Finding a go-to spot to unwind at Purdue University is an absolute must. For me, it’s a chance to hang out with friends and get a break from my normal routine. Picking out the perfect one can be hard, especially if you aren’t familiar with many. Fortunately, there’s a few places that are definitely worth your time.
Harry’s Chocolate Shop
This wouldn’t be a blog about Purdue University bars without mentioning Harry’s Chocolate Shop. As a Purdue staple, it’s built a reputation way beyond its name. The atmosphere stays lively regardless of the time of day. We were lucky enough to find a table and start our go-to bar activity: playing cards. At Harry’s it’s not just about stopping by. It’s the type of place where you settle in and stay a while.
It’s also a great spot to get drinks you wouldn’t normally order. Everyone has their regular drink order, but we decided to switch it up and go with ones we had seen as pretty popular. I ordered a Blue Hawaiian (Malibu, Blue Curacao, and Pineapple) and it felt like I was drinking pineapple juice, thus making it perfect for anyone who doesn’t like a strong taste of alcohol.
My friend ordered the Grasshopper (Creme de Menthe Dark, Creme de Cacao Light, and Half and Half). After mixing it up, I think it’s become one of my favorites. As a lover of mint chocolate chip ice cream, I couldn’t help but immediately be reminded of it. That one might be a hit or miss depending on if you like mint. Regardless, it was fun to step out of our comfort zone.
All in all, Harry’s feels like a core part of life at Purdue and is perfect for any occasion.
Brother’s Bar & Grill
Brother’s Bar & Grill is another must as far as bars go. It’s more of a garage-style bar/sports bar and holds two floors.
I really like the duality of the place. The bottom is more sit-down style to watch the TVs, stand at the bar, socialize, or even play a few arcade-style games they have. However, if you’re looking for more of a lively open-floor space perfect for trying out a dance move you may have only practiced in your room, then upstairs is where you want to be.
My friends and I enjoy this one most often because you can’t go wrong with it. We’ve never had to face a line, nor does it feel as cramped as some others might. They always have deals going on for different drinks depending on the day of the week and host events to bring people in. The last time I went, I saw students with their moms, and I couldn’t help but notice the huge smiles on everyone’s faces. Not only is it a bar, but it’s also a place to connect with the people in your life.
The Tap
This one is definitely more restaurant-like. However, The Tap has great drinks and a large selection of beers. It’s one for all ages because it doesn’t become 21+ until 8:30 p.m.
When we went, it was the middle of the day on a Saturday. The atmosphere was bustling and what immediately caught my eye was their extensive line of draft beers behind the bar. I don’t think I had ever seen such a big assortment.
While they are known for their beer, they still have other drinks on the menu for people who may not be beer drinkers. I ordered the “Papa Smurf,” which included RumHaven, coconut puree, blue curacao, pineapple juice, and sprite. Yes, I’m aware of how comical the name is, but when it came out, my immediate thought was “Yup, Papa Smurf is pretty fitting.” It held more of a tropical vibe but ultimately felt right up my alley.
Not only did I order the Papa Smurf, but I also got the Chick-A Chick-A Boom Boom Wrap. As you can tell, it was a day of absolute nonsense coming out of my mouth. I can never hold a straight face as it is, so ordering a Papa Smurf with a Chick-A Chick-A Boom Boom Wrap was not going to change that whatsoever, and I couldn’t help but laugh as I was ordering.
Overall, the food was great. The company was great. The drinks were great. Our server was also incredibly sweet. The Tap also holds lots of TVs if you’re looking for somewhere to watch your favorite college sports team play. Their Trivia Night seems to be a popular recurring event as well if you’re into that. I’m not a big beer drinker, but I would recommend it to anyone simply because of their selection. If you can’t find a beer you like at The Tap, then you also probably just don’t like beer.
Neon Cactus
While the others are bars that you can visit during both day and night, Neon Cactus brings a new level to the nightlife experience specifically. It’s Purdue’s popular nightclub and is made primarily for dancing. However, it’s being included in this list because it does have bars within the establishment.
Not only that, but it has its very own “Piano Bar,” a bit more of a quieter section compared to the main dancefloor (though still very lively) and has more of an overall typical bar vibe. The person on the piano is also insanely talented.
Neon Cactus may not be for everyone, but the atmosphere is anything but dull. The music is loud and it’s made for dancing. Drinks are your typical drinks you can get most places, but the ambiance is what sets it apart.
Each place offers something a little different, but that’s what makes going out around Purdue University so unique. There’s something for everyone at Purdue, no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for.