The Best College Bars In Every State

First, let's make one thing clear: The best college bar in every state is not necessarily the same as the best bar in every state. For the most part, restaurateurs and gourmets would probably choose other locales to top their own lists. (Although, some of these spots do have seriously good munchies.) But that's fine, because these bars aren't for them!

These bars are for the students who are newly legal drinkers, seeking to let loose after a major exam, or just get a taste of the fabled classic college experience. For some, it's about where to get rowdy while watching the home team take on a longtime rival. For others, it's about who has the cheapest (or biggest) drinks. Some of these spots are almost as old as the universities themselves. No matter what makes these college bars popular or even beloved, they all give visitors a glimpse into local campus life.

For years, The Marlin bar and music venue in Fairbanks topped many college bar lists. Unfortunately, it ended up being one of the many nightlife businesses that didn't survive the economic fallout of COVID-19. In the absence of this longtime frontrunner, a search for the next go-to watering hole for college students ensued. A little more than two miles from the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus is HooDoo Brewing Co., which offers a rotating menu of craft beers and ales, featuring local beer freshly brewed on premises. Drink up inside the taproom or in their outdoor biergarten. 

While HooDoo Brewing Co. does not cook their own food onsite, they welcome you to bring your own or to patronize the local food trucks that frequently stop by. Love a particular brew? Take it home in a 5-pound keg or a large growler. For fresh 21-and-ups, this is a fantastic spot for some beer 101.

Any Fayetteville local or University of Arkansas attendee will point anyone in search of a good time toward Dickson Street. This row of bars, restaurants, and music venues is on the doorstep of the home of the Razorbacks. There are plenty of things to do on Dickson; simply walking down the street is entertaining in and of itself. Pick a bar, any bar, and you'll be sure to run into current students and alums. 

One bar that tops several "best college bar" lists is Sideways. The laidback bar is home to plenty of pool tables and an extensive beer tap selection. For those more interested in cocktails and a slightly more upscale take on a classic dive bar, turn the corner and head on over to Maxine's Tap Room, a bar that was named one of the best bars in America by Esquire in 2019. (Locals love Maxine's flavored popcorn!)

Boulder's downtown is famous for Pearl Street, a road littered with restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, bookstores and other shops. But while University of Colorado Boulder students can make a great bar crawl out of this bustling strip, it's much more convenient for Buffaloes to cross the campus's Norlin Quadrangle to grab a drink and a bite at The Sink. 

The bar and restaurant has been a meeting place for students, alums, and even celebs since 1923. President Obama, Guy Fieri, and Anthony Bourdain have all patronized the establishment to take in the colorful art murals on the walls and the decades' worth of signatures scrawled by locals on the ceiling. These creative and historic surroundings foster just the right atmosphere to scarf down their Food Network famous Ugly Crust Pizza and signature Sink Burger; the self-proclaimed "best burger in Boulder."

In 1979, part of the old Wilmington Railroad Station was transformed into a bar and eatery that has since captured the hearts of locals — especially University of Delaware students, staff, and alums. It's called Klondike Kate's Restaurant & Saloon, and it boasts unwavering support for UDel all year round. University memorabilia and placards showcase love and admiration for the school and some of its most famous alums, like NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, who wore #5 for the Blue Hens. In fact, the saloon's school spirit is so strong that it officially partnered with University of Delaware Athletics and iHeartMedia to host Blue Hens sports radio shows during the football and basketball seasons. Kate's even has a gift shop that sells collegiate style, Delaware-themed merch. 

The venue offers live music almost daily, and students definitely come here to party. According to Spoon University, this is where every undergrad should celebrate their 21st birthday. Be sure to soak up the alcohol with their buzzworthy late night nachos!

There is certainly no shortage of bars for University of Georgia students to enjoy in Athens. While everyone has their own favorite, the combination of coffee and alcohol available at Walker's Coffee & Pub is hard to beat. The r/UGA subreddit loves it, too. 

During the day, it's a relaxed cafe where students can catch up on homework or have a breakfast sandwich with a friend. At night, the focus is on the booze, and you'll be able to taste some crafty spiked coffee and hot chocolate drinks you won't find anywhere else. 

Whether you're just waking up or looking for a spot to wrap up your late night UGA bar crawl, Walker's has something for everyone. Settle in at a cozy booth inside, take in some sun in the outdoor seating area, or get your drink on down in the basement.

Pengilly's, 10th Street Station, and Humpin Hannah's are the more run-of-the-mill local college bars in Boise, and that's not a bad thing. But in reality, not every college student likes grinding up against sweaty strangers or taking up residence at the same old pub. For those seeking a more extraordinary drinking experience, Spacebar Arcade is the way to go. Beaming with neon lights, this unique bar and arcade combo introduces your inner child to the boozy world of adulthood. Travel back in time with retro games like pinball and old school systems like N64 and GameCube.

Sick of staring at screens all night? Spacebar also has good old-fashioned board games on hand, and even a claw machine to play for prizes. Boise State University students and other locals can enjoy 12 rotating beer taps, wines, canned cocktails, and hard seltzers while they take in some tunes from live DJ sets or test their knowledge on trivia nights. Conclusion: Spacebar Arcade is both down to earth and out of this world.

The top of the menu at this iconic college bar reads, "Welcome to Nick's English Hut, a Bloomington and Indiana University tradition since 1927." The Athletic describes the pub by stating, "More than any other establishment in town, it connects every class of students to the next and the next, and it helps tie together generations." Clearly, there is something very special about Nick's. Maybe it's the quaint, cottage-like exterior with the Indiana University logo above the entryway. Maybe it's the cozy, rustic, wood-paneled walls. Likely, the bar's infamous Sink the Biz beer drinking game played a part in building up its reputation, too. 

However it happened, the people behind this establishment have spent decades fostering an unbreakable bond with the local students, faculty, and alums. Some campus bars are just places where everyone likes to get wasted. Others, like Nick's, are more like passed down heirlooms that feel like home.

The Wagon Wheel, or just "The Wheel," is a point of pride for students and alums of the University of Kansas. The University Daily Kansan even calls it a "Lawrence institution." The exterior of the building is dressed in the Kansas Jayhawks colors of crimson and blue, signaling to all passersby that this place is the real deal. With chandeliers made out of wagon wheels hanging from the ceiling and decades worth of writing scrawled onto the walls and booths, The Wheel is part dive bar, part sports bar, and all tradition. 

The Lawrence establishment is also famous for its Wang Burger, a bacon cheeseburger with fried egg on top that even makes ESPN sportscasters' mouths water. All newcomers should be aware, though, that the corner booth is reserved for respected alums, and being able to sit there one day is an honor that every Jayhawk should strive to attain!

Louisiana State University is one of the nation's biggest sports schools. The Tigers often see their players drafted to the pros, including 2019 Heisman trophy winner turned NFL quarterback Joe Burrow. One of the best basketball players of all time, Shaquille O'Neal, also attended LSU, and he recently made a reappearance at his alma mater's legendary bar, Fred's in Tigerland, as a DJ. (Yes, apparently Shaq is DJ Diesel now.) 

Fred's is where virtually everyone on campus goes to get rowdy and cheer on game day. Since 1982, the sports bar has been throwing crawfish boils, Mardi Gras bashes, and other big tent parties (emphasis on big) that have helped shape the identity of Baton Rouge. With three bars inside, one bar outside, a patio that overlooks the LSU golf course, and Tiger Stadium just down the road, Fred's is the best place to proudly celebrate and support LSU sports.

What began as the Rendezvous Inn in 1962 morphed into the Cornerstone Grill & Loft sports bar in 1997. While the name may have changed and more than two dozen TVs have been added, the bar continues to hold a special place in the hearts of University of Maryland students, staff, and alums. 

The first floor boasts 15 TVs and a large projector screen for students and locals to watch their favorite teams. The ground level also has 16 beers on tap and more than 40 craft beers — the largest selection in College Park. Venture out onto the deck and patio for lunch; yes, crab dip is on the menu. Head upstairs to the so-called Loft for more sports bar fun. The second floor houses 13 TVs, 12 taps, pool tables, and more. 

There's no shortage of food, drink, and entertainment for UMD Terrapins. It's clear that the owners definitely got the name right the second time around, as this bar is literally the cornerstone of campus fun.

Good Time Charley's has been showing University of Michigan students a grand old time since 1979. The Michigan Daily not only calls it the best college bar, but the best bar in Ann Arbor. This place is so beloved by Michigan Wolverines and other Ann Arbor locals that when it was devastated by fire in 2020, the community came to its rescue by flooding them with much-needed funds. 

Patrons love Charley's Mug Club Monday's beer specials and Wednesday trivia nights. But more than anything on the menu, it's the big fishbowls full of alcohol that keep people coming back. On Tuesdays, giant pickle jar sized containers of Long Island Iced Teas are just $10. When the weather is pleasant (well, relatively speaking, since it is Michigan), sit out on the patio with your cocktail and a basket of Pepperoni Styx, hand-twisted breadsticks stuffed with mozzarella and pepperoni, topped with garlic and Parmesan.

They certainly got the name right for this University of Mississippi college bar! The metallic, industrial siding around the bar and the convenient store style, alcoholic slushy machines give this Oxford bar a fun, eclectic vibe that's hard to beat. 

Funky's signature New Orleans style daiquiris come in many flavors (and colors!) which are always on rotation. Some of the drinks are given names of celebrities, like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. But the pop music industry isn't just there in spirit. Katy Perry once tore the roof off the place when Ole Miss beat Alabama in a big football game in 2014. 

Of course, the bar also has beer, wine, and other liquors on hand, just in case you aren't in the mood for a fruity frozen cocktail. And what goes better with booze than pizza? Funky's serves up some killer thin crust pies with so many topping options, it'll make your head spin.

Near Montana State University is Bar IX (Bar Nine), a venue that has been throwing "the biggest parties in Montana" since 2010. For Montana Bobcats and other local Bozeman folk, Bar IX is a must-visit during any downtown drinking adventure. This bar is at the center of undergrad nightlife, and it likely has something to do with their Thursday Bucket Night special. For $12, patrons get a whole bucket's worth of their favorite mixed drink. Six shots and the mixer of their choice is plenty to keep a broke, fun-loving college student happy! 

The exposed brick and wooden interior creates a warm, down-home vibe, while the giant stuffed buffalo head reminds you that you're definitely in Montana. Watch the game, dance under strobing, colorful lights, or even take salsa classes on Mondays. Other weekly events include trivia and karaoke. The only drawback is that it's not vegetarian friendly. Bar IX's limited menu is meat-heavy, presenting soul food favorites like chicken fried steak and mac and cheese with brisket and pork belly.

Pub N' Sub has been serving students from the University of Nevada, Reno, since 1974. They enjoy being "the neighborhood pub"; the place Wolf Pack fans reflexively turn to for beer, pizza, and sandwiches. On the corner of Ralston and W 10th, a mere half mile from campus, a large, forest green door with yellow signs will signal that you've reached the right place. Its bare bones design of wood, brick, and picnic tables (inside and outside), immediately conveys that the hype here isn't for the decor, but for the quality of the food, brews, and hangouts. 

Unlike other campus bars across the nation, the food menu here is extensive, featuring more than 30 types of sandwiches, as well as pizza, salads, and fried finger foods. Students who are hungry, thirsty, and in need of a place to cheer while watching their school games can always find a home at Pub.

When in New Jersey, eat as the Italians do! The Garden State's sizable Italian-American population has made it famous for Italian food, like the massive Strombolis served up at Stuff Yer Face in New Brunswick. Located right around the corner from the Rutgers University campus bookshop, this Italian joint has been giving in to gluttony since 1977. 

They serve burgers and sandwich melts, but the real attraction here is the Stromboli. Iron Chef Mario Batali worked here when he was a student at Rutgers, and he still fondly reminisces about the food. When he was a guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" he said, "The Strombolis come in two sizes: large and huge." Rutgers students can also slake their thirst with equally massive fishbowls filled with alcohol, described on the menu as "60 ounces of fun." People who don't care for mixed drinks can find a selection of beers on the drink menu as well.

New York City is a tempting place to pick a "best bar," but don't forget, this is a list about the best college bars. While there are thousands of amazing bars in Manhattan that scores of university students definitely frequent, the nature of New York City as a world hub doesn't lend itself to one particular college community. In fact, NYC has plenty of college-themed bars for schools from all across the country! So to encapsulate more of a traditional New York college experience, let's talk about Faegan's Cafe & Pub in Syracuse. 

Literally one block off campus, Faegan's is where Orange students can find great daily drink specials — and even a challenge! Tuesday nights are for World Beer Tours, where patrons can drink beers from around the world and, if they finish them all in the allotted time, get their name and year added to the World Beer Tour poster. They also have special deals for Syracuse seniors on Sundays.

This one is a no-brainer. Herd & Horns Sports Bar & Grill has always been and will always be a North Dakota State University bar. Located across the street from the campus library, this sports bar is made with brick and reclaimed wood, and is entirely NDSU Bison-themed. More specifically, it's designed to replicate the experience of being on the actual university campus. The Bison Information Network, a student-run sportscast, even does their radio broadcast from inside the restaurant. 

While the 21 beer tap handles are only for 21-and-ups, the establishment is open to people of all ages, making it a wonderful way for students and their families to experience authentic school spirit. And one certainly doesn't have to be 21 years old to chow down on everything from soups, to tacos, to mac and cheese. Order a burger and let your taste buds find out why H&H won "Best Burger" at the 2015 Burger, Bourbon & Beer Festival.

Few college bars are as intertwined with their nearby universities as Eskimo Joe's is with Oklahoma State. The landmark bar is just two blocks away from the school's Boone Pickens Stadium, but it's not just the proximity to campus that makes it special. For one, their cheese fries are famous — they're so good that President George H.W. Bush mentioned them in his commencement speech at the university in 1990. (Tip: Add sweet peppered bacon on top to get the full flavor experience.) 

The bar was also featured on Food Network's show "Unwrapped," partly in recognition of their ice cold beer, and partly for the fact that Eskimo Joe t-shirts are so popular that sales from their clothes shop outpaced the bar's food sales in the 1990s. Joe's undeniable presence was impossible for the big wigs at Oklahoma State University to ignore, so they came together for an official — and very lucrative — merchandising partnership.

Smokey Joe's, affectionately called Smokes or the Pennstitution, has been a haven for University of Pennsylvania students since 1933. The historic tavern is a place where UPenn grads of all eras can gather comfortably. It's an old-fashioned, no-frills tavern, and that's just the way they like it. The value here is in tradition; a value that even President Gerald Ford recognized in his 1975 commencement speech. "[Penn consists] of 16 institutions of higher learning and personal enlightenment," he said, "17 if you include Smokey Joe's." 

The kitchen, called Enjay's, is a more recent addition to the pub; the result of a 2013 partnership between Smokey Joe's and the popular Philly food truck Pitruco Pizza. Order small plates like garlic knots and wings, meals like pizza and burgers, and even a vegetarian sandwich made with fried cauliflower, caper-raisin sauce, and pickled onions. Chase it all down with your choice of beer, wine, or cocktail, and sit back and enjoy being part of something bigger than yourself.

The Clemson Tigers football team is one of the highest ranked in the country. Needless to say, it's a big sports campus that is overflowing with energy. The best bar to soak it all in is Tiger Town Tavern, or Triple T's. Since 1977, TTT has been a campus treasure frequented by students past and present. On average weekdays, it's a chill place to order a $2 PBR tallboy, burgers, wings (16 types), sandwiches and appetizers. (For a bite that's different from what other sports bars have to offer, try their BBQ nachos!) 

On game day, be prepared for things to get wild. For a one-time fee of $10, patrons can have exclusive access to the second floor and free games of pool. When you leave, be sure to buy a TTT beer glass or growler, or a shirt showcasing the bar's beer-addled tiger mascot.

In the American music capital of Nashville, it can be nice to have a dancing partner. Winners Bar & Grill and Losers Bar & Grill are side-by-side establishments that provide fun and whimsy to Vanderbilt students and local Tennesseans alike. Designed to look like the stereotypical country ranch, the bars are nearly identical. Giant whiskey barrels and distressed wood provide the ideal backdrop for live bands to play the Whiskey Jam, a free concert on Mondays and Thursdays at Winners. 

Wandering between the two bars can even be a good way to spot country music stars. According to Nashville Music Guide, "It's not unusual to see someone like chart-topper Chris Young show up and climb onstage at Losers." Both Winners and Losers share the same food menu, which is separated into music-themed sections like "opening acts" for starter plates and "headliners" for entrees. College students will love the Kickin' It Cooler, a boozy version of the fruit punch pouch drinks you had as a kid.

University of Utah students and other Salt Lake City locals love to go downtown for drinks and grub at The Green Pig Pub. The sports fan can watch games on any of the bar's 14 flat screen TVs, while the music lover can swing by on Monday nights for the city's longest-running Open Blues Jam. Wednesdays and Sundays nights are for trivia, Thursdays are for karaoke, Fridays see sets by live bands, and Saturdays get loud with DJ Latu. 

The pub serves breakfast on weekends, so take advantage of those $3 Bloody Mary's and mimosas! Unlike other pubs, Green Pig has a robust vegan section of their menu, featuring vegan wings and meatless meat variations of bar classics like cheese steak and street tacos. Order food and local brews inside, or relax on the big patio that boasts a gorgeous view of downtown SLC with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

"The home of UVA sports," Boylan Heights is a multi-level campus burger bar that goes all out with their college theme. The bar menu's appetizers section features the After School Special: boneless chicken bites tossed in their secret house sauce. Of course, they are most proud of their burgers, which can be found in the Dean's List section of the menu. 

Boylan uses only organic, local beef that has been dry aged for up to 26 days for greater flavor. Each patty is ground fresh. Meat lovers can find varieties like the Varsity burger, made with chili, cheddar, onion rings, and jalapeno, while vegetarians can feel like part of the team when they order a Meating Cancelled plant-based burger. Even their Build-a-Bowl and Build-a-Burger sections come on Scantron-inspired sheets. 

Last but not least is their drink menu, which features beers on tap and in bottles, cocktails, and a long list of inventive shooters like the Astro Pop and the Woo Woo.

It's hard not to walk into Mario's Fishbowl as a student attending West Virginia University. The famous college bar has three locations, creating an invisible triangle around the campus. Before it was a bar,it was a confectionery where local children could get tasty treats and ice cream. Parents could even buy a few groceries and then reward themselves for their hard work with a pint of draft beer. 

The eclectic shop served the beer in Weiss goblets back in the day, so when a new owner bought the place in 1963, they kept the goblets, called them fishbowls, and focused more on the beer and less on the ice cream. Of course, Mario's does serve pub food to go with their beer bowls. Enjoy Mario's nachos, Italian hoagies, soups, sloppy Joes and more with your ice cold drink. All draft beer is discounted on Monday nights after 6 p.m.

The oldest standing bar in Laramie is the Buckhorn Bar & Parlor, which first opened its doors in 1900. It's not just seen as one of the best college bars in the area, but one of the best bars in Wyoming. Having been in operation for more than a century, the story of this rustic saloon is like the story of the Wild West itself. 

The bar has seen several gunfights (there are still bullet holes in the walls), one of which resulted in a case that made it all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court! In a stunning display of school spirit in 1999, students excited by the University of Wyoming upset win against football rival school Brigham Young University stormed the field, ripped down the goal post, and brought it to Buckhorn Bar. Part of the goal post is still there to this day. This Wyoming watering hole is brimming with wild stories that keep people of all walks of life coming back for more.