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We've assembled a sweet and savory bracket with 16 of Indiana's well-known college hangouts. Cast a vote (or two, or three) for your favorite and help it advance to the next round. Here's the field, and few extras, with reviews from proud alumni:
IUPUI: Howl at the Moon
Lauren Schommer
Everyone knows that Thursday night is college night and for IUPUI students, Howl at the Moon is THE place to be. With it’s prime location on Georgia Street, Howl is at the heart of the college night experience. I mean, where else can you get $1 Coors Lights and free admission simply by showing your college ID? Cheap drinks aside, Howl has a great bar staff who remembers regulars and is sure to treat them very well.
Howl at the Moon is a chain of dueling piano bars that are sure to keep you entertained until closing time. Howl is the perfect environment to have a few drinks and sing/scream your favorite tunes with a bar full of people who are bound to become your regular Thursday night friends. Personal favorites include: Hit me with your Best Shot, Piano Man, I’ve got Friends in Low Places, and of course the Spice Girl’s greatest hit, Wannabe. School fight songs are sang regularly and you can pretty much guarantee to see something offensive about IU or Purdue on the neon boards at some point during the night. (Boiler down!)
Howl knows how to celebrate holidays. The “Love Sucks” Valentines Day party is a personal favorite. Howl’s annual Halloween festivities may or may not be responsible for me meeting my current boyfriend… And they even throw a Tacky Sweater party around Christmas. Holidays aside, Howl makes it fun to celebrate just about anything. They have regular drawings for Howl Happy Hour where you and your 100 closest friends receive free admission, appetizers, and drink specials. I think I’ve won at least 10, so you have a pretty good chance at winning too.
Lauren Schommer was born and raised in the Hoosier state. In May of 2014, Lauren graduated from IUPUI where she studied Visual Communication Design. While at IUPUI, she was involved with Alpha Sigma Alpha, served on the Panhellenic Association Executive Council, and was a member of the Regatta Steering Committee. Lauren currently works as a designer and account manager at Indianapolis tech start-up App Press.
IUPUI: Bakersfield
By Lauren Schommer
One of the greatest things about IUPUI is it’s prime location in downtown Indy. While we were fortunate to have our pick of plenty of restaurants and bars, there is one that truly has my heart; Bakersfield. This little gem nestled in the heart of Mass Ave has great food, bartenders, and an environment that takes you back to the wild wild west. Not only do they serve PBR in a boot shaped pint glass, they make a mean mason-jar margarita. I could survive off of the chips and guacamole alone, but they do have a great list of tacos. My personal favorite is the fish taco with the chicken mole coming in at a close second.
On nice afternoons, my friends and I would venture to Bakersfield to split guacamole and a pitcher of margaritas (after class, of course). It’s the ideal happy hour when the weather is warm because the bar front opens to the avenue and there’s a patio out to the side of the building that allows for larger gatherings.
When visiting Bakersfield during the colder months I suggest venturing downstairs to the basement, ordering chips, guac, and queso (with chorizo upon request), and a pitcher of margaritas to spit with a few friends. There is usually a wait for a table in the evening but there’s always a spot to squeeze in at the bar. The bartenders know their tequila and whiskey which makes it fun to try new drinks.
Bakersfield represents all that Indy has to offer with great food, drinks, and an amazing view. While it might not be your typical “college bar”, Bakersfield is definitely a great place to make memories.
Lauren Schommer was born and raised in the Hoosier state. In May of 2014, Lauren graduated from IUPUI where she studied Visual Communication Design. While at IUPUI, she was involved with Alpha Sigma Alpha, served on the Panhellenic Association Executive Council, and was a member of the Regatta Steering Committee. Lauren currently works as a designer and account manager at Indianapolis tech start-up App Press.
Butler: Union Jack
Mike Magan
Step inside Union Jack Pub in Broadripple and you’re instantly transported to a legendary watering hole along Piccadilly in London. Despite the darkened wood, Premiere League games flickering on the monitors and Bass or Guinness on tap, Union Jack is perhaps best known for two things that are distinctly Un-British - it’s close association with thirsty Butler University students and it’s deep-dish “Chicago” style pizza.
Many of us Butler alumni first heard of “UJ’s” because of its amazing beer “menu” that was always changing. If you joined the club and tried each of the brews that popped up throughout the year on their “rotating” taps, you could win trip to, ummmm, somewhere. At least that ’s what we were told. While having dozens of beers on tap is more common today, 25-30 years ago it was truly a spectacle. While my fraternity brothers looked forward to joining “The Club” on our 21st birthdays. But that’s not why we did it; brews from AROUND THE WORLD were only a pour away and there was a hole club dedicated to drinking as many of them as you can!
Sure most of us as students maybe punched a handful of the selections, because we were always distracted by this Butler Bar’s crown jewel - It’s Chicago style pizza. This deep-dish, buttery, delicacy was also a rarity outside Chicago when UJ’s opened its doors in 1979. According to ownership, many local and national chains have tried to copy it’s mixture of ingredients, old-Chicago style Pizza craftsmanship and baking perfection. And failed miserably.
For virtually the entire decade of the 1990s I ordered the exact same item dozens of times - Large Chicago style with three “crowns” (toppings): pepperoni, olive and green peppers. I know it’s predictable but breadsticks and unusual nacho cheese is a requirement.
While people from all over Indianapolis regularly enjoy Union Jacks - it’s truly a “Butler Bar” because so many students share their life with others here. It may be a student from Anderson’s first-ever visit to a bar and service from a bar tender. Look in the corner of the pub’s traditional seating area and there’s a thirty-something couple who met at Butler, dated at UJ’s, hosted their wedding reception here and are now introducing their five-year-old to pizza that doesn’t come out of the freezer at home.
This may countless families will leave Butler’s campus with their new graduate only to join up with their friends and family members to celebrate their launch into adulthood with the people - and the place - they’ve grown to love. Union Jacks Pub.
Mike Magan, a 1993 graduate of Butler University, lives in Carmel, IN with his wife Amy (Butler '92) and three children. Born and raised in Evansville, Mike has developed his writing, photography and video production skills over the years in his service as a journalist, communications director, adjunct Butler Professor and marketing manager. He served as a communications consultant to the Mitch for Governor campaigns and designed and edited his 2004 campaign memoir “Notes from the Road” Follow him on twitter: @mikemagan.
Wabash College: Little Mexico
Tony Unfriend
If you’re not looking for Wabash College, you’ll miss it. But if you happen to drive down Main Street in Crawfordsville, IN, you won’t miss Little Mexico. The wildly colorful windows invite you in to the Wabash College favorite that has been around for decades.
Little Mexico is a common lunch and dinner option for the college students and number one choice for visiting alumni. They have many large tables to accommodate the usual large group of Wabash families or students, and intimate booths for the student and his date.
The usual unlimited chips and salsa are always warm, plentiful, and never empty. The salsa isn’t too runny and has the perfect spice. Their staff is second to none and always on point and friendly to all crowds. They handle the large tables with ease and the food and drinks come quick. They know their menu, but more importantly know about the 10 different margarita options.
The menu is endless and it is a good thing their tables are huge, because the meals can take up some space. It’s hard to pick out one favorite on their menu because everything really is great. Their fajitas are enough for two and the burritos overflow with meat, cheese, and veggies. But there is always room for their giant margaritas. Don’t be afraid of the blue margarita, it’s what you want.
Ball State University: Carter's
Jennifer Lear
Carter’s Nearly World Famous Hot Dogs in the Ball State University village is hot dog perfection. So many BSU alums have fallen in love with Carter’s late night foil-wrapped good eats over the years that for most no other hot dog ever compares. Owner Mark Carter sets the chili cheese dog bar high, and visits to his cart are a Friday-Saturday night tradition for many. Students hit the bars and then round out the evening with a little hot dog man humor and an amazing chili cheese dog or two from his nothing fancy silver hot dog stand on the corner. BSU Alumni often find their way back to town just for a delectable chili cheese dog fix from Carter’s cart! It’s something that can instantly bring back memories with just one bite.
Carter, who is known far and wide for his witty personality and is referred to lovingly by most as The Hot Dog Man, has been serving up the foil-wrapped good eats since 1994. His love for BSU runs deep. He’s a BSU alum himself. Over the years, I asked myself, is it the homemade chili lovingly ladled on each dog that makes them all-star? Or maybe the heaping mound of shredded cheese piled atop the delicious dog underneath? Or maybe the side of humor that comes along free of charge? I think it might just be the whole package that makes Carter’s dogs so darn unique!
No matter if you are a student, an alum or just a visitor to campus; you must experience a Carter’s dog firsthand, and don’t be a weanie about it and get it plain or with just red and yellow! Chili cheese all the way, baby! It’s Carter’s craft at its best. He’s been doing “Oscar” proud for over 20 years now. A true weinerologist, worthy of the Hot Dog Hall of Fame! Hey, he’s almost there. He made Sports Illustrated Top 100 Things To Do Before you Graduate College at No. 51! I’d say that makes him just a little more nearly famous.
Jennifer Lear is a digital marketing enthusiast and entrepreneur living in Hancock County. In 2012, she created “Fortville Mama,” a blogger persona that highlights family-friendly events and activities while helping to promote Fortville and greater Hancock County. Her savvy professional and personal marketing efforts earned her recognition as the Fortville/McCordsville Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Person of the Year in 2013 and Fortville Business Professional Women of the Year in 2014. She attended Ball State University from 1998-2000 and is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University.
DePauw University: Marvin's
James Bell
If you are blessed enough to be a DePauw student, Marvin’s delivers. According to the pictures on the wall, Marvin’s also delivers to Graceland, the Egyptian Pyramids and Sheryl Crow. But if you’re not a student, a King, a pharaoh or a rock star (who used to date a juiced cyclist,) you must drive to Greencastle.
So I did. For an hour. Past cornfields and a prison that once held the world champ. I wanted to remember what college tasted like, so I drove past the corporate burger joints in Plainfield and Cloverdale until I arrived at Marvin’s, home to the garlic cheeseburger (aka the “GCB”).
I arrived at Marvin’s at 10:05 pm (or as I now call it, “bed time”), ordered a GCB, cheese fries and sat down. Marvin’s new home was different from the magnificent crooked shack that once fed the student body, but the walls were still covered with photos from students from the past 4 decades. In the photos, students held sheet signs that claimed that Marvin’s delivered to places like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and even more exotic locations like Panama City Beach. To have your picture on Marvin’s wall was a rite of passage and made a student one with DePauw forever.
Marvin’s service was swift and I wasted no time digging in. With all due respect to foodies, Earth’s Best Meals (EBM) are served after 10 pm in a red basket lined with wax paper. EBMs also have meat (check), fries with sauce (check) and ketchup (check.) As an extra, this EBM also had garlic salt which added texture to the bun, a zing to the sandwich and made a light pitter-patter as some of it rained on to the wax paper. The meal was satisfying and otherwise, just like I remembered it.
Before I left, I strolled around Marv’s looking for a photo that proved I once existed at DePauw, but I found nothing. Marvin’s walls now displayed fresh faces of students who were born after I started college. Marv's Immortality was reserved for the legends: Morouzis, Waltman, Fenlon, Chiarella and Marvin himself.
Like college, my days on Marvin’s walls were long over. But at least the taste of Marvin's lived on.
James Bell is a partner with Bingham Greenebaum Doll where he is part of the White Collar Criminal Defense practice group. He is currently Vice President of the Indianapolis Bar Association and teaches Professional Responsibility at the IU McKinney School of Law. James is a 1996 graduate of DePauw University.
DePauw University: Marvin's
Jordan Dillon
You know a college has a staple restaurant when it’s THE place where every prospective student is taken when they visit campus. For DePauw University in Greencastle, that place is Marvin’s.
Getting its start in the 1970’s, Marvins (commonly known as Marv’s to the locals and students) boasts a menu ranging from mac-and-cheese bites to burritos to pizzas to salads. However, their biggest claim to fame is the one-and-only Garlic Cheeseburger (GCB), The GCB has diverted alumni traveling on I-70 to make the nearly 8.5 mile detour just to enjoy the juicy double patty and melted American cheese, altogether housed on a garlic covered hoagie. And don’t even think about adding ketchup to this delicacy – ranch is the ONLY condiment that should be enjoyed with a GCB.
And for those who have had a couple of drinks or don’t have a car on campus, fear not, because, everyone knows – once they look at the printed pictures adorning the walls of the small building - “Marvin’s Delivers Anywhere”. Alumni have traveled to places like the Great Wall of China, the former Berlin Wall, Mount Rushmore, national athletic championships, and even weddings and posed proudly around homemade banners announcing that “Marvins Delivers to (insert location)”.
And although founder Marvin Long, who became an icon in the community, passed away in 2013, his culinary legacy lives on as the creator of the favorite food for generations of DePauw Tigers past and present.
Jordan Dillon is the Director of Junior Olympic Events and Special Projects at USA Gymnastics. When not traveling the country with Olympic gymnasts, she spends time on the sidelines cheering on the Colts, Pacers, Red Wings and Hoosiers and gets her own time on the field playing recreational flag football and volleyball. During the summer you can usually find her running on the Monon or sipping a bourbon on the patio of a local establishment. An Evansville native, Jordan has lived on the north side of Indianapolis since graduating from DePauw in 2005 and is proud to call Indy her home.
Purdue University: Harry's Chocolate Shop
Chelsea O’Brien
For the true Boilermaker experience, be sure to visit these classic Purdue eateries - Triple XXX and Harry's Chocolate Shop!
First rule of thumb - don't judge them by their names. Triple XXX is a diner-style family restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Known for their signature chopped sirloin burgers, classic Triple XXX root beer, and all-day breakfast, Triple XXX is the ultimate stop for students and visitors alike.
A few of my personal favorites are the Boilermaker Pete burger, the grilled tenderloin, and the Mother Road omelet. Two important tips to remember: be prepared to wait, and have your cash ready. They are a cash only business, however, they kindly put an ATM inside to save you when you forget. And it's a very tiny place so you'll most likely wait to get a seat, but I promise it will be worth it.
After you're done eating at Triple XXX, head up the hill to the famous Harry's Chocolate Shop. But before you take the kids there to get chocolate covered peanuts, you must know that it is an adult beverage establishment. With great drinks from the bar, late-night snacks, and free popcorn, Harry's is my favorite place to meet friends when I return to campus. I always make sure to order my favorite Harry's drink - the grasshopper. It's also small as far as bars go, but to call yourself a true Boilermaker, you must check Harry's off your list! Boiler Up
Chelsea graduated from Purdue University in 2011 with a degree in agricultural communication. She now lives in central Indiana with her husband, Tyler, and works as a marketing associate in the agricultural industry. She enjoys sports, fitness, baking, blogging, agriculture, photography and fashion. To learn more about Chelsea and her role in agriculture, visit www.BoilermakerAg.com
Purdue University: Greyhouse Coffee Company
Jeanette Merritt
As a Purdue student in the mid-90’s, my goal was to find food that was good and cheap. I was the typical poor college student, paying my way through college by working nearly full-time while maintaining my studies. And then, when my equally poor boyfriend proposed marriage, saving money became a big deal. When we got married between our junior and senior years, we moved to a little trailer off-campus and quit eating out.
Now as an employee of my alma matter, I can afford to eat wherever I want. And Purdue has its share of great places to eat. My favorite is Greyhouse Coffee Company. Sitting on the corner of the heavily trafficked Northwestern and State Streets, in what is affectionately known as Chauncey Hill, Greyhouse has a great vibe the minute you walk through the front door. It’s charm and character beckons you to sit and enjoy a brief reprise from studies or work.
Greyhouse is known for outstanding coffee. Sourced from around the world, you can enjoy a warm French press, a cold espresso drink or a lovely specialty drink. If you are hungry, they have the best crepes I’ve ever eaten. Try the Monkey Dog, made with Smoking Goose ham, Prairie Breeze cheese, honey mustard remoulade and fresh chives. If your sweet tooth is winning the mealtime rush, enjoy a Nanny Banner, made with Nutella and bananas.
Greyhouse serves gelato, pastries, smoothies and other treats as well. It is a quiet respite during a busy semester. www.greyhousecoffee.com
Jeanette and her husband are 4th generation hog and grain farmers in Miami County, on Jeanette’s family farm. They have three children; Alexandra – 11, Lauryn – 8, and Levi – 4. Jeanette serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Artisan, Dig-IN, the Purdue Women in Ag Team, the Miami County Helping Hands food pantry, and the Miami County 4H Council. She is proud to serve as an appointed member of the Lt. Governor’s Indiana Grown Commission. When not running her kids to numerous 4H meetings or basketball, baseball or volleyball practices, Jeanette enjoys running, camping, boating and serving her church family. She is actively educating people about farm life through her blog at www.fencerowtofencerow.com.
University of Indianapolis: Enzo Pizza
Samantha Cotton
Is it really a college if there isn't an established pizza joint within minutes of campus? The Greyhounds of the University of Indianapolis don't think so.
Enzo Pizza, located at 3940 Madison Avenue, is an institution amongst UIndy students and alumni. Famous for their east-coast style pizza and stuffed pepperoni breadsticks, Enzo's provides what all college students crave - the best slice in town. Diners have the option to choose from a selection of ready-to-eat pies, or order a fresh-made pasta, calzone or salad, and have it delivered directly to the booth. The front line is friendly and accommodating, making the whole dining experience feel like an Italian home away from home.
And to make the meal even tastier? UIndy students receive a discount at Enzo's with their student IDs.
With a simple, clean dining room, and a convenient drive-thru for those busy campus nights, you simply can't go wrong with Enzo's. Collegiate comfort food at it's best keeps Greyhounds of all classes coming back for more.
While visiting the Southside for a slice of meat-stuffed pizza be sure to stop by another UIndy favorite, The Colonial Inn (4343 Madison Ave.), for a cold brew. Maybe even jump on stage for a little karaoke, just to relive those college glory days.
Samantha Cotten is a 2009 graduate of the University of Indianapolis, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication. In addition to her current role as a stay-at-home mom, Samantha writes the lifestyle blog Cotten Tales about her adventures in motherhood and marriage (with a little ranting and raving mixed in). She resides in Crawfordsville with her husband (a fellow Greyhound alum), and one-year old daughter.
Indiana University: Nick's English Hut
Sara Glenn
Tradition runs deep in Bloomington, and at the heart of that tradition sits Indiana University. Sports. Academics. Medicine. Business. Law. Greek Life. Kirkwood Avenue. And, of course, celebrating our wins, drowning our sorrows during losses and reliving our collegiate ways has to occur somewhere. There is no other college bar that carries on that tradition like Nick’s English Hut.
Nick’s first opened in the early 1920s and has been a mainstay ever since. What is it about this bar that keeps the line out the door and down the block, and even longer on game days? It’s the history. Knowing generations within families spent nights as IU students at the same bar makes the memories and visits that much sweeter.
It’s the legacy. Sink the Biz - a game played across generations - is still as popular as ever. What alumnus doesn’t have a set of Nick’s ball jar glasses?
Nick’s is such a tradition that it’s not just the cream-and-crimson wearing, logo adorned basketball fan heading to the game who’s filling the bar, it’s also the young student celebrating their twenty- first birthday (finally able to get in!), the wedding party post-reception, the regulars who keep coming back for the stromboli and the warmth an old, cozy and well-loved bar provides.
The memorabilia covering the walls throughout the many rooms tell the story of six national championships, the Cutters and the cycling history that brought Hollywood to Bloomington, the original purveyors of Nick’s and the drinking club that started the bucket tradition. Nick’s is synonymous with Indiana University. Ask anyone planning a trip to the best college town, and a visit to Nick’s is at the top of their list.
Sara Glenn graduated from Indiana University in 2004 with a BS in Public Affairs. Growing up she and her sister logged many -- what felt like long at the time -- road trips to this college town called Bloomington to join their parents at football and basketball games. Her dad (BS '70, MAT '72, EdS '81 and EdD '91) has a long-time love of Bloomington and all things IU, and insisted his family share in that tradition. Her dad waiting 21 years to share with her the tradition of Nick's English Hut, where now they can together enjoy strombolis and Sink the Biz. Since graduation, Sara has visited more times than she can count and was even married in Bloomington, also spending the night before her wedding celebrating at Nick's. Sara now lives in Carmel with her husband (and IU graduate of course) and her three future Hoosiers.
Indiana University: Nick's English Hut
Katie Beyer Zarich
If you weren’t lucky enough to attend Indiana University, hopefully you’ve been lucky enough to visit Nick’s English Hut at least once. Nick’s is the meeting place for both students and alumni. The food is good, and the beer is cheap.
What comes to mind for IU alumni when they think of Nick’s? Here are a sampling of answers from some of my closest friends, all of whom have spent their fair share of time at the legendary establishment: Fun. Tradition. Mason jars of beer. Alumni. Multi-generational. Basketball. Historic. Cheers. Stromboli. Fries. And four different people replied with the same answer: Sink the Biz.
Patrons frequently purchase pitchers and pitchers of beer as they hone their skills of the legendary pastime, Sink the Bismark. Players sit around a small bucket filled with beer and an empty glass, the Bismark or “Biz,” floating in the bucket. Moving around the circle, each player pours beer from her glass into the Biz with the goal of not sinking it, leaving the next player with the sometimes impossible task of doing the same. If you sink the biz, you drink it. If this explanation doesn’t make sense, any true Hoosier grad would be happy to demonstrate his or her version of the rules to you, I’m sure.
Unless an IU game is on the TVs and everyone is cheering, it’s easy to share conversation at Nick’s, especially over Sink the Biz. Some of my best memories from my college days happened inside that bar, and many of my best memories since graduation have happened there too. One of my friends had perhaps the best response when I asked what word or phrase first comes to mind when you think of Nick’s? Field trip.
I think I’ll take a field trip to Nick’s soon.
Katie Beyer Zarich is the financial optimist at Building Tomorrow, Inc. She is a 2004 graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, where she studied Political Science and Religious Studies and also is a graduate of IU School of Law – Indianapolis. Many of Katie's memories at Nick's English Hut relate to visits over Little 500 weekend. Katie was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta's 2003 Little 500 championship team and returns to the race each year with her former teammates.
Marian University: Bud's Tavern
Nathan Gelhausen
The downtown and Broad Ripple nightlife can’t match what Marian University Students call their home bar, Bud’s Tavern. Bud’s is just a few block stumble from campus and has been Marian’s bar for the last 11 years.
Bud’s sits between the campus of Marian University and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the corner of 30th Street and Lafayette Road. Inside Bud’s you will find tons of interesting racing memorabilia and used race car parts like: hoods, tires, quarter panels, and bumpers. You will also find Marian University banners and pennants galore. Among the many parties Bud’s hosts, they host the after party for graduation and graduates get to sign the wall dedicated to Marian. Like Marian’s president says, “Make History,” Marian graduates leave theirs at Bud’s.
Bud’s has pool tables, dart boards, flat screen TV’s, arcade games. Bud’s Tavern offers a full menu with wings, appetizers, pizza, salads, and sandwiches. Students are often seen soaking up the suds with some Marian Mozzarella Cheese Sticks.
On Wednesday and Saturday nights, Bud’s has Karaoke with Mugsy. Singing karaoke with Mugsy is a right-of-passage for students. Almost everyone has been on stage at least once to sing “Marian Tradition,” to Hank Williams Jr’s, “Family Tradition,” or unknowingly had to sing their favorite Brittney Spears or Backstreet Boys number.
Bud’s is also the place to go to celebrate all the big wins. Marian has 37 MCC championships, 28 USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships (take that little 500 fans), and has been to three of the last four NAIA national championship football games, winning it all in 2012. To help celebrate all the great wins and good times, Bud’s partnered with Marian to have $2 mugs. Anyone can purchase the Marian University mug in the campus gift shop and get it filled any day, anytime, for only $2. Even without the mug, on Wednesday nights all pints are $2.
With cheap drafts, good food, and Karaoke with Mugsy you are surely in for a great time. Next time you are in the area and ready to party with the best students in the state, stop by Bud’s Tavern; just make sure you know the words to “Marian Tradition” and are ready to “Make History!”
Nathan graduated from Marian in 2004 with his Bachelors in Business Administration, minors in Psychology and Economics, and he completed the honors program. He was a member of the men's soccer team, where he served as captain for two years. Nathan also has his Masters in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University and currently works for Community Health Network in the Academic Affairs Department. Nathan enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, fishing, playing sports, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family. He is at Nathan Gehlhausen on facebook and Mayor_Nate onTwitter.
Franklin College – Jefferson Street Pub
Brad Rateike
The Jefferson Street Pub is the kind of bar that makes you feel good about living in Indiana. Friendly people, low-key atmosphere (most of the time), and some predictably delicious but not-too-complex food. It’s a bar you could always expect to leave satisfied (and not penniless, which is important for a college student).
Great wings and pizza, cheap drinks and no drama. I’m biased because I worked there in the kitchen and behind the bar. Owner Karen Duckworth is a Franklin icon and there is no one I wish more success to than her. Other establishments in Franklin may receive more hype, but when it comes to my best college bar/restaurant memories, it’ll always be Jeff St. Pub.
Brad Rateike is founder and principal of Bar Communications, a strategic communications and public affairs firm specializing in media relations, issue advocacy and reputation management. He previously worked for five years in the Office of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels as deputy press secretary and policy director. Brad also served as an organizational development volunteer in the United States Peace Corps and was student body president during his senior year at Franklin College.
Taylor University: Ivanhoe's Drive In
Aric Hartvig
Well, it is BYOB at Ivanhoe’s Drive In, located in beautiful Upland, Ind. But in the Midwest it’s all about the dairy anyway, and this legendary Hoosier eatery has that department well covered.
Ivanhoe’s offers over 100 flavors of sundaes, shakes, and malts that will cure anyone with a case of the bracket blues. From Almond Fudge to Wheels Wheels, if they don’t have it, they will make it for you…any topping, any ice cream. Ivanhoe’s Drive In has been featured on the Food Network, in USA Today and in many other travel and culinary magazines. WFYI’s own TV program Good Eats even featured this restaurant a few years ago, and the flavors have just kept on coming since.
Located just a few blocks from the campus of the Taylor University Trojans, this little slice of Americana has been dishing out the goodies to Taylor students now for over 40 years. Often people all over the state associate Upland as the little town with that “awesome ice-cream place.” I’m sure those of us who went to Taylor University remember a lot more, but we’re ok sharing some of that Upland notoriety with them. Ivanhoe’s is always an active partner on campus, and has provided a lot of help through financial support and community outreach to the Taylor community over the years.
In addition to the ice cream treats that we all love, the hamburgers, salads, and tenderloin sandwiches made fresh in the kitchen will help warm you up for a desert that is only limited by your imagination. On summer evenings, lines of customers flow right out of the doors at Ivanhoe’s and around the building, made up of tourists, townies, families, motorcyclists, farmers, Taylor faculty, students and athletic teams. The food and treats are always worth the wait!
Adam Sparks – Upland Native
“This is the best place ever! It’s neat to see a local place doing so well. The people who come into the restaurant are friendly, as are those who serve at the restaurant. Year round they offer fresh, tasty vegetables and fruit, and their food is made to order. They know how to serve food that people love to eat, and they have many healthy choices, I don’t know where to begin on the ice-cream.”
Aric Hartvig is 2002 Graduate of Taylor University. Aric graduated with a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism and minor in Fine Art and Public Relations. He was an Academic All-American selection in 2000 and Team Captain of the Taylor University Football Team. Today Aric Hartvig is a television producer at WFYI Public Media and has garnered 11 LGL Regional Emmy Awards in his 10 years with WFYI.
Indiana State: Maurizio's Pizza
Sara Croft
Terre Haute would be amiss without Maurizio’s Pizza, the family owned restaurant located on East Wabash Avenue and North Lafayette Avenue. For over four decades, both locations have offered thin crust and Sicilian-style pizza with traditional toppings for dine-in, carry-out or delivery.
While I was a student at Indiana State University, I received a call from Mr. Eslinger, my high school psychology teacher, who asked if I was looking for a job. It was the start of my two year career of folding boxes and rolling pizza dough in the kitchen of the Wabash Avenue location, where my love and appreciation of food began.
Known for the 747, a 20-inch pizza that takes gentle caressing to pull it out of the oven, Maurizio’s is the place to call when you are cramming for finals or in need of food long after the cafeteria has closed. Pizza and breadstick dough is made in house every day by the owners and only the owners, who have the secret recipe engraved in their veins. Seasonings for the tomato sauces are kept in plastic bags where employees simply have to pour and stir, allowing the secret recipes to stay secret for years to come.
The green and white building is the last stop on “The Walk,” the infamous homecoming tradition where students and alumni bar hop on Wabash Avenue from Indiana State University at 6th Street to the football stadium at 25th Street. Those who made it that far would sober up with pizza before continuing on to the homecoming festivities.
Maurizio’s Pizza is the best college town restaurant because of their amazing homemade pizzas and their dedication to serving the community. After all, what better way is there to feel connected than to share a pizza with friends, neighbors and fellow students!
Two locations: 2940 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute; and 5035 N Lafayette St., Terre Haute. Established in 1972
Notre Dame - The Linebacker
Marcus Barlow
You can’t talk about Notre Dame Football without talking about tradition. The most national championships of any FBS school in the NCAA era, a record seven Heisman Trophy winners, 97 consensus All-Americans, 33 unanimous All-Americans, 485 National Football League draft picks, and 50 members of the College Football Hall of Fame. When you walk the campus, you see famous landmarks such as Touchdown Jesus, First-Down Moses, The House the Rockne Built, the Golden Dome, the Basilica, and the Grotto.
Another landmark of the university is one you won’t find located on campus, but ask any ND alumnus of the last 40 years and they’ll tell you that The Linebacker Lounge (known to everyone but tourists as the “Backer”) is as much a part of what makes Notre Dame special as anything else.
The Backer opened in 1963, has had the same DJ since 1985, and this type of longevity coupled with consistency has made the Backer a Notre Dame tradition for alums and current students alike.
So next time you’re in South Bend, IN, stop by the Backer and have a Long Island Ice Tea, dance on the golden pole to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas,” and tip DJ Drew generously if you want to hear your song played before last call. Trust me, it’ll be the time of your life.
University of Evansville - The Slice
Windi Hornsby Troyer
The strip of shops on the southeast edge of University if Evansville's campus is older and unassuming. Across the street from campus apartment housing and the sorority suites, a few of the stores rotate tenants often, but the anchor remains a standby: The Slice.
When you walk in, you question the decade, at least I did in the early '00's, and judging from recent Yelp reviews, I imagine even more so now. The interior is dated and dusty, with fake plants and torn booth seats, wobbly tables and mismatched chairs. A long unplayed arcade game and outdated jukebox. But the pizza is what makes you overlook all that. Big, thin crust, New York style slices (hence the name), with both simple, traditional toppings like pepperoni and sausage, and more exotic combinations, where the ingredients really have a chance to shine: gyro, potato, spinach and feta, taco, ranch (would it be Indiana without?!)
$2 Tuesday at The Slice pulled in all walks from campus life- theatre majors, frat boys, your literature professor, future nurses, swimmers and basketball players, even the secretaries from the engineering building. The make-up of Thursday Quarter beer night surprisingly looked the same- it was (and I hope still is!) a place where social clique lines were erased. One of my favorite nights at The Slice was a Thursday where a friend and I showed up early, just to have a cheap beer or 2 before planning to roll to bed early, but instead ended up behind the counter, serving up small plastic cups of cheap Coors (or maybe even Keystone) from a keg and walking out with our pockets full of tips.
I hear The Slice continues to be a cash only establishment, part of its charm, along with grumpy owner, Eric. You get use to him and once he warms up, it a pretty decent dude with stories that always have you wondering if they could possibly be true. They go along perfectly with many of the urban legends about him that swirl around UE's campus. Just know the rumors about the pizza are true: it's great. About as ethnic and exciting as you can get in a short walk from campus and will always leave you clamoring for more.
Windi is a proud Purple Ace, graduating from the University of Evansville in 2005, raised and now raising her family in Indianapolis. A former teacher who now works part-time in software, married to a librarian/MBA student, and mama to two high-energy, bright, AMAZING daughters .In her funnily-named free time, she enjoys writing, advocating for public education, public speaking, avoiding exercising at all costs, and cooking. Follow her and her family on their journey on Instagram at @MamatoMagsLilly
Valparaiso University: Duffy's Place
Advertised as a place “for a bite and a beer” Duffy’s has been a regular watering hole for Valpo students for years. Less than a mile from campus down U.S. 30, both students and alumni will mention it among the places that make for school memories; it’s a place for small and large celebrations of all kinds.
Duffy’s is a local institution in large part because the role it plays in community involvement led by owner Jeff St. Aubin. It has sponsored softball teams, held functions, supported Chocolate Walks and fun runs, and is a multi-year winner in the Best Soup in Porter County competition where all proceeds from the event go toward scholarships for local needy families to attend Hilltop childcare and Walt's Place.
The wings are what bring a lot of folks into Duffy’s, but don't expect the typical orange buffalo sauce – try the Cajun rub spice! The menu is varied and drinks are affordable and while inside there is sure to be something entertaining going on. Check out the trivia nights, costume parties, DJ’s, live bands, and this past year at Christmas the seventh appearance of the VU jazz band!
If the weather is nice eat outside on the patio just watch out for patrons playing horseshoes, just stay off the train tracks. And before you ask about the rumors….there may, or may not have been, live crab races in the past.
University of Southern Indiana – Hilltop Inn
BRAINS! That’s all you need to know. What once was a stagecoach stop on Evansville’s west side is now a national landmark for selling brain sandwiches – 13,000 of them a year! It’s also been declared the “Manliest Restaurant in America” by Asylum.com’s humor site based on submissions by bloggers and restaurant critics.
But once you get past the brain sandwich, there is award winning friend chicken, German chocolate pie, Icelandic Cod dinners, and The Hilltopper, a one half pound of hamburger and all the toppings. With its German family roots, the Hilltop serves family style allowing for a relaxed meal in the dining room, or you can have your meal in the bar.
The Hilltop Inn does add specials to the menu for occasions and holidays, drop in on St. Patrick’s Day for green beer, corned beef and cabbage with new boiled potatoes with parsley butter, or Irish stew. Also check out the seafood specials for Lent, chocolate specials on Valentine’s Day, or a fishbowl after the Fall Festival.
There IS more than brains at the Hilltop Inn.
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