Though New York City isn't a college town per se, a bevy of coeds call the Upper West Side home. Students at Columbia University, the fifth oldest college in the nation and a charter member of the Ivy League, are surrounded by one of the most refined and genteel neighborhoods in the country, but when these scholars need a study break they can let loose at the West End, a sprawling bar only a few blocks down Broadway. The institution has served thirsty undergrads for more than 90 years, and hungover English majors can honestly tell Mom they were boning up on their Beat literature -- Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg were West End patrons.

The Scene: The West End's décor is a bit more upscale than your typical college watering hole. Photos from throughout the bar's history -- from the swing era to the present -- adorn the walls of the main room amidst the typical array of TVs, and a shiny gong hangs over the bar. "I hear stories from my dad about picking up Barnard girls here 40 years ago," says Jim, a second-year geology grad student. There's also a dance floor and a downstairs lounge for getting your freak on, and the drinks are cheaper than the Big Apple's standard overpriced libations.

Girls at the Bar: The blueblood babes who hang out here will satisfy any Ivy Leaguer's carnal cravings. Jeffery, a senior studying economics, adds: "The bartenders are hot, too."

When to Go: Thursday is when the party really gets started. "Most people don't have Friday classes here," explains Alex, a freshman. Smart kids square off on Tuesday trivia nights, while future American Idols belt out karaoke on Wednesdays. "Friday and Saturday is undergrad heaven," says Rob, a first-year grad student.

Dress Code: Keep it casual. For guys, a T or collared shirt and jeans is fine. Girls show a little skin with halter-tops or low-cut pants. People are more likely to be decked out on weekends.

At the Bar: Balancing the tastes of cash-strapped college kids and their more urbane neighbors, the West End brews its own zesty beers in addition to serving the standard yellow stuff. "Kero Whack" boasts twice the alcoholic punch of regular beer. Also on tap is a seasonal home-brew, including their spiced Christmas ale. "We're going to double our capacity so we'll be able to have four [of our own] beers on tap at all times," says owner Jeff Spiegel. Less adventuresome drinkers can knock back $6 pitchers of Budweiser and Coors Lite Sunday through Wednesday. "We come here for cheap beer," says Peter, a senior economics major. Long Island iced teas are also popular, especially when it's a special and pitchers cost only $10. "Periodically we do dumb things like dollar beers for an hour," Spiegel adds.

Text by Marc Hogan
Photos by Angela Schneider

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