Kennesaw has a lot to offer when it comes to booze and good food, but with so many options it can be difficult to know the best place to go.
World of Beer
Instead of a typical greeting of, “How many are in your party” or “What’ll ya have?” Andrew Hammock greets every customer at World of Beer with a welcoming, “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Andrew, What’s your name?”
Hammock, 28, is the product manager and co-lead bartender at World of Beer. Fellow lead bartender Ken Fernandez, 24, said that they make an effort to memorize every customer’s name and palate.
“We have the most knowledgeable beer staff and the most variety in Cobb County,” said Hammock. “We have 45 beers on tap and over 500 different bottles and cans.”
Long time patrons and Kennesaw State University students Matthew Foley and Brent Parmelee raise their glasses high in approval of World of Beer.
Foley, 32, president of the KSU Veterans Club and Parmelee, 36, vice president, are World of Beer regulars.
“World of Beer is our Cheers,” said Foley and Parmelee referring to the 1980s TV sitcom. The hometown vibe that World of Beer offers is incredibly unique and keeps them coming back.
For a one-time fee of $15 patrons can sign up for World of Beer’s loyalty program. Loyalty members will receive 25 percent off all bottles and cans every Tuesday.
World of Beer hosts trivia every Tuesday and “21 and up adult trivia” on Wednesdays.
Having aired every KSU football game, both at home and away, World of Beer is KSU’s official alumni destination.
Five40
Advertised as a kitchen and a “Social House,” this tapas restaurant is a prime-time hotspot for date nights. Owner Dipsh Patel, 40, invites KSU students to come in, socialize and study while they enjoy quality food and drink.
“People come here for quality, good food and atmosphere,” said Patel. “I don’t care about quantity, I care about the quality.”
Although there is no beer on draft, Five40 has about 40-50 different types of wine. Five40 also offers painting classes on Wednesdays for $25.
Saturday night is Ladies Night at Five40 when all glasses of house wine are 50 percent off. Five40 also offers a bottomless mimosa brunch on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Five40’s staff is almost entirely made up of KSU students and although it’s not heavily advertised, Hookah is also on the menu.
Highlands Grill
Offering 65 cent wings on Mondays, $2 select drafts and all well drinks on Tuesdays and $1 tacos on Thursdays, Highlands is known for its college friendly prices.
“Anybody can come in here and get crazy for under $25,” said server Siouxsie Moore. Typically, there’s minimal elbowroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays as KSU students fill the bar.
“Highlands is the best bar in Kennesaw,” said owner Daniel Wielbeld.
Highlands has 20 beers on draft, 13 domestic and six imported bottles. Their most popular drink is “The Trashcan.” The Trashcan is composed of vodka, rum ,gin, raspberry liquor, apple liquor, sour apple liquor, blue curaçao liquor, peach schnapps and Red Bull.
Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill
Providing patrons with eight pool tables, five dart boards and dozens of HD widescreen LCD televisions, Mazzy’s is a great place to come and watch the game.
“We offer a lot of variety here,” said General Manager Dan Moss.
Mazzy’s offers “the lowest price in the area” when it comes to planning private parties. So if you’re looking to celebrate your birthday or other event, look no further than Mazzy’s.
Oasis Cafe and Hookah Lounge
With 250 different flavored tobaccos, this late night destination is a hotspot for night owls. Advertised as “Kennesaw’s Chill Spot,” Oasis is a good place to unwind with friends. Oasis sets itself apart from other bars with its menu of international cuisine, DJs and exotic belly dancing.
Wise Owl Growlers
If you’re looking for a “get in-get out” experience, check out Wise Owl Growlers and their 32-draft beer selection.
So, what’s a beer growler? Wise Owl Growlers offers jugs of draft beer that come in either 32 or 64-ounce sizes. Customers can sample up to 5 different kinds of beers.
Rob Lawrence, 27, is the General Manager. Lawrence said that founder and former owner Kelly Anderson created the name Wise Owl Growlers in tribute to her alma mater KSU.
While there are many options for KSU students, please remember that wherever you decide to go, know your limit and please drink responsibly.