Cornerstone is one of the best bars in downtown College Park, but only by comparison.
Cornerstone used to be one of the hardest bars to get into- you had to be 21, have a really good fake, know a bouncer, or be a hot girl with a group of hot friends (no dudes). Their strictness was part of the reason they were a great bar- keeping out the obnoxious 17 year olds and having a good crowd. That is part of the reason they still have a pretty good rep, even if they don't deserve it anymore.
Since Thirsty Turtle opened, they are a lot less strict on ID's. Hence, on weekend nights, you are lucky if you can even move. One Saturday night, it was so jam packed, it took me ten minutes to get from downstairs to the loft. Along the journey, I had at least 5 drinks splashed on me, was groped more times than I can count (intentional or unintentional... not sure), and lost several strands of hair that got caught on various people/objects. I hope there is never a fire here because people will be trampled to death. And you will be sober while being trampled (unless you pregamed hard enough) because getting to the bar is also impossible on nights like this.
Last call is an experience in its own right. Once they physically kick everyone out, people have two options: 1) last ditch pick someone up and get laid or 2) make one more bad decision and get pizza at Ratsies. Oh, the possibilities.
The bouncers are also an interesting bunch. I remember one time, cover was $5 I was two bucks short. I told him I would tip my bartender an extra $2 on my card to make up for the difference. The bouncer didn't care and told me to go to the ATM and take out money. Why on earth would I pay a $3 ATM fee (downtown CP needs a Wachovia, badly) to take out money to pay $2 cover when I am going to buy drinks inside? I was able to bum $2 off a friend, but still... I was blown away by the level of douchebaggery.
I must give Cornerstone some credit on their food- if you are going to eat at any of the bars, this is the place to go. Their beer battered french fries are amazing!
Big Ass Drafts are one of my favorite parts about cornerstone. They are a Sunday staple! You bring your cornerstone mug and get a cheap draft while watching whatever game is on. It's a fun way to spend a Sunday. Be sure to go early on "big game" Sundays, it gets packed!
The service is alright. Although I had a waitress one time who could not divide up a bill properly. Our group tried to explain to her for about 5 minutes straight and she could not comprehend it. (there was an issue with tipping on the cards) It reminded me of the Fishsticks episode of South Park- "Get it, man. Why won't you just get it??"
All in all, pay your cover, get cheap drinks, maybe felt up a little. Despite the issues with the place, when faced with the other bar choices, Cornerstone usually wins. read more