Toast downtown with bevvy of bars

Play Hard

After putting in the hard work to snag an “A” on a paper, students should treat themselves to some fun, but why stay limited to one bar all night? Downtown Hattiesburg has a ton of great bars that are within walking distance of each other.

Benny’s Boom Boom Room:

If you like to drop the bass, check out Benny’s Boom Boom Room. Hubstep is held each Thursday night at this Front Street bar. On these nights, all-you-can-drink wells are $10. The Boom Boom Room isn’t only open on Thursday, however. During the week and on weekends, it also plays host to a collection of different bands from all genres. Such local bands as Mississippi Shakedown frequent the Boom Boom Room, along with brass and funk bands. This past summer, they even hosted a historic show by The Flaming Lips.

Skylight Lounge:  

Stepping into the 1950s-style cocktail bar Skylight Lounge is like stepping into a time machine. Skylight Lounge has a swanky, intimate feel with a “come as you are” dress code. The lounge has a list of specialty cocktails, such as Marilyn’s Mustache, Black Cow Cocktail and Moscow Mule. Be sure to check out the bar for happy hour from 4 until 7 p.m. Not only does Skylight Lounge boast a long list of drinks, it also features live music on Thursday and Friday nights. Local artists such as Sarah-Brian Lewis and Scott Chism & the Better Half frequently bring their musical stylings to this downtown bar.

Brownstone’s:

While most people are familiar with Brownstone’s as one of the restaurants serving up delicious Cajun and creole cuisine downtown, not many know about the great bar area. They have an excellent drink selection, and happy hour is Monday through Saturday from 4 until 7 p.m. with two-for-one single wells and $4 glasses of  house wine. Wednesdays at Brownstone’s are “Frozen Night” and feature $5 frozen margaritas, pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. The bar also has an outdoor balcony that’s perfect for enjoying the fall weather.

Downtown Grill and Grocery:

For a laid-back bar to enjoy a beer with some friends, look no further than Downtown Grill and Grocery. This little bar is open for lunch and has a casual dress code. Some of their popular menu items for the lunch hour are burgers, fries, Philly cheesesteak quesadillas and fish and chips. The Grill and Grocery also hosts many underground acts at night, which is the perfect time to check out some of the items on the fried menu. Indulge in a guilty pleasure such as funnel cake, fried Snickers, fried Oreos, or a fried PB & J. Their shows have an intimate feel and are definitely a unique experience.

Keg and Barrel:  

A great place to go catch a game while enjoying a pint is Keg and Barrel. The Keg has a variety of beers on draft, such as Lazy Magnoia, Abita Purple Haze and Blue Moon. The bar offers more than 120 beers, easily making it Hattiesburg’s No. 1 beer emporium. The bar also hosts weekly bingo and trivia nights, so grab some friends and get a little competitive. Coming up this month, Keg and Barrel will be hosting a number of events, such as the “Kiss My Landmass Benefit.” Lucky Town Brewing Company and Southern Prohibition Brewing got together to create an ale created using rain water from Hurricane Isaac, honey, cinnamon and locally grown scotch peppers. Part of the proceeds from the event will go toward helping victims of the hurricane.

Taste:

Head on down to Taste Bar and Lounge and experience this downtown night club. Taste offers nightly drink specials and themed party nights such as All White Everything and Twitter Tuesday. This bar regularly hosts open mic nights for local musicians. Fans of hip-hop, rap and dance  music should check out this late-night lounge.

B & E’s Wine Bar:

For the older folks (21 years and up), B & E’s Wine Bar starts the weekend on Thursday nights. The bar is open Thursday through Saturday and offers a variety of wines along with a full bar. Not only does the bar offer an array of drinks, but it also hosts themed dinner nights. One of the most popular themes is taco night. B & E’s is the only place to get Mexican food in downtown Hattiesburg, and their tacos definitely don’t disappoint. The bar also features an outdoor courtyard where movies are projected on the wall.

The Tavern:  

The Tavern is touted as Hattiesburg’s heaviest music venue; it even says so on its Facebook page. Local Hattiesburg bands such as post hardcore rockers Les Doux and progressive metal band Werewolf Casey frequently perform on this bar’s stage. While you’re there, shoot a round of pool with friends and enjoy one of the Tavern’s signature drinks: the Skull Crusher.