CityBar

Unlimited Creativity in a Lively Venue

Tucked away amid the scholarly labyrinth of the campus, the Student Union Bar offers visitors a dichotomy: an undeniably robust social atmosphere paired with a surprisingly beer-less inventory. My recent visit there was met with an intriguing blend of collegiate chatter and the hum of indie tunes. The absence of the frothy brew, typically seen as synonymous with such venues, could have been a glaring deficiency but instead served as an invitation to focus on other aspects of its hospitality. What it lacked in ale, it more than made up for in an array of vibrant mixed drinks and mocktails that could convert even the staunchest lager loyalist. The bar staff, sparkling with youthful exuberance, concoct beverages that cavort across your palate with a burst of unexpected flavors.

The interior exudes a warm, nostalgic charm fitted with classic wood-paneled booths, almost inviting patrons to linger over their drinks and conversations. This isn’t just a place to grab a quick tipple; it's a gathering space where academic intellect and good-spirited banter intersect. With a laid-back vibe that eliminates the need for hasty consumption, the Student Union Bar unmistakably drives home its purpose: to serve as the campus’s social nerve center. Its ingenuity lies not in what it’s missing but in what it offers, making it an indispensable stop for those seeking camaraderie over a Mezcal Negroni instead of the predictable pint. While not traditionally aligned with my details as a critic, I found myself charmed by its audacity—a testament that a student union bar without beer isn't weak; it's refreshingly daring. — Clarissa Cuisinier