Top 10 College Bars in 2025: From Iowa to New Orleans
In college towns, some places just pull you in. College bars are at the heart of it all, drawing students, alumni, and locals together for a good time.
They’re not just about drinks—they’re packed with stories, traditions, and a kind of energy you can’t fake. The New York Times recently spotlighted the top 10 college bars in the country, each with its own vibe and legend.
Let’s take a look at what makes these bars unforgettable, and why they matter so much to their communities.
The Airliner: A Historic Gem in Iowa City
Table of Contents
- 1 The Airliner: A Historic Gem in Iowa City
- 2 The Boot: New Orleans’ Iconic College Bar
- 3 Crunchy’s: East Lansing’s Hidden Gem
- 4 The Esso Club: Clemson’s Historic Watering Hole
- 5 He’s Not Here: A Chapel Hill Tradition
- 6 Jack and Dan’s: Spokane’s Basketball Bar
- 7 The Library: Oxford’s Largest Bar
- 8 The Backer: Notre Dame’s Legendary Bar
- 9 Nick’s: A Bloomington Classic
- 10 Wando’s: Madison’s Three-Story Bar
The Airliner has stood in Iowa City since 1944, thanks to Joe Rinella. Back in World War II, Navy pre-flight trainees hung out here, and the place still oozes that old-school charm.
These days, people come for the pizza and the infamous drink called *The Hammer*. The Airliner feels less like a bar and more like a living piece of Iowa City history.
Signature Offerings
Grab an aviation-themed burger, like The Stealth Bomber, loaded with Cajun spice and blue cheese. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Iowa *Beer Band* making their way through town before home games, always ending up at The Airliner.
The Boot: New Orleans’ Iconic College Bar
You can’t talk about college bars without The Boot in New Orleans. It started as a grocery store in the ‘60s, run by Tulane and New York Giants legend Eddie Price, and became a bar in the ‘70s.
People love it for its quirky charm and its dirt-cheap drinks—shots are just 50 cents on Tuesdays. That’s almost unheard of now, right?
A Must-Visit Location
Just a few blocks from the French Quarter, The Boot is hard to skip if you’re in New Orleans. The place buzzes with locals and tourists, and you can feel the history in every corner.
Crunchy’s: East Lansing’s Hidden Gem
Crunchy’s has been East Lansing’s go-to dive since 1982. Karaoke nights get wild, and the Crunchy’s burger is a local legend by itself.
Michigan State students and alumni swear by this spot. The vibe is laid-back, and you can’t help but feel like you belong, even if it’s your first visit.
Local Favorites
Mike Krueger owns Crunchy’s and also the Peanut Barrel, another local favorite. Students and townies mingle here over good food and even better stories.
The Esso Club: Clemson’s Historic Watering Hole
The Esso Club opened in 1933 in Clemson. It used to be a Gulf service station, but now it’s all about cold drinks, a big outdoor area, and killer views of Death Valley stadium.
Game days get packed, with folks piling in for chicken wings and the buzzing atmosphere.
A Nationally Recognized Bar
ESPN the Magazine and Sports Illustrated have both sung its praises. If you’re near Clemson, skipping The Esso Club just doesn’t make sense.
He’s Not Here: A Chapel Hill Tradition
He’s Not Here is famous for its *Blue Cups*—32 ounces of beer, cider, or seltzer for just $5. The name? It came from the original owners dodging calls during their divorces, always saying, “he’s not here.”
That kind of backstory just makes the place more interesting, honestly.
A Hub for Celebrities
The big patio is always packed, and you never know who you’ll see—students, alumni, even celebrities show up. He’s Not Here feels like the heartbeat of Chapel Hill.
Jack and Dan’s: Spokane’s Basketball Bar
Jack and Dan’s is where Gonzaga basketball fans go to celebrate or commiserate. It’s been around since 1961 and still keeps things fresh with creative shots for students and solid food for everyone else.
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It’s got a loyal following that keeps coming back, year after year.
A Place for Legends
Basketball legends like Karl Malone and John Stockton have been spotted here. If you love hoops, it’s basically a pilgrimage.
The Library: Oxford’s Largest Bar
The Library in Oxford, started by Ole Miss defensive back Johnny Desler in 1997, is massive. It sits in what used to be a Ford dealership showroom, and now it’s got a sports bar, concert hall, and even a mechanical bull.
The place is always buzzing, especially with Ole Miss football players hanging around.
A Popular Spot for Athletes
It’s not just athletes, though—everyone seems to find their way here eventually. The Library’s got a little bit of everything, and that’s probably why it’s so popular.
The Backer: Notre Dame’s Legendary Bar
The Backer, opened in 1962 by Notre Dame linebacker Mo Pottios, is pure college spirit. Students, alumni, and even the occasional celebrity crowd in for drinks and memories.
There’s something about the energy here that just pulls you in.
A Hub of Memorabilia
The walls are covered in memorabilia, making every visit feel like a trip through Notre Dame’s past. If you’re anywhere near campus, it’s a must.
Nick’s: A Bloomington Classic
Nick’s has been around since 1927 in Bloomington. It started as a sandwich shop but now is known for pork tenderloin sandwiches and the game *Sink the Bismarck*.
The place is always lively, and you can feel the decades of stories in the air.
A Place for All Ages
Families and students both find a home here. There’s a real sense of community at Nick’s that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been.
Wando’s: Madison’s Three-Story Bar
Wando’s in Madison is three floors of pure fun. They serve up the famous Fishbowl and a classic Friday fish fry.
Jay “Wando” Wanserski, a former Wisconsin walk-on punter, opened the place in 1994. Students and alumni still pack it in, night after night.
A Hub of Tradition
Wando’s has a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere. If you’re in Madison, you really shouldn’t miss it.
The bar’s unique offerings set it apart. There’s always something lively happening here, which makes it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.