Like any college town, the right bar depends on who you ask and probably where they liked to drink in college because of the emotional connection.

Hokie House is right off main street just north of downtown, directly across from the main campus entrance. It is a standard and pretty neutral bar, so if I had to only name one bar in town that would probably be it.

Otherwise Top of the Stairs is popular and usually packed (everywhere will be packed the night before a game) and has a large deck if the weather is nice. Champs is the most popular sports bar and although small, it has a wall of TV’s, pool tables, dart boards, etc and often live music in the back. The Underground is more of a local place than a college hangout but has plenty of dartboards and a good beer selection. The Cellar is a decent choice if you’re looking for something lower key.

All of that said, I would recommend starting at Hokie house and if the atmosphere doesn’t fit what you’re looking for head down main street and back up Draper and just go in whatever bar seems to have the most action. Things pick up fairly late like other college towns so you might not find alot going on in the early evening.

Enjoy the game and your visit to Blacksburg!