Saving Money One Happy Hour at a Time
By Brittney Silewski
What did you last night? Most of us have been asked this question at some point in our college careers. Typical small talk followed by a predictable answer: Nothing. With frigid temperatures fueling a lack of motivation, what deals do we have to look forward to in order to get out of the house and do something? There are different answers for everyone.
Sean Pizinger, a UMD student, enjoys Duluth’s nightlife, but in particular he says he is a fan of the Red Star located in the Fitger’s complex.
“It’s great because it’s more like a lounge,� said Pizinger. “It’s not like a typical bar setting.�
The martini bar prides itself with classic and unique martinis. You can order a typical Manhattan or Cosmopolitan, or you can get one of their signature green tea infused Zen cocktails. These drinks can be expensive, with the cheapest costing $5 and the most expensive costing $25.
“The price is worth the martini and the atmosphere, because they give you the drink plus the shaker,� said Pizinger.
They also offer all of the Brewhouse’s micro-brewed beers on tap for $4.50.
If martinis aren’t your style and you’ve already spent too much money on your last outing, you could try Stacie Kapler’s favorite place to go. She is a UMD senior and enjoys the Runway Bar and Grill’s several different happy hours, with many that are specially tailored for college students.
“The Runway is pretty fun, it has some music on the weekends which is always a good time,� said Kapler.
The Runway has live music every weekend, and they’re sporting several brand-new, big-screen TVs around the bar. They also have three pool tables, a dance floor, a foosball table, and poker nights.
“I stopped up their after a softball game one time and we had their burgers,� said Kapler. “They were super good.�
The Runway has a very welcoming happy hour with $1 burgers and fries on Monday nights. This also happens to be their college-night as well, with 50 cent taps and $3.50 pitchers from 9 p.m. to their closing time at 2 a.m.
Lyndsay McFarline, also a UMD senior, said that she likes the Runway as well, but for a different reason. “They have pretty good, like, $1 beers on Wednesdays,� she said.
The same drink happy hour from Mondays is also their happy hour on Wednesday; however it is extended for the entire day.
They have a long list of other great deals from Coney dogs to tacos, which are all served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Red Star Lounge and the Runway Bar and Grill are just a couple of great places to check out in the Twin Ports area, but definitely not the only places that students enjoy.
“I love old Chicago because of the beer tour,� said Pizinger.
“Grandmas Grill and Saloon is always fun for me,� said McFarline. “But I work there, so I get a discount.�
“I love the Twin’s Bar,� said Steve Jacobs, a UMD Senior.
One great thing is that these suggestions don’t limit you your options. The best way to see what you enjoy is to just get out there and do it regardless of temperature. Don’t let the cold hold you back from having a blast.