Member Center

Twitter logo

Follow us on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/activedayton
We're on Twitter. Follow us for ideas for things to do in and around Dayton and for sweet photos of Dayton's nightlife and entertainment (who knows, you may spot your friends or your enemies!).

Share

Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Furl
Google
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Y! MyWeb

Get our e-lert

Sign up for our bi-weekly things-to-do newsletter to help you plan your weekend and weeknights.

Local News

Courtesy of the Dayton Daily News

College nights: Find something for every student in Dayton

Contributing Writer

Monday, May 05, 2008

Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening with a glass of Pinot Grigio in your hand or a more adventurous night with friends and margaritas, the Dayton area provides college students with plenty of options on their "study nights."

Check out these college night best bets full of drink specials and price reductions. Whatever your poison may be, there is a cure:

Wallaby's

The basics: Formally known as the Gin Mil, Wallaby's is located a few miles from Wright State University, prime location for the Raider students who'd rather not walk to their destination. Suited with two bars and a large dance floor, the two-story establishment offers a little something for everyone. Thursday nights are designated as "college night." 21 year olds and up get in for half price. While the underage crowd is indeed welcome, expect to pay a little more.

Drink specials: $1.50 Miller Lite or Bud Light Bottles and $1.50 pitchers until midnight; $1.50 mixed drinks all night long.

Music: Top 40, remixes, hip-hop

Location: 2434 Esquire Drive, Dayton

Crowd: 18 and up

W.O. Wrights Pub and Grille

The basics: In the Wright State district, W.O. Wrights is one stop with a clientèle similar to Wallaby's. While Tuesday nights are deemed college night, W.O.'s usually has a big crowd regardless of night. Expect to find a mix of younger students and regulars at W.O.'s. With pool tables and darts, and a rather impressive bar, W.O.'s offers a nice mix of the dance style of Wallaby's and a more laid back establishment such as The Greene's Bar Louie. If you're not sure how you want to spend the evening, be it wild or a bit tame, WO's is a good place to help you make that decision.

Drink specials: $3 Cherry Bombs from 9 p.m. 'til midnight and $3 pitchers from 9 p.m. 'til 2 a.m.

Music: Karaoke, music box and hip-hop.

Location: 3979 Colonel Glenn Highway, Beavercreek

Crowd: 18 and up

Adobe Gila's

The basics: Originating in Daytona Beach Florida, Adobe Gila's offers a spring break environment with its beach theme, specialty margaritas and outdoor dining areas. Located at The Greene in Kettering, Adobe Gila's offers an experience unlike any other bar in the area. Tuesday nights are prime college nights with half-price fish bowls and 50 cent drafts. With a bit of a small location, expect to stand if you come a bit late, and don't be surprised if the dance floor is a bit crowded. If you get there early, however, and manage to secure a seat, expect to have a fun-filled night.

Drink specials: Half -price fish bowls and 50 cent drafts.

Music: Different DJ on different nights, usually Top 40 and hip hop.

Location: The Greene, 78 Plum St., Beavercreek

Crowd: 21 and up

Kings Table

The basics: If beer is your thing, Kings Table is the place to check out. With a beer selection vastly superior to most locations in the area, Kings Table offers a beer of the month campaign that brings in different brews throughout the year that you usually can't find on tap at most locations. Entertainment includes darts, skeeball and pool tables. Monday nights are college nights, and if you choose to go, come with an empty stomach so you have plenty of room for the famous tater tots that seem to bring customers back on a regular basis.

Drink specials: Every beer listed at $2 and specialty shots.

Music: Rock, hip hop.

Location: 2348 Grange Hall Road, Dayton

Crowd: 21 and up after 10 p.m.

Dublin Pub

The basics: For something a bit different than your typical college bar environment, downtown Dayton offers Peoples Choice award winner, Dublin Pub. Known for its Irish Whiskey and pints of Guinness, the Pub offers a perfect setting for a tall cold one and a meal after a long day of class. With a large selection of sandwiches and appetizers, the Dublin Pub is not your ordinary hole-in-the-wall that college students tend to frequent. Known for the welcoming environment, The Dublin Pub might not be the best selection for blowing off steam after finals week, however, it may just be the place for that much needed study break.

Drink specials: Wednesdays feature 6 oz martinis and cosmos for $3

Music: Live cover bands and traditional Irish music

Location: 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Crowd: 21 and up

Hammerjax

The basics: Hammerjax offers the perfect college night hot spot with its largely advertised Wednesday night specials. Hammerjax features three bars, a large dance floor and plenty of areas to lounge around if need be. The upstairs atmosphere is more mature, with pool tables, a smaller bar, and an overall more laid-back environment. Recognized by many to be the essential place for college students to experience the perfect club atmosphere, Hammerjax is usually near capacity on Wednesday nights. For anyone looking for something a bit more crazy, Hammerjax is the place to be.

Drink specials: $1 PBRs (Pabst Blue Ribbon) and other various specials

Music: Live DJ's

Location: 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton

Crowd: 18 and up

Therapy Café

The basics: The atmosphere best suited for the individual seeking a more sophisticated drink, Therapy is known for its diverse and mature crowd. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing yet fulfilling evening. A small but trendy club that feels as if it were plucked from the interior of San Fransisco, Therapy fits nicely near the Oregon district. While Thursday night is officially labeled as karaoke night, it has adapted the feel of a college night for many around the area. With drink specials and free karaoke all night, the sleek and upscale establishment offers a laid-back decor.

Drink specials: A large selection of beers, wines, and mixed drinks.

Music: An eclectic mix of jazz, karaoke and rock, depending on the night.

Location: 452 E. Third St., Dayton

Crowd: A sophisticated and trendy crowd; 21 and up except for Thursdays.

Things to Do

Find Local Events

Go back to the totally awesome '80s this weekend [things to do]

80s fashionista

"Back to the '80s," an area premiere, opens Friday, Nov. 6, for three weekends in Kettering. The retro show is an account of 1989 high school senior class, as recalled by a man in his 30s. Unrequited love, popularity (and its opposite), a debate about CDs replacing cassette tapes, student elections, a stolen speech, new kids in school and an English teacher in a magazine centerfold are among the plot lines. There are 20 songs, including "Footloose," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "You Give Love a Bad Name." Like, totally awesome! » More

Search Events

Find Local Events

Find Showtimes

Find Movie Times

Restaurants

Find Restaurants

Food & More

Local Dining

Hidden gems [restaurant listings]

Hidden gem restaurants

The Miami Valley is blessed with plenty of hidden restaurant gems. These eateries are in out-of-the-way places or sometimes simply tucked into the back of your mind, but are definitely worth checking out. More »