Drink up
No doubt about it, Franklin College students 21 years of age and up enjoy going to bars for more than just the alcohol.
Among the local bars, the traditional Franklin favorite is The Willard. Tony Priola, The Willard’s manager, said that he sees Franklin students in The Willard at least once, sometimes twice a day, and more frequently on the weekends.
“Homecoming is by far our biggest and busiest weekend, especially because many Franklin alumni come back for pizza and drinks,” Priola said. “Alumni come back to remember the memories that were made at The Willard.”
It’s not just the memories, but also the atmosphere that keeps the students coming back.
"My favorite bar in town would be The Willard, reason being because it’s history,” senior Kaleb Kerr said. “It has a laid back atmosphere, they have a nice selection of music and the outdoor seating is positive because not many other bars around town have that.”
The Willard’s customers enjoy the outdoor seating because not many bars in town have an outdoor patio for customers to have a change in setting.
“I think it is nice to be able to sit outside, enjoy a few drinks, eat some wings, and simply enjoy the company you have,” junior Amanda McIntosh said. “It is unfortunate that it is not closer to campus. If it were closer to campus, I think it would attract more of the college students. I would certainly eat there more often rather than eat in the dining hall every day.”
BoJak’s, Franklin’s newest local bar, is located just across the railroad tracks from Lambda Chi Alpha’s fraternity house, it sits closest to campus. BoJak’s opened in July 2008 and has boasted games and drinks specials, a large number of flat screen TVs and a great music selection ever since.
“I see Franklin College students in here almost every night. They come to enjoy drink specials and have a good time,” said Lillie Clark, BoJak’s bartender and manager. “Sometimes they get crazy, but for the most part we don’t really have any issues with them. The good thing is that they tip well.”
Most of all, the close proximity to campus is what has the students hooked.
“I really like BoJak’s because it’s really close to campus, and they have good drink specials everyday so there is always something to try. And my friends and I really like going and just having a good time,” said senior Jessica McElvoy.
The Jeff Street Lounge, better known as JSL to Franklin students, is another student favorite.
Jill Milligan, JSL bartender, said she sees Franklin students frequently on Thursday nights and on the weekends because on those nights JSL has karaoke and drink specials.
JSL also recently started stocking new import beers.
“Long island’s, JSL punch and beer are what students typically drink when they come to JSL, but mostly they enjoy dancing and singing karaoke,” Milligan said. “We actually have some pretty good singers when they aren’t too drunk.”
With each bar having a completely different atmosphere, it’s hard for some students to choose which one to spend their night.
“I don’t have a local favorite, but I think that each bar has their own individual charm,” said senior Jasmin Hashi. “BoJak’s is close to campus and has games. The Willard has the best pizza in town. JSL is everyone’s favorite spot on Thursday nights, because they have karaoke and Long Islands and JSL’s punch is fabulous.”
