2008 Woodie Awards
Nestled between a shoe store and a book store is a small quaint shop with a green awning spelling "bloom" in white letters. But don't let the simple sign fool you because when you step inside Bloom, the shopping experience is hardly simplistic. Within the first few steps inside the small Main Street store, all senses are stimulated.
It's what happens in-between Monday and Friday that brings The Review to name the University Courtyards Newark's best place to live in 2006.
Whether finals, term papers or dwindling bank accounts are holding you back from escaping Newark, just lace up your sneakers and wander past the congestion of Cleveland Avenue for a panacea to the pains of college life. Sub-5-minute milers and casual joggers alike all congregate to train, de-stress and harmonize with nature on this scenic trail that continues into Pennsylvania.
Of all the bars on Main Street, Iron Hill Brewery and its vast array of drinks and brew seems the obvious choice for the highly coveted weekend night on the town.
As dusk settles on any given Thursday, the rush toward the liquor store begins. While there are several possible locations in Newark to buy a handle of Popov or a case of Keystone, one stands tall above the rest. With its seemingly endless variety of beers, liquors and wines, Peddler's Liquor Mart offers a unique experience for even the most well-traveled of drinkers.
With the absence of The Stone Balloon, the competition for "Best Bar" has become interesting. The Deer Park livened up their Tuesdays and Thursdays with the Balloon's staple acts, Shaggy's got their own mugs and gained popularity among students, Home Grown obtained the right to stay open later and Iron Hill and Timothy's continued doing what they do well - Wednesdays and Fridays, respectively.
For some, it may be easy to overlook given its size and location, but for many students, Margherita's Restaurante and Pizzeria on Main Street is a way of life - and it has been that way for more than 25 years. Just ask junior Tony Manno, who frequents the pizzeria at least four times a week.
By their second semester at the university, every freshman knows the best late night spot to eat a decent meal at 3 a.m. The Korner Diner sports nothing unusual. The décor? There is none. The rest rooms? Grimy. The food? Well, let's just say it's the best food in Newark at nocturnal hours.
"Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Grocery Store Ice Cream," the T-shirt reads in bold letters. As senior Tim Small scoops ice cream from behind the counter, a teenage boy asks for a sample of tangerine sorbet, sticks it in his mouth and says, "Yeah, get me some of that.
The Morris Library is a second home to countless students and it's easy to see why. Located on the South Green, the library is easily accessible to most residence halls and near the majority of classes. The biggest reason why people study at the library is because of its efficient atmosphere.
Coffee - that addictive morning necessity. Coffee is an integral part of a college student's life, and Main Street offers an abundance of choices. But when it comes down to it, no cup of Joe compares to that of Brew HaHa!'s. With its cozy atmosphere, sunny deck and helpful baristi, the coffee shop shines as the best Newark has to offer.
