For some students, one of the biggest draws of Downtown Eugene is the abundance of bars and clubs. These establishments provide students 21 and older with something different every night of the week.
Pool sharks can show off their skills, or lack thereof, at one of the several tables in Rock ‘N Rodeo at 44 East Seventh Ave. As one might guess by its name, this bar comes complete with line dancing lessons, country music and restrooms labeled “Cowgirls” and “Cowboys.” For those not interested in the wild west, the interior of the bar is divided to include Koko Mo’s Island Grill and Bar, which boasts a tropical-themed interior and pop music.
Songbirds can try Karoake for $2 on Wednesday nights and Thursdays are Ladies’ Nights, — from 10 p.m. to midnight there is no cover, and women can get drinks for a penny.
Pool tables are also a mainstay a couple of blocks away on Olive Street at Luckey’s. Two doors down at the Horsehead is another popular location for pool and Pabst. Pool is free all day on Sundays and Mondays, and free until 10 p.m. the rest of the week.
Horsehead bartender J.R. Ogden described the bar’s setting as relaxed.
“The atmosphere is pretty laid back,” he said. “People come to socialize. After 10 it can get really crowded in here.”
At night, visitors can expect to find The Independent Film Channel playing on the televisions above the bar and the likes of Outkast’s “Stankonia” emanating from the speakers.
One thing that sets Horsehead apart from similar bars is its outdoor smoking area.
“We have a really nice smoking area,” Ogden said. “I think that’s a really big plus. We have seating out there and a heater in the winter.”
John Henry’s recently found a new home just around the corner from Horsehead. The establishment moved to its new location on West Broadway this winter and maintains its tradition of being just as much of an entertainment venue as it is a bar.
John Henry’s manager and co-owner Mark Martin said despite the new look of the bar, not much else is different.
“We run it the same as we always did,” he said. “But being downtown, we’re a lot more visible and we’re getting a lot more people in here.”
Martin said the bar tries to offer a wide range of events for all types of customers.
“It’s very eclectic,” he said. “We do a lot of different things down here, not just music.” Martin mentioned pudding wrestling and a “Carnival of Chaos,” which will include, among other things, shadow puppetry and Middle Eastern dancing as two possible upcoming events.
Besides serving as a venue for a variety of local bands, the bar is a popular destination during its 80’s Night on Thursdays, where students can let loose after a week of classes to music by the likes of Blondie and The Cars.
If the dark, no-frills environments of the Horsehead and John Henry’s don’t suit some, swanky Luna provides an alternative vibe. With its modern interior, the bar provides a chic setting for listening to live jazz acts.
Also known for its jazz performances is Jo Federigo’s Restaurant and Jazz Club.
Bartender John Davis said customers come for the music and the location’s basement club atmosphere, normally found in cities like San Francisco.
“We have live music seven nights a week,” Davis said. “There’s a lot of great music in town and we get our share of it. We also have great drink specials.”
Davis described the crowd at the club as a varied but intellectual group.
“From tree planters to attorneys to students,” Davis said. “A lot of bright people come in here. I’ve heard a lot of interesting conversations.”
Another downtown location for students to wet their whistle is the Sixth Street Grill. This small, clean sports bar has a $2.50 drink menu for Thirsty Thursdays.
Students can try the Downtown Lounge for dancing, which has an array of deejays and music acts most nights of the week. Those who are not quite 21 can get their groove on at The Annex.
Whether going out in search of someone to meet, to catch a friend’s band or to perfect dance moves, Downtown Eugene has a bar for any student’s taste.