Every Thursday night, a line snakes around the corner of Landmark Americana in Glassboro, signaling what many Rowan University students have come to see as a rite of passage: College Night. With drink deals, a dance floor packed by 11:00 p.m., and a crowd that seems to include half the senior class, Landmark has secured its spot as the go-to bar for Rowan students looking to unwind before the weekend. 

Chickie’s & Pete’s, just a few blocks away, also hosts College Night on Wednesdays, a day in which most Rowan students have classes, internships, and jobs the following morning. Many Rowan University students came to the conclusion that Chickie’s doesn’t draw the same energy. For many, the decision is less about brand loyalty and more about the vibe, convenience, and timing.

“I normally go out with my roommate or some of my friends,” said Ally Juergensen, 22, a senior human resource management major. She notes that a college night doesn’t affect where she or her friends choose since it ends up being Landmark. 

That same consistency seems to be a trend as Miryah Campbell, a 23-year-old medical laboratory science major, said her friend group used to go to Chickie’s but stopped in February. The shift wasn’t just about price, it was about the atmosphere and routine.

“It was always empty, so we just started going to Landmark every week. It’s sort of become a tradition for us now,” said Campbell. While preference is one of the factors that comes into play, another is timing. 

Chickie’s holds its College Night on Wednesdays, while Landmark is on Thursdays, something many students take into consideration when attending. 

“Chickie’s is on a Wednesday, and a lot of people have class Thursday,” said Juergensen. She added that Landmark’s timing feels more convenient because not many Rowan students have a Friday class. 

That distinction in scheduling seems to influence not just where students go, but also the type of crowd they encounter. Tabitha Mikita, 22, a senior elementary education major, says she’s noticed a clear difference in the vibe of the two venue options. 

“I feel like I see more young college students at Landmark. Chickie’s is more of an older crowd, with a mix of college students and other adults,” said Mikita. “The energy hits hardest on the dance floor.” 

That high-energy atmosphere is something Juergensen looks forward to each week. She described Landmark as a place that immediately sets the tone.

“When you walk into Landmark, the vibe is like ready to party and have a good time with your friends,” said Juergensen. 

Meanwhile, Campbell notes that Landmark feels more alive the moment you set foot on the property. 

“Everybody’s dancing, there’s a bar right there, and the music is loud,” said Campbell, who believes that the true party doesn’t start inside but rather the moment students file in line.

Another reason many students swear by Landmark is their “Beat the Clock” drink deals. Every Thursday, the 21-and-up event features hourly price increases, starting at $3 to $4 at 9:00 p.m. and gradually returning to regular prices by the end of the night.

The other perk students admire about College Night at Landmark is that people don’t have to pay a cover if they arrive when doors open at 9:00 p.m., if they show their Rowan student ID. There’s even an opportunity or two throughout the night to win a free t-shirt.

“They have good prices, good music, and a great crowd of people,” said Juergensen, who doesn’t miss a single Thursday night as she knows the day she turns the tassel on her graduation cap is creeping up.

That said, not everyone prefers Landmark. There’s a few students who prefer the laid back atmosphere of Chickie’s College Night like Lucas Regruto, 22, a senior radio, television, film major.

“I like that it’s never as packed, so it’s a lot easier to get drinks and socialize,” said Regruto. 

Giovanna Caruso, 24, a graduate student in criminal justice, had a different take than most Rowan students attending Landmark College Night. 

“Honestly, Chickie’s is a lot more fun. People are more friendly and engaging, and I love all the room for dancing,” said Caruso.

And for some, it’s just about the music.

“The music at Chickie’s is way better,” said Sofia Probst, 21, a junior psychology major. 

Still, whether students swear by Landmark’s Thursday night energy or prefer the laid-back feeling of Chickie’s on a Wednesday, both bars offer something different to Rowan’s social scene. 

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