Best of 2012: Partying

Best Partying

Bar: Peter’s Pub

This bar’s charm doesn’t just stop at the upstairs dance floor. Happy hours that offer draughts for $2.50 and a different $5 meal every night will keep you coming back for more. It’s a great bar to watch athletic events, and there’s a popcorn machine to get some snacks.

Editors’ pick: Mario’s South Side Saloon

Bar to smoke in: Garage Door Saloon

With ashtrays almost always within arm’s reach and multiple dart boards and pool tables, this bar is a safe bet when you’re looking to sip on a $5 pitcher of Miller, light up and try to impress your friends by talking like you didn’t just sink that winning shot by accident. Located on Atwood Street, this popular watering hole draws a large crowd almost every weekend, but come after a midterm or final to see it at its wildest.

Editors’ pick: Gene’s Place

Happy hour: Mad Mex

Do you find yourself a bit sad on Tuesday nights and nowhere near close enough to the weekend? Well there is no better way to get happy with your friends than Happy Hora at Mad Mex on the corner of Atwood and Bates streets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekday nights. With its $7 22 oz. Big Azz Margaritas and half-price specials on all draft beer, Mad Mex provides the weekday freedom that you crave without the usual damage to your wallet.

Editors’ pick: The Porch

Drink special: Hemingway’s Cafe

They say that college is a time for trying new things and experimentation. Well at Hemingway’s on Forbes Avenue, you can try something new every night of the week. With a different beer special each weeknight, students can broaden their alcoholic horizons at the affordable price of $2 a draft until midnight — so they can always come back and try another. And try one of the shot pitchers for just $7.

Editors’ pick: Gene’s Place

Place to celebrate birthdays: Peter’s Pub

If you ask at the bar on your 21st birthday, you’ll receive a free Viking helmet so everyone knows you’re taking no prisoners. Wear it proudly and enjoy the drink specials at Peter’s Pub on your first day of legal drinking. And when you hit up the other bars for the rest of the night, people will know you’re 21 now and buy you shots.

Editors’ pick: Hemingway’s

Street to party on: Atwood Street

Location-wise, Atwood Street is one of the most centrally-located streets on campus, and is generally populated by college students who are always looking to throw or attend a party. A liquor store and numerous pizza shops that offer tempting deals dot the road. For college students looking for fun on any weekend night, Atwood Street is the place to go.

Editors’ pick: Semple Street

Karaoke: Hemingway’s Cafe

By day, you’ll hear the quiet rumblings of empty stomachs and soft conversations between teachers, students and locals. By night, the place becomes a way to try out the latest song you’ve been humming in the shower. If you need a little liquid courage, Hem’s will happily supply you with its ever-changing drafts list.

Editors’ pick: Garage Door Saloon

LGBTQ-friendly bar: 5801

It looks like an unassuming bar, nestled in idyllic Shadyside. But the mysterious symbol above the threshold of 5801 opens up to a cafe where “American Idol” viewing parties are not uncommon, along with great food and an outside patio. You can always nestle up to that hunky bartender, as well.

Editors’ pick: Blue Moon

Place to wake up: my place/bed

While waking up with toilet bowl imprints on your face or tangled in a stranger’s sheets may add an element of surprise to your morning, nothing can replace the comforting feeling of waking up beneath the warmth of your comforter and to the all-too-familiar sound of your buzzing alarm clock.

Editors’ pick: Cathedral bench

Neighborhood bar crawl: South Side

Because bars in Oakland tend to draw the same crowds and familiar faces, South Side offers a fresh, alternative scene, hosting students from all neighboring universities. Only a bus ride away, dozens of bars line the pavement of Carson Street, eagerly awaiting Oakland natives. Hit up Margaritaville, Lava Lounge, RumShakers, Tiki Lounge and Mario’s South Side Saloon. These are only a few of the sights you’ll find on the mile-long stretch of bars in the South Side.

Editors’ pick: Shadyside

Club: Whim

With its flashing, colorful lights, impressive 60,000 watt JBL sound system and double-jet Kryogenifex system, Club Whim in Station Square creates the perfect environment for any fun night out. With specials like $5 off admission with a college ID and $2 Smirnoffs, this nightclub is affordable for any college student. If you’re feeling especially luxurious, you can sip drinks and chat with friends in one of the 21 indoor VIP booths or even in the outdoor booths, which overlook the city. Whether you enjoy dancing or relaxing with a cold drink, Club Whim is the place to go.

Editors’ pick: Static

Beer distributor: Mellinger’s

Tired of Natty Light and the lack of quality beers in your life? Mellinger’s has an impressive collection of more than 550 beers. While it has a large variety of domestic beers, Mellinger’s also has imports from countries famous for their love of beer, such as Germany and Ireland. By hosting a variety of beers, including Terrapin Hopsecutioner and Wells Banana Bread, Mellinger’s is certain to have a brew that will satisfy any beer enthusiast.

Editors’ pick: Brookline Beer

Best draft: Yuengling

With its amber color and famous green glass bottle, Yuengling Lager — which is produced by America’s oldest brewery, located in Pottsville, Pa. — continues to refresh refined beer drinkers everywhere with its distinct taste and incomparable drinkability. And with its relatively cheap price, it’s a refrigerator stalwart for thrifty and practical Pitt students.

Editors’ pick: Magic Hat #9

Best bottle: Yuengling

One of the best things about being a Pennsylvanian is the easy access to Yuengling. Straight from the oldest brewery in the United States, the only thing more American than Yuengling might just be apple pie. Pair Yuengling with pizza or wings and you’ve set yourself up for an enjoyable college evening.

Editors’ pick: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Best keg: Natural Light

A sweating keg of Natty Light is a familiar sight in Oakland, most associated with dank basements on Friday nights. It’s cheap, and it does its job for any student seeking a wild and memorable night. Let’s face it, nothing could quench an of-age student’s thirst at a house party for quite as cheap as Natty Light can.

Editors’ pick: Blue Moon

Adult Entertainment: Blush

This place is for adult eyes only. If you’re 21 or older and can’t find a date on a Friday night, you can at least buy a view at gentlemen’s club Blush, located at 135 9th St. Downtown. These sights aren’t free, so make sure you load up your wallet with a stack of singles.

Editors’ pick: Club Erotica