Guess who’s legitimately 21? That’s right, yours truly. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this day for a long time, for what feels like eons. Now I can rent a car (with certain companies), buy firearms, gamble and of course buy alcohol. But most remarkably, I can share my opinions on the Corner bar scene without being handcuffed on my way to Clemons. I’m counting down the top 10 bars in my mind after one very busy weekend. Take it or leave it.
10. Three. I’ve actually never even been here, but the line is always miles long and walking past I hear some inharmonious hybrid of rap and rock, a poor man’s GirlTalk.
9. Mellow Mushroom. This bar is too remote; I live in Wertland Square and still deem the walk far. Mellow’s only draw is its Wednesday trivia night, but after attending, I usually just feel stupid at my inability to answer a single question. And I watch “Jeopardy” … more frequently than I’d like to admit.
8. The Biltmore. Despite trying to reinvent the wheel this year after its “renovation,” it looks the exact same as it did three years ago, and the frozen drink menu and cornhole haven’t done much to revamp the establishment. Really, the only redeeming quality about the Bilt, which manages to keep it at No. 8, is that there are $2 pitchers Tuesdays. That’s less than an Aquafina at a vending machine in Cabell! I’m sure some of you are feeling the repercussions of those right now, actually …
7. Buddhist. There are a lot of old people at Buddhist. Really old. Like 24 year-old law students who won’t tolerate us uncultured undergrads. But Buddhist has $10 bottles of wine Tuesdays, a deal which tends to attract a good number of girls and therefore a good number of boys in pursuit. Something for everyone! Lastly, you can play PhotoHunt at Buddhist, usually without a substantial wait.
6. Michael’s Bistro. Who would ever guess that such an artsy bar could be found on top of Littlejohn’s? Michael’s isn’t a popular choice for most University students but it has an extensive specialty beer list. It’s more expensive than the rest of the Corner — refer to aforementioned $2 pitchers — but it will make you feel cultured sipping Merlot and listening to a local band, even if you’re craving a Natty and the drummer is horrible.
5. St. Maarten’s. It’s my personal belief that St. Maarten’s is the most underrated bar on the Corner. Up until my third year, I thought the tiny, windowless brick alcove was a strip club and found it pretty sacrilegious that such an establishment be named after a saint. My first trip there, however, proved me wrong. There are abundant available booths and a much larger ratio of frat stars to townies than one would imagine. Also, it serves nachos until pretty late at night.
4. Cantina. This is a new one, but has earned high accolades already. Obviously, it’s authentically Mexican — it may even be more bona fide than El Puerto and Guadalajara … combined. We were previously lacking an excuse for tequila and margaritas, and this bar, reformed from the meek Martha’s café, has afforded us just such an opportunity.
3. Boylan Heights. When Orbit closed and Boylan opened last year, it was promising to become the next Virginian to displace Coupe’s. After a year, the novelty has worn off. The upstairs becomes absurdly crowded, and I sadly feel like I’m in a nightclub in New Jersey, not a dive in Charlottesville. Seriously, Boylan even has “Guido Night” and has Firefly as a special. Firefly? That stuff is for amateurs, not Wahoos. Then why, you may ask, does Boylan deserve the Barlympic Bronze? The mantra of real estate is “location, location, location,” and it just happens to have the best, occupying the corner of 14th and University. Accessibility, prominence and proximity to Christian’s are attributes that merit some praise in my book.
2. Virginian. Sure, this sliver of a bar gets more crowded than Target during Christmas Eve, but it will never fall too low on the list. Everyone starts hanging out at the “Virg” when they want to feel “legit.” It’s where all the U.Va. ballers go, obviously. Plus, its coolness factor is enhanced by two simple words: Sunday Funday.
1. Coupe’s. People used to dub this the “first-year bar,” but I guess we’ve never wanted to outgrow that. Coupe’s has all the makings of a perfect night: indoor and outdoor seating, beer buckets and live music from the famed Bennie Dodds. Buck burgers are on the grill, and you’ll probably be too drunk to realize they’re the size of a dime. Also, hopping the fence is a true rite of passage, like studying in the Rotunda dome room. I vote that feat should be added to the “110 Things to Do Before You Graduate” poster.
Clearly this list is only my two cents, so I’m not sure what that’s worth — except a good percentage of a rail at the Virginian Sundays. But with my newfound legality, I look forward to gaining a more intricate understanding of the Corner bar landscape than the one I currently possess. I will continue my education tonight for those who’d like to join; maybe I’ll give Three a chance. But I’ll probably stick to the holy trinity that is Coupe’s, the Virginian and Boylan Heights.
Abby’s column runs biweekly Wednesdays. She can be reached at a.coster@cavalierdaily.com.