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American University - Nightlife - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Nightlife

B+
Where does this grade come from?View all Nightlife rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Nightlife Grades:

Quick Stats

Primary Areas with Nightlife
  • Adams Morgan
  • Dupont Circle
  • U Street
Student Favorites
  • 9:30 Club
  • Apex
  • Hawk and Dove
Other Places to Check Out
  • The Barking Dog
  • Black Cat
  • Bravo! Bravo!
  • Café Citron
  • The Dancing Crab
  • Eighteenth Street Lounge
  • ESPN Zone
  • Front Page
  • Grand Central
  • Guapo's Restaurant
  • Lotus
  • Madhatter
  • Malt Shop
  • Midtown
  • Murphy's
  • Nanny O’Briens
  • Old Glory
  • Prince Café
  • The Reserve
  • Shadow Room
  • Teaism
  • The Zoo Bar Café
Favorite Drinking Games
  • Beer pong
  • Card games (A$$hole)
  • Century club
  • Power hour
  • Quarters
Useful Resources for Nightlife www.washingtonpost.com/gog

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

D.C. nightlife is active and exciting enough to wear the most energetic students out. Students will never run out of places to explore when it comes to clubbing and bar hopping. The most interesting places require only a short Metro ride, though there are some spots in Tenleytown for AU students. Clubs will usually admit 18-year-olds, but there are a number of spots that are strictly 21-and-up. 

Welcome Week is probably the most fun for nightlife around campus. There are open fraternity parties every night, so take advantage. These parties are a lot of fun and great places to meet people or go with new friends. Later in the semester, a lot of parties become closed admission. Those who aren’t big on dancing and drinking can keep themselves amused, too. Movie theaters, comedy clubs, shows, and concerts abound, as do restaurants and coffeehouses. It is impossible to be bored in the vibrant city of D.C.

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American Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Nightlife at American University

AUEagle1776

'15

Political Science and Government

4.2
A-

East Coast Gem

As far as the nightlife goes at AU, there is always plenty to do. Being in the northwest corner of Washington DC, students have access to the city's many attractions, clubs, and bars. Though AU is a dry campus, there are plenty of Fraternities and Sororities off-campus for everyone's enjoyment. For those who don't feel like a hangover the next morning, "night monumenting" on the National Mall is also very popular.

Jan 06, 2012

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Nightlife at American University

jessanesbitt

'14

Anthropology and Archaeology

3.5
B

Not Bad

There's really no night life during the week, because everyone is busy studying. But during the weekend there are lots of parties, I think, in dorms or off campus in frat houses. There are plenty of underage clubs you can go to, but there is an even greater selection if you are over 21. Transportation is decent, because the metro runs pretty late.

Dec 24, 2011

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Nightlife at American University

porlapaz

'15

International Studies

3.8
B+

Nightlife at American University

There are usually frat parties and apartment parties at the Berks every weekend. Students go clubbing on K Street and other places pretty often too. There are usually deals for AU students to get in on the guest list to clubs. Frats are the most popular destination for freshmen because of the availability of alcohol. There are a couple places in Adams Morgan but Adams Morgan is better suited to 21+. Some students only take Sunday and Monday nights off from partying. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights are the most popular going out nights. There are bars and clubs which students go to which allow 18+ and some are 21+. In terms of non-partying night life there is a lot of alcohol-free things organized on campus and cool things to see off campus. Most people walk, take the AU shuttle, take the metro/public transportation, and take cabs if necessary. Frat brothers usually give rides to their parties for the first part of first semester.

Nov 03, 2011

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Page 1 of 9

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the off-campus bar and club scene on the following topics

What is the party scene like on campus?

What’s the best way to get to the popular nightlife spots?

Facts

Closing Time

2 a.m.

Cheapest Place to Get a Drink

Recessions Lounge

Organization Parties

Fraternity and sorority parties make up much of the scene for underclassmen, but they are not the iconic frat parties you'll see in the movies. AU organizations don’t have houses and may only have a floor in a residence hall. Parties are held off campus in private houses.

Club ListingsWhat's This?

Love

Music at Love includes international, hip-hop, and dance; dress is upscale, and the club features several levels, a diverse crowd, and often has theme nights throughout the week.

1350 Okie St. NE

Washington, D.C.

(202) 636-9030

www.lovetheclub.com

Fur

FUR has three rooms—the main room or "the arena," a martini lounge, a mafia room, and the mink lounge. Dress sophisticated and chic—there is a dress code.

33 Patterson St. NE

Washington, D.C.

(202) 842-3401

www.furnightclub.com

Bar ListingsWhat's This?

Madam’s Organ

One of Adams Morgan’s most popular bars, Madam’s has cheap drinks, food, pool tables, live music, and a hip, laid-back attitude.

2461 18 St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 667-5370

www.madamsorgan.com

The Improv

The Improv has stand-up comedy acts that attract big-name stars to perform—popular with college students and young people, with lots of good appetizers and a two-drink minimum.

1140 Connecticut Ave. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 296-7008

www.dcimprov.com

Marx Café

This spot attracts young hipsters with its Communist décor, reggae and Spanish rock music, and great tapas.

3203 Mount Pleasant St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 518-7600

www.marxcafemtp.com

Recessions Lounge

Recessions is a very cheap downtown bar in the basement of the Commerce Building—a great after-work spot. Features nightly drink specials and cheap food.

1823 L St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 296-6686

www.recessionsdc.com

Pure Lounge

1326 U St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 290-7058

www.pureloungedc.com

Apex

Located in Dupont Circle, Apex is a popular destination among AU students. Apex is the longest-running gay dance club in the district.

1415 22nd St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 296-0505

www.apex-dc.com

9:30 Club

The 9:30 Club is one of the best venues around to see some of the biggest up-and-coming artists perform.

815 V St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 265-0930

www.930.com

Asylum

Asylum features industrial/metal music, cheap beer, and great burgers and fries.

2471 18 St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 319-9353

www.asylumdc.com

Heaven and Hell

A popular college dance spot, Heaven has an ‘80s night and techno music, and Hell has a more low-key bar scene with theme drinks like the red-hot 666 shot.

2327 18 St. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 667-4355

www.clubheavenandhelldc.com

Hawk and Dove

Attracts Capitol Hill staffers and military types; H&D has six rooms, a dance floor, and late-night breakfast and food specials.

329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Washington, D.C.

(202) 543-3300

www.hawkanddoveonline.com

What to Do if You're Not 21What's This?

DC Improv

Many bars and clubs, especially in Dupont Circle, are 18-and-up, so even younger students can have a good time out in the city. DC Improv shows are open to those 18-and-up.

1140 Connecticut Ave. NW

Washington, D.C.

(202) 296-7008

www.dcimprov.com

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Major: Law & Society

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