With the excitement of the new school year still in the air, it’s not surprising to see the streets of East Lansing flooded with students on every night of the week that ends in “y.” Drinks are plentiful, great friends are present and good times are to be had.
If you are new to the horizontal license club, you may be wondering how to fit into the local bar scene and, better yet, become a bar star. Have no fear! I’ve put together some tips from frequent bargoers of the past and present so you will be prepared to flawlessly make your bar debut rendezvous.
Know the specials: Cheap food and cheap drinks essentially make the bar-star lifestyle possible. Some popular specials my friends and I have taken advantage of are Taco Tuesday at Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub, half off almost everything Wednesday at Dublin Square and Harper’s, Burgerama at The Riv on Thursday and a Long Island at the Peanut Barrel during happy hour Friday. Trying out these specials also will allow you to familiarize yourself with your new territory.
Tip your bartenders well; If you take care of them, they will take care of you. I understand we are all tight on money, but remembering to tip will usually result in getting your drink faster. Bartenders pay more attention than you think, and courteous behavior is usually recognized and rewarded.
Always dress classy: When digging through your closet trying to find that perfect outfit, just remember to keep it classy. You will be timeless, respected, fashionable and, no doubt, fabulous.
Close your tab and remind your friends to do the same: Not only will you be lacking your driver’s license and credit card if you forget to close your tab, you also will be paying an 18 percent gratuity charge. That extra cash is more drinks you will not be able to afford next time on your tight budget.
Make it home safe: After a long night of painting the town red, always walk home with a group or a friend. If you do not live within walking distance of the bars, it is important to make it home in a safe, responsible way. If a designated driver is out of the question, don’t hesitate to call a cab; keeping yourself safe is always worth the money. If you are traveling on campus, hop on the Night Owl. The Night Owl provides late night/early morning campus service at times when other CATA bus services are not running.
Find your favorite bar: This is the best and most rewarding part of becoming a bar star — finding your niche in the local bar scene. My East Lansing bar of choice is P.T. O’Malley’s. Whenever I am there, I know the night will be full of good drinks, great friends, crazy dancing and a lot of laughter.
Paige Bolen is a State News guest columnist.
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