Iconic College Bars In Every State (Did Your Alma Mater's Spot Make the List?)

If you live in a college town, you know many are home to iconic bars. If you don’t, there are dozens to check out as you travel across the country.

Here’s a look at some college bars that stand out for their drinks, food, and environments across the country to help you enjoy your next night out.

This popular spot with University of Alabama students opened in 2009 as Tuscaloosa’s first smoke-free bar and upscale neighborhood tavern. It’s since become a favorite thanks to a variety of drinking options. The owners hope you discover a cozy atmosphere.

The Marlin is an intimate dive bar where students and others escape the cold temperatures. It’s also famous for being one of the best places in the area for live music and dancing.

Here’s another thing to keep in mind: The Marlin has been known for its cash-only policy.

Located across the street from the University of Arizona, Frog & Firkin is a fan favorite among students, locals, and visitors. You can catch a game inside or enjoy the outdoor patio. This spot is also known for its good food.

You might be able to tell from the name that this is a place that’s part wine bar and part pub. Here, you can find a trendy and quiet atmosphere to catch up with friends.

You might want to try the firecrackers. They’re spicy crackers with a strong reputation.

This spot is consistently ranked as one of the city’s top party places. Partiers head here every night for cheap drinks and good service, along with music and themed events. You may also like the classic photo booth and fake fireplace.

Think you can handle this one? It’s popular with Colorado State University students. You’ll find a big selection of rotating drafts and a laid-back vibe upstairs. There’s a full food menu and live jam sessions.

Try the mashed potato pizza. It’s said to be a favorite among the Yale students. BAR is a staple in New Haven that’s a mix of an edgy bar, a pizza parlor and a dance club. In addition to the signature pizza, this place is known for its house-made beers.

Here’s a college bar with a unique history. Part of an old railroad station was transformed into a bar and eatery. You’ll find an extensive menu, including famous nachos, inside this simple saloon full of railroad station-style decor.

You can simply call it Bulls. Perhaps the saloon’s website describes this place in the best way: “Located on the famous Tennessee Strip, Bullwinkle’s Saloon is hands down the best damn bar in town.” You’ll find a scene that looks like an old-time watering hole.

The Globe has been named among the best college bars in the country for its fish and chips casual pub vibe. In fact, The Globe describes itself as a pub for the heart and mind. You can check out the seasonal drinks and events while you visit.

Unless you live near this iconic college bar, you might be surprised to see an Irish pub on the list from Hawaii. But this one has a chill college bar atmosphere. Upstairs, you can find the club venue, which hosts live shows and comedians.

Bittercreek Alehouse is a favorite among students and locals alike. It’s known for Good Beer. “We coined the term ‘Good Beer’ to spotlight brews we adore — beer from breweries with accessible owners and real people behind them,” according to the Alehouse.

If you’re looking for the stereotypical college bar experience, check out Joe’s. It’s expensive, fun and big. In fact, it’s so big some say this place is like a campus unto itself. This sports bar also features drink and food specials.

Experience Hoosier hospitality at Nick’s English Hut. This bi-level sports bar has become a legendary spot in Indiana since its opening in 1927. College students you run into here can explain the rules of the drinking game known as Sink the Biz.

Here’s another iconic college bar that’s been around for quite some time and remains popular. In fact, The Airliner has been serving customers since 1944 and is an Iowa City staple and a University of Iowa favorite. It’s known for its local history and great food.

Welcome to the Wheel. This is a classic college dive that screams school pride. You’ll also find low prices and a fun atmosphere. You might check out the Wang Burger, a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg on top.

If you’ve never checked out Bowling Green, it’s become an exciting destination with notable bars and eateries. Perhaps one of the best places to enjoy a beer is the White Squirrel Brewery. It’s named after the critters that scurry throughout the campus of Western Kentucky University.

Check out this favorite in Uptown New Orleans. According to the bar’s website, “Known for its epic happy hours, late nights, and drink specials that are hard to beat, The Boot is the destination best described as ‘where your college career begins and ends.’”

If you want to experience college bar life in Maine, Orono Brewing Company is the place to go. The flagship Orono location was built in a refurbished concrete manufacturing facility. You’ll find a sweet vibe, a full kitchen, and a beer garden for your enjoyment.

This is a legendary bar known as The Stone. But before this place for drinks, food, and fun was named Cornerstone, it began as the Rendezvous Inn. Now, you can check out the deck and patio for prime locations for drinks and people-watching.

Be sure to check out the famous double cheeseburger. Charlie’s offers you the opportunity to grab a meal at its ground-floor 50’s-style diner. This place says it offers you the best night in town, complete with performances and demonstrations.

Enjoy a colorful cocktail. Good Time Charley’s is a campus tradition popular for its huge outdoor patio and hand-rolled Styx & Twists. Here, you’ll find fellow sports fans enjoying drinks and a good meal.

This prohibition-themed bar calls itself the jack of all trades. You can enjoy a delicious American-style lunch and come back for live music and bottle service at night. It’s also a great place to watch sports with its projection screen and 50 TVs.

Let the name be your guide for this iconic college bar in Mississippi. You can enjoy pizza and daiquiris in a fun environment at Funkys. But that’s not all to taste here. Check out the crawfish and frozen libations, each named after pop culture moments.

This iconic college bar is a home for all things Missouri sports. You’ll find the fans here at this loud and popular bar and grill. There are a few bar options and fan favorites like stiff drinks and house-smoked barbecue.

You might want to visit this college bar to find some of the biggest parties in the area. As you might expect, you’ll find sports and happy hour. But Bar IX also hosts lots of events like salsa classes and trivia.

Maybe a smaller bar is your preference. If so, check out Tracks and what the staff calls the world’s best chicken. Of course, you’ll also find your favorite drinks and a fun atmosphere at this dive bar.

One thing you may notice about this college bar is the extensive menu. You’ll find lots of sandwiches and other delicious options. This neighborhood pub has been serving students and others for decades.

The building was originally a grocery store and meat market in what was originally the Italian part of Reno

Libby’s has a little bit of something for everyone. You can find cheap beer and fancy fare. Or, enjoy some more affordable eats. But this place also has an exciting side. You can dance to live music and enjoy laser shows.

New Jersey is known for its Italian food. That’s definitely the case at Stuff Yer Face. Located near the campus bookshop, it’s known as the House of Stromboli. Not only can you stuff your face, but you’ll find craft beer to enjoy as well.

You may want to explore Albuquerque’s beer and culinary scene. One place to check out is the Marble Brewery. You can enjoy some award-winning beers in a hip setting. At the same time, stop by monthly events and live musical acts.

You know the city that never sleeps is going to be home to some iconic bars. If you’re looking for a busy and popular place, check out Off the Wagon in Greenwich Village.

The website states, “The two-story layout, lightning-fast bartenders, and unbeatable drink specials hold a place in just about every New Yorker's heart.”

You might expect to find a great bar in a place like Charlotte or Raleigh, but you should check out Boone when in North Carolina. The TApp Room offers drink and food specials in a casual environment. Beyond burgers, tacos are a solid choice here.

This iconic bar is celebrated for its role in sparking Fargo’s renaissance. You’ll find nightly entertainment like karaoke and game nights at this Irish pub.

Be sure to add a live music performance at the upstairs venue known as The Aquarium to your list of things to do. The pub features a full Chicago-style bar menu.

Many Ohio State University students have named this the best bar on campus. In fact, a lot of students and alumni say being here is kind of like being at home. You’ll find a place full of spirit, history, and drinks to help you enjoy your visit.

Here’s a place to go if you like fun. In fact, Eskimo Joe’s smilin’ fun t-shirts are quite the collector’s item. When it comes time to fill up, perhaps try a cold beer with the legendary cheese fries here.

Come explore this beer bar in Oregon. They’re known for pouring perfect pints. But students also love coming here for the wine, cider, and coffee. There’s also a private room with a special space to host your game day party or other celebration.

Penn State students are big fans of this bar. That may be thanks in part to the small-town charm and metro amenities at this pub. Check out audience trivia night, beer festivals, and live music to make your visit to Zeno’s Pub even more memorable.

The GCB is a members-only not-for-profit serving the greater Brown University community. It’s known for being intimate and dimly lit. You can enjoy a drink while taking in the comic book-like posters hanging on the deep purple walls at the GCB.

This place has been a Clemson tradition since 1933. At this club, housed in a former gas station, you’ll find Southern hospitality is alive and well. It’s even been called one of the best sports bars in the country.

University of South Dakota students are big fans of this bar, which traces its roots back to the 1950s. In fact, it calls itself the home of the thirst scholar. You might also be interested to know there’s a vibrant culinary scene across South Dakota.

Here’s a Nashville original and Tennessee gem to check out. Lonnie’s is an iconic karaoke bar. Vanderbilt students head here for a good time. In fact, it’s been named among the best college bars in the country.

You can find some cozy charm at this pub in Texas. It’s an English pub-inspired hangout popular with students who seem to enjoy the simple selection of beer and food. This place is open 365 days a year and features award-winning food.

Squatters has been called Salt Lake City’s original brewpub. It uses local products to create beers and offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It’s also said to have one of the best dog-friendly patios in the city.

Does it get any more iconic in a college bar than pizza and beer? Here you’ll find a full bar and some Vermont-made brews on tap. Don't worry, they offer food other than pizza if you’re looking for some variety.

Come visit the home of UVA sports. Boylan Heights is a multi-level campus burger bar that screams college spirit. The bar aims to offer guilt-free burgers with organic beef. In addition, you can taste a mix of local and international brews.

This party spot, known as The Coug, has been alive and well for more than eight decades. It offers a cozy hideaway for students looking to escape the sometimes cold and gloomy environment in this part of the country.

Sometimes, a place's charm is in its history. Before Mario’s was a bar, it was a confectionary where kids could get treats. Parents could even pick up some groceries and beer. Today, the bar is known for beers and cocktails served in fishbowl goblets.

It’s no surprise that Jordan’s is popular around Badger football games. This pub is a favorite among students and locals alike. If you come toward the end of the week, check out the famous Friday Fish Fry.

This tavern is connected to Sweet Melissa Cafe, so you can enjoy the best of the bar and a restaurant. You’ll find homemade brews and signature cocktails that make Front Street Tavern a popular and iconic college bar in Washington.

You’re likely close to an iconic college bar no matter which state you visit, which should help you save money on travel. They’re often known for more than just good beer and delicious food.

As you plan your next trip to a college bar, remember that most states have several iconic ones with rotating drink and entertainment options.