Oswego, New York broke the record for most bars per capita in one county, and it lives up to its achievement. SUNY Oswego students are lucky enough to have an option for pretty much any day of the week for when they feel like boozing. There are bars that are perfect for Sunday Fundays and others for dancing and shots. Chances are if you've been a student for a few years, you know the go-to spots for every night of the week. Here is a breakdown of the go-to college bars in Oswego.
1. Alley Cat
All Oswego students know this bar. Alley Cat is the final destination for most because you're either very intoxicated or you just want to dance. It gets packed out almost every weekend, and you always have a good time. Sure, there's a lot of pushing and shoving at the door, but it's still fun. Much like The Brick, chances are that you've fallen down the stairs or have been pushed off the stage once or twice. Everyone knows those famous words: "I can't believe I ended up at Alley's last night" come Sunday morning.
2. The Sting
You live for their $1 shot special, and you almost always leave a little too drunk. As a freshman, you always tried to get in to The Sting, but they were just way too strict. You've grown out of the dancing and craziness of some of the other bars. Now that you're grown up and mature, you like to chill out and hang with friends, maybe even play some pool and darts. Some nights, it's your go-to pre-game spot, but other nights you're just looking to hang out and get stung at the sting.
3. The Raven
There's about a 95 percent chance you're in Greek life, and you know everyone in the bar. It takes a good amount of time to get a drink most nights because it's pretty much packed out and the bar takes up most of the room. Navigating your way around the bar is a frustrating experience, and you almost always lose your friends somewhere in the mix. There's a dance stage, but it's usually not occupied by many bar-goers.
4. The Brick
The Brick is a lot like the sting—a chill spot. Except for those nights when they have a live band as those nights get a little crazy (what's up with that shoe song?). Anyway, the first thing you do after climbing the stairs is find a table for you and your friends to claim. Slipping down the stairs on your way out is almost guaranteed during the winter so be extra careful. We don't blame you for risking the fall—they probably have the best white Russians and crazy Kates on Bridge Street.
5. Ferris Wheel
Ferris Wheel has a loyal fan base that goes there every weekend, despite the "staggering" $5.00 cover charge. We can't stop referring to Ferris Wheel as "the new Hurricanes," but we all know its much better than the old Hurricanes ever was. They have $1.50 pitchers that you just can't resist and two bars with fast service. Ferris Wheel definitely makes the $5.00 worth spending.
6. The Shed
Sunday Funday and mug nights at the shed are what you live for. You still don't know why they call it "yard night" after they got rid of those weird looking cups (that were so difficult to clean), but oh well. You don't need to dress up for The She,d and if you wear heels, you stick out like a sore thumb. The beginning of every semester is when it is the most packed out with students, and it is almost impossible to get a drink during that time. The best time of year for The Shed is the beginning of fall, sitting out on the porch and drinking pitchers. And somehow everyone manages to fit on the tiny dance floor every Wednesday, but it is always a blast.
