So, you want to go out for a nice cold beverage. But not just ANY beverage. You're in the mood for something that will make you majorly sloppy. Armed with a crisp $20 bill from the Donnelly ATM and some friends, the debate ensues. What will be the best place to begin (and end, if you are so inclined) the night? Where oh where can I find me a hot clueless chick to be my bed fox for the night? Where can I spend the least amount of money on a cold draft beer? My friends, the specials are endless, virtually making ANY night of the week a superb time. It is just where and when you go that will make the difference in having a great time. Or a time that you will remember bits and pieces of the next day while not attending classes and swearing off Dr. Pepper shots for life. Is your consumption legally challenged? Fear not , there is always a way. You will get in somewhere. Announcing the top 10 Marist bars… and the dirty on 'em.

walking distance
walking through a shady area
student run (or for the most part anyway)
cards leniently
cards strictly
beware of possible crowds on an "on" night (i.e. chicks bring toilet paper)
good food

Backstreet Pub ~ Marshall St., off Washington
For a small area, this bar packs a lot of energy. I've found that I can come here on a Tuesday or Thursday night and leave with the best buzz out of all other bars. This bar assures that you will be surrounded by people you know, since there is always a variety of faces. As a close friend said, "I will turn 21 and STILL come to Backstreet, even if it becomes overrun by freshmen." If you're not enjoying the drink, at least enjoy the tunes that the kind AFD boys supply for us on most nights from the Beastie Boys, to Bob Dylan, to Dave Matthews to Billy Joel. Thursdays: $3 pitchers, Fridays: Progressive night, drafts $.50 - $1.00 depending on how early you arrive. It's a rowdy good time. ( rating 9)

Brady's ~ Garden St., a short walk from the TKE house
I've only been here once. You most likely won't wait long to get a beer, and seating is plentiful due to the fact that you can get quite exquisite meals during the day here as well. I can't say I had the best time, but I won't completely rule it out. I'd say its pretty much the same crowd of regulars during the week, and virtually empty on weekends compared to the bigger places. ( rating 5)

The Chance/ Club X ~ Crannell St., hidden by a parking lot
If you like to dance, and enjoy an incredible atmosphere, this is definitely the place for you. There also tends to be a fair share of local Po-town kiddies. Thursdays are the happening night, and the music is incredible, but you will most likely wait a long time for a beer. Other nights, the Chance hosts musical guests from local bands as well as popular artists. ( rating 7.5)

The Derby ~ Main St.
I've never been here. Not that I didn't want to go, I guess it just never happened that way. I've consulted my friends though. They say it was a good place, but doesn't usually attract freshmen. There used to be a Thursday college night but they say that doesn't happen anymore. A good amount of students worked there though, and they used to get all sorts of shitty. ( rating 7)

Foxhole ~ Washington St., out South Gate
This is the "late night" bar. Lots of the Marist athletes go here. On most nights, there won't be a decent crowd until 1:30 or so. On weekends around 2, forget it! Personally, I feel the atmosphere is dark and blah, but that is mostly because by the time I wind up at Foxhole I'm drunk and sleepy already. There is a nice patio out back where you can get some fresh air, relieve yourself in a corner, or reunite with your recently consumed beer. This bar gets the #1 spot for bathroom cleanliness. ( 7)

Mad Hatter ~ Main St., near the Sheraton (convenience?)
I was fortunate enough to get into this bar when it was the Cactus Club and I was not yet 21. There are a lot of sorority functions there, and it is a really great place to hang out, as long as you are of legal age. The place is rather large, supplying a pool table area upstairs, and a patio with a bar out back. It's almost amazing how a place that seems so small can really be that big nestled in between the buildings on Main St. Mad Hatter draws crowds from pretty much all over the area, and has all sorts of specials. A lot of bands hang here before and after their shows at the Chance. ( rating 8.5)

McCoy's ~ Rt. 9, across from Marist
Who hasn't been here? I must say that even though I am a senior, I still have a fondness for McCoy's. They have specials on every night but Saturday (which is when they rip you off by charging $5 at the door), along with large TVs and 2 pool tables. There is an upstairs seating area as well, which is where the DJ usually keeps the party going with the latest dance music. Most nights there are giveaways, and most nights you WILL spill your beer either on yourself or two people hooking up who are grinding next to you. So yes, you will most likely meet someone to fancy. Pretty much the whole college can be found here on weekends and it's a cinch to get in, if you don't mind waiting on line. Beware of yukky bathrooms! Marilyn Manson was here once. Umm… yeah. ( rating 8.5)

Noah's Ark ~ Mill St.
This place has incredible food. I pretty much come here every Monday for 10c wings. At first they don't look too appetizing, as if they once were little homeless chickens. But once you have one, you have to have 20. As for the bar itself, it sports a few big TVs, pool tables, and even a carpet! Can't forget about the lottery machine and televised lotto which plays every 2 minutes. There is often a local crowd here as well, and is pretty happening during the after-work happy hours. ( rating 9)

Rennaisance Pub (Renny's) ~ Verrazano St.
Occasionally, this is known as the Greek bar, with crowds from fraternities and sororities hanging out. The little hidden building which looks ready to fall over with a gust of wind can really draw a crowd on pretty much every weeknight and weekend! The specials are pretty good, with $1 Michelob Lights on Thursdays, as well as free shots for the bar should the Yanks win another World Series! The parking lot is a little run down, and I've injured myself more than once stumbling out to the road to wait for a cab. The bathrooms probably have the last spot for cleanliness though, and constant crowds make the bar a sticky sweaty place even on the coldest Marist nights. Not too high on my list of good times. ( rating 6.5)

Storky's ~ Rt. 9, Hyde Park, after the CIA
Formerly Sidelines, this place sports a nifty bar, with seating available on all sides. There's a pooltable and an outdoor patio. The food is pretty decent, and locals are here often as well, but the jukebox is always playing and I've had some pretty strong drinks here. They make em good! ( rating 8)

Hope you've enjoyed this briefing. Perhaps you may feel differently, about each bar, and that's cool too, but don't give me hell for it. I'm just one person. The MOST important thing to remember is this: Be SMART when you drink. Don't drive drunk, don't do anything you will regret, and don't let friends bring home ugly people!

*note* The MaristOnline staff does not condone nor does it endorse underage drinking or any other sort of unlawful activity. MaristOnline DOES endorse having a good time with friends. For those who drink, please do so responsibly. Know when to say when. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear. Leaves of four, eat some more. If you eat an apple seed, a tree will grow in your stomach.


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