The grand opening of On The Rocks, Quinnipiac’s first pub, on the York Hill Campus. Courtesy: Kailee Heffler
The wait is over. On the Rocks, Quinnipiac’s first pub, is now open.
The new pub on the York Hill campus opened Saturday evening for students 21 and older, just in time for the Yale vs. Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey game.
Saturday’s event was one of 17 others planned for March, and students are excited.
“The pub 100% enhances my student experience,” senior Christina Vittas said. “I think to have a place where you can casually get a drink and then enjoy each other’s company and not be scared to have a drink as a 21-year-old on Quinnipiac’s campus…this is huge.”
On The Rocks will also provide many opportunities for Quinnipiac students to come together.
“I think having the pub, especially on game days, brings us all together,” senior Kristina Duran said. “Especially for us 21 and over, we can all be together and have fun the last few months of school without having to leave campus.”
The pub will not only act as a space for students over 21, but will also host events for those under 21, where no alcohol will be served.
On The Rocks also has a menu that features pub-style food.
“It’s so good. The drinks are a great price,” Austin Calvo, student government association president said. “Compared to other bars and local places, it is much cheaper and the food has been delicious so far.”
The menu includes items such as sliders and nachos. Courtesy: Kailee Heffler
Menu items include nachos, wings, tater-tots, pretzels, sliders and salads, all ranging from $6 to $19. Food can be bought using student meal plan.
In addition to the pub food, the bar offers a selection of craft beers, wines, seltzers and ciders. No hard liquor will be served. Alcoholic drinks can only be bought with cash or card.
This gives students that are 21 and over the option to stay on campus during the weekends.
“I think once the pub is open with normal hours in the fall, students won’t leave campus since it is an opportunity to stay on campus,” Calvo said. “You do not need to worry about your car or Uber, all you have to do is use the shuttle if you are 21 on main or walk if you are 21 on York.”
Over 100 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. Courtesy: Kailee Heffler
Before the pub officially opened on Saturday night, students, faculty and staff were invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and preview on Friday.
With over 100 people in attendance, the event was a success.
“I am super excited about the turnout. I was surprised that we had such a great crowd,” Monqiue Drucker, vice president and dean of students said. “But what I love about Quinnipiac and when we do projects like this is I think there is an expectation, but there is a wow-factor in everything we do.”
On The Rocks features 16 flat screen TVs, shuffleboard, pool tables, an array of seating and a stage for live performances.
“Today was just that exposure of wow, so I was so happy to see students, faculty and staff,” Drucker said. “We had our architect team here, our construction team, and facilities. It was a project that was such a team effort and having everybody here to enjoy it…celebrate it.. was fantastic. “
Attendees were also able to sample the pub-style food before the official opening.
For the remainder of the semester, the pub will be open two days a week. Beginning in the fall, it will be open five days a week.