At some point in every college student's life, you need to graduate. Not from school (though, ideally you do that too), but from the college bar scene.
College bars are typically fraught with cheap beer specials, obnoxious drinking games and drunk frat boys who want nothing more than to call you "bro." There is a time and a place for this type of gluttonous depravity. But at some point we all grow up (some of us, at least) and yearn for something more refined than, say, beer pong.
Pop quiz: What kind of bar should you graduate to? I've come up with five spots that don't fit the common college-bar mold, yet their proximity to campus makes them attractive to students. Whether you're at the University of Minnesota, Augsburg, Macalester or St. Thomas, this list should have you covered. Sorry, no good bars for you, Bethel.
Kitty Cat Klub It's for: Dinkytown fashionistas with a taste for eclectic live music.
Why it's anti: The dreamy, vintage look of the place is unlike any college bar. And its owners are booking more music than ever, from live indie rock to popular DJ nights, such as Hotel and Menergy. The diversity of entertainment continues tonight with Twilight, a monthly lesbian night.
Get there: 315 14th Av. SE., Mpls. 612-331-9800. www.kittycatklub.net.
Acadia Cafe It's for: Music fans who like to gulp down the sounds of singer-songwriters with a boutique beer.
Why it's anti: Located in the heart of Cedar-Riverside, this Franklin Avenue transplant matches the attitude of its musicians with a bold craft-beer list. The friendly and comfy atmosphere will get a shot in the arm when the sixth annual Zombie Pub Crawl rolls through on Oct. 9. Acadia is expected to be a prime gathering spot for the flesh-eaters.
