Going to the movies this summer was like wandering through a never-ending desert. Every major release was a sequel or a remake. And yet, despite terrible titles and repetitive ideas, it’s been a successful summer for Hollywood — they made money, and lots of it. The Amherst bar scene, in a way, is much the same. As a senior facing an uncertain future, there’s nothing more fulfilling and distracting than immersing myself in a world where my expectations are sumptuously met.

Stackers, the new bar in downtown Amherst, served as the venue for the first Senior Bar Night on Wednesday. It occupies the spot formerly held by Delano’s, the front of the house of Pinocchio’s, purveyor of cheap, mediocre calzones. But who noticed the change? And really, who cares? Delano’s, Stackers, McMurphy’s — they all fill the same role in your college career. They are places that meet, but never surpass, your expectations. Cheap beer, sports on the flat screens, sticky floor, loud atmosphere and, most importantly, located right next to Antonio’s, perfect for your late night Avocado Quesadilla fix. Stackers and McMurphy’s are actually owned by the same person, Brian Stahl — a veritable monopoly in Amherst entertainment.

The best option downtown is probably Amherst Brewing Company. The Upstairs has five pool tables, darts, foosball and a varied selection of beers that includes their prize-winning brews. The Lewmeister Oktoberfest is my favorite, but it’s a seasonal beer, so you can only drink it in October. Downstairs ABC stays open ‘til 1 a.m., meaning you can get a hamburger to go with your beer. I find them unpleasantly big and dry, but some of my friends swear by their burgers.

Further down Route 116, almost to Hampshire, is The Moan and Dove. The M&D is a true beer lover’s bar. American beer has moved on from the watered-down Coors-types to an astounding array of artisanal, local, small batch brews, and you can find all the good ones at the Dove. Their menu is a giant double-sided sheet with careful explanations of the characteristics of each type of beer for the uninitiated. It can be expensive, especially because you’ll want to sample all the beers. Most of them cost around $5-7 but, for example, the Dogfish Head World Wide Stout (18 percent abv), described as “f-ing crazy,” has a f-ing crazy $12 tag. They have free peanuts, though. Extra bonus: You might run into your professors there.

The American Legion on Amity Street (behind Amherst Cinema) also has a bar, but I’ve never visited. Look for the Budweiser sign on their window. For the classy types, Amherst Coffee has a small wine and spirits selection after 5 p.m. every day. Sometimes, however, the best and cheapest drinking experiences at Amherst start at Liquors 44 and end with you and your friends reminiscing on Memorial Hill at dawn.