Following the trend of Homecoming weekend, we decided to stay close to home for our first bar adventures. The venues of choice were Tony’s Bar, an oldy-but-goody and the newer Brewer’s Republic.
Both locations are a mere mile from campus and offer a wide range of specials and drink deals.
At this juncture, Tony’s on North Tejon Street might as well be a Colorado College institution. The small, low-key sports bar known for its unique Bomb Pop Shots, Cinco de Mayo festivities, and chicken fingers, is home for Green Bay Packers fans and anyone looking for a drink under $6.
Aside from a daily $4.25 pitcher during happy hour, they also offer Tuesday trivia specials where you can buy $2 well drinks and put those CC brains to work, competing for free beer and other great prizes.
If you’re a student of a certain age and aren’t fulfilled by Rastall brunch, then weekend mornings at Tony’s are for you. At a mere $7.30 (remember, a Bon Appetit meal runs $8) you can indulge in a Bloody Mary breakfast combo along with a complementary beer, sure to cure even the worst hangover.
If you’re craving an extensive draft list filled with microbrews, concoctions made with top shelf liquor, or an intimate environment for a date night, this may not be the place for you, although the Wisconsin-favorite menu item – fried cheese curds – are sure to woo even the most particular woman.
However, if you’re searching to have a cheap drink with a few friends or 20, then perch yourself on one of Tony’s red pleather stools and order a cool $3 beer.
Venturing in a completely different figurative direction, Brewer’s Republic provides a smaller, more personable setting just one mile away on North Nevada Avenue.
This intimate bar immediately appealed to us as the perfect local for a great beer and great conversation. With 12 beers on draft, this hidden gem offers strictly Colorado brews that are constantly rolling over due to the bar’s use of quarter barrels instead of the standard keg.
At Brewer’s Republic, food is served until 1 a.m. and this is just the beginning of a number of daily specials and perks. If you’re one of the many outdoor enthusiasts at CC and you frequent City Rock’s climbing wall, then hop across the street for the climber’s dollar-off-all-pints special. Even if scaling boulders isn’t your thing, have no fear; happy hour is until 8 p.m. and all pints are under $4.
In addition to trivia competitions and seasonal celebrations, Brewer’s Republic hosts Broncos game nights and Breaking Bad viewing parties. The bar infrastructure is sure to impress too. Besides the projector that displays various types of entertainment, the five comfy couches and knowledgeable bartenders will make you feel right at home.
Unlike Tony’s, where you might choose to pre-game a crazy Saturday night, Brewer’s Republic is more for a high-quality drinking experience with a few close friends.
While this was our first experience at Brewer’s Republic, we were more than pleasantly surprised by our visit and are positive that we’ll be back soon.
Catie Birmingham
Amelia Dotzenrod
Guest Writers
Thanks Catalyst for the awesome write up on Brewer’s Republic! Us employees love it here and appreciate anyone new getting introduced to our favorite, local tap house! If anyone is interested in more information follow us on Facebook as we’re always keeping our fans up-to-date with our events. Quick clarification: Happy Hour pints are usually $4.75 with the exception of a $3 special every once in a while. We also almost always have some cans of Oskar Blues goodness in the cooler for only $3.50! STEAL! Stop by and enjoy a pint with us sometime soon!