Finding the right atmosphere for a bar is crucial to being able to enjoy yourself when you go out. Consider what you’re looking for and then choose your bar accordingly.
Best place to feel good about your level of intoxication:
Tiny Tavern. No matter how many drinks you’ve had or what other bars you’ve been kicked out of, there’s probably at least three other people at the bar who are more inebriated than you are.
Best place to have really delicious beer, and also feel like you’re drinking in a middle school cafeteria:
The Bier Stein. Seriously awesome beer selection and nice bar tenders here, but come on people — does anyone know what ambient lighting means? The quality and breadth of beverage selection here will satisfy even the most picky beer snobs, but you might feel like you’re back at your middle school end-of-the-year party with all the bright, bland lighting.
Best place to make friends with your bartender:
Max’s Tavern. The bartenders here are about as nice as they come and after chatting with you for a bit, usually serve up some tasty popcorn or peanuts.
Best place to people-watch:
Taylor’s Bar and Grill. After you get out of class, grab a brew and have a seat on the patio. There are hours of entertainment in watching all the rushing students, the don’t-give-a-@%$# students, student couples and whatever other people come and go in this hodgepodge crowd.
Best place to get buzzed before class:
Rennie’s Landing. Just north of the west entrance to the University, none of your classmates will see you sneak in for a sip. It’s likely your professors won’t either, unless, of course, you run into them there — in which case you’ll be buying the drinks. Bottoms up!
Best place to find a surprisingly good band that you’ve never heard of:
Sam Bond’s Garage. You’ll have to pay a cover most nights (usually just a couple bucks) to get into this super-cozy bar, but after you’ve rocked out really hard to some killer jams only to realize that they’re only the second opener to the main event, you’ll be happy you came.
Best place to watch a game:
Tie between Doc’s Pad and Taylor’s. Both of these places have more TVs than there are players on the average football team. Go Ducks!
Best place to be amazed by the bathroom:
Tiny Tavern. It’s the kind of place where even after you head into the bathroom totally wasted, you’ll still pause after being taken aback by all the (cough cough!) decorations.
Best place to feel really cultured and drink whiskey:
Izakaya Meiji Company. Its location next to Sam Bond’s, Tiny Tavern and Ninkasi Brewery and close proximity to the Riverfront Bike Path is choice. Try a few of the endless variety of whiskeys and ask the server to bring out the Japanese Tic-Tac-Toe-ish game. Always a good time.
Best place to have a fun time dancing with someone who you’ve never seen before and will never see again:
The Oak Street Speakeasy. Also a contender for a great place to hear a group you’ve never heard of before.
Best place to have a delicious Bloody Mary:
The Jackalope. Head over to the Jackalope for a delicious Bloody Mary after a long night on the town. Interesting fact: In Canada Bloody Maries are called “Caesars.”
Best bar to read a book during a rainy afternoon:
Rennie’s Landing. Sit on the first floor in front of the bar and look out the window while contemplating life, love and lust.