Getting back into the grind of homework and classes is only part of returning to campus. Give yourself a break once in a while and check out some Village venues for a fun night out.
Mugley's (smoke-free)Located on University Avenue next to Crawdaddy's (1625 W. University Ave.)
Hours: 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. Monday-Saturday
Fairly small, with a laid-back atmosphere. Most people there come with a small group of friends to talk and hang out.There is no special drink specific to Mugley's, but each bartender has a specific drink they recommend and specialize in making, Lauren Kirby, one of the seven bartenders that work there, said.This is an all-ages bar with a menu that includes burgers and fries, pizzas and wings all under $6.
Best Weekly specials:Wednesdays-$5 32-oz. mugs and well drinks
The Madhatter (smoke-free)Located in University Square, 1609 University Ave.
Hours: 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Monday-Saturday
The Madhatter specializes in craft beers and serves beer and hard liquor. The Madhatter's Muncie pale ale is brewed specifically for the bar and they have the number one Schlitz account in the state, bartender Steven Knipp said. It's also the only place in the city that sells Kilo Kai, a spiced rum. Knipp said the Madhatter is more of a chill bar that's open, welcoming and friendly. They play their music from an iPod that includes mostly classic rock and new dance hits.
Best Weekly specials:Thursday-penny pitchers with a live bandFriday-$2 well drinksSaturday-$3 tall boys, well drinks and Magic Hat
Scotty's Brewhouse (smoke-free)Located on University Avenue next to Subway (1700 W. University Ave.)
Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. - midnight Wednesday-Saturday
The bar serves beer and wine only. Outdoor seating available.Beer is the most popular drink, with a large bottle selection and 30 different kinds of beer on tap. Bartender Maggie Naffziger recommends trying the Goose Island IPA because it's a good summer beer with a strong flavor and hints of citrus. Like Mugley's, this is more of a laid-back bar and restaurant; some patrons can even be found working on laptops.
Best Weekly specials: Half-price appetizers after 9 p.m. every nightMonday - $10 all-you-can-eat wings and $2 domestic bottles
The Locker Room (smoke-free) Located on the corner of McKinley and University avenues (1813 W. University Ave.)
Hours: Noon - midnight Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. Monday-Saturday
The Locker Room has a full menu, outdoor seating and 60-70 alcohols at its two bars. Fitting with the name, the bar subscribes to all the sports cable packages, making Thursday through Sunday its most crowded days. Ever heard of an AMF? The Locker Room makes 'em. Try it. Then ask what it stands for.
Best Weekly specials:Thursday - $3 bombs and $2.50 you-call-its (includes top-shelf liquor)Friday - $2 domestic bottles and Jolly Rancher shots, $4 AMFsSunday - $4 domestic pitchers and $2.95 for six wings (buffalo, plain or BBQ)
The Chug Located on the corner of Martin and North streets (409 N. Martin Ave.)
Hours: 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Monday-Saturday
The Chug has been open since the early 1970s, co-owner Aaron Stewart said. Good bar to check out if you like games and cheap drink specials. The Chug serves mostly cheaper-style beers and primarily beer and hard liquor, Phil Juskeice, bartender and manager, said. Games include Guitar Freaks (similar to Guitar Hero), two skeeball machines, a corn-hole video game, a new jukebox and foosball and air hockey coming soon. The Chug draws a wide range of people with different tastes in music from metal to rap and everything in between. On Thursdays karaoke starts at 10 p.m. and there are $1.75 bottles of Miller High Life every night of the week.
Dill Street Bar and GrillLocated on Dill Street across from the Ball State Credit Union (421 N. Dill St.)
Hours: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 7 p.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday
Co-owner Aaron Stewart described Dill as more of a "late night dance club. But it could also depend on the night you go, especially if you go on Tuesday. After that it gets pretty crazy, he said. The bar also has a deejay after 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Upcoming events: Tonight -Raffle for $300 gift certificate to T.I.S. Bookstore. Get a ticket for walking through the door; drawing is at 1 a.m.Saturday-representatives from Miller will be at Dill with free product and food Sept. 3-foam party immediately following first Ball State football game
Best Weekly specials:Wednesday - $1.50 you-call-itsFriday - Penny pitchers of Keystone, $1.50 well drinks and domestic pitchers ($3 cover)
Tips and Tricks
HangoversHangovers - we've all been there. The sun blinds you and even the smallest noise makes your head pound. There are as many varying intensities as "cures." But Alcohol and other Drug Education coordinator Anna Lamb said the only real cure is time.
Lamb suggests keeping in mind: -The alcohol content and amount you drink is more important than the color of the alcohol. -It's not the type of beer, it's the number of beers. -Bars have dim lighting because alcohol causes sensitivity to light, so you won't realize how drunk you are. -Salty snacks provided by the bar can make you more dehydrated and drink more. n If you're looking for a snack while you're out drinking, opt for a choice high in carbohydrates.- Drink non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones to help replace the liquids in your body.
TaxisHad one too many? Get a safe ride home. Thirty local bars have chipped in to pay PDQ taxi service to get you home. The service will pick you up, take you home and take you from one bar to another for free (tips recommended). The service runs from noon- 3 a.m. every day of the week to all the bars in the Village and others including The End Zone Sports Bar and Grill, Doc's Music Club, The Fickle Peach, The Heorot and Joker's Wild. Call 765-284-8294 for more information.
Getting the bartender's attentionDon't- Wave money or empty glasses in their faces- Pound your glass, mug, pitcher on the bar- Scream- Slap the bar- Throw things- Reach over the bar- Help yourselfDo- Say please and thank you- TIP- especially for complicated orders- Treat the bartender with respect- Wait your turn- Have a conversation with the bartender during slow times- Be patient- Be ready to order when it's your turn
*Special thanks to the bartenders: senior Shannon Engle (Locker Room), Phil Juskevice (The Chug), Lauren Kirby (Mugley's), Steven Knipp (The Madhatter), Maggie Naffziger (Scotty's Brewhouse) and Aaron Stewart and graduate student Ashley Wilson (Dill Street Bar and Grill) for etiquette tips at the bar.
DrinksHere are a couple of back-to-school drink ideas from bartender.com's "Fun cocktails for those furthering their education"
Nutty Professor1 part Irish cr+â-¿me1 part hazelnut liqueur (Frangelico)1 part Grand MarnierCombine ingredients over ice and serve OR serve straight up in a shot glass
Inspiration1/2 oz. Cork dry gin1/2 oz. dry Vermouth1/2 oz. Calvados1/2 oz. Ground MarnierCombine ingredients with ice and serve
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