Summertime gives students the opportunity to explore new places, eat at new restaurants, party at new bars and simply enjoy having the freedom to do so. Venues across the country are helping students get into the summer spirit with drink specials, festivals, art shows and more. Here are some of my favorite summer hot spots, hopefully near a college town near you!
Student Union, Madison, Wisconsin
You may think it is unusual to find nightlife in a student union, but think again. The Wisconsin Union is always thriving at night during any season, but particularly in the summer. At summer’s onset, Memorial Union puts out tables and chairs surrounding a stage that features live bands four nights a week. The union has over six bars and booths, serving typical Wisconsin fare, such as brats and cheese curds, as well as some home brewed micro beers- Spotted Cow, being a crowd favorite.
Castleberry Hill, Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s historic arts district is home to the 2nd Friday Art Stroll , conveniently enough, every second Friday during the summer months. Over 12 art galleries open their doors, offering appetizers, wine and art, to summer strollers. The restaurants partake in this outdoor extravaganza too. No Mas! Hacienda , for example, displays various works of Mexican art, allowing the crowd to browse while waiting for their dinner reservation.
Paladar, Las Angelos, California
This underground supper club was started- and is still run- by two USC students, as the rising trend of underground dining became apparent. The restaurantoffers two seating’s times, one at 7:00 and one at 9:00, each for around 30 people, by reservation only. The three course dinner changes regularly and for a price of only $15, college students are definitely getting a bang for their buck. Paladar offers summertime specialties and uses seasonal ingredients, such as fresh market strawberries and sweet white corn. The best part about the restaurant- its BYOB!
Lauriol Plaza, Washington, D.C.
For a true summer dining experience, go no further than our capital’s Lauriol Plaza. Enjoy fresh guacamole and mouthwatering margaritas at Lauriol Plaza’s rooftop or sidewalk patio, and have an authentic Mexican night out as you listen to Mariachi and relax in the summer heat. The bar is always crowded and both levels of indoor and outdoor seating are always full. So remember to get there early, though, as the restaurant does not take reservations!
Whether you live north or south, east or west, be sure to embrace your city in all that is has to offer for the summer season. Before you know it, August rolls around and it’s back to school! But don’t worry; fall will bring just as many nightlife opportunities as its summer counterpart.
