So we’re all starting to settle in, I would hope! School is becoming more and more routine and everyone is settling into the swing of things. On my end, I’m proud to report that I have not skipped a single class yet! Things are going well for me. Education classes are mandatory, since, you know, showing up to your teaching job is pretty mandatory, so for the last year I haven’t skipped a single class. I think that keeping up that record this semester will be a sure-fire way to get some As… I hope!
Anyway, now that you’re settling in, I wanted to talk about something that is near and dear to the hearts of almost all university students – the pubs and clubs around town. I don’t claim to be an expert, and there’s no way I’ll have listed them all, but here are some of the more popular places that you’ll want to check out, starting today with the pubs closest to home, right here on the West side.
(Side note – I said I don’t claim to be an expert, and that is absolutely true. But you know who does claim to be an expert? Leth Night Life! You can follow them on Twitter @lethnightlife or on Facebook, click to like Lethbridge Night Life. They guarantee to know “all the best events, parties and deals around Lethbridge.”)
We have Backstreet and Pop’s Pub West, which are both in the shopping complex on Columbia. You know, the one with the Shopper’s. I haven’t been in Pop’s since it used to be the Duke, though I do go to Pop’s South quite a bit. They have some great meals, and the perogy special on Saturdays is not to be missed!
Backstreet is typically a bit quieter and calmer and attracts an older crowd. That being said, this is one of my favourite places to grab a bite to eat – specifically the famous Jamie Sandwich. If you’re new to Lethbridge or have someone never tried this delight, you must remedy that right now. Not this weekend, or “whenever I get a chance.” RIGHT NOW. This is a decision you will never regret.
Mojo’s Pub is run by the same folks who run Pop’s, which means you are in for the same delicious meals. My favourite is the sizzling calamari, which comes out with peppers and some delicious mystery sauce, or the classic nachos (big enough to share and still have leftovers!) The other thing to keep in mind about Mojo’s is that if you get there early enough, they sell beer in towers. Yup, you and your friends can purchase a “tower” of beer and then pour it for yourselves once the tower is set up at your table. They also have a great patio and a ton of TVs to catch this great CFL season!
The Black Tomato is the last pub on this side of town and also the newest. This location has changed hands frequently in my four years on campus, but I’d have to say that the Black Tomato is off to a great start. They run nightly specials, which means you can get great deals on your drinks for the night, and the food is tasty as well. The vibe is low-key and relaxed. I quite enjoyed my night out there and I have yet to hear anything negative about this place, so I recommend checking it out!
So there you have it, the four pubs on the West side that you should check out this weekend, if you have time for a break in all the studying and homework-doing that I know you’re already busy with (right?). Enjoy the weekend, take time to relax and hang out with new people that I hope you’ve met in these first whirlwind weeks on campus, and come back to class Monday nice and refreshed!