It's not a secret that come Thursday, the throat of an average college student will be dry and parched from one too many long nights buried in a textbook or mindlessly typing away on the computer. If such is the case, The Eastsider has the perfect getaway for your escape from academia.

Every Thursday night from 8 p.m. until midnight, the bar offers arguably the special to end all drink specials: $1 Jaeger bombs. Upping the ante from Caffrey's beloved dollar taps, this atmospheric hangout on North Avenue serves up killer drop shots for as much as you'd usually tip for a brew. Next time you're scraping the bottom of the barrel money wise, there's a place you can turn to.

The Eastsider straddles the fine line between trendy hipster haven and old fashioned tavern, a combination that offers itself up as a suitable hangout for most any crowd. That's a plus, considering the diverse cast of characters who frequent the bar on a regular basis. Whether we're talking about young professionals gathering to blow off some steam at happy hour or the later college crowd looking for a spot to throw down and cut loose, The Eastsider obliges.

Unlike many of its east side peers, the bar is small and confined, which when things get crowded may be off-putting to some, but more often than not adds to the intimate feel of the establishment. With a capacity of roughly 60 people, there's never a struggle to get to the front of the bar even on the busiest of nights.

It would be unjust to give a fair overview of a bar without talking about the beer on tap, and The Eastsider has more than its fair share to choose from — 10 to be exact, all of which are only $2.50 at happy hour. Of course there's the obligatory Miller Light and Miller Genuine Draft, but the bar also boasts many fine micro brewed favorites such as Riverwest Stein, Eastside Dark and the locally beloved Spotted Cow. Guinness and Bass are also offered for those who like their beer thick and filling.

Also worthy of mention is the staff. Behind the bar, they're always fast, friendly and more than willing to indulge in a shot or two with the clientele. Not sure what beer to choose from? Try them. They're more than willing to give you the rundown on any drink you can think of.

Anyone looking for a change of pace (or for those who are just sick of waiting outside to get into a bar at maximum capacity), The Eastsider, along with many other east side hangouts, are fun alternatives destined to give your night a jolt above and beyond the ordinary weekend fare.

The Eastsider is located at 1732 E. North Ave. More information is available by calling 906-0199.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on May 5 2005.