The Auburn

For what some would call a "dive" bar, this place isn't too shabby. Honestly, the friday night Fish Fry is out of this world, and the meatballs are amazing. Drinks are fairly priced. Decent pub food. It's not really my type of place after 9 p.m., but that's just me - the Auburn tends to have a lot of regulars and faithfuls both during the daylight hours and beyond.  

Don't write it off as being a "dive" just yet - the food is actually pretty darn good.

I really liked this bar. It's definitely a hole in the wall but has a great vibe with friendly people, a jukebox, darts and pool table. The prices on drinks here are also very reasonable. I spent about $9 for three mixed drinks the night I was here. I was also pleasantly surprised with the pretty clean bathrooms which is rare for a dive bar. My buddy used to frequent this place a lot when he lived in Utica. I came here for his wedding. He told me to get a 'Purple Water'. This is a cocktail that from what I can decipher has some alcoholic type grape kool-aid with water added. It was quite delicious, light and refreshing. Definitely didn't weigh you down like a beer or whiskey can sometimes. For sure a must try. I'd definitely hit this place up again if I ever ended up in Utica a second time. Doubtful I would, but just saying.