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Iowa State University
- Nightlife

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Iowa State University - Nightlife - Nightlife - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Nightlife

A-
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 Campustown
Student Favorites
  • Mo-Jazz
  • Paddy’s Irish Pub
Other Places to Check Out
  • The Boheme Bistro
  • Coco’s Bar
  • Deano’s
  • Fox I
  • M-Shop (on campus)
  • Tradewinds Lounge
  • Whiskey River
Favorite Drinking Games
  • “Screw” the Dealer
  • Beer pong
  • Card games (A$$hole)
  • Power Hour
  • Quarters
Useful Resources for Nightlife
  • The Datebook, printed Thursdays in the Des Moines Register
  • www.amesbeat.com/ames/ames-all.htm
  • www.amesonline.com/html/entertainment/bars.html

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Nightlife doesn’t really come alive for ISU students until the magical day when they turn 21. Until then, Iowa State students just don’t have a lot to do, in terms of clubbing and bar-hopping, unless they go to Iowa City or Des Moines. But there are plenty of parties around, and the social scene is definitely alive. There are things to do if you are not 21, you just have to look a little harder for them.

For students who aren’t as comfortable with the bar scene, activities and concerts in the Memorial Union are available, and there are always movies to see at one of the movie theaters. The dorms clear out a lot on weekend nights, with students either going home or going to parties. So, if you don’t party, find others who don’t either, and get together and watch movies or play games. Otherwise, weekends can get really lonely. For most students, though, nightlife is just fine. Students who are 21 seem to be very satisfied with the nightlife in Ames. If you enjoy rowdy parties, Iowa State is right up your alley!

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Iowa State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Nightlife at Iowa State University

NgocN06

Business '15

3.8
B+

Nightlife at Iowa State University

It usually depends on the certain nights, but usually there are parties thrown by frats and other organizations. The clubs are pretty close to the campus so walking is not a problem on warm nights. There are also cyrides at night that help take you from a certain destination which is a great thing. There is also Veishea week where there are lots of parties thrown throughout the whole week and fun campus life activities

May 17, 2012

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Nightlife at Iowa State University

Jteague915

Computer Engineering '15

2.3
C

It's Decent

The nightlife is okay, there's a street called "Welch Ave" that is right by campus and where majority of the parties take place. There a lot of bars close to campus and there are two clubs that are 18+.

May 12, 2012

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Nightlife at Iowa State University

gnetay1

Construction Engineering '15

4.6
A

Amazing

there is a lot of activities to get involved it after school. like may plays, parties, and school sponsored clubs that people may go to and have lots of fun.

Mar 21, 2012

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Page 1 of 15
User rating for Iowa State University - Nightlife is 3.5 out of 5 based on 43 user reviews.

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

Club Crawler

A few of the bars in Ames feature dance floors and DJs, but there aren’t any that are strictly clubs. For clubs, students head to Des Moines to dance and drink at Coconut Joe’s, Drink, or other establishments.

Bar Prowler

A vast majority of the bars in Ames are located in Campustown, which is on Welch Avenue, or are on Main Street. You need to be 21 to get in a bar, and they are really strict about people with fake ID’s.

Closing Time

2 a.m.

Cheapest Place to Get a Drink

A lot of the places in Ames have awesome specials

Organization Parties

Many of the campus clubs and organizations sponsor parties and dances. You just need to poke around to find out which ones, because they are not usually very widely publicized. Since ISU is so large, most of the parties rely on word-of-mouth advertising.

Bar ListingsWhat's This?

People’s Bar & Grill

Located in the heart of Campustown, live music is a popular feature.

2430 Lincoln Way

(515) 292-4501

www.peoplesrocks.com

Sips

Located under Paddy’s, this is a popular Greek hangout. Prices are said to be a bit higher here, but they play dance music at this bar.

124 Welch Ave.

(515) 292-6887

Welch Avenue Station

Great food and fun. Prices are a little high, but there is never a cover charge.

207 Welch Ave.

(515) 292-2334

Paddy’s Irish Pub

On Tuesdays, Karaoke is king! Pool tables, darts, a jukebox, and free peanuts and popcorn make this a campus favorite.

124 Welch Ave.

(515) 296-1400

Chaser's

2402 Chamberlain

Mickey’s Irish Pub

This pub has specials from 10 p.m. until close and offers Tuesday night karaoke and a balcony.

109 Welch Ave.

(515) 292-7378

www.feedthemoose.com

Mo-Jazz

Mo-Jazz has great dance music, friendly staff, and good deals on beer.

2518 Lincoln Way

(515)268-9775

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

To be perfectly honest, there’s not a lot to do in Ames if you’re not 21. A vast majority of the bars in Ames are for people who are 21 or older, so if you’re looking for something to do and you’re underage, check out on-campus parties or Coconut Joe’s in Des Moines. Fines for underage drinking are more than $120. Also, if you are up for a two-hour drive, you can go to Iowa City and hang out in the bars there, which admit people 19 years and over. The Boheme Bistro is a great hangout, and the M-Shop in the Memorial Union can also be a source of entertainment, as it features live performances by local and international acts.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Staci Harper
Major
English/Rhetorical Studies/Speech minor

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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