From the dim lighting to the crowds that flock after 12 a.m. on a Saturday night, PJ's Pub is renowned around the Hopkins campus. Located on North Charles Street, you can find PJ's down a small cement path next to the Charles apartment building.
No one knows what attracts so many students to this bar, but it's one of those places that, no matter how many times you sit at a brown, wooden table not having fun, you always end up going back.
Maybe it's the pizza with extra cheese? The pitchers of beer? The special bartender you like from History class? The possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure, if you're under 21 make sure you have a flawless ID -- it's nearly impossible to get past the owner.
Jerry Smith, referred to by everyone as just plain Jerry, is the owner of the college hub. Some love him, others hate him. If it's a Friday night after a long week of classes, people will naturally assemble at the closest bar (in this case, PJ's), and therefore Jerry has no choice but to be strict with ID's.
The place easily fills up and underage drinking, as we all know, is illegal. So, when we all want to hold Jerry accountable for not letting us in, take a step back and rationally think about why he rejects us demanding students.
But if you are that glorious age of 21, or older, a potentially great night is just past the door and around the corner. The question is, what is everyone spending their money on?
"Drinking," an anonymous junior says. If you go during the week for dinner or a drink, PJ's will consist of Monday night football lovers, students that need a quick break from work, and those random regulars that live in Baltimore (need I say more?). But in the end, everyone ends up getting at least a "casual" drink.
Here is the perfect place where you can forget about that test you have later in the week and just sit down with friends, listen to some music, play pool, or watch the game on TV; it's your choice.
Maybe you prefer to stop by during the weekend, when you can experience crowds of undergrads, and if you're lucky, you may catch that guy chugging a pitcher of beer; a regular Saturday night, one would say. But not everything is about drinking.
"Every time I go there, I have to get the pizza," sophomore Debbie Sondak said.
PJ's is also reknowned for their specials, which provide even the most bankrupt Hopkins student to venture beyond that last bag of microwave popcorn. Monday's special is Yuenglings and Wings, and Thursday night pays homage to the almighty taco. Even if you get something other than the featured special, it's well worth the money.
The typical nightlife at Hopkins can and does get old at times. So, here's an option; go to PJ's for a night, have dinner, hang out, and try to befriend Jerry. Stereotyped as the bar where all the athletes gather, PJ's has much more to offer to a student than just this. It's your typical college bar where students go to eat, drink and socialize.
Remember, there's no need to be bored in Baltimore. When in doubt, go to PJ's. And for those of you who are on the go, in need of alcoholic release, and legal, they sell alcohol in the front.
