Walking through the doors and down the stairs at the Kollege Klub late on a Friday night is, in many ways, like entering another world. One is immediately smacked in the face with a high level of intensity — one hell of a party is going on here!
There is a major hormonally driven pulse in this bar. Every large campus should have this embodiment of Freud’s id, the sexually instinctive part of our mind demanding satisfaction. The UW id is alive and well at the Kollege Klub.
Stomping ground of Greeks, numerous UW athletes (pros, too), and all generations of UW students, the KK has developed a historical reputation as a place to meet new people. Owner Bruce Meier credits the sense of abandonment to the fact that “the KK seems to be a place that people go to towards the end of the night.” Just like our parents taught us, only naughty things can happen late at night.
As college students, we have an insatiable propensity for all things naughty. This is our time to fly close to the sun and hopefully not get too burned. I raise my glass to you, Icarus! Indeed, the situation at the KK appears to be on the brink of thrusting itself into chaos. But chaos never comes. The ebb and flow of this highly interactive social pattern keeps us all right … on … the … line.
There is good reason why the KK does not turn itself upside down every weekend. Bruce and his family have been in the bar business for close to 50 years. They are experienced professionals at corralling college students’ wanton inhibitions. Furthermore, the number of bouncers reminds us that one false move can get ourselves literally thrown out on the street. Such level of control keeps everybody happy.
Generously poured drinks are processed in an orderly fashion, courtesy of a professional staff that includes five managers. Drink selection is good. There are a wide variety of bottle and tap beers. Mixed drink favorites include Captain and Coke or vodka lemonade.
Almost acknowledging the KK’s position within the social scene is their signature drink, simply known as the CMF (short for California Mother F*cker). According to Bruce, “It is a pretty strong drink, and we more or less have taken it off of the menu, but we’ll still make it if asked.”
Let’s not overlook the storied tradition of the Kollege Klub. Originally located on State Street at the site of what is now Memorial Library, the KK has been a fixture at the corner of Lake and Langdon since 1972. At its current location, the KK has consistently been a popular destination. “It was great to hear from alumni this past weekend how little has changed,” Bruce explains.
One item of interest I only recently noticed is the large fireplace in the middle of the bar. According to Bruce, the fireplace was last used in 1982. The reason for its demise — students threw their notes and books in it after final exams! Exactly what one would expect from a bar that has its own drinking gloves.
The Kollege Klub opens for breakfast Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. and on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., depending on Badger games. The bar is open until bartime. The KK is not open on Sundays. Even professionals need a rest!
The Kollege Klub CMF (California Mother F*cker)
Mix ingredients in a 16-ounce Mason jar
Add ice
1/4 ounce vodka
1/4 ounce brandy
1/4 ounce whisky
1/4 ounce rum
To the remainder, add equal portions of orange juice and 7-Up
Add a splash of grenadine, stir and serve!
Bartime goes on the road this weekend in Dallas, Texas. As a result, we will venture into a Dallas bar that is known for being particularly Badger-friendly, and learn how they party, Texas-style. Until then, cheers!
