The Esso Club

Anyone who has ever been a student at Clemson University is well aware of the place that The Esso Club holds as a Clemson tradition. Established in 1933, its status as one of the top sports bars in the country is famous world wide, largely due to the extensive and loyal Clemson fan base.

Started as an Esso petrol service station from 1933 all the way up until 1956, it soon became mentioned more of its ability to serve alcohol than its ability to service automobiles. Between the years 1956 and 1958, the Esso station was the only place in Clemson that you could go in, sit down, and have a beer. This is when the term The Esso Club was first coined by Mr. Tom LewEllen. The establishment quit selling gas in 1985 and became solely dedicated to the game day beer emporium its known as today. The year 1997 brought The Esso Club into the national spotlight as the "#2 Must See Sports Bar in the Nation" in Sports Illustrated, and the following year ESPN is quoted saying that "If they had a national championship for a college sports bar, The Esso Club would be our pick to win it all".

Although the establishment is as rich in history as the patrons whom frequent it, it also boasts a finger licking menu that aspires to take on the best of any southern dining. A personal favorite of mine is the Thursday night $0.45 fried chicken tenders, fried mushrooms, fried pickles, and a bucket of ice cold long neck beer. Regardless of the day of the week, the food is always hot and the drinks are always cold. The club even has a special Game Day menu that makes the Esso experience that much better.

The Esso Club and Clemson Tradition are practically synonymous. The business and the building that shelters it hold a very special place in the hearts of Tiger Fans across this great nation.

*Acknowledgments to theessoclub.com for contributions to this article.