Just a couple years ago, staple bars were the Thirsty Turtle and Santa Fe Cafe. But College Park is hardly the same anymore, and upperclassmen find themselves testing the city’s new bars, including Looney’s Pub and The Barking Dog, to find out which will become their new hub.

In a Diamondback online poll, nearly 400 voted on their favorite bar. And it’s clear Looney’s is the new favorite, winning with 20 percent more of the vote than any other bar. If you didn’t vote or haven’t decided on your favorite yet, we’ve provided brief descriptions of each to help you decide.

Looney’s Pub

Since opening last year, Looney’s has helped restore a bar scene that took a major hit two years ago after Santa Fe Cafe and Thirsty Turtle closed. The location might not be the most convenient — it’s on the first floor of The Varsity housing complex on Route 1   — but Looney’s has something for a everyone. Students looking for a club-like atmosphere can dance near the stage, while those searching for a quieter hangout spot can sit outside on the patio.

“What makes it fun is there’s a space for everyone,” senior sociology major Mollie Bryen said. “And you don’t feel separated from other people so much that you’re out of the picture.” But don’t even think about Looney’s if you’re not 21; it’s notoriously strict when it comes to underage drinking.

Cornerstone Grill and Loft

Cornerstone, or C-Stone, is quite literally the cornerstone of College Park nightlife. Located at Knox Road and Route 1 just off the campus, it is the ideal location for anybody looking to have a good time. There’s room for dancing in the upstairs loft or downstairs once the tables are cleared out at night. It has your standard drink specials — and a line usually extending to the edge of the building to go with it.C-Stone’s projector TV and Sunday night draft specials also make it one of the better College Park locales for watching games, as well.

“Cornerstone has a great game-day atmosphere,” said senior kinesiology major Jon Seligman. “There’s TVs all over the place, and they have the best wings in College Park.”

R.J. Bentley’s

Located right next door to Cornerstone, Bentley’s is another staple of downtown College Park. As the de facto home for Maryland sports memorabilia, you can spend as much time admiring the autographed photos as you do at the bar. Because Bentley’s doesn’t have a huge space and is generally popular among fraternity and sorority members, it can get extremely crowded, and hot, very quickly. The spacious outdoor patio out back allows for students to enjoy the night while still being able to breathe, especially when compared to the downstairs portion of the bar.

“Bentley’s may not be the classiest bar, but it’s always the place we end up,” said senior finance major Jeff Pawlak. “If you’re looking to see people you know, Bentley’s is the place to go.”

The Barking Dog

As the new tenant in the space formerly occupied by the Thirsty Turtle, The Barking Dog has had a lot to live up to since its opening last year. It doesn’t usually get very crowded, so it’s a good place to go if you want to go out but not be seen. If you’re going to The Barking Dog, Tuesday night is the time to go, with great drink specials usually attracting a good crowd and atmosphere. Despite the new name and exterior paint job, very little has actually changed inside the bar, particularly upstairs.

“Loose Tuesdays” can actually make you feel like you’re in Turtle, the only difference being The Barking Dog’s spotty bar service.

Big Play Sports Grill

Route 1’s newest bar is located at Hartwick Road and Route 1, where Vito’s Pizzeria once called home. Though most students might not find a reason to venture past C-Stone or Bentley’s on Route 1, Big Play deserves a visit. The modern interior design gives Big Play a fresher look than other bars, and the happy hour specials are a good bargain. But the best part of Big Play is the customer service, according to senior sociology major Chase McMullen.

“The bartenders really cater to the college crowd,” he said. “At other bars, they just serve you, but here they cater to what you want and make conversation with you.”

Mulligan’s Grill and Pub

If you’ve never been to the university golf course, then you’ve probably never heard of Mulligan’s. It may not be the closest, most popular or biggest of the College Park bars, but its happy hour specials are some of the best in the city. Mulligan’s is the bar of choice for many university professors, so if you ever get the urge to pound a few brewskies with the person who has final say over your grade, this is your spot.

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