If you’ve ever questioned your destination for a night out (whether you’re a freshman or just generally clueless), have no fear. This guide to the bars University of Maryland students frequent will have you an expert in no time.
RJ Bentley’s
You’ll always see people you know at Bent’s (if you’re in Greek Life). Athletes also come here when they can. It’s split between an upper level and a lower level, which is good if you’re trying to avoid someone. There’s also a bar on each level so it’s never too difficult for the guy you’re talking to to get you a drink. People don’t usually dance here (except for those occasional random girls in the corner), maybe because the lights are on and they don’t want people to see them grinding on a rando.
Terrapin’s Turf
Turf has become a lot more popular this year. Its setup is pretty different from the other bars; a circular bar sits in the middle of a dance floor, with a DJ overhead. This is the perfect place to go when you’re in the mood to dance, though it’s usually so dark that it can be hard to find your friends. Turf has completely taken over Friday happy hour with its huge fishbowl drinks — so much that there’s even a signature “white girls with a fishbowl” picture face now.
Cornerstone Grill & Loft
C-stone is separated into two sections: the downstairs, and the upstairs, which is called the “Loft” and is accessible from outside. The Loft is where non-Greeks and people who need a break from Bent’s or Turf go. The downstairs is often townies, which will either freak you out or not phase you, depending on how much you pregamed. You probably shouldn’t wear your cute new white shirt here, because someone will definitely spill their drink on it before the end of the night. Cornerstone’s real draw is Sunday night drafts, for when the Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of that week just weren’t enough.
Looney’s Pub
Looney’s is known for its jumbo crab dip pretzel and live music. It’s where people who are actually 21 go when they want to be somewhat classier and away from the rest of the bar scene. But let’s be honest: we live in College Park. When do we ever want to be classy?
There’s a bar for every mood, personality and occasion in College Park. Now all we need to do is get The Barking Dog back up and running to give ourselves one more option, and we’ll be set.
