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If those enrolled at the University of Washington aren't in class, they're probably hanging out on University Avenue, a Huskie's home away from home. The Ave. (as it's called) has all that a student needs to sustain life -- record stores, restaurants serving everything from gyros to Pad Thai, and the College Inn Pub. This venerable basement bar is a sweet little dive for students to grab a round after class, warm and hospitable as Seattle itself.
The Student Experience: A smart, fun-loving crowd of whip-smart punk girls, jive-talking philosophers and long-haired bass guitarists frequents the College Inn, drawn by its well-used pool tables, dark and cozy back room, friendly staff and great jukebox. (The Who, The Replacements and The Hives on the same juke -- finally someone gets it.) "It's a great neighborhood bar," says Courtney, an English literature major. "Always very friendly, very laid-back." Piper, a political science major, agrees: "It's the perfect place to spend your downtime. You can be part of a party crowd, or in your own world."
Split into two large rooms -- the main room noisy and bright, the back room smoky and dark -- the Pub is unique among college bars, inasmuch as you can actually stake out a quiet corner for studying while the party crowd holds court less than 10 feet away. "You could call it the only study room where they serve beer," says Alex, a history major. "But you can just as easily shoot the shit with friends here or watch a baseball game or whatever." Occasionally local bands will play in the bright room, creating a small impromptu riot while patrons in the dark room keep playing cards or reading Goethe.
When to Go: Most students agree that Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are the liveliest nights at the Pub. Afternoon crowds are quiet and studious, but the energy level rises almost immediately after work lets out, and peaks around 10:30. Worth noting: On Sundays, you can shoot free pool all day long.
Dress Code: "I'm just gonna chuckle at that question. Take that as you will," says one of the proprietors. As long as you come into the College Inn Pub clothed, the management couldn't care less about the label on your garments. You'll see no club wear here -- just the tattooed and comfortably dressed masses, yearning for dollar drafts.
Cheap Drinks: On Sundays after 8 p.m., the Inn serves $1 pints of old reliable Pabst Blue Ribbon. Happy Hour at the College Inn, weekdays from opening till 6 p.m., is equally benevolent: $2.50 well drinks and discounts on the Inn's rotating taps.
Where it's At: 400 University Way N.E. (at the southern end of the Ave.)
Hours: Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Last call is at 1:30 a.m.
Phone: (206) 634-2307
Text and photos by Geoff Carter
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