Welcome to Charlottesville, Va. -- where the booze flows freely and the girls are pretty. Well, perhaps freely isn't exactly true, but the University area is certainly famous for its unique bar scene and affordable intoxications.
The Corner area is home to a unique collection of restaurants and bars, each with its own flavor and specialties. If you're new to the scene or just haven't been there in a while, tableau has compiled a crawl down the Corner for some brief introductions.
Starting from the edge of the Corner closest to Grounds, wander down Elliewood Ave. to start things off. The Biltmore Grill, more affectionately referred to as "the Bilt," was a boarding house in its early years. Most famous for its "Survivor Hour" on Thursdays from 8 to 9 p.m., this bar is so notorious that it earned "Bar of the Month" honors from Playboy Magazine last spring. Not too shabby.
Just across the street and down some stairs is Coupe De Ville's (or, to the regulars, just "Coupe's"). Coupe's is best known for its live music, and if you do one thing before graduation, it should be to sing along with the legendary Benny Dodd on a Wednesday night. But, you'll find a crowd just about any other night, and this Corner staple provides a sense of security and reliability.
Down the street is Buddhist Biker Bar. Yes, there is a Buddha statue on the bar. Yes, you may rub its belly. No, you are not likely to see any leather-clad bikers. Boasting three bars, buying drinks here will be easier than at most places -- at least until you run into all of your best friends.
Head back out to the main road to find the oldest bar on the corner, the Virginian. This small, narrow bar proves to be the coziest on the Corner. The best way to spend your time there is to grab a booth, settle in and send one person to the bar. The Virginian is the best place to head with your friends to catch up on gossip and dish about hook-ups. Once there, plan to stay for a while.
Continuing the crawl is Jaberwoke, located just next to the Virginian. Hop over there for a stiff drink and some stiff competition at the Pub Quiz Tuesday nights or karaoke on Wednesdays. The Jab is known for its excellent bartending staff as well as its frozen drinks.
Not too much further to stumble is O'Neill's, the local sports bar. With three big screen televisions and a couple of pool tables upstairs, O'Neill's is the best place to catch the games. If running backs and short stops are not your thing, O'Neill's hosts Texas Hold 'Em on Tuesday nights from 9 to close. Either way, bring your game face.
Located on the corner of 14th Street is Orbitz, the best place for billiards on the Corner. One of the largest bars around, Orbitz may be a long hike for everyone who doesn't live on 14th or Wertland, but it's fun nonetheless.
If margaritas are your thing, head further down the Corner to Baja Bean. This bar also features karaoke on Tuesdays and a poker night on Wednesdays, but with a side of salt and lime. If you're feeling really adventurous, ask for a Tequila Club Card and hold on to your liver.
Last in line is Mellow Mushroom, the perfect spot for all ADHD drinkers. You can make your way through the 39 beers on tap, and there's something to keep you busy every night of the week. Come early for interactive Monday Night Football competitions and Wednesdays for Trivia Night.
Sadly, this is only a short synopsis of a plethora of games, drink specials and music located just outside the walls of the University. Perhaps the best advice is to come early, stay late and get to know one of the most unique bar scenes in the nation, at the best school in the world.
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