The Spoon Choice Awards are given to eateries in college towns for providing the most delicious food and inviting environments to students in the area. All of the winners are chosen by college students at universities around the country.
If a university doesn’t have a nearby strip of bars featuring wild shot specials, fruity drink deals, and funny mixologists at work, is it even a proper college town or city? Going out in jeans and a nice top with your new college besties is a rite of passage, even if it’s freezing cold and your Uber is late. From celebrating 21st birthdays with Moscow mules and Corona Extras in hand, all the way to taking selfies in the graffiti-covered, stickered-up, way-too-small bathroom, it’s fair to say that some of the best college memories are made at the bar. (And if they’re not “the best,” they’re still usually incredibly memorable moments.)
College students from across the country shared their go-to watering holes, pubs, and dives where they can grab a quick hard seltzer, a huge fishbowl cocktail, and colorful shots that sounded good at night but hurt in the morning. Whether your preferred drinks include a simple vodka cranberry or rum and coke, or you find yourself seeking an elevated negroni or espresso martini, you’re sure to find all of these and more at these Spoon Choice Award-winning college bars.
Click on the map above to check out all the winners.
#SpoonTip: Drinking can be fun, but be responsible. Spoon does not promote binge or underage drinking. Stay safe!
Seagrape Cafe, Fairfield, CT
Seagrape Cafe is a beach bar, meaning you have to have some fruity tropical drinks. From frozen margaritas to tequila sunrises and Malibu Bay breezes, you can toast to a lovely night on the coast.
Nominated by Fairfield University
Beantown Pub, Boston, MA
Beantown Pub serves classic bar vibes, featuring billiards, beer, and cocktails. The kitchen stays open late, so you can grab a late night bite while hanging with friends.
Nominated by Emerson College
Loretta’s Last Call, Boston, MA
There’s a little piece of Southern country goodness in the heart of Boston. Grab a whiskey and liquor flight before you hit the floor to line dance.
Nominated by Northeastern University
The Burren, Somerville, MA
The Burren serves up drinks, vibes, and live music. Located just outside of Boston, The Burren is a pleasant escape from the bustle of the city for a drink with friends.
Nominated by Emerson College
Bunny’s Sports Bar, South Orange, NJ
Bunny’s Sports Bar is open late, so customers can enjoy bar food and well-priced drinks deep into the night. They can also participate in karaoke, or sit back and enjoy some live music.
Nominated by Seton Hall University
Cooper’s Riverview, Trenton, NJ
Thirsty Thursday should be spent at Cooper’s if you’re a TCNJ student. Drink specials start at 8 p.m., and students get discounted entry with their college I.D. Fingers crossed no one has a 7:45 a.m. Friday lecture.
Nominated by The College of New Jersey
Cooper’s Riverview, Trenton, NJ
Thirsty Thursday should be spent at Cooper’s if you’re a TCNJ student. Drink specials start at 8 p.m., and students get discounted entry with their college I.D. Fingers crossed no one has a 7:45 a.m. Friday lecture.
Nominated by The College of New Jersey
Fenwicks Pub, Bronx, NY
Every college needs a good dive bar, even if said school is surrounded by glamorous NYC-based options. College DJ nights will have you dancing with a can in hand all night long.
Nominated by Manhattan College
Wicked Willy’s, New York, NY
In the heart of downtown Manhattan is Wicked Willy’s, a bar with live music, creative cocktails, and delicious bites.
Nominated by Wagner College
Tara Inn, Port Jefferson, NY
One hour for happy hour isn’t enough. That’s why Tara Inn hosts it from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily! That’s enough time to grab a drink or two between classes, right?
Nominated by Stony Brook University
Brendan’s Towne Tavern, Lewisburg, PA
Brendan’s is a hub for students at Bucknell. With free popcorn and a dance floor, it’s a great spot for a night out with friends.
Nominated by Bucknell University
Hemingway’s Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA
Award-winning Hemingway’s Cafe will keep patrons coming back time and time again with karaoke and trivia nights and a myriad of cans and cocktails to choose from. Plus, with TVs in every corner of the bar, game days will surely be a blast.
Nominated by University of Pittsburgh
Tavern on Liberty, Allentown, PA
Tavern On Liberty’s pretzels and wings pair perfectly with the bar’s local and imported beer offerings. Also, opt for fruity ciders and seasonal pumpkin spiced beer.
Nominated by Muhlenberg College
Five & Dime, Evanston, IL
Beer, wine, and ritzy cocktails overflow at Five & Dime. There’s nothing better than sipping a Yes Please cocktail (pomegranate & passion fruit, citrus, Ketel One Rose Vodka) on the roof deck.
Nominated by Northwestern University
Stacks Bar and Grill, Valparaiso, IN
This library-inspired bar won’t shush you for talking loud and having a blast. Along with a big food menu, patrons are also able to order unique cocktails including the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Bloody Mary, a cappuccino martini, and a literal mimosa bucket.
Nominated by Valparaiso University
Bullwinkles Bar, Lawrence, KS
Game day means nothing if you’re not at Bullwinkles. This bar is home to one of the most famous Kansas drinks, the sugary, blue Moose Bowl. This cocktail has a secret recipe, but the bar says it’s “a well-mixed concoction for regrettable decisions and an almost surefire recipe for disaster.”
Nominated by The University of Kansas
Rick’s American Cafe, Ann Arbor, MI
This is the place to be if you’re a senior. A chill atmosphere welcomes students, alumni, and professors alike to drink, dance, watch the game, or do all three at once.
Nominated by University of Michigan
Tin Can, East Lansing, MI
IPAs, tall boys, ales, lagers, and imports are just a few kinds of beer categories you’ll find on the menu at Tin Can. In classic Michigan fashion, the bar also offers Faygo Bombs and pudding shots.
Nominated by Michigan State University
Plums Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Minneapolis, MN
Plums constantly has cheap drink deals. The DJs are always playing great dance music, and the ambience is super fun for a night out.
Nominated by University of St. Thomas
Yoerg Brewing Company, Saint Paul, MN
Yoerg Brewing Company is named after Anthony Yoerg, a German immigrant that knew how to brew great beer and opened up Minnesota’s first brewery in 1848. To this day, Yoerg Brewing Company is serving up delicious beer and mixed drinks.
Nominated by Metro State University
Ugly Tuna Saloona 2, Columbus, OH
The OSU Buckeyes are encouraged to “Get Ugly” in the Ugly Tuna, whether it’s while watching a game or sipping fishbowls on a Friday night. Instead of your typical happy hour, you can score $1 and $2 drink deals here during “Ugly Hour.”
Nominated by The Ohio State University
The Double U, Madison, WI
The Double U has a huge dance floor for dancing, but if you’re more in the mood to sit back and enjoy a drink, there’s booths and tables. Plus, there’s an incredible rooftop patio.
Nominated by University of Wisconsin-Madison
Whiskey Jacks Saloon, Madison, WI
You’ll find good vibes all around at Whiskey Jacks Saloon. From karaoke nights to live music and from darts to pool, you’ll get an array of fun events and activities as well as a wide range of whiskey.
Nominated by University of Wisconsin-Madison
Gallettes, Tuscaloosa, AL
Gallettes is home to the Yellow Hammer cocktail, the unofficial drink of Alabama football. Besides the iconic orange juice, pineapple juice, and rum cocktail, Gallettes is the place to go for game day.
Nominated by The University of Alabama
Baby J’s Bar, Gainesville, FL
Coffee and cocktails abound at this high-end, relaxed Floridian bar. Self-described as an “audiophile cocktail bar with a focus on jazz and soul,” patrons can catch live music as they sip dirty martinis, gin and tonics, and more.
Nominated by University of Florida
Fire Betty’s, Tallahassee, FL
Be prepared to sweat at Fire Betty’s. The bar hosts lots of events including Emo Night and a T-Swift video dance party, as well as comedy shows, karaoke nights, and pride nights. Stop in to watch burlesque and live bands, too, with a drink in hand.
Nominated by Florida State University
Madison Social, Tallahassee, FL
With great deals like $12 mimosa pitchers and half off burgers, Madison Social is the spot for college students. Plus, there’s trivia every Tuesday.
Nominated by Florida State University
Veranda, Atlanta, GA
Did someone say $1 drinks? Veranda is always dishing out drink specials and specialty beverages. Definitely grab a Blue Long Island while you’re in town.
Nominated by Emory University
The Vortex Bar & Grill, Atlanta, GA
Offering burgers and brews, the Vortex Bar & Grill satisfies cocktail and mocktail fans, alike. Local beers and ciders with high ABVs are listed on the menu alongside an array of bourbons, scotches, moonshines, and more. While there, you must order Vortex’s signature strong cocktail, the Skull Crusher with tequila, vodka, rum, bourbon, and various fruity liqueurs.
Nominated by Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta
Fred’s Bar, Baton Rouge, LA
Fred’s Bar is always packed with people partying ’til last call. This Baton Rouge staple is a great spot to see DJs and other live musicians as you chug light beers and sip mixed drinks.
Nominated by Louisiana State University
The Boot, New Orleans, LA
The Boot is quintessential to Tulane student nightlife. In a sea of New Orleans bars, this one is beloved by college attendees for its award-winning atmosphere, colorful pitcher drinks, and game day specials.
Nominated by Tulane University
Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse, Nashville, TN
Located on Broadway in Nashville, this honky tonk has five floors, four different stages, and six bars. It can hold almost 2,000 people and is known for the 36-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye steak, as well as its party atmosphere.
Nominated by Vanderbilt University
Cain & Abel’s, Austin, TX
Cain & Abel’s has unwavering school spirit and is brimming with UT Austin students and alumni at any given time. On game day, this is the unofficial tailgating headquarters.
Nominated by The University of Texas at Austin
Mama Sake, College Station, TX
Texas A&M students can’t get enough of this intimate bar. Focusing on rice wine, this spot is known for its Mommy Sake Bombs.
Nominated by Texas A&M University
P.J. Skidoos, Fairfax, VA
On Thursdays, P.J. Skidoos has $1 mixed drinks. That’s a deal you can’t beat. Plus, it serves affordable bar food every day and has a dance floor with a DJ if you like to dance.
Nominated by George Mason University
My Noodle & Bar, Richmond, VA
Thai cuisine lovers need to get over to Richmond ASAP. Alongside delectable curry, noodle, and rice dishes, diners can choose from an array of sake, wine, beer, and $12 cocktails.
Nominated by Virginia Commonwealth University
Raleigh’s Pub, Berkeley, CA
Every Tuesday, Raleigh’s Pub celebrates Taco Tuesday with $5 Margaritas. What better way to spend your Tuesday?
Nominated by University of California, Berkeley
Mavericks Beach Club, San Diego, CA
This massive bar has multiple nooks inside and out for patrons to sip on beverages and eat some fried snacks. Whether you’re tailgating or simply need a pick-me-up after a long day on the beach, you can grab a beer as well as alcoholic slushies and popsicles. Plus, this bar even has a food menu just for dogs.
Nominated by San Diego State University
Westwood, San Francisco, CA
Even if you’re on the west coast, you can find decadent southern-style BBQ and booze right at Westwood. Scoop up some whiskey sours and old fashioned cocktails at the bar, and enjoy some live country music and line dancing.
Nominated by San Francisco State University
Shooting Star Saloon, Ogden, UT
Weber State University students love drinking at the historical Shooting Star Saloon. Established in 1879, this is the oldest continuously operating saloon west of the Mississippi, according to the restaurant’s site. Grab a burger and a beer, and you’ll be set for the night.
Nominated by Weber State University
Click here for more from the Spoon Choice Awards.
Photos courtesy of Hemingway’s by Orona Designs, Cain and Abel’s.