Targum guide to New Brunswick 'knightlife'

One thing I’m going to miss most about Rutgers after I graduate is the nightlife — most of my fondest memories here have been 2 a.m. RU Hungry runs, chaotic bar crawls and going out on $2 Tuesdays.

With classic food, popular bars and unique entertainment options, Rutgers nightlife is such an unforgettable experience. Here’s my ultimate guide to planning the perfect night out.

Food 

If you’re looking to start your night out on the town with delicious food, there are so many great restaurants to choose from in New Brunswick, especially spanning Easton Avenue and George Street.

The iconic Stuff Yer Face (aka "Stuffs") has a large selection of bar food and drinks that are sure not to disappoint or break the bank. The best item to get here is definitely any one of the strombolis, or "bolis," as they call them. Dubbed the "House of Stromboli," Stuffs has a boli for everyone, with nearly the entire back side of the menu card being dedicated to that one dish.

Another Stuffs original you have to try if you're 21+ is the Fishbowl, a monster 60-ounce drink that'll be sure to kickstart your night out. At $24 each, this drink is best to split among a few friends, and my favorite of the four flavors are the "Horny Hawaiian" and "Blue Bang."

Olive Branch is another notable restaurant akin to Stuffs that has 50-cent pizza slices and $2 drinks from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day during the week, along with a wide variety of other yummy food options — what’s better than that?

If you’re looking for an even more casual Rutgers dining experience, check out RU Hungry and Hansel 'n Griddle. RU Hungry is known for its iconic "fat sandwiches," a greasy combination of all your favorite fried foods served up on a long roll (so good after a night out). Hansel 'n Griddle has great wings, burgers and its own version of quesadillas called "crisps," but my go-to right now is its new chicken strips.

Bars

The bar and nightlife scene at Rutgers is an experience, to say the least. From $2 Tuesdays to trivia and karaoke Wednesdays to thirsty Thursdays, there’s really no time to rest for someone who's 21+ at Rutgers.

Huey’s Knight Club has always been my favorite bar throughout my time here. Its ambiance and energy are just so much fun, and I always find myself having a good night there. Huey’s has a lot more space than some of the other popular bars and often has a solid crowd, as well as great music and drinks. They also usually have a lot of deals and host karaoke on Wednesdays!

Scarlet Pub and Olde Queens Tavern are the other two staple bars for Rutgers nightlife. Both are smaller than Huey’s and bring different vibes to the table. I would say the drinks at Queens are definitely my favorite, as they’re usually a bit larger and tastier, but I’m not always a huge fan of the crowd, music or energy. It's a bit overhyped, in my opinion.

Scarlet Pub, on the other hand, usually has better music than the other two bars and can be great for spending the night out dancing. Though be warned, it’s probably the smallest bar of the three and gets packed! At the end of the day, Pub, Huey’s and Queens all hold special places in my heart and would be the perfect addition to any night out.

Beyond the "big three" of Rutgers bars, Golden Rail, Barca City, Evelyn's Restaurant and the aforementioned Olive Branch are all also great options. These bars are definitely a bit more chill than the others and are great places to catch up and vibe with your friends. Olive Branch has awesome trivia on Wednesday nights, while Evelyn’s has delicious rum buckets and a cute outdoor bar setup for the spring and summer.

Entertainment

One of my favorite things to do on campus is going to Rutgers Cinema. The theaters are pretty nice with comfy seats and are often not too crowded — perfect for a chill night out with friends or a movie date. There’s always a good selection of popular films playing, and the deals on tickets and snacks are great — it’s only $8 with a Rutgers ID and $5 for a matinee.

Additionally, the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum and State Theatre New Jersey are also a lot of fun if you’re more interested in the artsy and cultural side of New Brunswick. The Zimmerli recently began hosting SparkNights, which are essentially free-themed art parties on the first Thursday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’s also a plethora of upcoming events at the State Theatre, from its Broadway series to concerts and even movies with live orchestras.

Lastly, New Brunswick has a great local music scene, and one of my favorite things to do is go to basement shows. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a show in a basement, and they're so awesome. These shows are usually found by word of mouth or on social media, so be on the lookout.

If you're interested in live music but don't know where to look, Demarest Hall on the College Avenue campus also often hosts music shows that are on campus and easily accessible to students.

From the food to bars to entertainment, I love the nightlife here at Rutgers. While these might be just a few recommendations, there’s truly so much to do here, and I hope this makes it easier to plan that perfect night out with your friends or date night with your partner!