Tiger Town Tavern

A regular name on College Ave. strip, Tiger Town Tavern (or Triple Ts, as it is commonly referred to) is probably one of the better known Clemson bars.

Founded by J. C. Cook, Tiger Town Tavern first opened its doors in the fall of 1978 on the premises of the former 'Study Hall' (also a bustling sports bar & grill, just appropriately named for a college town). The location has seen a variety of businesses and tenants dating all the way back to the beginning of the 20th century when the upstairs of the old 'Feed Bag' was rented out as student and young professional apartments. Although originally half its current size, Triple Ts has since expanded into the former Pizza hut franchise and is still known as having the 'old lounge' and 'new lounge' parts of the bar.

As with all local businesses in the college town, much of the establishment itself plays off of its customer's loyal and reverent love for their Clemson tradition. The University's mascot is humorously depicted in a drunken caricature sitting atop of frothing mug of American beer that represents the bar's logo (designed by former bartender and manager Marshall Feimster). Although originally the locale served food, its main emphasis was undoubtedly on the bar. When the US legislature passed a bill in the mid 1990s increasing the legal drinking age to 21, Tiger Town Tavern underwent extensive renovations to update its kitchen services and today offers a full fledged varieties of food stuffs. The menu is filled with delectable food items all cleverly (and not so cleverly) named after famed Clemson athletes and leaders.

The upstairs of the building has served as a private club, Top of the Tavern, since 1995 but answers to my questions on this matter were dodgy at best.

Tiger Town Tavern is best known as a rock & roll bar that is easily one of Clemson's most well known, 'places to be'.



Tiger Town Tavern
368 College Ave.
Clemson, SC 29631
(864)654-5901

* Accreditation to ClemsonWiki and Tiger Town Tavern for their contributions to the article.

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.

Tiger Town

Clemson is a name that finds itself indistinguishable from the University and the town surrounding it. The two are so intertwined in the workings of the community and student life that when the word Clemson is even mentioned there is do differentiation between the two entities.

A small time college town would be nothing without a noticeable downtown bar scene. Although this is hardly the full focus of Clemson students and alumn, it is still an integral part of the Clemson experience. Everyone has a favorite menu item, everyone has a favorite special, and everyone knows that one guy, Good time Charlie, that just happens to be at all the bars following a Clemson Tiger football victory. If you've ever wondered who's got what on the grill, as well as what to wash it all down with, this is the place to look. The purpose and function of this blog is to highlight the specials and individuality of local Clemson cuisine & beverages. However, don't be put off, the focus is not just for 21 year old college boozers. We'll dig into everything from Triple T's birthday traditions, to the Esso Club's Game Day Special, all the way to Flip Flop's imfamous Jet Fuel.

Work up an appetite, save that pocket change, and check back next week as we head downtown for some Clemson grub and drink!



"There's something in these hills that has touched every one of them, something that has rubbed off on them in varying degrees, something that has built within the breasts of all Clemson men and women an enduring spark akin to an eternal pride." - Joe Sherman