Bar: Willies/Fieldhouse
Address: 1107 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
Score: 7.2/10
I started writing this review the night before the Missouri Tigers were expected to play a game in the NCAA tournament. After watching said game and the Tigers breaking all of our hearts, I had this ranking at a 0.0 because I was absolutely disgusted with all things Mizzou. Upon further reflection this weekend I realized it isn’t the bar’s fault, but my own for consistently jumping on the Mizzou hype train just to be let down. With that out of the way, we’ll be looking at Willies and Fieldhouse. Simply because I’m a lazy fuck I will just be using Willies in the rest of the article, but just know that is referring to both bars as they are connected.
I honestly don’t even know where to start with this bar. So many great memories were made here over my time at Mizzou. Probably spent more time here than what was healthy for my liver, but the memories will last forever.
Willies is exactly what you would expect from a college bar. Located in downtown Columbia makes it pretty much walkable no matter where you’re living. There are plenty of high top tables if you’re lucky enough to have someone in your group get there early to secure it for everyone else. Even if you are unable to get a table, there’s still plenty of standing room to partake in the night’s activities.
As a college bar let’s get to the part that actually matters: The atmosphere and drinks deals. Willies is definitely more on the lively end of bars. It is typically bigger and louder crowds. It’s not a bar you go to for a few drinks to try and hold any important conversations. It’s a bar made for fun, and being social. I understand that this may not be the scene you’re looking for, especially if you’re older and wanting that less wild atmosphere, but as an alumni, I look forward to going back any chance that I get. Hell, just a few weekends ago we were ripping Jager shots at 9am before a Mizzou basketball game (another upsetting loss). And with the party atmosphere, come great drink deals. Pretty much every night has a deal that any college kid can afford to have a great nice night out. $2 Tuesday, $3 Thursday, FAC (Friday After Class for all the uncultured), and progressive wells. In college, you look for pretty much any reason to drink, and all the deals make it that much easier.
All of the above reasons all contribute to Willies and Fieldhouse being such a recognizable bar among the Mizzou community. So much so that it consistently makes it through rounds of the Barstool Best Bar bracket done each year. If you’re ever in the party mood, and find yourself in Columbia, MO, Willies would be the spot for you.
Decor: Prime example of college bar decor. Mizzou memorabilia and alcohol signs and posters are lined in the building. What more do you expect to see out of a bar located in the heart of a college town.
Price: Daily deals that provide cheap drinks to get the people to flock in. Wishing more bars offered deals like this throughout the week.
Service: It’s a college bar with college kids working it. I’ll never speak ill on servers or bartenders unless they truly suck, but don’t come in expecting Michelin star restaurant service. Just be appreciative they’re working to serve you drinks.
Atmosphere: Much more lively and loud atmosphere than some of the other bars in Columbia. More of the party bar. Nothing wrong with this at all. Just depends if that’s the vibe you’re looking for that night.
Cleanliness: Clean bar. Sticky floors but would you expect anything less from a packed college bar.
Bonus Points: None.