If you’re of age and thirsty, New London can help!

Here are a few bars and taverns, each with a distinctive personality but frequently overlapping clientele, that are worth exploring.

The Oasis Pub (16 Bank St.) and the Social Bar + Kitchen (208 Bank St.) both specialize in vast beer selections. The Tox Brewing folks (635 Broad St.) make very, very competitive beers (with some of the finest packaging you’ll find). Hot Rod Café (114 Bank St.) attracts folks from across all demographics, and Dockside Resort Bar (32 Bank St.) is popular with the LGBTQ crowd.

The Dutch Tavern (23 Green St.) is the city’s oldest bar, serves cheap beer and once served Eugene O’Neill (if you don’t know who he is, stop by your English department and ask before heading to the bar). The Draft Choice (318 State St.) has Conn College faculty ties, a great beer garden, and a nice beer and food menu. The bars at Jasmine Thai (470 Bank St.) and Mambo’s (200 Bank St.) have their own clientele in addition to intermingling with their respective dining clientele.