Let’s be honest. The big university-wide commencement on Saturday will be boring, arduous and tedious for most involved. The reasons for going are usually limited to parents wanting photo ops and professors who encourage taking advantage of these moments before they are gone. But in order to spice it up, here are a few options for an ice-cold beverage or two before the ceremony and a bite to eat (read: an excuse for more beverages) after it all within walking distance of McKale Center and without fighting the crowds on University Boulevard.
Before
Gentle Ben’s
Gentle Ben’s asked on Facebook whether they should open at 6 a.m. to help graduating seniors start their last day as UA students off right. With a resoundng “yes” to the Facebook poll, Ben’s is now offering what is billed as the “new graduation tradition” that will allow graduates to party without the wait at more established pre-commencement watering holes around campus.
Gentle Ben’s
865 E. University Blvd.
624-4177
The Buffet
Open at 6 a.m. every day, The Buffet always gets hordes of seniors wearing tassels and gowns to eat a little and drink a lot before commencement. A lot of the patrons who usually frequent this institution in the morning are those just coming off the night shift, but plenty of soon-to-be UA alumni will get their hands on the bar’s signature Fun Dip shot or the cheap beers.
The Buffet
538 E. Ninth St.
623-6811
Dirtbag’s
The lines outside of Dirtbag’s on Graduation Day are memorable. In fact, on the bar’s Facebook page, there’s valuable timeline real estate dedicated to showing crowds of people trying to get a couple last drinks at Dirtbag’s before becoming graduates. If you go, know there will be a ridiculously long line. But it’s all tradition.
Dirtbag’s
1800 E. Speedway Blvd.
326-2600
After
Grimaldi’s
University Boulevard will be packed because everyone is too lazy to move much farther than the couple streets that jump out as hotspots for post-grad eats. But this pizza joint right off Sixth Street and Campbell Avenue is just as close to McKale and serves upscale pizza done right. Plus, if the line is too long, Sam Hughes Championship Dining and Rosati’s make good backup plans and are seconds from the front door.
Grimaldi’s
446 N. Campbell Ave. Suite #100
882-6100
Miss Saigon
Curried catfish, pho and drinks served in coconuts — mix up the graduation celebration with this little eatery on Speedway Boulevard and Campbell Avenue. Hearty servings and nothing like the chain restaurants, Miss Saigon provides hearty portions at a decent price with an intimate setting in which to share stories and reminisce with the people buying the meal.
Miss Saigon
1072 N. Campbell Ave.
320-9511
Zachary’s Pizza
Typified by extraordinary deep dish pizza that takes a fair amount of time to cook, Zachary’s is an oft-overlooked destination off of Park Avenue and Sixth Street. If there’s no problems with a little waiting and having beers instead of a nice glass of Chardonnay, Zachary’s can be a perfect place to de-stress after a hectic graduation weekend.
Zachary’s Pizza
1028 E. Sixth St.
623-6323
