Pub classic college hotspot

August 24, 2007 —

For a nightlife junkie that likes a classic college hang out, Hamilton Street Pub might be the perfect place.

Located at 308 South Hamilton Street, this establishment fits right in among the elegant looking businesses that line Saginaw's Old Town, the part of the city that is often recognized as having "college town" features.

This perspective is taken further once a person steps inside: The walls are constructed of a dark wood, giving the bar a semblance to a Western saloon a person might see in a sepia photograph or in a History Channel documentary.

In addition to the unique texture and look of the walls, they are also covered in novelty beer signs that one finds at garage sales or flea markets, and these logos range anywhere from Killian's Irish Red to the more traditionally college-like Bud-Lite.

The general floor plan, on the other hand, seems to be an unintentional homage to the bar from the television show "Cheers", with the bar in the middle with bar tops and stools surrounding it. Toward the rear of the establishment, near the entrance to the outdoor patio, is a stage for live bands, which is adjacent to a well worn dance floor used by

There are also dart boards in the corners of the bar and electronic games of chance on the actual bar's countertop, allowing patrons to try their luck while sipping down their favorite draft beer.

The clientele that flock among the different tables and booths on a non-college evening seem to be picked off from different ends of the cultural spectrum. Some of the patrons are wearing t-shirts showing the name of their favorite rock band and have arms etched in tattoo full arm sleeves, while others stick to a more conservative "Abercrombie and Fitch" dress code.

Despite these differences, Hamilton Street Pub seems to come alive with social interaction once the first pint is served. It's as if the bar itself were some odd machine fueled by alcohol.

This aura at the Pub is noticed by many. For instance, Stephen Lewitzke, a recent SVSU graduate of political science, holds a sentimental attachment to the Pub and trusts that it will be a place he will continue to frequent to reminisce about college days long past.

"At the Pub I can rekindle those memories of being on campus and return to the role of a student and a socialite."

In front of it lies a dance floor to accommodate more eager crowds during Tuesday's college night, which is one of the main attractions that draws college students in. Randal Painter, a recent SVSU graduate of political science and professional technical writing, is a frequent attendee of Tuesday night's festivities.

"I enjoy the pub," says Randal, "because its cheap, all my friends go there, and the band that plays every Tuesday, Jedi Mind Trip, is very entertaining. There are also one dollar drafts all the time, and its only a three dollar cover on Tuesday, which is a great deal considering the quality of the entertainment."

Tuesday night at the Pub has become an icon of both the Pub's legacy and SVSU's culture.

"Honestly," Randal says, "you haven't experienced the pub until you go on Tuesday."