Not so long ago I spent four and a half years as a college student, which would have been an even four if I hadn’t been cursed with considerably lacking mathematical skills. By the end of the time I spent as an undergrad, I somehow managed to master the art of finding the square root of any given number, and, along with that extremely useful skill, I picked up some tips to help me survive life in an institution of higher learning: you must get to the dining hall early on chicken patty day; never schedule an 8:15 a.m. class on Friday mornings; you can make a home-made bong using just a Poland Springs bottle, a pen, and a sock; the “freshman 15” is, unfortunately, not a myth. But above all these things, I learned that being privy to the nighttime hot spots is a must to achieve a thriving social life, which we all know is a vital part of college life.
The Valley is full of nighttime fun. Whether you are looking for an exotic beer selection, cheap chicken wings to munch on while you watch the game, or a place to exhibit your stellar singing skills, the Valley’s got something for you. So when your wrists acquire carpal tunnel syndrome after you’ve typed the 38th page of your thesis, consider trying out one, or all, of these spots.
Worthington Street in Springfield is a guaranteed party scene any night of the week. So break out your bottle of hair gel or strap on a pair of stilettosand get moving.
One of the coolest scenes on Worthington Street is Fat Cat’s (413-734-0554). Here you can find live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, featuring bands from all over New England. If you’re heading out during the week, Fat Cat’s features a college night on Tuesdays with dollar drafts. Appealing, right? If you’re out and about on hump day, Wednesday night is electric open mic night. There is also an outdoor patio with a mini bar for those indulging in smoky treats.
The Alumni Club (413-736-5455) features karaoke and a DJ, Thursday through Sunday nights. Wednesday nights have grown popular thanks to the band Fading Still taking the main stage every week. The band plays mostly covers, ranging from U2 to Modest Mouse, and mixes it up with some of their original songs for their loyal following. Alumni is also home of the $3.75 “BAM,” a 32-ounce draft.
If you’re looking for a mellow scene, Theodores’ (413-736-6000) might be for you. Theodores’, a 22-year-old blues club, received a “Keeping the Blues Alive” award from The Blues Foundation in 2004. The bar provides live blues on Friday and Saturday nights, and serves up stellar barbecue seven days a week. Theodores’ also offers 10-cent chicken wings during Monday Night Football to keep sports fans full.
For the country-rock vibe, check out the Salty Dog Saloon (413-205-2931). This bar features a mechanical bull, and on your birthday they spank you with a wooden paddle for the number of years you have been alive. Keep in mind, if you are heading to the Salty Dog, the doors open at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights only, and make sure you arrive early to avoid long lines.
In the Amherst area, McMurphy’s Uptown Tavern (413-253-0170) is the ultimate college scene. This bar has six-dollar pitchers during the school year and features three-dollar “drunken leprechaun” shots, a mysterious mix of booze and juice that makes you silly. However, if you’re looking for wine, you’re out of luck at McMurphy’s. Wednesday night tends to be the busiest night of the week and features the Guitar Dudes, a duo covering the classics for the masses. McMurphy’s is the perfect place to shoot some pool and down a pitcher in the afternoon, then go home, shower, and come back to at night to party like a rock star.
If you’re in the mood for less beer chugging and more beer enjoying, Amherst Brewing Company (413-253-4400), just across the street, might be more up your alley. ABC brews a wide selection of their own beer: North Pleasant Pale Ale, Massatucky Brown and Two Sisters Imperial Stout, to name a few. The Amherst Jazz Orchestra plays big band jazz tunes from 8:30 to 11 p.m. every first and third Monday of the month.
If you’re looking for an alternative to downtown Amherst, The Moan and Dove (413-256-1710) is a great spot, especially for beer lovers. The Moan and Dove prides itself on its beer selection from all over the world. You won’t find Bud Light here. The walls are adorned with striking art, and the dim lighting accents each piece. This bar is quiet and cozy, but maintains a super-trendy feel. Keep your eyes open for a three-dollar draft week in the fall.
If you are in the Northampton area, you have lots of great spots to choose from. If you like The Moan and Dove, you’re sure to love The Dirty Truth ( 413-585-5999). Connected ownership gives these two bars a similar hipster feel. This bar is a beer lover’s heaven with 40 exotic beers on tap.
Packard’s (413-584-5957) offers both a bar scene and a laid-back dining area in the back, serving a full menu Monday through Wednesday until midnight, and Thursday through Sunday until 1 a.m., making it the perfect place to grab some food and drinks late night. Special nights at Packard’s include Tuesday, when patrons can show what they know during trivia and Thursday, promotions night, where all sorts of goodies are up for grabs.
Any night of the week you’ll find something going on at The Elevens (413-586-9155). Tuesday nights The Elevens features Karaoke Alive, karaoke with a live band. Wednesday night is I-Ganic Sound System (Dub-wise Reggae DJs), and Thursday night is Fluid (Drum ‘n’ Bass DJs). Every other night of the week, The Elevens features live bands and DJs. If you need a break from all that dancing there are two pool tables and lots of intimate booth settings for conversation.
You can also carry your drink through to the adjoining bar Tully O’Reilly’s (413-584-4100). Tully’s has live bands on Friday and Saturday nights from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and then a DJ takes over until 2 a.m. Here you can find one-dollar Jell-O shots, and two-dollar Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts. Tully O’Reilly’s also offers food specials from 5-9 p.m. On Monday night the folks at Tully’s serve a three-dollar burger and fries, and Tuesday night, three-dollar turkey club and fries. So if you’re low on cash, head over on a Monday night and have yourself a burger, Jell-O for desert, and wash it down with a PBR, all for six dollars.
Ye Ol’ Watering Hole (413-585-0990) is a great place to catch up with friends. This bar offers pool tables, darts, and most importantly, a beer can museum. The Watering Hole has an old-school jukebox, so, with a couple of dollars, you and your friends can set the tone. Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand: the Hole is a cash-only bar that offers a decent selection of beer on tap, including Peak Organic beer. Order up a screwdriver, or a gin and grapefruit, and they freshly squeeze the juice right into the cup of booze. As if the beer can museum wasn’t cool enough.
For all the Westfield State Owls whot don’t already know the drill, downtown Westfield is the spot. Finn MacCool’s (413-562-0306) is the place to go if you’re looking for music. It features live bands on the weekends. The joint also has pool tables, a digital jukebox and the sweetest arcade game ever: Buck Hunter.
Tommy D’s is famous for its Tuesday night karaoke and the cheapest pitchers around: four dollars a pop. Up the street, Whip City Brew (564-0149) is a spacious bar with pool tables, a dance floor, a jukebox and an airy outdoor seating area. Tuesday through Saturday a DJ spins, and Wednesday night the DJ is paired up with karaoke.So wherever you are in the Valley, there’s a place for you. Whether you want to sing, dance, eat, drink, watch the game, play a game, catch up with friends, or meet some new friends, you are sure to find your niche this fall.
