Student Writers Inc.
Social Department
Bars!
New students can have their best experience with
the IUP bar scene by knowing some simple guidelines on where to go, when to go,
and how to spend. Because spending less money means spending more time and
having more fun uptown.
The "big five" establishments that uptown
consists of are located on Philadelphia St., in the three or four blocks west
from the 7th St. intersection. Take a walk down this stretch of downtown Indiana
and you will come across H.B. Culpeppers, The Coney, Cozumel, Wolfendale's, and
Boomerangs in that order. Each of these establishments has its own unique
advantages and disadvantages on any given day of the week.
On Monday,
Culpeppers is the place to be for 50 cent drafts. Tuesday is Import Night at the
Coney, where any bottled import beer is just $2.50. On Wednesday, Culpeppers
offers $5 pitchers of Yuengling. Thursday, as the weekend approaches, more
specials come into effect. One possibility is $2 drinks at Wolfendale's until
midnight. Boomerang's also offers $1 Yuengling drafts. A good place to start off
your Friday night is at Culpeppers, where you will find $1 drinks from 9 to 12.
But one major concern on a weekend uptown is to avoid places that get too crowded.
Wolfendales and Boomerangs are potentially the worst when it comes to this. The
large size of the Coney gives it a massive capacity and it is always a good bet
for a fun Friday or Saturday night. But if you are looking for someplace more
quiet and laid-back, Cozumel is easily the best-kept secret uptown.
Another area of concern when it comes to getting your sip on is how to
get there. Since people typically go uptown in large groups, you may be
pressured to drive so your friends won't have to walk. No good can come of this.
Closing time uptown is prime time for the "men in blue" known as the Indiana County Police. As if there aren't enough reasons already, avoid driving home from uptown drunk because the cops are everywhere, and it's a known fact that the Indiana County jail is conveniently located just several blocks from all the bars on Philadelphia Street. As an alternative, walk home at closing time, and think of the walk in terms of it's potential entertainment value. Just be on your best behavior, and laugh at the people who do misbehave and consequently get arrested. You may even have the opportunity to see a street fight. And of course, this is a fine opportunity to meet heavily intoxicated members of the opposite sex. Because if you aren't looking for an opportunity to have a good time, why go uptown at all?
Have fun!
Dave Trainer dave@davetrainer.com