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.