What makes one college
bar more popular than others? It is a bit of a mystery. I used to think it was
because the places were bigger, which meant it didn’t feel as cramped when
there were lots of people there, but there are also some really small and intimate
places that are popular too. Maybe it is the same as popularity in people--in
that sometimes there is no quantifiable reason why one is more popular than
another.
1. Bourbon Street -
University of Georgia - Athens, Georgia
The location alone is
enough to help it stay in business. People are going to visit anyway, which is
probably how they have stayed in business so long, the bar itself isn’t bad
either in my opinion. It has a sleek and almost sexy feel about it without
alienating people. You can imagine meeting your wife there before a football
game like Robin Williams did in Good Will Hunting.
2. Bullwinkle's Saloon -
Florida State University - Tallahassee, Florida
I think there is just
something about the atmosphere in this place. Their interior designer must have
been a genius. Even their music is tasty. It is a bit of a sausage-fest most
nights, so if you and your single lady friends want a lot of attention, then
head on down to the saloon.
3. The Wagon Wheel -
University of Kansas - Lawrence, Kan.
Want a wholesome bar?
Somewhere where mummy and daddy wouldn’t be upset to find you? This is the sort
of place for you, with the exception that they didn’t mind serving my underage
friends.
4. Knight Library -
University of Central Florida - Orlando, Florida
It’s bright and it’s
pretty, and it looks like a good time. There are parts of it that remind me of
a fruit machine after I have had a few drinks. The big TVs do help to add an
atmosphere too.
5. The Boot - Tulane
University - New Orleans, Louisiana
This bar has been popular
for longer than ever. It doesn’t seem to be able to do any wrong. People just
keep going there. Part of the reason is because the competition is so weak, but
even with that in mind, it is a hard bar to flaw.
6. Zuma Grill - Arizona
State University - Tempe, Ariz.
It is full of pretentious
people, so do not take your knuckledusters because you will end up using them.
Still, if you eat and have a few frosty ones, then a good night can turn into a
great one.
7. The Tombs - Georgetown
University - Washington D.C.
A reasonably nice place
to drink that is very highly rated. Maybe college students do not like the
competition, or maybe there is something magical about this bar that is not
evident right away.
8. The Tapp Room -
Appalachian State University - Boone, N.C.
Built to draw younger
teens and college students in. Their staff are really dumb, so you can hide the
fact your younger friends are drinking. Just order a coke with each order and
claim it is for the one with has a baby face. Their food is expensive, but
tastes great after three beers.
9. Brothers Bar &
Grill - University of Iowa - Iowa City, Iowa
Most students cannot
afford to keep going here and eating, but if you have the money then you need
to go. Even their vegetarian food is brilliant. Plus, if you eat, then they do
not mind if you look a little young.
10. Kollege Klub -
University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wis.
It is a great place to
drink a bunch of weird stuff, to meet a bunch of weird people, and to be able
to have conversations with women about beer and lager whilst they pretend to
know what you are talking about.
