Every college student at the University of Alabama knows the feeling of wanting to go to one bar, but getting outvoted by their friends for another. The vibes just won’t be right for a Friday night if you didn’t attend this one bar. The problem? Your friends are on a different wavelength looking for a different vibe. In this post, we’ll break down the best bar for every vibe. If your group can agree on a vibe, don’t worry about the choice of bar: we’ve got you covered.
Unhinged freshman? Looking to get trashy? – Rounders
Rounders is the ultimate bar for all freshman who aren’t quite sure what to do with their newfound freedom. Mom and Dad are no longer watching your every move, you can get back to the dorms whenever you want, and you’re ready to walk the line of partying and dropping out. This fine establishment is a right of passage for every single freshman coming through this fine university. You never have to worry about whether or not you’ll get in, the prices are usually pretty cheap, and the vibes are immaculate for dancing and late night biology studies. Even within Rounders, you can toy around with the vibes. The boom boom room (BBR) will always have a place in my heart, and is, quite possibly, my favorite venue on campus. A completely blacked out room dedicated to loud EDM, LED lights, and no shame (Seriously no shame. There needs to be shame, and there isn’t). The roof is also dark and has great lights, especially with the TV’s everywhere the light panels on the roof, but plays top hits and a variety of music from rap, to EDM, to pop, to the occasional country. It’s great for dancing, drinking, and making new one night friends.
Live Music Dive? – The Red Shed
Certainly a top choice for dive bar, we decided to split this list into two: live music and regular. The Red Shed, also called Shed, is great for hanging out with friends, listening to music, getting a few drinks, and playing a few bar games. With deals such as $2 mystery beers and $8 liquor pitchers, it’s an easy feat to feel the drinks with friends while playing pool or hooks with the homies. To real feel everything Shed has to offer, go on a Wednesday for karaoke and see all the regulars make an absolute fool of themselves on stage, except for the few members of the bands who still want to sing, even on their off days. Shed has become something of a family with most people either loving it or hating it, but those who love it keep coming and join the family.
Rounders as a Dive Bar? – Harry’s
An absolutely great choice for a dive bar, minus the fact you need an Uber and cannot walk. Harry’s has succumbed to the freshman in the last two years, but still remains a good spot. Townies run the bar from open until too many college students get there and they leave, but the drinks are good and the atmosphere is perfect with the signed walls and street signs. Tuesday’s are Harryoke, and much like Shed, it is an absolute must for anyone who wants to know if Harry’s is their next staple bar. Whether you want to sip on a drink and watch the drunk shenanigans or slam a bucket (empty paint bucket with Harry’s signature drink) and participate, Harry’s is perfect with tables, open space, pool tables, darts, and much more.
Mixed Vibes? Can’t Decide? – Druid City Social
The holy grail of all bars, and the home away from home Sophomore year, Druid City Social is a huge venue that’s perfect for most vibes you can think up. In the main room is the core vibe with a DJ, lights, dancing, and the standard vibe of what you expect a dancing party bar to be like. Off to both sides of the dance floor is a bar with tables next to it. If you need a quick break to sit down and chat or want a bite to eat, the tables are one small crowd of people to push through away. But if you’re at the level of drunk where the alcohol tastes like a political discussion, it may be a better idea to walk outside and have that discussion at the picnic tables with heaters. Druid is my favorite bar because you can dance and party inside for those who prefer a Roudners vibe, but chill and hang out outside. Especially given that it’s usually no cover or cheap cover and drinks aren’t too expensive, Druid is a solid choice for any group that wants to have fun or can’t decide what they want.
Too Old for Rounders? – Gallettes
It may feel like everything on this list is compared to Rounders, but that bar is such a canon event for all freshmen it only makes sense to. Gallettes is a stricter bar for ages 21+, and as such, is reserved for a more mature crowd. Most students towards the end of sophomore year or start of junior year realize they are far too old to be in Rounders, even if they aren’t quite yet 21. Around this time is when college students at The University of Alabama are aging into Gallettes. It’s still got the backroom with lights, loud music, and dancing, but it also has a more chill vibe in the front replicating Rounder’s front room (much more lively at Gallettes). Gallettes also has a one up with the outside seating area, which has all new patio furniture.
