Dartmouth, home to the fraternity system that inspired National Lampoon's Animal House, has a reputation for boozing that belies its Ivy League status. By the time most students turn 21, they've gained a tolerance for alcohol and lost any they might have for vomiting freshmen. That's when they turn to 5 Olde Nugget Alley.

The Scene: Known to students and locals as "Five Old," this easygoing, quirky bar has been serving beer since the '60s. Tucked away in the basement of a local restaurant in downtown Hanover, the bar is entered through an imposing set of wooden doors shaped like a gothic arch. A huge iron counterweight behind the doors is known to bruise the foreheads of taller patrons. With its obscure location, low ceilings and odd mascot - a groundhog sporting a top hat and tuxedo- 5 Olde mimics a British pub, minus the stuffiness, of course. "It's a messy but fun place," says Gaurav, a senior economics major from India.

Though 5 Olde isn't the place for raging parties -- that's left to the Greek system -- it's perfect for a good weekday buzz. Expect an even mix of undergrads, rowdy business students and townies. "The first time I was hit on here, a townie asked me how to spell 'ogle,'" says Leslie, a senior English major from New Orleans.

The Chicks: Despite a hot collection of coeds, 5 Olde is not the place to pick up undergrads. They're probably bellying up to the bar to take a break from their preferred pickup route, frat parties. Graduate and professional students, however, do most of their partying here. James, a senior genetics major from Minnesota, jokes, "5 Olde is bustling with medical school hotties. It's the best bar if you're looking for a physical."

When to Go: Since most student schedules include fluff classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Wednesdays are the busiest nights. George, a senior classics and economics major from Texas, never misses hump day at 5 Olde, describing it with pride as "my Wednesday night drinking club."

Dress Code: Hanover is known for both its wealth and rural character so anything goes, from business casual down to dirt-smeared Carhartt overalls.

At the Bar: Though there's a full bar at 5 Olde, beer is the main attraction. Those on a budget can find Bud Light for $8 a pitcher. For a real buzz, the regional microbrews on tap come highly recommended. Long Trail, brewed in Vermont, is a popular and potent choice at $13 a pitcher.

Text by Nicolas Duquette
Photos by Tom Leonard