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Campus Life

Cheers to Tufts’ Pop-Up Pub

The events offer community members a space to gather and socialize

A series of Pop-Up Pub events at Hotung Café kicked off on Thursday evening, November 7. A combined effort of the TCU Senate and Tufts Dining, the events, officially titled “Pop-Up Pub: Tufts Campus Pub & Social Spot,” are designed to foster a sense of community, giving students, faculty, and staff a place to gather while enjoying beverages and a bite to eat.

The Pop-Up Pub events are open to students of all ages and to faculty and staff; a valid Tufts ID is required to enter the Pop-Up Pub. Alcohol is only served to those with a government-issued ID to prove that they are at least 21 years of age. 

The pub offers a cash bar with local craft beers, ciders, hard seltzer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Also on offer: Pub food options such as soft pretzels, nachos, wings, tacos, and other small bites.

“Part of the vision is to have a place for our community to just take a break together,” said Patti Klos, senior director of dining services. “Maybe you'll just pop in for a few minutes or maybe you'll be there for a couple of hours with your friends relaxing or getting into a deep conversation.” 

The Pop-Up Pub has the support of the deans of the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering, the dean of students and chief student life officer for Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, and President Sunil Kumar. In offering these events, the aim, according to Klos, is to respond to a desire by members of the Tufts community for a pub that operates on campus since the closing of MacPhie Pub in 1994. 

“The pub will serve as a welcoming social hub where students, faculty, and staff can come together in a relaxed setting,” said Arianna Shalhoub, A27. “I think it will open up so many opportunities for engagement and make campus life even more vibrant.”

    A bucket of Blue Moon and Corona beers in the foreground with a Tufts Dining employee preparing a drink at the bar for an attendee of the Pop-Up Pub event on Thursday, November 7 in the background.
    Some of the beer offerings available at the bar at the Pop-Up Pub. The screens behind the bar displayed a slideshow of photos of MacPhie Pub when it was open on campus years ago. Photo: Anna Miller
    Three Tufts students talking to one another while sitting at a table with food and drinks at the Pop-Up Pub event on Friday, November 7.
    Three students chat while eating and drinking at the Pop-Up Pub. “Tufts having a pub will allow us to connect with each other in a space not just meant for drinking, but also to socialize and serve as a safe space,” said Ryan Fairfield, A25. Photo: Anna Miller
    Two Tufts students serving themselves food at the Pop-Up Pub event on Thursday, November 7.
    Two students filling their plates with food at the Pop-Up Pub. The selection of food included Fattoush salad, falafel, and hummus and pita bread. Photo: Anna Miller
    Attendees at the Pop-Up Pub event on November 7 sitting at tables and socializing or walking to the bar.
    “The pub will surely be a focal point for gathering, socializing, and celebrating events,” said Arianna Shalhoub, A27. “The pub could create a unique atmosphere where everyone feels more connected to campus life, bridging different groups and fostering school spirit.” Photo: Anna Miller

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While the pub is currently operating in a pop-up format, Klos is hopeful that, as interest and awareness grow, opportunities will expand. “We’ll try to gauge interest and flow of people in through the space over these next few weeks,” said Klos.

A key takeaway: Everyone in the Tufts community is welcome. “Whether you’re looking to meet with friends or have an informal chat with one of your faculty members, or if you’re looking for a convenient spot that’s outside the classroom or office setting, the Pop-Up Pub might be just the place for you,” says Klos.

The Pop-Up Pub events will be held on 10 additional dates: November 14 and 21; December 5; February 20 and 27; March 6 and 27; and April 3, 10, and 24. The events will run from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hotung Café. More information is available on the Tufts Dining website.

This article was updated on March 12, 2025, to reflect changes in pub operations.

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