozy leather booths and cool decor at St. James Infirmary give it a bit of a hipster vibe, but students frequent the spot to step up their night from dive bar status. Trivia, a stacked jukebox, and tasty craft beers are the cherry on top.
New York University: New York, NY
Despite the insane selection of bars within reach, Josie Woods Pub is always packed with NYU students. The laid-back vibe makes it perfect for mingling with the massive student body, but the place tends to get rowdier as the night progresses.
Miami of Ohio University: Oxford, OH
Oxford's student population flocks to the Wood's to get their buzz on at a spot where good music and dancing are always on the menu. No worries about being packed into a sweaty room like sardines — there's plenty of breathing room to keep things pleasant.
Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK
Pad your stomach with giant portions of cheese-smothered fries before a full night of drinking and live music at Eskimo Joe's. The joint sits right off campus and is so beloved that it has its own souvenir shop downstairs — you know you want a T-shirt.
University of Oregon: Eugene, OR
Had a rough day of classes or just want to celebrate the weekend? Taylor's Bar and Grill is right on campus, so Ducks fans don't have to go far to grab a super-cheap drink. It's spacious, so there's room to dance at night, and it has an open patio that's perfect for day-drinking.
Pennsylvania State University: State College, PA
Don't let the old furniture and dark basement feel of Zeno's Pub turn you off. Share a few pitchers surrounded by Penn State memorabilia and you'll have a night to remember ... that is, if you soak up the booze with some late-night eats.
Brown University: Providence, RI
As its name suggest, Grad Center Bar draws a slightly older crowd on campus, but good, old-fashioned fun like pinball and board games is a no-brainer for all ages. Chill on the comfy couches, sip on super-cheap drinks, and make sure to stop by for special theme nights.
University of South Carolina: Columbia, SC
The Whig has a dive-y vibe, but classes it up with a killer cocktail menu and fancy food offerings. Leather-back chairs and couches provide a plush setting to devour feta pesto dip or smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese, and you can bet the bartenders will be on their game with the music.
University of South Dakota: Vermillion, SD
In terms of casual spots for USD students to gather, Carey's Bar is always at the top of the list. Their stellar Bloodys (supposedly the best in South Dakota), relaxed beer garden, and live music are hard to beat.
Vanderbilt University: Nashville, TN
Dainty plates line the walls and ceiling at the eclectic Flying Saucer. You've got your pick of some seriously good brews thanks to the variety on tap — try out off-beat drafts, cans, and ice-cold nitro with a banh mi or cheesesteak.
Texas A&M University: College Station, TX
Chimy's is something of a sports bar legend in Aggieland, and not just because it's Johnny Manziel's favorite watering hole. The top-notch Mexican eats (and margs, or course) make it an ideal pitstop for lunch before a big game.
University of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT
A spacious and airy spot to drink really good local beer? Sign us up. The informative staff at Squatters Pub Brewery will chat you up about the selection. Stick around to chat or escape to the quieter upper floor.
Virginia Tech: Blacksburg, VA
Deck space is a prime spot for student mingling, and Top of the Stairs (TOTS) has no shortage of it. The place is always busy during football season and on sunny days, but don't miss out on karaoke on Tuesdays! The rail drinks will provide the courage you need.
University of Vermont: Burlington, VT
Manhattan Pizza and Pub is much more than your typical place to put away a pie. In addition to serving up insane slices, the bar always has a full schedule of fun at the ready — think live music, karaoke, open mic nights, and major football viewing parties.
Washington State University: Pullman, WA
School spirit is never in short supply at the Cougar Cottage, better known as the Coug. The burgers and steak fries are popular enough to keep students around regularly at dinnertime, but the party really gets started around 1 a.m.
University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI
Kollege Klub or "the KK" is a mainstay in Madison. Expect a sea of red-clad college kids watching the Badgers play and — whether it's a win or a loss — lots of loud music and dancing afterwards. Order the infamous pink drink.
West Virginia University: Morgantown, WV
Mario's Fishbowl stays true to its name by serving up nearly fishbowl-size goblets of beer to thirsty West Virginia scholars. The only thing that could make the brews better is the bar's signature cowboy ranch wings that get a kick from Buffalo sauce.
University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY
Laramie isn't known for being a party town but this joint brings the fun. Front Street Tavern pours great cocktails like the Last Word or a classic Old Fashioned. Grab a drink and kick back to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and comfortable seating.
Belly up to the best party spots on campus.