Where Should We Drink?

[TheDudeWithTheJMUTat]

Hey Akron! Not trying to suck up here, but I've always liked you guys. You remind me of the Dukes...2nd or 3rd or 4th fiddle in the state you play in. But if you're on Akron message boards, it means you root pretty hard. And I respect that.

Now, let's get down to business. Where should we drink the Friday before the game, and where should we drink the day of the game? I'm staying at a hotel downtown (I think it's like a block from all of the bars) with two friends. And where should we go on gameday? Is the tailgating atmosphere good, or should we just drink at a bar and make our way over to the game after? What kind of beer should we drink? Where should we eat?

For reference, we are all in our mid-late twenties (I still consider 27 mid-20's, fyi) and would like to experience all of the alcohol and friendships that Akron has to offer.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Hey Akron! Not trying to suck up here, but I've always liked you guys. You remind me of the Dukes...2nd or 3rd or 4th fiddle in the state you play in. But if you're on Akron message boards, it means you root pretty hard. And I respect that.

Now, let's get down to business. Where should we drink the Friday before the game, and where should we drink the day of the game? I'm staying at a hotel downtown (I think it's like a block from all of the bars) with two friends. And where should we go on gameday? Is the tailgating atmosphere good, or should we just drink at a bar and make our way over to the game after? What kind of beer should we drink? Where should we eat?

For reference, we are all in our mid-late twenties (I still consider 27 mid-20's, fyi) and would like to experience all of the alcohol and friendships that Akron has to offer.

Lot 9 has the best tailgating, but it is pass-only. If I were you I would bring a cooler to Lot 9 and hang out with a lot of good people. Plenty of food and drink, cornhole, etc. There are bars (BW-3's) directly across Exchange street if that's what you prefer.

There is an old UA tailgating thread around somewhere...can someone find it?

[Zipgrad01]

Lot 9 has the best tailgating, but it is pass-only. If I were you I would bring a cooler to Lot 9 and hang out with a lot of good people. Plenty of food and drink, cornhole, etc. There are bars (BW-3's) directly across Exchange street if that's what you prefer.

There is an old UA tailgating thread around somewhere...can someone find it?

I agree...by far the best tailgating is in lot 9. Park in the closest pay lot you can find and take your cooler to lot 9 and mingle with the fans. We are a pretty friendly bunch. There is a drive-thru across the street with a decent beer selection. If you arent a bud light drinker and want to experience some great local beer, grab something from Great Lakes Brewing or Thirsty Dog. Great stuff.

[K92]

If you are in town early Friday, I would suggest you go to Swenson's for a burger. Pretty legendary place for Akronites.

http://www.swensonsdriveins.com/

Some others would suggest Skyway for a burger.

http://skywaydrive-in.com/

If you are a craft beer drinker, I highly recommend going to the Hoppin Frog tasting room. Great beer. Food, not so much.

http://www.hoppinfrog.com/tasting-room/

Thirsty Dog is an early option. Tasting room open until 8 on Friday.

http://thirstydog.com/news/retail-sales.php

OBC's tasting room is open one hour later until 9.

http://ohiobrewing.com/taproom

Some downtown bars you might want to hit:

http://www.brubakerspub.com/

http://www.69taps.com/akron/

http://www.barleyhouseakron.com/

http://thelockview.com/

Right across from the stadium are Manny's, BW-3, Europe Gyro & Pints.

For gameday, you have to come tailgate with the Zips fans.

[TheDudeWithTheJMUTat]

If you are in town early Friday, I would suggest you go to Swenson's for a burger. Pretty legendary place for Akronites.

http://www.swensonsdriveins.com/

Some others would suggest Skyway for a burger.

http://skywaydrive-in.com/

If you are a craft beer drinker, I highly recommend going to the Hoppin Frog tasting room. Great beer. Food, not so much.

http://www.hoppinfrog.com/tasting-room/

Thirsty Dog is an early option. Tasting room open until 8 on Friday.

http://thirstydog.com/news/retail-sales.php

OBC's tasting room is open one hour later until 9.

http://ohiobrewing.com/taproom

Some downtown bars you might want to hit:

http://www.brubakerspub.com/

http://www.69taps.com/akron/

http://www.barleyhouseakron.com/

http://thelockview.com/

Right across from the stadium are Manny's, BW-3, Europe Gyro & Pints.

For gameday, you have to come tailgate with the Zips fans.

Much appreciated. I'll send this to the group I'm going with. How early do you all start tailgating for a 6 pm game? My only concern is bringing coolers without an actual car to call home base. Most of us are flying in, so we won't be able to bring the usual essentials: grill, cornhole set, shot glasses, speakers, etc.

[TheDudeWithTheJMUTat]

Also, does anyone have a pass to Lot 9 for sale? We are going to have 1 car between the 4 or 5 of us, so we could hypothetically tailgate in the parking lot before the game. Or a better question would be, can we purchase a parking pass through the secondary market or through Akron?

[Big Zip]

I would call the University and explain the situation. The lot is "technically" for donors only but it isn't full and you'd think they'd appreciate the $. It's only a $100 donation if you're feeling philanthropic.

[Dr Z]

There is an old UA tailgating thread around somewhere...can someone find it?

I remember this one started by TexanMark entitled 'Akron Things to Do and Where to Eat' , it might be helpful to some out of towners.

We tried to start a Tailgating Photo Thread in 2010. Should we try again this year?

Here is the parking map.

[gozips19]

Hey Akron! Not trying to suck up here, but I've always liked you guys. You remind me of the Dukes...2nd or 3rd or 4th fiddle in the state you play in. But if you're on Akron message boards, it means you root pretty hard. And I respect that.

Now, let's get down to business. Where should we drink the Friday before the game, and where should we drink the day of the game? I'm staying at a hotel downtown (I think it's like a block from all of the bars) with two friends. And where should we go on gameday? Is the tailgating atmosphere good, or should we just drink at a bar and make our way over to the game after? What kind of beer should we drink? Where should we eat?

For reference, we are all in our mid-late twenties (I still consider 27 mid-20's, fyi) and would like to experience all of the alcohol and friendships that Akron has to offer.

Sorry guys, most of the posters here or either nerds or old guys (just kidding). I am assuming you are all looking to drink and hit on girls. If that is the case just go down to Main St. It's downtown and mins away from where you are staying. Many choices from clubs to bars. The Barley House is probably the most popular. Happy hunting! And good luck Sat. Swing by lot 9 and we'll take good care of you.

[Zipgrad01]

Sorry guys, most of the posters here or either nerds or old guys (just kidding). I am assuming you are all looking to drink and hit on girls. If that is the case just go down to Market St. It's downtown and mins away from where you are staying. Many choices from clubs to bars. The Barley House is probably the most popular. Happy hunting! And good luck Sat. Swing by lot 9 and we'll take good care of you.

Really??

[LZIp]

Sorry guys, most of the posters here or either nerds or old guys (just kidding). I am assuming you are all looking to drink and hit on girls. If that is the case just go down to Market St. It's downtown and mins away from where you are staying. Many choices from clubs to bars. The Barley House is probably the most popular. Happy hunting! And good luck Sat. Swing by lot 9 and we'll take good care of you.

I hope you mean Main St and not Market St

[gozips19]

@Zigpgrad01 hahha!

@LZ fixed it! Should've proof read that before sending. Good catch.

[johnnyzip84]

Sorry guys, most of the posters here are either nerds or old guys (just kidding).

Or both like me