Franklin & Marshall College - Nightlife

Lancaster is kind of hurting for good clubs, so the Chameleon is about as good as it gets. Nightclubbing isn’t really F&M students’ style for a party. You have to pay a cover and for all your drinks, you have to rub elbows with sketchy townies, and you have to walk significantly longer in the dark, not-so-good parts of town than if you were going to the frats or a house party. But, if you’re really craving that beat, the Chameleon is where to go. They have a lot of really great live acts like Reel Big Fish, Less than Jake, the Pixies, Modest Mouse, and Weezer have been known to play there, as well as great local bands like School of Athens, the Mint, Ennui,and Lovedrug for no cover.

With a light-up dance floor and drink specials during the week, The Village has quickly become a hot spot for F&M upperclassmen. It claims to be Lancaster's largest dance club, and although it may not boast the class of a bash on the beaches of Miami, it provides a good time full of dancing and drinking.

A British-style pub, Quips has atmosphere hanging off every inch of its wood-panelled walls. A favorite among younger faculty, students frequently find themselves rubbing elbows with their history or philosophy professor.

A small bar downtown, this is the major local gay hotspot. The close-knit group of mostly men is remarkably friendly, and the ‘Ho’s karaoke Tuesdays must be heard to be believed.

Brendee’s is a student favorite, with darts in the hopping back room and relatively cheap drinks. Brendee’s is typically well-lit for a dive of its genre, but that only means that you can see the locals hitting on you all the more clearly. Brendee’s is the site of a number of senior class gatherings, as the pitcher specials are a marvel here.

Hildy's is a staple among Franklin and Marshall students. Only a few blocks from campus, this dive bar is hopping with a mix of students and locals. This place is a must for anyone who wants to have a good time, and some students claim to come here to drink with their professor's senior year.

In search of the perfect apple martini? Look no further. For drinking in style, pick the Belvedere. It’s not overloaded with students, but not entirely lacking; the Belvedere is the favorite hangout of the choosier student.

The Alley Kat is great for a loud bunch who just want watch the Phillies game all night and throw back a few drinks. It’s a bit of a walk, but it has a very friendly ambience that rewards the effort.

While the food at Annie Bailey's is delicious, the drinks here are even better. With a wide array of specialty cocktails and beer, this pub draws in quite a crowd starting Thursdays. They also have daily drink specials for students short on cash.

The Chameleon Club usually admits 18 and over, and the ID checks at frat parties are only for show. You can get in anywhere except the bars. And even then, some places let you in—but I’ll let you discover where—it’s more fun that way.