IvyGate's AA bureau chief checks in with a public service announcement for the Yale Class of 2010:

After a week of Camp Yale and a week of classes, you're tired of entryway parties. But with the CONSTANT TERROR OF ANNIHILATION, you still need a drink to steady your nerves. Off campus, New Haven is a minefield of humiliating establishments, so we offer this idiot's guide to the Have's diamonds in the rough:

BAR
Don't be fooled by the contrived, minimalist name. BAR is a solid choice for an evening out. They brew their own beers and the pizza gives Peppe's and Sally's a run for their money. Unless you're the kind of freshman who runs the floor Xbox network, you should know by now that Thursdays at BAR are a keystone of the Yale social scene. Only Freestyle Dueling Association members and DSers whose Kant papers are due Friday at 9 can afford to miss it.

Rudy's
Many would call this New Haven's best bar, and they'd almost be right (see next entry). Rudy's has it all: genuine Yale memorabilia, surly bar staff, and townie punks who hate you and everything you stand for. Bring a good fake though, because the bouncers are pros and they'll keep your McDougall Street ID before you have a chance to tell them who your father is.

Anchor
The sleeping giant of the Elm City bar scene. The vaguely nautical decor is effortlessly hip. Anchor is known as a bit of grad student hangout, so it's a great place to watch your TAs at play. The only mistake you can make there is getting stuck in the overflow space (the "Mermaid Room") in the basement, which is too reminiscent of a rapist's rec room to be any fun.