Bars and restaurants around campus offer food and fun for
Fresno State students.
File Photo by Matt Weir / The Collegian

In 2010, the city of Fresno was ranked as the drunkest city in America.­ With that honor tightly concealed under our belts, the bar scene around Fresno is vibrant with a mix of pubs, sport bars, and clubs for young adults.

Certain venues cater to poor, stressed-out college students, offering dollar beers and ongoing Happy Hours.

Some of the greatest bars are within walking distance of campus.

For those students who find awkward gaps between classes, or need to “forget their worries” after bombing a test, The Bucket is a bar right here on campus.

Located across from the University Student Union, The Bucket offers pub-style food and beers, and a $5 menu of appetizers, cheeseburgers, pizza and hotdogs.

Across from the Save Mart Center, Doghouse doesn’t need much of an introduction.

Known for its Bar-B-Que and hearty American-style food, this sports bar caters to those looking for game day fun, shown on massive flat screen TVs.­ Doghouse offers a full bar, with the average meal costing $10 to $15.

“It is very welcoming, and there is a Fresno State-themed atmosphere,” Marissa Farnesi, a former Doghouse employee, said.­ “It has a college hangout vibe to it, great for birthday parties and even business lunches.”

Down the road, Buffalo Wild Wings is arguably the best wing joint in town.­ With 16 sauces to choose from, and four different spices, this sports bar is a money-conscious student’s dream.­ With domestic, import, craft and specialty beer on tap, this joint is often a hot spot on any game day.

“It’s a great place for college students to come because it is within walking distance from campus, the atmosphere is laid back and fun and the food is affordable,” said Kristen Damazio, a Buffalo Wild Wings employee.

Redwave Inn is also located on Shaw at the corner of Maple. This family-owned and operated pub has been near Fresno State for over 20 years. Although it is known for delicious Mexican food, the menu includes burgers and chicken strips as well.­ Most food items are less than $6, and there are various choices of beer on tap.

Redwave is an inexpensive night of good food and fun.

Swiggs, another popular sports bar on Shaw, offers students great deals on their homemade food.­ In addition to dining, Swiggs offers Karaoke on Sundays, and in-house entertainment including pool, darts, shuffleboard and bag toss.­ The bar supports locally crafted brews from Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company and Firestone-Walker Brewing Company, which consistently rotates its 22-tap handles.

“It’s a nearby location, and its deals cater to college students,” said Tom McLaughlin, a former cocktail waiter for Swiggs.

In 2001, Casa Corona was opened as a family owned and operated Mexican restaurant.­ It is located on the northwest corner of Herndon and Cedar, and offers a full service bar, which includes 11 draught beers.­ All major sporting events are shown on TVs throughout the restaurant.

Needless to say, Fresno offers a wide range of bars.­ Although the pressure of school is often overbearing, make sure to take some time for yourself to unwind.