Carbone’s

By Joel Tauro

Staff Writer

I’d like to think that I know a good college bar from a bad one, and when you only have two that are operating in your college town, it’s easy to spot which one’s better. Let me talk to you about why Carbone’s Pizzeria, also fondly known as The Boneyard, is superior to any other. 

Right out of the gate, there’s no entrance fee to get in. No $5 charge just to be let into the building. I’m as broke as they come, so I’m quite pleased with that executive decision. One just needs to be 21 or older to get in. Isn’t that such a thoughtful and sweet decision? Who wants to expose minors to such harmful substances as alcohol? No, they’re better off staying warm and sober on campus. Once Alex has slapped that wristband on you, you’re guaranteed a good night.

In terms of ambiance and space, I do firmly believe that Carbone’s has the Cow beat. The layout of the bar lends itself to easy movement; you don’t have a line five miles long just to get a drink. One can actually afford multiple drinks at Carbone’s, instead of trying to finance an alcohol purchase through Klarna for the next four months like you might need to at the Cow. Shoutout to Joy and the $11 beer pitcher deal. Even the bathrooms are so much better. I don’t have to queue up and hope that the previous group of four, who are all simultaneously using the toilet, have left the place clean enough to use. I can simply walk in.

Some people like to point out to me that the Cow has a patio that opens up a whole range of options, along with their pool table. To that I say, good point. However, do keep in mind that the patio is unusable for five months at the very minimum, thanks to a good ol’ fashioned Minnesota winter, and the pool table is positioned in the worst possible place. You’re more likely to knock someone’s eye out with a pool cue than you are to sink a shot.

I will reluctantly admit that the Cow does have better music variation. The ability for our beloved college bands to serenade us on the weekends does boost their score, but more often than not, I do prefer a DJ who’s playing music a little too loudly — a method that Carbone’s has perfected, even if I do have to yell a conversation to its finish. I miss the place already, and I will hopefully be seeing all my peers there this upcoming Thursday night. Might make it easier or more difficult to get through Friday’s classes, though.

The Cow

By Abbey Weitzenkamp

News Editor

The Contented Cow, a homey Welsh pub nestled along the Cannon River, is — in this student journalist’s humble opinion — Northfield’s superior bar. A classic venue for student bands and DJs, the Cow is a great time at nine o’clock when it’s quiet and a great time when it’s packed wall to wall on a Friday night. Whether it’s a quiet night practicing my mediocre pool skills or a busy night where I’m hitting the dance floor with my girls, I’m never not content at the Cow. 

The main complaint one hears about the Cow is, “It’s so expensive!” And yes, their drinks are a little pricier than some other places, but they’re also actually good. If one is not flush with cash, maybe skip the “Purple Rain,” take a breath, remember that you’re supporting a local business, and get the $7 Gin & Tonic. You will need more alcohol to have fun anywhere else, so it’s going to even out. However, if that’s not good enough, fear not; there is a way to get a deal. 

Thursday night trivia at the Cow is Carleton versus St. Olaf, with the victorious team winning a bottle of Soju for their table and $1 Soju shots for their college for the week — with the purchase of a drink. My friends and I are trivia regulars, and I’m not going to lie to you, Carleton is beating us more often than not. But I have tasted victory, and it is sweet. So if you’re concerned about prices, gather your smart friends this Thursday night and let’s “Oles can, Oles will” our way to discounted alcohol — for Oles 21 and older. 

Another common critique of the Cow is that they don’t have food like Carbone’s does. It’s true that, aside from a few bar snacks, the Cow is lacking in food options. However, Domino’s is just a couple of minutes’ walk away, and at the end of your night, I guarantee pizza and parmesan bites dipped in garlic butter at one of the picnic tables by the river will bring you as close to heaven as one can get in Northfield. 

In conclusion, the Contented Cow is a vibe and a half, and people don’t appreciate it as much as they should. Shoutout to its proprietors and cool humans, Green and Michael. And come to trivia; we cannot keep letting the Carls win.