By AMANDA SAOUD

Staff Intern

If you’re looking for a place to grab some drinks this weekend, but you’re tired of the usual favorites like TGI Fridays and Red Ox, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that, although the Rochester-Auburn Hills area may not appear to be a traditional college town, there are a fresh hot spots all within minutes of Oakland’s campus. 

Martinis 

One of the newest additions to the downtown Rochester scene is The Fuse Lounge and Bar. 

This trendy restaurant is known for its extensive selection of uniquely flavored martinis and also offers late-night dining options, featuring a creative menu of small plates, appetizers and an impressive wine list. 

Fuse features one of the area’s only cigar lounges, providing a place to relax late into the evening. The second floor loft dining room provides an excellent view of the city as well as a more secluded dining atmosphere. 

The bar often features live music on the weekends. Both the dining room and cigar lounge and can be booked for private parties. 

Beer 

Downtown Rochester Main Street is home to Gus O’Connor’s, which boasts the reputation of being one of the largest authentic Irish pubs in North America. 

The restaurant features a large menu of Irish and American food and lively setting for an evening out. 

Live music entertains the rowdy crowd on the weekends, and happy hour drink specials — like half-off draft beers and well drinks — keep the bar busy throughout the week. 

Their biggest claim to fame though, is their St. Patrick’s Day party. The festivities begin at 7 a.m. on March 17 and feature green beer, buffet-style dining and live music throughout the day. 

Margaritas 

If you’re looking to head south of the border for the night, look no 

further than Taco Loco, on Crooks Road, just south of Hamlin. 

Voted the number one Mexican restaurant by the Detroit News in 2005 and 2006, this restaurant transports you to a lively waterfront village with its floor to ceiling murals and roaming mariachi band. 

The flavorful menu is improved during the nightly happy hour, which features $2 margaritas.