If you're planning on visiting Sharkie's for a few drinks, you might want to leave those thigh-high black leather boots at home.

Sharkie's, 110 Sowers St., may be located in the stereotypical college town, but it's not the stereotypical college bar.

There's no dance floor. There aren't any waitresses in ridiculous tight pants. And there aren't any people wearing Abercrombie. Actually, there might be one or two, but they probably aren't regulars.

You can order a mixed drink if you'd like, but you'd look more natural drinking one of the domestic beers on draft. Non-beer drinkers can get away with ordering Sharkie's signature chocolate cake shot. The bartenders won't tell you the ingredients, but it involves sugar, lemon and really does taste like chocolate cake.

Sharkie's is a decidedly blue-collar bar, which is a relief to anyone who doesn't care for the trendy excesses of places like Players Nite Club, 112 W. College Ave., and Tony's Big Easy, McAllister Alley.

Sharkie's is cheap — far more affordable than most State College bars. Drinks are low-priced, and the collection of beers on tap — Budweiser, Coors Light, Labatt Blue, Michelob Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling Lager and Yuengling Porter — reflects Sharkie's working-class feel.

The selection of beers isn't as thorough as some other bars' offerings, but then again, Sharkie's patrons probably aren't looking for exotic imports.

Rather than pay a cover to see a mediocre band, you get in free and get to entertain yourself. There are four pool tables upstairs and two more in the basement, and there are dartboards all over the walls.

If you aren't up for gaming, that's OK too. Sharkie's is a place where you and your friends can take a seat and actually hear each other over the jukebox. The music that patrons play is generally bluesy rock 'n' roll. This is a good thing — usually. You won't hear any cutesy pop, but you might have to deal with Kid Rock.

If your friends are busy, go ahead and invite your dad. He won't stick out in the predominantly older crowd. And you won't have to worry about finding a seat.

Even on weekends, Sharkie's is rarely packed. And if its more-popular upstairs is crowded, you can always visit Sharkie's basement, the Sowers Street Pub, which actually has more character than the first floor.

The downstairs, with its naked pipes, drafty feel and limited lighting, doesn't try to disguise itself as anything other than a basement. And with a second bar downstairs, you won't need to climb any unnecessary steps.

Upstairs or down, Sharkie's serves Wing Zone wings and subs from CC Pepper's, and it offers a variety of other affordable appetizers, including hot dogs with chili for $1.25.

There's also the option of heading across the street to McDonald's, 422 E. College Ave., or La Bamba, 111 Sowers St., two late-night post-drinking favorites.

And once 2 a.m. rolls around, you don't necessarily have to stop drinking. Sharkie's offers an affordable bottle shop adjacent to the bar entrance.

If you're looking to show off your latest dance moves or impress your date, don't choose Sharkie's.

But if you're looking for an affordable, low-key evening, give it a try.