Is Burke's Restaurant and Bar the new go-to for Sarah Lawrence Students?

Burke's Restaurant and Bar has become increasingly frequented by Sarah Lawrence students this semester, garnering special events such as last week's Beer Pong Tournament. The winning team received a $100 bar tab credit. Photo by Ariela Brody.

Located on 645 Bronx River Road, not far from Fleetwood Plaza, Burke’s Restaurant and Bar is the new destination for broke Sarah Lawrence students running out of drinking and dining options. Still relatively undiscovered, this Irish pub offers food and beverages on a budget with unbelievable discounts to students-- including their famous 8 dollar Mac and Cheese! By simply showing your SLC ID you can get everything from a 20 percent discount to free food.

Originally starting off their campaign to attract more college students with simple discounts, they have escalated to more enticing offers, most recently a $15, open bar on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to midnight. In addition to the open bar, there are $4 fireball shots and free burgers on Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

While other colleges have multiple local hangouts, SLC has never had a go-to bar of its own. Burke’s, which is currently populated by locals, is surprisingly eager to add SLC students to the mix. The locals welcome SLC students as well as those from Iona College seeking some variety.

“People aren’t loving the open bar, people don't expect that they will drink that much. They would rather buy one beer at a time.” said Hayley Adams (‘15), SLC student and bartender at the establishment. According to her, the deals offered at Burke’s are surprisingly not taken advantage of that often. While the $15 open bar comes in handy, those that first enter the bar never believe it will be worth their while. Instead, choosing to take it one beer at a time, they run a tab larger than expected. For those that do not drink, Burke’s casual cuisine also comes at a steal every day of the week with a unique SLC discount of 20 percent off.

Those who have taken advantage of Burke’s open bar opportunities have also been greeted with additional surprises. Martin Blondet (‘16) recently won a free open bar, to be claimed any Friday or Saturday of his choice with an additional 50 percent discount for friends. Only a slightly farther walk than Kay’s, Burke’s Restaurant and Bar is a reasonable trek for mind-blowing prices. If prices are not enough of a motivation, the bar will begin to feature DJs from Sarah Lawrence this upcoming month!

by Ariela Brody '16
abrody@gm.slc.edu