03-05-2015

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 - SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015 • VOLUME 101 • ISSUE 48

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CAFE 21/OGGIS P4 • BRIDGES/DRINKABOUT P5 • IZAKAYA P6 • HAPPY HOUR DEALS P7-8 • COIN-OP/POLITE PROVISIONS P11 • KINGS OF CRAFT P12 • TIL TWO P13 • IN CAHOOTS P14 PHOTO BY MEGAN WOOD, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER; DESIGN BY KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

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MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

THE BAR ISSUE 3

THE BAR ISSUE

RAISING THE BAR AROUND STATE ELPIN KESHISHZADEH OPINION EDITOR __________________________

M

ost college areas are infamous for the overabundance of bars in the surrounding areas — the colleges worth going to, at least. San Diego State, located in the heart of the greatest city to exist, is within a short drive, sometimes even a walk, of unique and impressionable bars.

The formula for a good bar doesn’t stop at the quality of drinks. Food, prices, atmosphere, entertainment and happy hour specials all come into play when deciding where your weekend pick, or weekday kick-

back, is going to take place.

For the “Raising the Bar” special issue, The Daily Aztec has compiled a few reviews of some of the best bars San Diego has to offer the scholars at SDSU. Drinking can only be entertaining for so long, after a while, you need some major fun to supplement that happyhour. Coin-Op Game Room is an adult’s arcade dream (p. 11). A little competition happens to be the best chaser at this fun and quirky bar.

The fun and games associated with college life can make acting like a classy adult difficult, but students can definitely pretend

at Polite Provisions (p.

11). With mixologists and cool beakers behind the bar, this bar is everything that awful chemistry class isn’t: fun and classy.

As most know, all those drinks can break the calorie bank. Thankfully, the country-dance theme of In Cahoots will help you shake it off (p. 14). Whether you want to enjoy the music, or accumulate enough liquid courage to join in on the fun, In Cahoots is the perfect place to let your hair down.

But after a while, it’s time line dance back to the roots of it all: the lovable Oggi’s right here on campus. Close, delicious and affordable, Oggi’s is everything

Aztecs need (p. 4). Make your own pizza and pair it with any beer on tap to make those midterm weekdays a little easier to swallow.

As we all know, happy hours come to an end and last call always seems to sneak up much sooner than expected.

So make sure your designated driver is ready to go, or opt for Drinkabout San Diego to ease your transportation worries (p. 5). Whatever you chose, we ask that you please drink responsibly.

Be sure to check out The Daily Aztec website for all regular content this week, including news, sports and all the other sections you love.

ALL PHOTOS BY MEGAN WOOD, SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

4 THE BAR ISSUE

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MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

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Who’sWho?

#CAFE21

EDITOR IN CHIEF Monica Linzmeier

Cafe wins with menu specials KALAH SIEGEL STAFF WRITER _____________________________ It’s rough to be forced to come to terms with the reality that one tiny cocktail costs more than an hour’s wage at your retail job.

Before getting too discouraged by pricey adult beverages, take a moment to absorb these two little words that save bank balances on a regular basis: happy hour.

Happy hour is the basic definition of “the best of both worlds.” It’s the freedom to indulge in the good stuff like flavorful craft beer, artisan wine and knock-your-socks-off cocktails. If graduating from Franzia and Keystone isn’t enough of an incentive, just wait to see the happy hour prices at this great restaurant in Gaslamp Quarter.

Cafe 21’s daily happy hour from 3 - 6 p.m. is so delectable and so affordable that it can turn anyone into a regular. Seating shouldn’t be a problem on weekdays, but expect a crowd on Friday nights and weekends.

Not 21? Don’t shy away from this restaurant yet — the 21 tapas

on the happy hour menu will satisfy any hunger craving at any age.

I highly CAFÉ 21 recommend the 4-cheese fondue for a creamy, cheesy treat. The fondue comes with bread and vegetables for dipping, but don’t be surprised by the urge to starting eating it with a spoon — yeah, it’s that good.

For something more unique on the menu, try one of the specialty fries like the avocado fries. Another crowd favorite is the BBQ Chicken Potato Pancake — though my group was too stuffed to try this menu item ourselves, we heard nothing but good things.

Finish off your tapas smorgasbord with the flourless chocolate cake. Sharing is recommended on this one — it’s rich and filling but oh-sodelicious. All tapas are priced at $6; so a few tapas shared between a few people is a total bargain, considering the

MANAGING EDITOR Madison Hopkins NEWS EDITOR David Hernandez ASST. NEWS EDITOR Camille Lozano SPORTS EDITOR Kristian Ibarra ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Matthew Bain OPINION EDITOR Elpin Keshishzadeh ASST. OPINION EDITOR Anthony Berteaux ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Nick Knott ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Ryo Miyauchi Cafe 21 sampler shots offer small tastes of several different drinks.

KALAH SIEGEL, STAFF WRITER

charming ambiance and high quality of the food.

Cafe 21 specializes in organic and natural foods. The extra few minutes of waiting is well worth it for a quality, made-fromscratch meal. The restaurant even offers organic vodka and jalapeno tequila that staffers infuse themselves. Many of the beers on tap are local craft beers, making Cafe 21 a true San Diego experience.

The happy hour beverage options are just as impressive as their food selection. At Cafe 21, mimosas aren’t just for mornings — specialty mimosas are a steal during happy hour at $3.50 as

is the craft beer selection for $3. Another customer favorite is the wide selection of Sangria the restaurant offers. If you’re out with friends, split a flight.

It’s plenty to drink and it allows for a little taste of everything.

Additionally, premium cocktails and Cafe 21’s signature, Instagram-worthy bloody marys are also on the menu.

Menu aside, Cafe 21 is the ideal place to get a true taste of trendy downtown San Diego, at a reasonable price. The setting is classy and charming, and it’s the perfect place to get a little dressed up, and have fun night out with friends.

#OGGIS

Pizza bar tops off nutritional value EMMILLY NGUYEN SENIOR STAFF WRITER ____________________________ What is a break between classes without pizza and beer?

If you enjoy quality food, Oggi’s Pizza Express is for you.

Located in the San Diego State Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Oggi’s is geared toward the college crowd but is a great place for community members as well.

Oggi’s is home to healthy, quality meals from freshly baked desserts to signature pizzas and salads. As if that isn’t enough, you can customize your own pizza and salad. Paired with a wide variety of soft drinks, teas, wines and beers, there is something for everyone.

Why go somewhere else for pizza when Oggi’s has everything you need and more.

Oggi’s has healthy ingredients and can caterer to different dietary restrictions. At Oggi’s, you can pile your pizza high with quality toppings instead of getting stuck paying per topping at larger chains.

“I come here too much, but I enjoy it,” recreation and tourism management senior Jenna Withers said. “Your pizza is made in front of you — it’s fresh.”

It is similar to a pizza connoisseur’s Build-A-Bear.

Load up your pizza just the way you like or choose any of the

Oggi’s Pizza Express offers a variety of local craft beer options.

KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

following: 1. Oggis’s thin-crust pizza made with handmade OGGI’S dough — a PIZZA gluten free EXPRESS option is also available.

2. Organic red sauce, BBQ sauce, pesto, garlic olive oil or balsamic glaze 3. All-natural meats, free of antibiotics, nitrates, and hormones, including pepperoni, Italian sausage, grilled chicken, BBQ chicken, ham and bacon 4. Multiple types of cheeses, such as light and vegan mozzarella, feta, gorgonzola

and ricotta 5. An endless array of veggies: artichoke hearts, basil, bell peppers, olives, cilantro, garlic ( fresh/roasted), jalapenos, mushrooms, oregano, pineapples, red onions, roma tomatoes, roasted red peppers and zucchini Oggi’s is also well known for its beers. After 15 years in the business and 45 international and regional medals, Oggi’s is kind of a big deal. SDSU’s Oggi’s has 10 house beers and 20 changing beers on tap from local Southern Californian breweries. Wine, mimosas, moscato and hard ciders are also available.

“We only work with Southern California breweries,

specifically San Diego,” English senior Kaelee Nelson said.

“Everything you see here is local; the farthest we go is North County and our brewery in San Clemente. We are a craft beer bar, we try to encourage people to try different beers, get involved in the community, know the local brewer.”

With 14 other locations in Southern California, Oggi’s is focused on supporting microbreweries in both San Diego and Southern California.

Serving beer on a college campus might see a little risky given its population of underage students, but Oggi’s keeps it professional by meticulously requiring patrons aged 21 and older to wear wrist bands at all times.

With its sports-bar environment, basketball games and other events, leave Oggi’s packed with students, alumni and faculty.

Oggi’s is a great restaurant for an affordable, tasty and nutritious meal in a clean and lively environment.

With a Touch iTunes music player, virtual poker table, old school arcade game machine and some TVs, patrons are never bored at Oggi’s. A knowledgeable, friendly staff and refreshing atmosphere is what makes Oggi’s the perfect dining experience, to have some fun or to just relax and enjoy an on-campus beer or two.

FEATURES EDITOR Kelly Hillock ASST. FEATURES EDITOR Olivia Litsey PHOTO EDITOR Jenna Mackey VIDEO EDITOR Wesley Beights DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Kelly Gardner ART DIRECTOR Kate Leonard PRODUCTION DESIGNER Cameron Salce VOLUNTEER WRITERS KC Stanfield Courtney White Kalah Siegel Emmilly Nguyen Quinn Owen VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS Megan Wood _____________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tony Disarufino SALES MANAGER Adam Zabel SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Radbeh Rabaz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alfonso Barajas Jordan Dennison Peyton Fedorka Sarah Richardson ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Michael Bratt Kalie Christensen _____________________________ GENERAL MANAGER Jay Harn GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Chris Blakemore _____________________________

What’sWhat?

ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies twice a week on Monday & Thursday during the school year, and 3,000 copies every other Monday during the summer.

WEB Our website, thedailyaztec.com, publishes daily content, videos & breaking news. _____________________________ The Daily Aztec has been San Diego State’s independent student newspaper since 1913.

CORRECTION: The March 2 issue stated that Students Overcoming Struggles collected 2,000 signatures for its petition but the group had collected 200.

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MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#BRIDGES

THE BAR ISSUE 5

Bar bridges the ‘quality and cost’ gap ELPIN KESHISHZADEH OPINION EDITOR ___________________________ Living in College Area, good, quality food isn’t necessarily spilling over in abundance.

Options are often limited to burgers, burritos or a burger burrito — not that anyone is complaining. But there does comes a time when restaurant-quality food isn’t the worst thing in the world; in fact, it’s a bit underrated.

If this sounds like your daily hassle, a neighborhood bar has taken mouthwatering food and drinks to a whole new level. Bridges Bar & Grill is one of the nicer bars on El Cajon Boulevard that still manages not to break the bank. From the initial walkthrough, guests are always met with familiar faces and a friendly staff.

With outdoor and indoor sitting accommodations, Bridges is guaranteed to be crowded on a weekend — although tables are even filled on the quietest of nights as well. Adding to its homey feel, the staff know most by firstname basis and love to strike up a conversation.

Although I’ve visited Bridges quite a few times, and tried way too many of its burgers through the convenience of

OrderUp, this visit was unique on its own because I tried two BRIDGES new dishes.

BAR & Instead of GRILL instinctively darting for my regular burger, which is nothing short of memorable, I opted out for the buffalo chicken wrap and fried fish tacos instead — the spinach tortilla wrap was enough to ease my calorie guilt. Given its more than generous portion size, the two dishes were more than enough to share between two hungry friends.

Pauses between bites are met with non-mainstream music, which is always appreciated, and popular sporting games on the handful of flat-screens planted on the walls.

Basketball fans sip on beers while scoping out the score, friends catch up in the oversized booths and if you’re me, your laptop is plugged in to the convenientlyplaced outlets to prepare for homework — a nice balance of work and play.

Just as I’m convinced my chicken wrap can’t get any

better, Stephen Garza, bar manager, brings over the California Cream’in: a beer equivalent to a cream soda.

It might not sound like an appetizing pair, but it was the perfect duo.

As if you needed more reason to go a college bar that doesn’t serve food named after a local frat, Bridges offers daily specials. From “Wing Wednesdays” to “Thirst-Trap Thursdays,” college students are bound to get the most out of their dollars.

When your body starts rejecting all those $5 quesadillas and priceless ramen, Bridges is the perfect place to go for food and drinks that easily equate to the overpriced nonsense served at Gaslamp bars — the service only making it that much better. From gourmet salads to flatbreads and sandwiches, the menu is bound to impress.

Now that I officially crown myself a regular, you will find me there on Sundays testing the true meaning of $10 bottomless mimosas — obviously paired with a veggie omelet because all good things in life come with balance.

Further fueling the unorthodox habits of college students, Bridges Bar & Grill is open daily until 2 a.m.

Bridges provides options for cheap drink deals and tasty food.

ELPIN KESHISHZADEH, OPINION EDITOR

SCREEN SHOT

#DRINKABOUT

Bar-crawl service gives designated drivers a night off NICK KNOTT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR _____________________________ There’s a lot of logistical planning that goes into a night of going out with friends for a bar crawl. One must pick destinations, create a schedule and decide on the unfortunate soul who gets to take on the responsibility of being the always-necessary designated driver. However, the San Diego Drinkabout makes all the planning for a night out incredibly simple.

What makes Drinkabout unique, is it takes one step out of the equation for bar crawlers — the transportation from bar to bar.

Every third Wednesday of the month, Drinkabout offers a

free shuttle service that takes patrons on a loop around University Heights to DRINKABOUT an array of drinking spots. The shuttles hit each stop on the loop every half hour, starting at 7 p.m., then quickly departing to the next bar.

Now, it’s not always the easiest to catch the bus and be on to the next location. The stops are brief — very brief.

Most times the buses arrive outside the bars right on the half hour mark. They unload, load up and off they go. So it’s best to have all bar tabs paid for and

be outside ready to board on the dot.

The shuttles take drinkers to 10 different bars throughout the four hours of shuttle operations.

Riders can stay on the bus until they reach their destination of choice. It is key to remember to catch the bus back to where the car is, otherwise an Uber or hoofing it may be the only options back to your starting point.

The bars of Drinkabout provide a variety of atmospheres perfect for every type of drinker.

However, there are a few that stand out among the options.

Small Bar is a great place to start the Drinkabout. It is in fact small in square feet, but the beer list and food really make this place stand out. Small Bar has 42 beers on tap, a lot of which are

local craft beers.

The extensive selection makes it very easy to sample a few beers, but hard to pick which few to sample. Small Bar’s food brings big flavor as well, further making it the perfect spot to fill up on food before a night of bar hopping.

Just one stop away from Small Bar is Livewire. This cash-only dive bar is also fairly small in size. But it also provides a good time. Semi-circle booths line one side of the building with only standing room separating them from the barstools and pool tables sit towards the back.

Entrance to Livewire means being greeted to the sounds of the never-ending jukebox.

Livewire is definitely worth a Drinkabout stop, but not for too long.

The very last location on the loop is Tiger! Tiger! and it is by far the coolest. Large tables fill most of the bar so it’s ideal for large parties and groups. Much like Small Bar, Tiger! Tiger! offers a range of good food, from finger-food snacks to full on meals, perfect for pairing with beer. The beer list at Tiger!

Tiger! is up on a big chalkboard, like most places with a rapidly rotating tap list, is filled with craft beer selections that cater to the advanced beer palates of San Diego.

Drinkabout makes going out easy. The system that Drinkabout has created is perfect for those who want to try new beers in new places all in one night. Drinkabout maximizes fun while minimizing the going-out worries.

6 THE BAR ISSUE

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MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

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#IZAYAKAYA

An abundance of Japanese sake lines the shelves of Izayakaya.

ANTHONY BERTEAUX, ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR

Japanese bar takes guests on a trip This unconventional bar hits the authenticity mark with traditional food, drinks and customs.

ANTHONY BERTEAUX ASST. OPINION EDITOR ___________________________________ It’s been four years since I left Japan, and I haven’t been able to find a restaurant that perfectly encapsulates the perfect feeling of “home” that I’ve been searching for here in the U.S.

However, there’s something about the nostalgic, sepia-toned ambiance of Izayakaya Masa, located in Mission Hills, that perfectly resembles the street markets of Tokyo I used to wander as I was growing up.

With the “master” of the restaurant working his way through bowls of ramen and Japanese dishes behind the

bar, while yelling Japanese orders to his servers, there was a moment where I felt like I was back in Japan again.

Izakaya is IZAYAKAYA the literally the MASA translation of “bar” in Japanese.

However, the idea of Izakaya is far from the Western definition of what a bar looks like in Japan. Izakaya is not simply a place where alcoholic beverages are served; Izakaya is a place where food becomes a main player in connecting people through eating, and most importantly, in conversation.

People are expected to sit down in small rooms or booths of tatami mats, take off their shoes, and sit with their fellow workers to eat, converse and celebrate hard work.

Izakaya Masa follows this central Japanese philosophy about food. Yes, the food is important. But, you know what’s even more important? The

ramen is known throughout Japan as being hearty, heavy and ultimately very creamy. Which is probably why it didn’t suit me as well as it did my neighbors.

Izakaya offers ramen in other styles as well: Shio, a salt-based broth, a hybrid tonkotsu and shio-based broth.

If you have to get a ramen dish at Izakaya, I highly suggest getting the Hakata ramen. It’s not only authentic to the region, but it serves a bowl of ramen that satiates, a broth that warms you up from within and a pork belly slice that practically melts in your mouth. It’s that good. But surprisingly, the ramen and appetizers aren’t what’s at the heart of Izakaya.

The very spirit of a Japanese bar is within the space. It’s about sitting down on a tatami mat, ordering drinks, food and settling in an area and call it your home.

Businessmen in Japan usually go to izakayas after the week, late at night, to be merry and eat, releasing a bit of tension after a long work week with their comrades.

IT’S IS THE HAMBURGER OF JAPANESE SOCIETY, DESIGNED TO NOT ONLY WARM YOU UP INTERNALLY, BUT ALSO SPIRITUALLY. people.

Featuring a range of food from classic Japanese Izakaya dishes, such as karaage, Japanese fried chicken, and takoyaki, Japanese octopus balls originating from Eastern Japan, Izakaya Masa covers all the essentials.

However, what becomes the main attraction of Izakaya is not the bar food, but it’s ramen. Ramen, in many ways, is a classic Japanese soul food.

It’s the hamburger of Japanese society, designed to not only warm you up internally, but also spiritually.

I had Hakata ramen. Unlike the common “Tokyo-style” soy sauce based broth that most people are used to, Hakata ramen is a style of ramen originating from the Hakata district of Southern Japan. The Hakata ramen is made from a pork-based soup, otherwise known as tonkotsu with toppings typical of Southern Japan, such as pickled ginger and straight styled noodles, and toppings expected of all ramen dishes, marinated pork belly and boiled egg. Hakata-style

It’s not about the alcohol, or even the food, it’s about the conversation.

Roger Ebert, famed film critic of the Chicago Sun Times, fell to a disease that left him unable to eat. When asked what he missed most about eating, he didn’t miss so much the food itself, but the conversation that surrounded the act of eating around the dinner table.

“The loss of dining, not the loss of food,” Ebert said. “It may be personal, but for, unless I’m alone, it doesn’t involve dinner if it doesn’t involve talking. The food and drink I can do without easily. The jokes, gossip, laughs, arguments and shared memories I miss.”

I didn’t realize this, but as I was eating my ramen and takoyaki, I was caught up in a sweeping conversation about our friends, school and our futures. We didn’t notice the time tick by.

I didn’t realize it, but amidst the ramen, takoyaki and dimply lit lanterns, I almost forgot I was in the U.S. It almost felt like home.

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MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#DRAFT

7

Beachside bar offers more than the view Draft’s menu options extend into the sunset.

LAINE FRASER STAFF WRITER _____________________________________ Draft, a bar located at Belmont Park on the Mission Beach boardwalk, perfectly pairs the surf and sand with craft beer and good food. With a large open area and tons of outdoor seating, practically any table has a great view of the bustling boardwalk and beautiful beach sunset.

The immediate environment appears loud and crowded, but once seated, it’s clear the restaurant is fun, popular and clearly busy serving up some delicious food.

The outward facing walls are open glass, while the inside is focused on the large flat screen TVs perfectly positioned for game days. Sports fans can see a TV screen from any seat in the restaurant and even while passing by on the boardwalk. The tables are covered in a variety of draft beer labels following the overall beer theme of Draft, which has 69 beers on tap.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served seven days a week, and brunch is offered on weekends. The buffalo wings under the “share” section of the dinner menu are a sure way to bring some heat to your

meal for $12. The thick wings are coated in a spicy sweet sauce served with carrots, celery, and french fries crusted with parmesan cheese.

DRAFT The kale salad is another good dish to share, providing a lighter dish and the opportunity to be part of the kale obsession. The salad, $11, is sprinkled with goat cheese, beets, deliciously crispy prosciutto, sweet honey dates, red onions, crunchy cashew brittle and topped with a citrus beet vinaigrette. It is a perfect beach-side salad, both filling and light.

The “grill” section of the dinner menu is where the restaurant really proves its culinary talents. The Draft burger, $15, is stacked high with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, cheddar cheese and a pickle. The burger is cooked to perfection and the bun is warmed but not too crispy or dry.

Draft has an amazing environment: The beach, sports scene, beer, food and people all help make this spot an awesome game-day venue or a relaxing sunset hangout.

On Sale Now in The Voodoo Room FEB 28 : GROOVE INTERNATIONAL: THE PIRATE’S BOOTY BALL MAR 8 : THE TRAGIC THRILLS MAR 10 : RYAN CABRERA STORYTELLER’S SET WITH TRACES, SAVANNAH PHILYAW MAR 14 : LOLA DEMURE’S BURLESQUE & VARIETY SHOW MAR 15 : FALLUJAH HOUSEOFBLUES.COM/SAN DIEGO

FACEBOOK/HOBSANDIEGO

TWITTER @HOBSANDIEGO

1055 FIFTH AVENUE SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 | FOR INFO & TIX 619.299.2583

RESTAURANT OPEN TUES – SUN AT 4PM. CLOSED MONDAY EXCEPT SHOW NIGHTS Shows are all ages and standing room only unless otherwise noted. Show dates and times are subject to change. Tickets subject to all applicable facility fees and service charges. Applicable fees and charges apply to all ticket sales.

HAPPY HOUR SAN DIEGO

TRUE NORTH TAVERN

ELPIN KESHIHZADEH OPINION EDITOR

3815 30TH ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92104

For college students, a good deal is everything. Being on a budget can sometimes put a damper on trying some cool spots around San Diego — ­ especially when it comes to the hefty pricetag often attached to alcoholic beverages for those older students older than 21.

“TRIVIA NIGHT” MONDAYS: Trivia games starting at approximately 7:30 p.m. and $4 Jameson and Bacardi drinks.

“ARTS AND CRAFTS” TUESDAY: Come in on Tuesdays to enjoy $3-4-5 draft specials while tackling your creative side.

“BUZZED BINGO” WEDNESDAY: Everyone knows buzzed bingo is so much better than plain boring. Enjoy $4 “U-CallIts” from 7 p.m. until closing and $2 Sliders until 10 p.m.

Thankfully, the term “happy hour” has not only become the happiest hour for students on a budget, but has extended far past an hour and far past a single day of the week. Most bars around San Diego happily offer deals on popular drinks and appetizers throughout the week. The list of amazing deals around San Diego is neverending, but here are some all-time favorites:

FACEBOOK

“GUILTY PLEASURES” THURSDAY: From 7 p.m.-closing, you can get $4 flavored vodka drinks, pop music and videos.

COURESTY OF TRUE NORTH TAVERN

“NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY” SUNDAYS: From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. you can get $5 Bloody Mary’s. Nothing tops off the end of the weekend like table-side carafes of Strawberry Bourbon Mule, White Sangria, Red Sangria or St. Germain Mimosas.

PB ALE HOUSE 721 GRAND AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 Everyone likes a good burger with a crisp beer, but what about the beer and burger with a view?

If this is what you’re looking for, stumble into Pacific Beach Ale House every weekday from 3-6 p.m. for $3/$5 drafts, $3 house red and white wines, $3 wells and food specials.

COURESTY OF PB ALE HOUSE

All of this with an amazing view of the Pacific? We wouldn’t have this “Social Hour” any other way. Once the sun sets, you can grab your drink and cozy up by the fire put on the patio. Yup. We’ll take it!

ACH E B C I F I C A P

5

EFFIN’S

3936 30TH ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92104

6164 EL CAJON BLVD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92115

Even as college students, we know a thing or two about a regular 9-5 schedule. With classes, part-time jobs and an internship, we’re on the daily grind often time craving to kick back. If you got this case of the Mondays, The Office Bar is the place for you!

Located conveniently near campus, this bar always has something going on to keep students entertained and coming back. From beer-pong championships to tangy hot wings, Effin’s is sure to make any college student happy.

With a daily happy hour from 4-9 p.m., you can grab drinks and drafts for half off, and $5 signature cocktails from 7-9 p.m. Is the absence of a food menu your only reason for not giving this retro, Mad-Men-themed bar a chance? No fear, their customer service is here! If you order food from any of the neighboring restaurants, The Office Bar will have the food delivered to your barstool-steps.

“MANIC” MONDAY: Mondays clearly suck. But they don’t have to with half pints all day and $3 speciality shots. Don’t forget to ask about the weekly chef special.

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“TACO AND TEQUILA” TUESDAY: We love a taco Tuesday and we love Effin’s new taco menu. Come in and enjoy $3 Dos Equis Ambar, lager pints and $5 specialty margaritas.

“COLLEGE NIGHT” THURSDAY: Isn’t every night “College Night” at Effin’s?

Guess not, because Thursdays call for $1.50 sliders with personal pitchers of AMF and vodka Redbull slushies!

K NORTH PAR

805

Free mobile banking, bill pay and mobile deposit*

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“HI-FIVE” FRIDAY: As in “Hi-five” the week is finally over? Yes. Come in and enjoy $5 Effin burgers, $5 crafty drafts and Jameson.

“TGI” SATURDAY: Thank God indeed.

Saturdays call for $5 pulled pork sammies at Effin’s. A little reward for surviving the week.

SUNDAY “FUNDAY”: The weekend may be over, but the fun is never-ending at Effin’s.

Wake up and enjoy $10 bottomless mimosas, $3 Budweiser, Bud Light, Shocktop pints and half-priced price wings.

GASLAMP

Free 24-hour campus ATM with $5s and $20s

MEZE GREEK FUSION

600 local fee-free ATMs and 22 branches

345 6TH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 We’ve all heard of Taco Tuesdays — especially in San Diego, it’s become a pastime. But Meze Greek Fusion in Gaslpamp takes Taco Tuesday to new heights: greek tacos. Yup. You heard it right. If that’s not a fusion you’re dying to try, we don’t know what is. With flaming appetizers and a happy-hour menu that is sure to impress, Meze is the new “it” spot in downtown. Go in during the weekend to witness belly dancers performing with swords on their heads (don’t try this at home, kids).

Friendly staff and great service

Plus, get $50—and $25 more for every friend you refer!** Visit us today in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. *Check with your wireless provider to determine if data and text messaging rates apply. **Limited time offer; program subject to change without notice. New member must be at least 13 or older to qualify. One-time $50 dividend bonus paid to new member’s savings account when qualifying accounts are opened within 60 days of membership date. Must maintain $25 minimum savings or checking balance. Bonus subject to tax reporting. Membership and credit subject to approval. Serving everyone who lives or works in San Diego or Riverside counties.

A one-time $5 membership fee and savings account required. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Some restrictions apply. Federally insured by NCUA. 15-060 PUB 02/15

THE OFFICE BAR

“WING” WEDNESDAY: What pairs really well with $3 select drafts? Easy: $.60 boneless or regular hot wings!

8

Free Aztec Checking with eStatements at the Cal Coast Campus Branch.

FILE PHOTO

COURESTY OF MEZE GREEK FUSION

Weekends at Meze might be about the show, but weekdays are all about the deals. Go in Sunday through Thursday 3-6 p.m. and take advantage of their “$3-$4-$5 Happy Hour” for great deals on appetizers, greek lager, drafts, wells, wine and cocktails.

COURESTY OF BARLEY MASH

BARLEYMASH 600 5TH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 Half-off is the sound of music to any college student’s ears — especially when it’s half-off of the quality beers, wines, spirits and select appetizers from Barley Mash. From 3-6 p.m., you can enjoy “Time ’N a Half” happy hour in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

Located in SD’s Gaslamp District, Barley Mash emphasizes its two staples: beer and bourbon through both its drink and food menu. If beer and bourbon aren’t your thing, Barley Mash has signature drinks for every preference — not to mention their finger-licking appetizers.

calcoastcu.org | (877) 495-1600 | #CalCoastcuSDSU DESIGN BY KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

HAPPY HOUR SAN DIEGO

TRUE NORTH TAVERN

ELPIN KESHIHZADEH OPINION EDITOR

3815 30TH ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92104

For college students, a good deal is everything. Being on a budget can sometimes put a damper on trying some cool spots around San Diego — ­ especially when it comes to the hefty pricetag often attached to alcoholic beverages for those older students older than 21.

“TRIVIA NIGHT” MONDAYS: Trivia games starting at approximately 7:30 p.m. and $4 Jameson and Bacardi drinks.

“ARTS AND CRAFTS” TUESDAY: Come in on Tuesdays to enjoy $3-4-5 draft specials while tackling your creative side.

“BUZZED BINGO” WEDNESDAY: Everyone knows buzzed bingo is so much better than plain boring. Enjoy $4 “U-CallIts” from 7 p.m. until closing and $2 Sliders until 10 p.m.

Thankfully, the term “happy hour” has not only become the happiest hour for students on a budget, but has extended far past an hour and far past a single day of the week. Most bars around San Diego happily offer deals on popular drinks and appetizers throughout the week. The list of amazing deals around San Diego is neverending, but here are some all-time favorites:

FACEBOOK

“GUILTY PLEASURES” THURSDAY: From 7 p.m.-closing, you can get $4 flavored vodka drinks, pop music and videos.

COURESTY OF TRUE NORTH TAVERN

“NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY” SUNDAYS: From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. you can get $5 Bloody Mary’s. Nothing tops off the end of the weekend like table-side carafes of Strawberry Bourbon Mule, White Sangria, Red Sangria or St. Germain Mimosas.

PB ALE HOUSE 721 GRAND AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 Everyone likes a good burger with a crisp beer, but what about the beer and burger with a view?

If this is what you’re looking for, stumble into Pacific Beach Ale House every weekday from 3-6 p.m. for $3/$5 drafts, $3 house red and white wines, $3 wells and food specials.

COURESTY OF PB ALE HOUSE

All of this with an amazing view of the Pacific? We wouldn’t have this “Social Hour” any other way. Once the sun sets, you can grab your drink and cozy up by the fire put on the patio. Yup. We’ll take it!

ACH E B C I F I C A P

5

EFFIN’S

3936 30TH ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92104

6164 EL CAJON BLVD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92115

Even as college students, we know a thing or two about a regular 9-5 schedule. With classes, part-time jobs and an internship, we’re on the daily grind often time craving to kick back. If you got this case of the Mondays, The Office Bar is the place for you!

Located conveniently near campus, this bar always has something going on to keep students entertained and coming back. From beer-pong championships to tangy hot wings, Effin’s is sure to make any college student happy.

With a daily happy hour from 4-9 p.m., you can grab drinks and drafts for half off, and $5 signature cocktails from 7-9 p.m. Is the absence of a food menu your only reason for not giving this retro, Mad-Men-themed bar a chance? No fear, their customer service is here! If you order food from any of the neighboring restaurants, The Office Bar will have the food delivered to your barstool-steps.

“MANIC” MONDAY: Mondays clearly suck. But they don’t have to with half pints all day and $3 speciality shots. Don’t forget to ask about the weekly chef special.

163

“TACO AND TEQUILA” TUESDAY: We love a taco Tuesday and we love Effin’s new taco menu. Come in and enjoy $3 Dos Equis Ambar, lager pints and $5 specialty margaritas.

“COLLEGE NIGHT” THURSDAY: Isn’t every night “College Night” at Effin’s?

Guess not, because Thursdays call for $1.50 sliders with personal pitchers of AMF and vodka Redbull slushies!

K NORTH PAR

805

Free mobile banking, bill pay and mobile deposit*

15

“HI-FIVE” FRIDAY: As in “Hi-five” the week is finally over? Yes. Come in and enjoy $5 Effin burgers, $5 crafty drafts and Jameson.

“TGI” SATURDAY: Thank God indeed.

Saturdays call for $5 pulled pork sammies at Effin’s. A little reward for surviving the week.

SUNDAY “FUNDAY”: The weekend may be over, but the fun is never-ending at Effin’s.

Wake up and enjoy $10 bottomless mimosas, $3 Budweiser, Bud Light, Shocktop pints and half-priced price wings.

GASLAMP

Free 24-hour campus ATM with $5s and $20s

MEZE GREEK FUSION

600 local fee-free ATMs and 22 branches

345 6TH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 We’ve all heard of Taco Tuesdays — especially in San Diego, it’s become a pastime. But Meze Greek Fusion in Gaslpamp takes Taco Tuesday to new heights: greek tacos. Yup. You heard it right. If that’s not a fusion you’re dying to try, we don’t know what is. With flaming appetizers and a happy-hour menu that is sure to impress, Meze is the new “it” spot in downtown. Go in during the weekend to witness belly dancers performing with swords on their heads (don’t try this at home, kids).

Friendly staff and great service

Plus, get $50—and $25 more for every friend you refer!** Visit us today in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. *Check with your wireless provider to determine if data and text messaging rates apply. **Limited time offer; program subject to change without notice. New member must be at least 13 or older to qualify. One-time $50 dividend bonus paid to new member’s savings account when qualifying accounts are opened within 60 days of membership date. Must maintain $25 minimum savings or checking balance. Bonus subject to tax reporting. Membership and credit subject to approval. Serving everyone who lives or works in San Diego or Riverside counties.

A one-time $5 membership fee and savings account required. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Some restrictions apply. Federally insured by NCUA. 15-060 PUB 02/15

THE OFFICE BAR

“WING” WEDNESDAY: What pairs really well with $3 select drafts? Easy: $.60 boneless or regular hot wings!

8

Free Aztec Checking with eStatements at the Cal Coast Campus Branch.

FILE PHOTO

COURESTY OF MEZE GREEK FUSION

Weekends at Meze might be about the show, but weekdays are all about the deals. Go in Sunday through Thursday 3-6 p.m. and take advantage of their “$3-$4-$5 Happy Hour” for great deals on appetizers, greek lager, drafts, wells, wine and cocktails.

COURESTY OF BARLEY MASH

BARLEYMASH 600 5TH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 Half-off is the sound of music to any college student’s ears — especially when it’s half-off of the quality beers, wines, spirits and select appetizers from Barley Mash. From 3-6 p.m., you can enjoy “Time ’N a Half” happy hour in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

Located in SD’s Gaslamp District, Barley Mash emphasizes its two staples: beer and bourbon through both its drink and food menu. If beer and bourbon aren’t your thing, Barley Mash has signature drinks for every preference — not to mention their finger-licking appetizers.

calcoastcu.org | (877) 495-1600 | #CalCoastcuSDSU DESIGN BY KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

PLEASE DRINK

RESPONSIBLY!

MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

THE BAR ISSUE 11

The competition boils to an ultime high at Coin-Op as players defend their titles.

FILE PHOTO

#COINOP

Coin-Op brings change to bar scene KC STANFIELD STAFF WRITER ____________________________ There was a time when kids would ride bikes with quarters weighing down their pockets to beat the snot out of their friends in “Street Fighter II.” Endless hours and even more dollars were spent at old-school arcades.

It was all part of the distant decade known as the ‘80s; when technology was advancing and the fashion choices were questionable at best. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes of neon clothing, a San Diego arcade is making a comeback, and it even serves alcohol.

Coin-Op Game Room is a bar in North Park with some of the most well-known arcade games hugging every inch of wall space.

“We wanted to provide the

same kind of product at a nice affordable price but not in an COIN-OP atmosphere GAME that’s kind ROOM of like a speakeasy, but more high energy, high fun,” owner Hassan Mahmood said. “We didn’t want to be Dave and Busters styled, but a little more classic. Kind of a little more nostalgic and for different age groups as well.”

His idea of fusing a bar with an arcade came from living on the east coast, where they’re much more common.

Mahmood says drinking and playing arcade games are definitely more personal and social than playing the current generation of video games.

“You can sit down, get a drink

and see people screaming at ‘NBA Jam,’” Mahmood said.

“Nowadays, if you look at gaming, you have a headset on, you’re looking at a TV and playing with someone on the other side of the world. Where this is an actual cabinet you can walk up to, throw in a quarter and get your fix for the next 10 minutes if you’re beating the game or the next 30 seconds if you’re getting beaten up at ‘Pac-Man.’” The available games vary from time to time, but its catalog includes “Contra,” “DigDug,” “Ms. Pac-Man,” “Marvel vs Capcom” and multiple pinball machines. Its most popular titles are “Street Fighter II,” “NBA Jam,” “Galaga,” “Buck Hunter,” “Area 51,” “Mortal Kombat II” and “The Simpsons Arcade Game.”

This library is constantly growing and takes a lot of effort to expand. Mahmood

said they spend many hours on Craigslist, Ebay, arcade auctions and expos to buy more machines. Many of these machines are older than 30 years old, so even after buying a game in good condition, some still need to get repaired.

“We go around up and down the coast, up to Bakersfield and further up north,” Mahmood said. “We’re finding some of the really high-end games that everyone loves. We recently bought ‘Paperboy’ that’s getting fixed up at the moment.”

But Coin-Op is also a bar with all the food, liquor and craft beer people would expect. It staffs a minimum of two bartenders at all times to make the wait for a drink manageable.

“At the end of the day, if you take away the arcade aspect, we’re providing a really good product at pretty good price,” Mahmood said. “That’s a

reason to come to Coin-op.

Our beer list is pretty fantastic.

We’re offering handcrafted cocktails [and] fresh juices.”

If you’re the type of student who barely has enough money for drinks and can’t even imagine parting with those precious quarters, Coin-Op has a monthly free-play night. Most games on the last Sunday of each month will be free (some of the older ones don’t have a mechanism to enable free-play sessions).

Mahmood said there’s always something going on at CoinOp. From flip cup games to pinball and “Street Fighter,” tournaments ,there’s usually something going on to keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining.

“A lot of people went to arcades when they were younger, so it’s kind of the kid in us that comes out,” Mahmood said.

#POLITEPROVISIONS

Mixology bar shakes up a classy scene COURTNEY WHITE CONTRIBUTOR ____________________________ Stepping inside Polite Provisions is like getting a glimpse into an apothecary during the prohibition era. The sultry atmosphere and polished character of the establishment run parallel with its handcrafted specialty cocktails.

It’s a Sunday night and the bar at 4696 30th st. is full and humming with conversation.

The bartenders are dressed to the nines in striped button-up shirts, tweed vests and dark floral ties. Many in the San Diego area have heard of its candle-lit allure, but few know that it is only just more than a four-mile ride from San Diego State.

The walls are lined with vintage looking bottles of whiskey, gin and scotch. The service is entirely attentive, but smooth. Small bottles of what seemingly contain provisions are assorted on small double

racks and placed around the room. While conversing with my friend, I POLITE look up to PROVISIONS see that an atrium permits star gazing on clear nights; a perfect atmosphere for sipping a New York Sour.

The winning drink around here is a Kentucky Buck, which consists of bourbon, Fresh Lemon, strawberry and housemade ginger beer, with an Old Fashioned coming in a close second.

They don’t use high fructose corn syrup in any of their products, which is apparently supposed to be a positive thing, and the unsurprisingly beautiful-looking staff doesn’t hurt either.

While, their normal prices seem to be on the heavy side for the average college

student, ranging from $8 to $10 per drink, it has a perfectly reasonable happy hour menu, especially for the quality of drinks. Five happy hour cocktails, which come from a cocktail recipe book dating before prohibition, are priced at $5 apiece. Featured beers and wines are also available on both the happy hour and standard menus.

For those of you who like to get dressed up to have a drink and also enjoy using the word “wholesome” a lot, this is probably a good spot for you. If you get hungry while drinking or for those of you who are younger than 21, the bar is connected to a restaurant called Soda & Swine, which sells an assortment of meat dishes and old fashioned soda floats. They have a vegetarian option or two, but that’s clearly not where they get their name.

Polite Provisions is open 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 11:30 to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Polite Provisions is a modern-day glimpse into prohibition times.

ELPIN KESHISHZADEH, OPINION EDITOR

12 THE BAR ISSUE

PLEASE DRINK

MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

RESPONSIBLY!

#KINGSOFTHECRAFT

Alumni craft documentary series QUINN OWEN ASST. WEB EDITOR ___________________________________ Kings of the Craft, a documentarystyle television series that features San Diego’s eclectic craft breweries will debut this May. The people behind this local program are all recent graduates of San Diego State. Cinematographer Steven Moyer, Director Ben Moxley and Producer Raeanne DuPont all met during their first film production class at SDSU. Associate Producer Eduardo Castro Fonesca was a graduate student while the rest of the team pursued bachelor degrees.

During their time at SDSU’s school of Television Film and Media the group honed their skills and determined which production roles best suited their natural talents.

The team says they face a variety of real-world challenges as they transition from an academic to professional setting.

Before the idea could become a reality, the former Aztecs had to find a platform to broadcast their creation.

The team won a competition involving local public media affiliate, KPBS, to provide partial financing and an outlet for the six-episode series.

Presenting their idea to the KPBS team was a professional challenge the young documentarians had to overcome. The job of the station was to poke holes in their idea and thoroughly evaluate the project, but the Kings of the Craft team was prepared.

“We came in with a whole packet of information,” Moyer said. “Everything they asked us was something we already discussed,” he said.

The task of documenting the San Diego craft beer industry is not a simple feat. Often it demands that members of the team take on jobs that fall outside their prescribed rolls.

Moyer, the editor and cinematographer, also creates graphics and music for the show.

“I actually enjoy having a hand in all of the creative aspects of the show,” Moyer said.

This isn’t simply a show about beer and breweries. As Moyer explains, each episode explores a central theme, such as, the future of the industry or the comradery between brewers.

“It’s not meant to be a profile of any

Kings of the Craft is a new documentary series created by a group of San Diego State alumni, profiling the local craft beer industry.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KINGS OF THE CRAFT

particular brewery, we want to be able to pull from each of the interviews to make sure we flesh out a theme in its entirety,” Moyer said.

The team was surprised to discover the high degree of transparency

step by step the exact beer they have created and you can make it. What they’re trying to do is encourage your own creativity,” she explained.

Director Ben Moxley said it took time for some brewers to become

“

YOU CAN ACTUALLY FOLLOW STEP

BY STEP THE EXACT BEER THEY HAVE CREATED AND YOU CAN MAKE IT. WHAT THEY’RE TRYING TO DO IS ENCOURAGE YOUR OWN CREATIVITY.”

- Reanne Dupont, Producer, Kings of the Craft

between competing microbreweries.

“One brewery was talking about open sourcing, they actually put their recipe up online,” Producer Raeanne DuPont said. “You can actually follow

comfortable speaking on camera but once they warmed up, they had a lot share.

“It’s a very open community; they’re very open people and are willing to talk

about anything,” Moxley said.

The team says the idea for this show came from a desire to examine the local community. The project aims to answer questions like: “What is this industry all about and why is this happening in San Diego?”

“There’s a wealth of things to explore in this area, it would be a shame if no one was documenting what’s going on right now,” Moyer said.

But these recent alumni have made it their job to document this special local craft.

“It really comes down to the keep it local movement,” Moxley said. “It is a really clean and simple product, it has four ingredients.”

Kings of the Craft hopes to raise additional funds for the show through a Kickstarter campaign they launched this week. Their goal is to raise $30,000 during the next 30 days.

You can donate to the project through Kickstarter.com.

Interviewers set up to get the latest on the Kings of the Craft series.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KINGS OF THE CRAFT

PLEASE DRINK

RESPONSIBLY!

MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • DON’T DRINK & DRIVE EDITOR: ELPIN KESHISHZADEH • OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#TILLTWOCLUB

THE BAR ISSUE 13

Local bar drives traffic ‘till doors close DAVID HERNANDEZ NEWS EDITOR ___________________________________ When it comes to a bar, simplicity is often best. Til Two Club on El Cajon Boulevard isn’t fancy and it isn’t immediately attractive, but it certainly has the qualities of a go-to bar. From the outside, Til Two looks like a small town bar and the inside feels like it — although it’s not actually too small.

The inside includes about seven booths along the walls, a pool table, a jukebox and a stage in the back for live acts.

The bar area is spacious and the wall behind it is decorated with vintage clocks around a flat screen TV — the new season of House of Cards was screening when I dropped by.

Til Two hosts happy hour specials from 4-7 p.m. daily, which includes $3 craft draft beers and low-end liquors.

Who doesn’t appreciate a decent buzz for less than $10 dollars?

The bar’s specialties include the Cupcake, a mix of pinnacle vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice and whipped cream; the Makers Mark Old Fashioned, which includes Makers Mark Burbon, orange bitters, sugar and muddled orange slices; and the Spicy Cucumber, a mix of tequila, fresh lime, cucumber, sweet and sour mix, and Tapatio.

Draft beers range from $5 to $6 and include Total Domination IPA, Angry Orchard Cider, Cali Creamin’ Vanilla Ale and Guinness Blonde. Bottled beers include Heineken, Corona, Coors, Newcastle, Pacifico and Sierra Nevada — most between $3.50 and $5.

For those who want to splurge, the Iron Maiden Trooper is $8.

Aside from drinks, Til Two aims to entertain, especially by allowing the clientele to set the stage. For those who enjoy the spotlight, the bar hosts open-mic nights beginning at 9 p.m. on Sundays and karaoke nights from 9:30 p.m. on Mondays for those who stumble upon a bit of liquid courage.

On Tuesdays the bar presents stand-up hosted by a local comedian, Gordon Downs, and treats customers to free

pizza from Pizzeria Luigi — does it get any better than free pizza?

Above all, what’s most enticing about Til Two is the live TIL TWO music. The stage CLUB area, set up in the back, has a garage feel to it and has the sound specs to create a lively performance. Til Two welcomes rock, punk, roots and other genres. Past performers include Paul Collins Beat, Too Short and Blow Fly. The cover charge for these shows typically ranges between $7 to $10.

It’s enjoyable to discover new little-known bands, or at least drink and hang out with live music playing in the background, which naturally amps the atmosphere. Because of the set up at Til Two, people can choose how they enjoy the music: People can either head to the stage for an intimate experience or socialize near the bar with the music echoing in the background.

Hudson Falcons, Dressed for the Occasion, Lexington Field and Dead on the Wire are slated to perform on March 5. Joy, Harsh Toke, The Well and Cryptic Languages will perform on March 6.

Til Two doesn’t try too hard to be hip, it comes naturally. The bar opens at 4 p.m and proves how easy it can be to stay out ‘til two.

Till Two Club highlights its specialty drinks for customers.

DAVID HERNANDEZ, NEWS EDITOR

ON THE WEB...

For more stories and photos of the bars around San Diego State, visit thedailyaztec.com

Decide if the USC School of Social Work is right for you.

Join us before the application deadline this spring in Rancho Bernardo.

Curriculum Information Session Wednesday, March 11 6:30pm-8:30pm

Terence Fitzgerald, PhD author of Black Males and Racism Systemic Racism & Social Work Implications Thursday, March 12 4:00pm-5:45pm

RSVP to ocac@usc.edu www.usc.edu/socialwork

14 the bar issue

PLEASE DRINK

march 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • don’t drink & drive editor: elpin keshishzadeh • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

RESPONSIBLY!

Dancers partner up for the daily line-dance lessons. camille lozano, assistant news editor

#incahoots

Country bar in cahoots with dancers Camille Lozano asst. news editor ___________________________________ The first time I ever set foot inside a country bar, the first time I actually took country seriously, was on my second date with my boyfriend nearly two years ago.

I really had no idea what I was getting myself into, having never really experienced country before — yes, it is more of an experience than a genre — but it was one of the most amazing times of my life. Honestly, I recreate those two-stepping few hours in my head quite often since it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to a Cinderella, ballroom-type moment.

Country bars are unlike any other bars I have experienced in my short stint as a 21-year-old. If you are looking for a fun experience with a dedicated community of country-lovers and awesome individuals to have a good time with, In Cahoots Dance Hall and Saloon is the place to be.

In Cahoots is in Mission Valley, a 10-minute drive from San Diego State, and has the perfect balance of cheap drinks, great music and an awesome atmosphere. Walking in, you are instantly bombarded by country music and a good time. There are American flags hanging from the ceiling, wooden beams stretched across the air, and neon beer signs, license plates, pictures and guitars hanging from the walls. There are two levels to the building consisting of a dance floor, outdoor deck, three bars (two on the bottom floor, one on top), a kitchen and pool tables.

Make sure to dress nicely, since open-toed shoes for men are not allowed, nor are workout clothes or clothing with vulgar prints. It is sensible to wear closed-toed shoes for women as well, since many of the line dances call for some quick stepping and stomping.

If it’s your first time, try going on Wednesday, which is KSON radio night. They play new country mostly and have ridiculous drink specials.

If you’re into country music but just

haven’t checked out In Cahoots yet, try the Tuesday night karaoke.

If you want to avoid cover, which is usually less than incahoots $10, try showing up early, and while you’re at it, pick up some new moves during the free dance lessons Tuesday through Sunday at 6:30 p.m. You don’t need to worry about having a dance partner because the line dances are done together. It’s also a great place to meet people because you always dancing around a new crowd who is more than happy to help you out with the steps. If you want to dance with someone for a waltz or two-step, all you have to do is stand on one of the dance floor openings and someone is bound to sweep you away.

Dance instructors teach everything from the simplest dance, which is the two-step, to a country waltz, and all the most up-to-date line dances in between. The instructors go over the steps again and again so it’s pretty easy to learn — having seasoned dancers all around you definitely helps. In fact, these seasoned dancers are part of what makes In Cahoots so special.

Every time I go, there are a few In Cahoots devotees who are always there, dancing the night away. They know every dance and put little variations on each really showing off their personal style. Belt-loop guy, as I call him, does most of the dances with his thumbs resting in his belt loops and a calm smile beneath his cowboy hat.

Another daily dancer is a woman who wears more sequins, crystals and bling than I have ever seen. She dances in the most free-spirited way and is one of the kindest people you’ll meet, plus she has amazing red cowgirl boots.

If you are tired of the usual bar scene in Downtown San Diego and are looking to spend a great time with some great people, In Cahoots is the place to be.

all photos by camille lozano, assistant news editor

classifieds 15

march 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC • don’t drink & drive editor: monica linzmeier • editor@thedailyaztec.com

CROSSWORDS

Across 1 *Onetime owner of Waldenbooks 6 TiVo predecessor 9 With 74-Across, what each of the answers to starred clues is 14 Ancient Asia Minor region 15 Mobile setting: Abbr.

16 __ trot 17 Ocean tracker 18 Listen 20 __ Balls: snacks 21 Hoedown honey 23 1841 French ballet heroine 24 Minn. winter hrs.

25 Gets into a seat 27 Compete for the America’s Cup

28 “Gotcha” 29 *Seller of Geoffrey Bandages 31 Tic __ mints 32 Speck 34 Ryder Cup chant 35 “Lux” composer 36 Austere 38 Halloween reactions 40 Spare pieces?

43 *Craftsman company 47 First name in shipping 50 Chalk holder 54 Price number 55 “Well, lahdi-__!”

56 ESPN Deportes language 58 Many a Persian 59 Stringed

instrument 61 Big headache 62 “Who Gets the Last Laugh?” network 63 Running things 65 Excessively 66 Common flight path 67 Tom Jones’ last Top 10 hit 69 Birth-related 71 Let up 72 Up to, in store signs 73 Romantic text 74 With 9-Across, what the answers to starred clues form 75 It may have a patch 76 Discharge, as from the RAF

I don’t know how I ever lived without the Aztec app!”

Down 1 They catch busses at stadiums 2 NASA launch 3 Provide critical comments on 4 Fjord relative 5 *Bullseye logo company 6 Depressed areas 7 Progressive Field team, on scoreboards 8 Sounded right 9 Cartoonist Addams 10 Fine-tunes 11 Took courses at midnight?

12 Salad bar option 13 SensoTouch 3D shaver, e.g.

19 Neglect 22 Baseball’s Moises 26 Rebel org.

30 *Bergdorf competitor 33 Slip 37 “Way to go!”

39 “Captain Phillips” setting 41 Orchard unit 42 Take apart 44 Fats Waller contemporary 45 Border river, to Mexicans 46 *Costco rival 47 Counsels 48 Shower covering 49 “Fingers crossed” 51 Campus aides, for short 52 Trendy 53 Golf Galaxy buy 57 Ex-Soviet leader Brezhnev 60 Sore sort, maybe 64 Get one’s feet wet 68 Tinkering letters 70 Pub pint

Scan. Download. Enjoy.

NOW HIRING! ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE & CONTRACTS CLERK MINIMUM & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Must speak fluent English and write legibly.

• Must be a returning student for at least one additional school year • Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or other related major preferred • Must be currently enrolled at San Diego State University, taking a minimum of 6 units • Available to work a maximum 20 hours a week during academic year and possibly maximum 30 hours during class breaks and summer

For a detailed job description and to apply, visit as.sdsu.edu/jobs/jobs.php

Independent apartment living on campus!

Aztec Journey Piedra del Sol, Villa Alvarado and Tarastec apartments

VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, March 5th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Take the SDSU Shuttle from East Campus Drive, UT and Chappy to go to and from each apartment’s open house!

• Utilities included • Water and garbage collection • Wireless internet and cable • ARC and Aquaplex membership • No last month’s rent Utilities Cable & Internet Bill Gym Membership

• No security deposit • On-site laundry facilities, rec rooms, study lounges and more • No initial payment until September

On Campus Included Included Included

$30+/month Up to $120*/month $20+/month

*Average cost of Cox Cable and Internet

Whether you are looking for a single room to yourself or a full size apartment with your friends, we’ve got you covered! Our apartments are fully furnished and a perfect place to live with the closest proximity to campus and all of its resources!

For more information contact: at 619-594-5742 or visit our website: www.sdsu.edu/housing

Complete and submit the License Agreement via your SDSU WebPortal now to secure your space!

16 THE BACK PAGE

MARCH 5 - 8, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#UNDERPRIVILEGED

Under 21 and feeling 'underprivil-aged' JENNA MACKEY PHOTO EDITOR ____________________________________

I

t’s that time of the year once again when The Daily Aztec puts out its most popular special issue: The Bar Issue.

Writers, photographers and editors spend their extra nights off, scouring the San Diego area looking for new hangouts and revisiting old favorites.

This is also that time of year when I’m reminded how not-21 I am. But actually now that I think about it, I’ve been reminded of that fact every day since I turned 20 — so close, yet so underage.

At 16 you’re a driver, at 18 you’re an adult and at 21 you can finally participate in a world you’ve only seen on TV. Until then, you’re still pretending to take shots out of Gatorade caps.

What, did you think you were the only one who did that?

What’s made my plight of being underage so especially unbearable this year is my surplus of 21 and older friends. Countless Vegas trips, wine tasting weekends and birthdays in Pacific Beach have fallen casualty to my very real and very vertical drivers license.

If I had a dollar for every time I was invited to one of these shindigs and then got that invite retracted with a: “Oh that’s right, you’re not 21,” I’d have enough money to buy a quality fake (Not that I would ever do that because it’s extremely illegal and irresponsible … duh).

What’s even more frustrating is the conversation that takes place after my

invitation is shamefully retracted.

“Don’t worry, being 21 isn’t even fun," they said. "I turned 21 and it wasn’t a big deal. Plus drinks are so expensive and I don’t even go out that much.”

This is about the part where they see my facial expression and begin to back away slowly. Of course they don’t think being 21 is a big deal ... they’re 21! Their birthday passes and suddenly they’ve forgotten Friday nights at home playing scrabble with younger siblings. They definitely forget ordering off the nonalcoholic specialty drink menu because the drinks kinda look like they have alcohol so maybe people will be tricked

SPRITE MIGHT AS WELL BE SERVED IN A SIPPY CUP WITH A CRAZY STRAW. into thinking you’re older and therefore way, way, cooler. Sprite might as well be served in a sippy cup with a crazy straw.

With turning 21 I’m actually not excited to get "wasted" and I don’t think I ever will. I’m more excited to see a band I love playing at the Belly Up without being immediately disappointed because I’m too young to get in. Any underage music lover will understand this, especially if they listen to artists who aren’t big enough to play all-ages venues. A few months ago there was the possibility of seeing Vance Joy for 91 cents! Then I looked at the details

and saw he was playing at The Soda Bar also known as "no Jenna allowed because she’s a child" bar. Because his career took off shortly after, he’ll be joining Taylor Swift on her arena tour this summer. Great for him. Sucks for me. Why? I’ll have to sell my kidney to afford a ticket knowing I could have seen him for less than a dollar while keeping all my precious organs intact.

Now by this point you’re either saying “Yeah!” loudly in agreement and getting weird looks on campus or totally judging me as you think I’m going to turn 21 this June and become a raging drunk.

The latter is simply not true. I actually don’t plan on spending my big 2-1 in some loud bar downtown being hit on by meatheads, nor do I plan on being hungover for a few days after. I’ll have my fun, order an overly expensive drink (which will be paid for by my 21-year-old boyfriend happy to finally be able to go out with me) and bask in the acceptance of the waiter when they approve my license.

Soon after my birthday I’m sure the newness will wear off and ordering a drink won’t be a novelty. When my unfortunate 20-year-old friends complain about their lack of years on this earth I’ll find myself assuring them that "being 21 isn’t that big of a deal and it gets expensive anyway." After the words come out of my mouth I’ll realize I have become exactly the of-age person I never liked. In my self-disgust I’ll surely need a drink … but maybe this time I’ll just enjoy a Sprite — crazy straw and all.

Save a tree. Recycle your paper. #DASNAPSHOTS

SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

1/4

CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OF TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2015.

GAME SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

BEACHSIDE BEER-BRUNCH Staff writer Lainie Fraser snapped a quick photo of her beer-brunch while at Draft bar in Mission Beach.

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com

HOROSCOPE HAPPY BIRTHDAY (3/5/15) Blossoming at work and home this year comes through partnership. Luck smiles on committed words and action. Make promises and support each other. The Vernal Equinox solar eclipse (3/20) launches a new confident and creative phase. Springtime planning leads to bold summer moves. Autumn eclipses (10/13 & 10/27) inspire a potentially profitable teamwork breakthrough. Rejoice!

HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - You could struggle to achieve goals today. Choose private over public. Set your own course without taking big risks.

The Full Moon in Virgo marks a turning point at work. Make a necessary change.

Keep practical priorities.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - Fun with friends holds your focus.

The circumstances provide what you need. A Full Moon turning point arises in your game. New directions beckon. Line up your moves and play to win. Score extra points for creativity.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is an 8 - The Full Moon illuminates a culminating phase at home. Make big changes for lasting benefit. Sometimes you need to make a mess to create beauty. Upgrades to home infrastructure support you professionally. Follow a vision.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Today is a 7 - Reach a peak in your communications and networking with this Full Moon. A new direction comes into view. Monitor and maintain channels.

Post the news. A tech upgrade can save time and facilitate a trip.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 - Reality feels like fantasy. Resist the temptation to splurge, although there's profitable work ahead over the next few weeks. Put down roots. Enthusiasm wins over facts. Send a love note.

Family needs take precedence. Provide leadership.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 - You can work out a disagreement about priorities. You get more with honey than vinegar. A personal turning point arises with this Full Moon in your sign. Consider a new style or look. Dress the part.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - Consider what you most want now.

Listen to the unspoken (especially with regard to health and wellness). Set intentions with this Full Moon. Gain solid ground a little at a time. Love transforms you. Creativity blossoms.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - Rely on friends. Begin a new direction in a group effort under this Full Moon. Discipline with your schedule and wallet serves you well. Keep practical promises and avoid misunderstandings or upset. Don't buy toys. Work together.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Reach a professional peak with this Full Moon. You attract business through personal magnetism, and your fame precedes you. An emotional release provides freedom. You can replace what you've left behind. Don't rock the boat. Maintain decorum.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Your enthusiasm tops the charts.

Turn in a new direction with regard to studies and travel with this Full Moon.

Don't make assumptions (especially regarding money). Wait for results.

Guard resources. Savor the adventure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - All is not as it appears to be. Family finances reach a turning point with the Full Moon. Step into a new phase in leadership. It's a good time to drop a bad habit. Measure and keep track.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Be respectful and gracious, and make an excellent impression. Avoid distractions. Keep emotional focus. Think it over and get expert opinions before signing contracts. A peak moment in a collaboration arises with this Full Moon.