Step into a world of magical bar food, celebrated ales, frothy cocktails and shimmering dance floors. A nightlife walkabout can offer the most frazzled student a relaxing trek spanning some of the best local bars, pubs and eateries, but each reader’s trek is different – rather than provide a simple guide, YOU will choose your own nightlife adventure as you leave campus on a sunny Friday afternoon. Your friend meets you at 4 p.m. in front of the University Bookstore.
“Let’s get a beer,” your friend says. “Where should we go?”
“I don’t know,” you reply.
“What’s your major again?” your friend asks.
If you are a business student, a member of the greek community or on a sports team GO TO OPTION 2.
If you are a psychology student, a philosophy major or are celebrating a birthday GO TO OPTION 3.
If you are a graduate student, a journalism major or plan to pursue any semi-artistic career GO TO OPTION 1.
1. Start your trek at New Max’s Tavern, 550 E. 13th Ave.:
This old-fashioned pub has the best atmosphere in town and is one of the few bars quiet enough to hold a conversation. With free popcorn or peanuts, great music and large booths, Max’s is a classic beer-only bar with a personable staff.
2. Get a pitcher at Taylor’s Bar and Grille, 894 E. 13th Ave.:
On most nights Taylor’s is the quintessential college bar. This recently expanded campus hangout has a prominent patio for people-watching (or being watched) and offers pool tables, dancing, karaoke and some of the best shots in town.
3. Mosey over to Rennie’s Landing, 1214 Kincaid St.:
The campus bar with good looks and personality, Rennie’s combines the best of all bars with plentiful outdoor seating, excellent food and master mixologists on two floors. The bar has just about every amenity a student could want.
Continue your adventure here
After two hours in one spot you’re both ready to move on.
“Let’s walk some more; I know some cool places,” says your friend. “What do you feel like doing?”
If you have a desire to lounge at a club GO TO OPTION 3.
If you want to grab a bite and a brew GO TO OPTION 2.
If you feel like you want to keep the night low-key GO TO OPTION 1.
1. Sink downstairs to Fathoms, 790 E 14th Ave.:
The hidden jewel of campus, with the perk of being situated below Pegasus Pizza, Fathoms is small enough to feel like a private club and serves a full array of excellent cocktails and microbrews. Look for specials, and if you get lucky the bartender may bring down some slices when the pizzeria closes.
2. Jaunt down 13th Avenue and hang a right to the McMenamins High Street Brewery and Cafe, 1243 High St.:
The intimate restaurant has daily specials on gourmet pub food and delicious McMenamins beer and has a back porch perfect for springtime celebrations. Try the cajunized tater tots and don’t miss out on the psychedelic rock posters.
3. Slap on some hip duds and slide into Indigo District, 1290 Oak St.:
The closest emulation of a campus club scene happens at Indigo. The bar has dancing on weekends and plentiful seating in dark corners with a vibe that evokes an Asian garden. The kitchen also makes a mean, and massive, plate of nachos.
Continue your adventure here
You’ve both decided that it’s time to head downtown and turn this party up to 11, but all the options, or maybe just the beer, have got your head spinning.
If you feel like you need to shed some unnecessary clothing and dance GO TO OPTION 1.
If you want to ditch the college set GO TO OPTION 2.
If you’ve got to join the school of rock GO TO OPTION 3.
1. Saddle up to Rock ‘N Rodeo, 44 E. 7th Ave., or shake it go-go boots at Club Snafu, 55 W. Broadway St.:
Rock ‘N Rodeo is notorious for its dance floor, but this western-themed joint is also one of the best places to show off a fake tan in the dead of winter at the infamous Ladies’ Night on Thursdays. The new postage-stamp-sized club Snafu has already gained a reputation as an anything-goes swinging spot and the little dance party that could.
2. Show off your cultured taste at Cafe Soriah, 384 W. 13th Ave., or make a scene at Jameson’s, 115 W Broadway Ave.:
Be sure to sip something sweet at this swank spot, because Soriah uses ultra-fresh fruit juice that makes this restaurant bar home to the most refined and satisfying cocktails in town. The warm, intelligent conversation in this intimate space brings forth provides a luxury found only off-campus. Jameson’s, the new lounge in the Broadway bar triangle, plays host to plenty of college students but the chic decor and atmosphere make it seem a world away from Eugene. Stop in if you want the outside world to vanish behind the bar’s thick, dark curtains.
3. Sweat it on the dancefloor at John Henry’s, 77 W. Broadway Ave., or shoot some pool and rock it at Luckey’s, 933 Olive St.:
John Henry’s is the long-standing king of the clubs in town, and when it’s not dishing up the hottest (sometimes literally) ’80s night this side of the Rockies it’s hosting local music, national acts, talented DJs and sexy burlesque. Luckey’s, an old cigar club, balances pool hall aesthetics with acoustic delight and more often than not has live music and inexpensive beer. It doesn’t get much more rock and roll than a pint of Pabst Blue Ribbon, a pool game and punk rock.
Your adventure ends here
After stumbling outside you realize the bars are closing. Your mission is complete – you have seen the best the town could offer.