Mercyhurst University – Bar Crawl
Mercyhurst University is a private, four-year university in Erie, Pennsylvania. Because it was founded in 1926, the architecture at Mercyhurst University is old-fashioned and Gothic, which adds to the beauty of the campus.
The 75-acre campus is home to 3,400 students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Mercyhurst University campus also contains multiple athletic facilities, including fields, an ice arena, and a rowing center.
When classes are over and the weekend comes around, Mercyhurst University students may be looking for a way to unwind and party with friends. Or visitors may want to experience Erie’s nightlife.
The bar crawl below brings guests through the downtown area, where there are numerous bars and pubs walking distance from one another. While you may not be able to make it to all of them, see which ones strike your fancy and head on over!
The Brewerie at Union Station
Start your tour off by taking a 10-minute Uber or Lyft ride from Mercyhurst University to The Brewerie at Union Station. The rest of the bars are within walking distance from The Brewerie, making transportation between each spot easy and safe.
The Brewerie is the perfect place to start things off, as it has been rated one of the best restaurants in Erie. This way you can fill up on delicious food before you set out on your journey. Take a look at The Brewerie’s casual dining menu, which contains dishes like fried pierogi, garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts, or a “Kick’n Chicken” sandwich.
Afterwards, enjoy one of the many beers on tap in one of their multiple seating areas. These include a beautiful rotunda, a classic tap room, and an intimate balcony.
Bourbon Barrel
Bourbon Barrel, a four-minute walk from The Brewerie, celebrates the classic American drink that is bourbon whiskey. They’re proud of the fact that bourbon was created in Western Pennsylvania, and honors this tradition by hand-picking the best bourbon varieties available.
In addition, Bourbon Barrel features hundreds of other spirits to enjoy. This creates almost endless possibilities for those looking to enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail. You may even want to hang out for a while and try some of their food, which is accommodating to vegans.
Plymouth Tavern
A two-minute walk from Bourbon Barrel, or a 10-minute ride from Mercyhurst University, is Plymouth Tavern. This unique destination consists of three buildings, two of which have been around since the late 1800s. Between these buildings are different areas, such as a dining room for a sit-down dinner, or a bar area where they can grab a casual drink.
Plymouth Tavern is a large place with two bars and plenty of seating. Their outdoor patio is especially popular when the weather’s warm, and it directly connects to their flawlessly maintained historic bar. The patio is surrounded on three sides by the brick walls of other buildings, creating a feeling of coziness. At the same time, the fact that it’s an open-air bar opens it up and makes it feel spacious.
The Plymouth Tavern has been a popular spot in Erie since 1983, so if you’re doing a bar crawl through downtown, it’s a must-visit.
Jekyll & Hyde’s Gastropub
Between their 46 draft beers and creative cocktail menu, Jekyll & Hyde’s Gastropub has something for everyone. This pub is only two minutes from Plymouth Tavern and is nestled inside a similarly historic building. Jekyll & Hyde’s bar area is small but inviting nonetheless, and their outdoor patio seating creates even more space to enjoy a drink.
Visit during happy hour for half-priced beers and $2 off appetizers, such as Buffalo cauliflower bites and soft pretzels. You could also go with a satisfying burger or even a spinach artichoke grilled cheese, along with the boozy Jekyll & Hyde potion of your choice. They promise to bring big flavors to their customers, so stop by and put them to the test.
Voodoo Brewery Erie
Voodoo Brewery Erie may only be a four-minute walk from Jekyll & Hyde’s, but it’s got a completely different atmosphere. This enormous beer hall features high ceilings, grand columns, and long wooden tables with plenty of stools. One of the walls in Voodoo Brewery Erie slides up, creating an open atmosphere.They also feature a large, outdoor patio, so there’s certainly room for everyone at Voodoo.
Not only is Voodoo one of the coolest environments in downtown Erie, they serve up fantastic beer as well. Their Voodoo Love Child is a beer aged with passion fruit, cherries, and raspberries. The White Magick of the Sun is an Imperial wheat ale with the perfect amount of spices. Lastly, you might want to try their golden rye beer, called “Big Secret Pizza Party.”
Molly Brannigan’s
Molly Brannigan’s is a warm, hospitable Irish pub located eight minutes from Voodoo Brewery. Their old-fashioned decor gives off a traditional Irish pub feel, with plush chairs, fireplaces, wooden floors, dark wood paneling, and a few antiques. You’ll feel like you’re actually visiting the home of “Molly Brannigan,” who seems to encourage everyone to relax with a beer or freshly made cocktail. Molly Brannigan’s even has a beverage master who curates all the liquors they serve, checking for the utmost quality.
This pub is the perfect place to relax in an easygoing environment. At the same time, if you’re interested in a more lively environment, Molly Brannigan’s amps up the energy, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Sullivan’s Pub & Eatery
Sullivan’s Pub & Eatery, a five-minute walk from Molly Brannigan’s, is the last stop on your bar crawl. You can’t leave the city without checking out this 105-year-old establishment, which is the sixth oldest Irish pub and restaurant in the country.
While it may be historic and over a century old, Sullivan’s still has a modern energy. For example, they host karaoke dance parties every Thursday and serve dollar drinks on Fridays. On a warm summer night, try a champagne popsicle cocktail at their outdoor patio bar. Hopefully you’ve made it this far on your bar crawl, because Sullivan’s is a fantastic place to end up!