Collegiate Times

Ever wish it were always Happy Hour somewhere? At Big Al's, that wish can come true because it's almost always Happy Hour.

Big Al's is located on the corner of Jackson St. NW and N Main St. It's between BookHolders and Boudreaux's.

Starting July 3, the bar will revert back to its normal operating hours of 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

The bar runs a daily Happy Hour from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with some of the best deals in Blacksburg.

This excludes game days and holidays, so don't expect these deals this weekend for the Fourth of July.

Every day, Big Al's offers $2.50 pitchers of Natty Lite and $4.50 pitchers of Bud Lite.

On Sundays and Mondays, Bud Lite bottles are available for a buck. Miller Lite bottles are also available for a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

There are 18 different types including Magic Hat, Sierra Nevada and Starr Hill on tap. Otherwise, the standard bar beer and shots are available.

There are also liquor specials during Happy Hour. "Rail liquor is a dollar a shot, so you can get single drinks for a dollar and doubles for two dollars," said Joel Newberry, a manager at the bar.

The majority of the food at Big Al's is common and includes nachos, burgers and steaks.

A unique part of the menu is the seafood, mainly shrimp, appetizers available at the bar. There are also specialty foods offered daily.

"We lowered our food special prices a lot," Newberry said.

Coming soon to Big Al's is an all-you-can-eat spaghetti night. "We are about to initiate an all-you-can-eat spaghetti night on Sundays and Wednesdays," Newberry said.

Details regarding price and start date were unavailable, but look for it in the near future.

Unlike a lot of sports bars, this one is willing to cater more to an active college crowd. Big Al's converts a portion of the bar to a dance floor on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Those still looking for traditional sports bar activities will still find them here.

"We've got probably the best shuffleboard table in town," Newberry said.

There are several arcade games  as well as two pool tables. Televisions are spread throughout the seating area to watch sports.

The bar has the Major League Baseball package, so it's a good stop for baseball fans.

Big Al's is a great place to grab a cheap drink and relax for a game. With the daytime specials, an afternoon watching baseball can be an inexpensive and fun time.