Anthill Is a Picnic for Anteaters and Other Party Mammals

Where do Anteaters go to get a drink around here? To a traditional-style pub and grill with a good variety of imported beers and prices that even a student--say, a UCI student--can afford.

The Anthill Pub and Grill provides a lively atmosphere with such beers and ales on tap as Anchor Steam, Beck’s, Samuel Adams and Watneys. There is also Miller Genuine Draft, Budweiser and Bud Lite for beer drinkers with more mild tastes, and bottled varieties include Amstel Light, Anchor Liberty Ale, Bohemia, Heineken, Labatt’s Blue, Sapporo and Steinlager.

And for designated drivers and those who don’t want to be slowed down by alcohol, there are the nonalcoholic brews O’Douls and Sharps.

Making the beers and wines (no hard liquor is served here) taste even better are the reasonable prices. Domestic beers on tap are $1.75, imports $2.25 and bottled beers $2.75. Wines run $2.25 per glass for a Napa Ridge Chardonnay, $2 for a white Zinfandel and $2.50 for the Cabernet sauvignon.

Lunch and dinner menu prices are also reasonable: A sandwich, chips and beer will run you about $5. New this year are gyro sandwiches, stuffed pitas, and Louisiana Hot Sausage on a roll. Unlike most pubs, this one offers a variety of health foods, including stuffed pitas and large salads. For snacking there are good nachos and hummus with pita.

The pub is frequented mostly by students, but the atmosphere is casual enough to accommodate alumni and faculty members as well. However, being an Anteater is not a requirement for having a good time. Others are always welcomed.

The inside of the Anthill is conventionally outfitted in oak, along with the customary brass railing. The pub has plenty of tables and adequate space for those who desire a more quiet setting. For those who enjoy being outside, there is ample space on the patio, with a nice view of the busy campus.

Entertainment--which most nights is free, but can be subject to a cover charge for special appearances--includes frequent live performances ranging from classical to reggae. There is a well-stocked juke box and a new pool table. Monday Night Football can be seen on several large screens. Wednesdays offer Cultural Sound Stage, which features musicians as well as the occasional poetry recitation. Dance bands perform on Thursday evenings, and live jazz is featured on Fridays.

Anthill Pub and Grill, in the UC Irvine Student Center , 4200 Campus Drive , Irvine. Open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. till 11 p.m. throughout the school year . Closed weekends. (714) 971-9157.