Work hard, play hard: Auburn students agree that they can do both. From widely renowned Auburn institutions to downtown newcomers, Auburn offers a variety of places to start an evening.
As school wraps up and the weekend begins, here’s what Auburn students have to say about their favorite happy hour spots.
Tacorita:
Tequila fans, meet Tacorita. Located in the heart of downtown Auburn, this contemporary Mexican restaurant offers more than tacos.
Tacorita offers homemade margaritas in a range of flavors, a few of which are strawberry, blackberry and mango. The restaurant’s bartenders prepare their margaritas by squeezing fresh fruit on site and alternating seasonal flavors.
Tacorita has happy hours Monday through Thursday, advertising $ 15 margarita pitchers.
LiveOaks:
Serving the Auburn community since 2015, this downtown terrace bar and restaurant offers alfresco seating and a menu filled with craft cocktails. The restaurant and bar are owned by Auburn alumnus Steve Nippert.
According to an interview with the Auburn Villager, Nippert named the facility after the Toomer’s Corner Oaks which were replanted the same week LiveOaks opened. Asiah Bryant, LiveOaks hostess, said, “LiveOaks is known for its great drinks and special appetizers. It is the perfect place to bring your family and friends.
Moe’s original barbecue:
Founded by three Alabama natives, Moe’s Original BBQ serves barbecue, beer, and a host of other cocktails to Auburn residents every weekend.
In spring, summer and fall, the restaurant often hosts live local music on the outdoor terrace.
Michael Santoni, Auburn junior and mechanical engineering major, said he liked going to Moe for the atmosphere.
“It’s a great place to have a drink and a bite to eat with friends downtown,” Santoni said.
Moe’s posts daily specials and drinks on their Instagram account.
Avondale Bar and Tap Room:
House cocktails and downtown views are just a flight away. Located above Toomer’s Corner, the Avondale Bar and Tap Room creates personalized cocktails for every season and every holiday.
Think orange ice cream, cranberry mimosas, and pumpkin spice libations. With floor-to-ceiling mirrors, plush leather armchairs and detailed woodwork, owner Hardy Gilbert called the bar a “responsible bar for responsible people,” in an interview with Edible Lower Alabama.
Nevertheless, Avondale welcomes locals and students. After all, it’s their website that says it best: “Everyone who is thirsty is welcome. “
The collegial hotel:
Another Auburn establishment that offers seasonal craft cocktails can be found at the Collegiate Hotel. This hotel has two separate bars, one indoor and one outdoor, to accommodate guests in all seasons.
The Collegiate’s open-air bar, a rooftop concept overlooking Samford, promises “eagle views,” according to their website.
Sports bar and grill at half time:
Halftime promotes a full game day experience: snacks, specials and screens. Located in downtown Auburn, the Sports Bar offers an extensive menu stocked with items such as fried macaroni and cheese gouda bites, specialty burgers, and three-tier sandwiches.
To wash it off, they promote daily drink specials on their Instagram. The sports bar is open every day from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., weekends starting a little earlier at 11 a.m.
The Plaza lounge bar:
Opening at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the Plaza Bar offers beer, wine, and cocktails with outdoor seating and a full menu.
They offer happy hour Tuesday through Thursday, as well as weekly quiz nights, bingo, and live music.
“The plaza is the best place to watch an away game,” said Sophia Franz, junior and major in microbiology. “Everyone there is really passionate about watching the game. The food is amazing and I know I will always have a place, ”said Franz.
17-16:
17-16, a downtown bar on Magnolia Avenue, has served the Auburn community since 2017. The bar is named after Auburn’s 17-16 victory over Alabama in 1972, according to Auburn Opelika tourism.
The bar has an interior with bar stools, multiple TV screens and a pool table, as well as an outdoor patio at the back where the bar regularly hosts live music.
The bar is decked out in blue and orange, paying homage to its namesake.
17-16 has daily drink promotions on its Instagram account and has a happy hour menu from nearby Hamilton’s On Magnolia restaurant.
Southeast Bar:
Opened in 2019, the Southeastern Bar is one of Auburn’s newest nightlife additions. Its name is derived from its website’s mission statement, that dedication to “friends, family, good times and of course football” is part of what makes the Southeast so unique.
The bar bills itself as “one of the longest bars in the SEC,” according to its website, and features an upper and lower level.
Southeastern offers a variety of aperitif drink specialties, as well as an extensive menu and daily specials.
Skybar Café:
Widely regarded as the biggest college bar in the SEC, according to their Instagram, Skybar Café has been a member of the Auburn bar scene since 2005.
Owned by brothers Pat and Dan Grider, the bar has a capacity of 2,500 people and offers several full-service bars, two stages and a rooftop.
Although their hours vary, Skybar offers a few constants: Tuesdays and Wednesdays karaoke, Thursdays Throwback and live music on Fridays and Saturdays evenings. They advertise daily happy hour specials on their Instagram.
