If you live around UB or MICA, you may not think there are too many cool bars to hit up on weekends. Wrong-o, friends. Don't waste valuable drinking hours (read: creative inspiration) inside Victorian dorms getting all pasty. Instead, scour the local bar scene where you'll uncover everything from posh joints like XS to more Bohemian hangs like Club Chuck. Those places and a few others are sure to provide artistic stimulation by the glass full.
Club Charles
Club Charles is known for its eclectic and hip atmosphere (see the murals created by local artists). Where else are you going to find Circus Saturday, which consists of trapeze artists and other performers doing their tricks every second Saturday of the month? The bar has a slammin' jukebox and good martinis, to boot.
This nightclub is a great spot to get down to some '80s music and forget about all of the class work you have to do. You can't beat $1 drafts and rail drinks Wednesdays through Saturdays, either. Really, who needs any of the other bars on this list if you have cheap drinks like that? If you feel like an outcast on campus, try the Depot. This is one eclectic crowd; if you don't fit in here, you should just give up.
The best things about this place are the prices and the burgers. With a pretty low-key, cozy atmosphere, you can drink yourself into oblivion. Did we mention there are 15 beers on tap?
We recommend skipping the restaurant area and heading straight down to the subterranean lounge at this place. Walking down the stairs into this dark, funky spot may get you excited or may give you some ideas for that art piece you're working on.
Pizza and a full bar? Weird. In reality, this college joint suffers an identity crisis. The pizza is great, if you're drunk. Which you probably will be, considering Joe's abundant alcoholic offerings. There's usually a good DJ here on weekends, and the food--especially the risotto--has been said to be an exemplary work of art in its own right. This place will certainly catch your eye with its colorful, jazz-inspired paintings that decorate North Avenue, which attempt to call you in for a taste of creativity.
This place is a mix between a gallery and a club, which makes it all the more intriguing. With a huge open space, there is enough room to breath, eat, drink and even check out some of the abstract artwork that may be on display. Plus, the selection of cool bands and local artists make it all worth while.
Mount Royal Tavern
This grungy, little neighborhood bar pulls in an artsy crowd. This isn't the cleanest joint, but you probably won't notice if you've had a few. It's not all bad, though, the rail drinks and draft beer are extremely cheap, so if you're a broke college student, you'll still leave with some money in your pocket. However, you might want to skip the food.
XS
You should find some distractions on at least one of XS's levels. Hang out at the bar or chill on various couches upstairs or downstairs. There are tons of drink and food offerings, too. Sushi-lovers can drown those little fishies in sake and those jonesing for breakfast can satisfy the need, as well.
