If you are a lucky member of the student body who is of age, you will have realized by now that the bar scene here at Bucknell is lacking compared to what your friends have at big state schools and city campuses. Despite the small selection, there are a few spots along Market Street that you must go to. Starting from the bridge, I’m going to break down Market Street so you and your friends can plan the ultimate Bucknell Bar Crawl.
1. Brasserie Louis
Many of you know Brasserie for its French cuisine and quaint venue for the perfect formal. However, I bet most of you don’t know that this is the “to-go” place for the Bucknell faculty. Brasserie prides themselves on a fine selection of Pennsylvania beers: a selection varying from Troegs, Victory, Appalachian, Erie etc., plus Guinness and similar British beers to bring to a total of 12 or so taps. Their wine is average, but on the plus side, the glasses are huge. The specialty drink is the mojito, which is highly recommended.
2. Lewisburg Hotel
My first inclination when walking into the Lewisburg Hotel was to turn around—between the dated Victorian décor and the formal dining room, I was immediately turned off. When the waitress took us around to the bar, my spirits turned up because it was Thursday. Thursday at the Lewisburg Hotel means wings. Now, I’m from Philadelphia with an appetite for spice, so I’m pretty picky, but the Lewisburg Hotel offers some hefty pieces with plenty of sauce. Plus, their beer selection isn’t bad, which will pair nicely with your wings.
3. Temperance House
For those of you who don’t know, LIT Night is not at Bull Run. Surprise! It’s here at the Temperance House. All of the seniors will tell you that, despite the hike, the atmosphere on a Thursday night at the Temperance house is a pretty good time. Careful though, for only a few bucks, you could be sent home early because the LITs are quite strong. What most people don’t know, however, is that you can order 11 different kinds of LITs: Classic LIT, Arnold Palmer, Long Beach Tea (Cranberry Juice), Tropical Tea (Pineapple Juice), Citrus Tea (Grapefruit Juice), Sunset LIT, Spicy Pineapple Tea, Raspberry Tea, Blue LIT (Blue Curacao), Green LIT (Midori Melon), and finally, the Peach LIT (Peach Schnapps).
4. Smiling Chameleon
This is your go-to spot for guacamole and an IPA. They offer about 30 drafts on tap, including beers from the main PA breweries (Troegs, Victory, Stoudts), some smaller ones (Elk Creek, Erie) and a large selection of macros (Blue Moon, Stella, etc.) Additionally, they offer 6-packs or 20 oz. bottles for take out. For something different in Lewisburg, Smiling Chameleon makes the guacamole right in front of you with pretty fresh ingredients. If you’re like me, don’t forget to ask for salt. The atmosphere is pretty low-key due to minimal seating, so I highly recommend going when student musicians are playing which draws a sizeable crowd.
5. Siam Restaurant & Bar
If you haven’t been to Siam yet, you’re missing out. Since moving to their new location, Siam has acquired a liquor license with a nice menu of cocktails. Their bar space is minimal, but it’s a good place to go if you’re looking for a nice Mai Tai and Thai chicken skewers with a few friends. If you have time for a whole dinner, however, I recommend the Green Curry with tofu. It is not 5-star quality, but it is a great contrast to all of the bar food that’s offered on Market Street.
6. Puirséil’s Irish Pub
I think of Puirseil’s as Bull Run’s prettier stepsister. You’ve probably never noticed it before, but it’s located right next to Bull Run and separated by nothing more than a doorway. The food is better, the bartenders are nicer, and it’s much easier to get a drink. It’s you’re looking for a few drinks with friends and a sit down conversation, you can’t go wrong with Puirseil’s. However, if you’re looking for some more atmosphere and a student crowd, this is not the place to go; it’s strictly a local spot. Plus, the drink selection is much better at Bull Run, so don’t be surprised if the bartender disappears to fill up your glass.
7. Bull Run Tap House
Bull Run is Bucknell’s bar. On a Friday or Saturday night, this place is hopping with students due to the music, large bar, plenty of space, and decent beer selection. However, this place has notoriously poor service. Expect a lengthy time before getting served your drink, and don’t even try to predict how long it will take for your food to be served. On that note, they offer some decent burgers, but this is not the place to go if you want a good meal. Go to Bull Run to hang with your friends after a night out or to see all of the alumni who are back for homecoming. Maybe, skip the dinner there.
8. Towne Tavern
Townie T is one of my favorites for it’s pub feel, decent service, and decent bar food. I find this place to be consistent compared to its competitor across the street, which is very hit or miss. The bar offers about 12 beers on tap and 20+ bottled. The food is typical bar food, but done well at a decent price. On Thursday nights after LIT, this place has great karaoke. Plus, who doesn’t love the free popcorn being served in the back room!
9. Bushel & Barrel
Bushel & Barrel is the best place I’ve been to on Market Street. Run by the Civil War Cider Co., they use only Pennsylvania fruit to make a variety of alcoholic ciders. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic, especially when it comes to telling the story behind the drinks. Take both you friends and parents here for great appetizers, drinks, and a warm atmosphere. The live music I heard added to my great evening of flatbread and ginger beer.