Where to go pregame/postgame for UMass

By Vin Pullia

Headed to Amherst for the season opener?

Whether it's to fuel up for a little pregame action or to celebrate and grab grub postgame, here are a few options. Since the underclassmen won't descend upon the town for another week, the good news is you shouldn't have to throw bodies around and clear space like you are Khari Samuel in a national championship game. 

Pregame

A Liam Coen Hail Mary away from the stadium is The Hangar (10 University Drive). If you aren't tailgating, it's where you need to sit yourself before kickoff. Known for their 25 flavors of homemade wings, you'll get more than enough chow here. Don't worry about the mess either, the sauce should blend in with your maroon body paint. Feeling adventurous? Try the Jet fuel or Afterburner tenders. If something more mild is your speed, I enjoy the Golden BBQ or the Jamaican Jerk. And before you fret about how you are going to wash down these savory wings, lucky for you, you also happen to be sitting in the Amherst Brewery. (Tricky, aren't they?) With 32 taps on hand, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. I highly recommend staying local and choosing one of their finely-crafted house brews. The Honey Pilsner is a personal favorite in the summer and at 5.2% ABV, it's lighter so you won't need to be rolled out of there. If IPAs are your thing, try the cloudy Juliette. Just a heads up, she's a minx and has a little bite to her. Perhaps you are a persnickety-type and just can't make up your mind on what to get. You want it all. Well, try the Flight School. With 16 taps you can actually pour your own beer and sample as you go. In the chance you still have some clock to kill before heading to McGuirk, the Hangar has a massive retro arcade room with pinball and even some pool tables. If you have the family in tow, it's a great place to roll up your sleeves and show your kids you used to be cool once. 

Postgame

It's getting late and the good guys won and you need to celebrate. I suggest heading uptown and grabbing a slice or two at Antonio's (31 North Pleasant Street). Walk in, hug the wall, peruse the most beautiful pizza you've ever seen, and order. Be sure to treat yourself and order more than one kind. I recommend the Tortellini Pesto or the Chicken Bleu Cheese. If pasta on your pizza doesn't do it for you, be sure to grab a slice of the Seafood for the shrimp and crabmeat. (Pro-tip: there's hardly any room inside here. You want to get in and get out.) If it's a nice night, find a bench outside. If you want to check out a game and soak some more suds, the bar McMurphy's (37 North Pleasant Street) will let you bring in your food while you enjoy your $2 drafts. Don't let the UMass athletic paraphernalia on the walls fool you, this is a no-frills dive bar with sticky floors and booming voices. But the drinks are plentiful, the popcorn is free and they have a killer jukebox. Most importantly, the staff is always very cool and accommodating. That being said, it could be a busier night due to the game, so scout it out from the window on the sidewalk and know what you are getting in to. 

And don't sweat it, if you need to call an audible here, there are plenty of options — pubs, coffee shops, a cinema, bookstores — in downtown to choose from. All within walking distance. Consistently rated as a top college town in the country, be sure give yourself a little time to explore.

Twitter: @VinP27