Heading out to the bar with friends is an essential experience that most on-campus college students go through. Loud music, rowdy people, drinks being thrown around. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a right of passage for the quintessential college experience. And, at Rutgers University, the bar and night scene is always alive. If you want to have a night out with friends, which bar should be top priority?
Try one of these 10 bars at Rutgers University for your next night out.
1. Olde Queens Tavern
Named after the Rutgers location of the same name, this bar has been around since 1933. For sports lovers, big games are always playing, making this an ideal spot for cheering on your favorite team. With the occasional specials and themed nights, such as free Red Bull in your mixed drink on Tuesdays and the Tito’s special on Thursdays, there’s always something interesting going on. It’s often called one of the best college bars in America, so give it a try.
2. Tavern on George
You’ll find this classy bar, surprisingly, right on George Street. Tavern on George may not be for those seeking the traditional loud bar experience, but it’s perfect for those who want to sit down and dig into some good food, like a burger or even one of the homemade donuts. If you’re worried about it getting packed, you can always make a reservation. If the weather permits, try snagging a seat outside to soak up the sun while you snack.
3. Social Room Bar & Kitchen
Close by on George Street is the Social Room Bar & Kitchen. Similar to the Tavern on George, this bar excels in its quality food, live music, and outdoor seating. Even with its somewhat smaller menu, featuring a full brunch and slider menu, the food still tastes better than most other bars around town. With a chill and vibey atmosphere, thanks to its dim lighting and neon lights, Social Room Bar & Kitchen makes for the perfect photo-op too.
4. Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub
Set your Irish spirit alive at the Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub. From the food and music to the drinks, everything here is themed after the Irish. Here, you can reserve your spot or even book a party. It may not be the bustling night at a traditional bar, but here you can chill out and enjoy a good meal. If you’re in a pinch but still want to try their food, you can order it via Grubhub or Uber Eats.
5. Glass Woods Tavern
While not as close as the other options, the Glass Woods Tavern is a bit more high-end compared to the other bars. It’s attached to the Hyatt Regency, so you may not see as many college students as other bars. Nonetheless, the food and service are unlike any other thanks to their big portions and friendly staff. Unlike many others, you can even eat breakfast and enjoy a peaceful morning. For a relaxed atmosphere, Glass Woods Tavern is for you.
6. Harvest Moon Brewery
As its name suggests, Harvest Moon Brewery specially brews its beers on-site. It has a more subtle taste compared to many other beers, making it perfect for a casual drink. In addition to their beers, they also have a selection of wines, whiskey and other spirits. If you attend Oktoberfest in New Brunswick, you can even purchase some of their beer right on-site.
“On George St, ‘George St Ale House’ and Harvest Moon are good too but more of an older demographic. They are more of a sit-down place compared to bars in Easton Ave so you can eat food there (which is really good btw). I heard Tavern on George is similar too,” Rutgers University graduate Hemang Rana said.
Harvest Moon Brewery is right in downtown New Brunswick, so you can stroll around the city afterwards. These sit-down style places add another layer to the Rutgers bar experience. It’s not always about loud music and dancing. Sometimes, all you really need is some good music, delicious food, drinks and friends.
7. Fat Cactus
Right in the heart of George Street is Fat Cactus. This Mexican cantina is rich with its vibrant colors and decorations and seamlessly blends fun and relaxation with a bar and full dining area. You could die for one of the margaritas and the tacos are exquisite.
“The most fun part wasn’t the drinking or dressing up, but making memories with my college friends and having fun. They do tend to get very crowded— even in the winter, so I would prepare for that if you’re not a crowd-person. But if you’re with the right group of people, you might not mind,” Rutgers University graduate Brianna Leider said.
Want to spend a quality night with friends? Or is your family visiting for the day? Bringing them to Fat Cactus promises a time that’s both fun and proper for everyone. Going during the Halloween season will enhance the experience as well thanks to their extensive array of Día de los Muertos decorations.
8. Scarlet Pub
One of Rutgers’ staple bars is the Scarlet Pub. This bar is a solid and safe choice for bargoers since it has a decent space, a bit of seating and great drinks. The music pumps you up for the next song, although some of these tunes last a bit shorter than expected. The televisions always play something different, whether it’s sports or even anime.
9. Golden Rail Pub
Golden Rail Pub, also known as G Rail thanks to its glowing golden sign, is yet another essential bar at Rutgers. While a bit more closed-in compared to Scarlet Pub, students and locals still pack it full every weekend, maybe because of the booming music and occasional karaoke nights. Being close to Scarlet Pub, you can easily hop between each bar if the lines permit.
10. Huey’s Knight Club
Huey’s Knight Club is part of the iconic Rutgers bar trinity with Scarlet Pub and Golden Rail. You’ll find all three in the core of Easton Avenue, making them the perfect night-time hub with friends. With multiple televisions and areas to walk and dance around, Huey’s offers a bit more space compared to the neighboring pubs. The atmosphere screams college bar, with Rutgers signs and decorations all over the place.
“I also like hueys tavern, its very lively and music is modern. It has the most amount of people in the bar so if I’m in the mood to ‘go crazy’ its the ideal place,” Rutgers University junior Dhruv Kothari said.
For the current generation, the era of 2000s and 2010s music is especially represented. Party Rock Anthem, Just Dance, you name it, they’ll play it. Even go back a few decades with songs from the 80s and 90s. Huey’s represents all people and generations of music. Dance the night away with dozens of your peers and friends, and have some fun.
College Magazine does not promote underage drinking. Please drink responsibly.
