The Bar Hopper's Guide to Auburn, NY's State Street Strip

The great thing about taking a trip down the State Street Strip in Auburn, NY is that you do not need to get into a vehicle to hit up the next bar. Not only is this safer, but when you're out drinking, it's much more fun to walk around anyways. On top of this, the distance between bars is never too long. In fact, if you are a smoker affected by the smoking ban... you will probably have to wait outside the next bar before going in. That's how quick the trip is between bars.

It all starts at Wet Willy's. This particular bar is usually crowded, so don't plan on playing any pool or darts unless you want to hang around and wait. Don't worry, if your main objective is to play a game... you will have the chance to further on down the State Street Strip. While at Wet Willy's start your night out with a few drinks to loosen up, a little dancing if that's your thing... and then it's time to move on about half a block.

Belvedeere's (on the corner of State St. and Perrine St.) will be your next stop, if you intend to enter every bar on the way for at least a drink. Though this is usually my intention on a night out, I have avoided this particular bar ever since the bartender tried to make me a mudslide using just vodka and cream. I had ordered a Jack and Ginger. Not that I would speak against this place... I'm sure this absent minded bartender is no longer employed there. You won't want to stay long though, if you're out to be social. All the action is going on the other corner directly across the street at Rockin Robins.

While Wet Willy's has always been, in my experience, too crowded to move without bumping into another person... Rockin Robin is perfectly busy. You can move around freely, and if you are a local you are guaranteed to run into somebody you know. Wether or not you want to see that person is always a different story... but if you are an out-of-towner this is a great bar to meet people in, for whatever reasons you are looking to meet people. Once again, I wouldn't recommend trying to play pool or darts here... Rockin Robin is all about drinking, dancing, and talking to friends outside while you puff away on cigarrettes.

Before continuing down State Street, you can travel a few feet up Perrine St. you have your choice between Teddy's and Swifty's. These are the bars you will definitely be able to play a bar game in. If you need a break from the crowd, both Swifty's and Teddy's will deliver that kind of peaceful, quiet drinking environment. These two bars, as well as the next one on the strip... are focused mainly on 'daily' customers. I don't think I have ever seen more than twenty people in either Swifty's or Teddy's.

Returning to State Street and making your way towards the State Street Mall, you can stop at Mobil gas station to use the bathroom, get something to eat (stay away from the gas station pizza when drinking!) or buy lottery tickets... or just flirt with the cashier. (Been the cashier there, we're used to it.)

About a block later you arrive at the 'biker bar'... Frank's Inn.

Moriarty's is close by. The most business you will see in either of these places will be the regulars, or other drinking travellers like yourself, stopping in for a drink just to say "I was here".

Nearing the end of your journey, after crossing the arterial you will arrive at State Street Mall. Don't let the appearance throw you off. There is a one way street for parking and access from Genessee Street directly to State St. now but this particular location will always be referred to by the true locals as State Street Mall. There used to be a playground, seating, and even concrete chess board tables. Now, there is a one way street.

Yet there is still one thing you can be sure of. Right at the very bottom of this incline... there is one of the biggest hot spot for Auburn bar hoppers. Spirits regularly feautures bands like Thumb, Caustic, and other local bands that have made it big.If you are a 'fancy drink' lover, this would be the first bar I would recommend ordering one at. The bartenders here are amazing.

Finally, you will wrap up your night at Parker's. If you can handle just one more stop, just one more drink... then take out your wallet and head up to the top of the incline that is called State Street Mall. Here are Parker's, you can order yourself a drink, a meal, and eat outside at a table on the sidewalk while you wait for your cab to arrive.

Remember people, know your limit and reach for a higher goal... if any pictures are taken do not sign a release form and have fun!