Being back at school means really one thing: Getting back on your regular routine of drinking yourself stupid. Wait...you never stopped! In those four years of college (or more for you losers), you milked the slacker lifestyle, so get drinking. Oh, and if you’re not of college age anymore, get your ass to these bars for some fresh(man) meat! Blue & Gold 79 E. 7th St. (1st & 2nd Aves.)
East Village No Phone
It might not be the prettiest picture in town, but the somewhat grubby Blue & Gold gets the job done on the cheap. A mixed batch of students, old folks, and bikers means you're actually getting a lesson in cultural studies. The cash only policy won’t kill you; drinks run a mere three bucks (and no credit card trail to tip the parents off). And with hours like 3pm-4am, which so conveniently gels with your wake up late, get some work done while surfing the web, and watching Jerry Springer routine, Blue & Gold becomes more a way of life than a watering hole.
The Abbey Pub
237 W. 105th St. (Broadway & Amsterdam Ave.)
Upper West Side 212.222.8713
Columbia students past and present fill the stained glass decorated pews at The Abbey Pub; most darting straight for tables they consider all their own ala St. Elmo’s Fire. The low-key vibe serenaded by radio heavy hits here makes it an easy conversation spot, whether you’re planning on making memories that night or just reminiscing about the ones you already have.
Bar None
98 3rd Ave. (12th & 13th Sts.)
East Village 212.777.6663
Boasting a happy hour that runs from 11am until 8pm, there is no excuse not to fit this one in between classes. Located smack dab in the middle of student housing nirvana, a smattering of frat boys take advantage of plasma TVs and pool tables, and the girls who love them take advantage of them after they’ve drunk themselves stupid.
Jake’s Dilemma
430 Amsterdam Ave. (80th & 81st Sts.)
Upper West Side 212.580.0556
If someone hassles you about spending too much time at Jake's Dilemma, just tell them you are working on figuring out the metric system. Beers are available by the yard here, perfect for when a pitcher just won’t do. There is even a mock library in the rear where you can canoodle on a couch with a co-ed.
Bar Coastal
1495 1st Ave. (@ 78th St.)
Upper East Side 212.772.8400
Your surfing days might be over, but you can still hang ten with your peeps like you’re at the beach. All it takes is a little imagination and the perfect theme bar like Bar Coastal. Decorated with surfboards, neon lights, and student friendly drink deals like $3 drafts, neighborhood undergrads flock to this place like an Alpha on a Beta on rush night.
~Fabiana Santana
Photo: Bar Coastal (Ginny Ligon/Shecky's Media, Inc.)
