Kent State University
- Nightlife

Screwy Louie’s

Perhaps the raunchiest club in the greater Kent area, Screwy Louie’s is a Kent State tradition. Most people will tell you that you should go there at least once, if not just to gawk at the craziness that is Screwy’s. The aptly-named club features scantily-clad, underage girls dancing on each other or sexually-hungry older men, according to some patrons to the establishment.

Ray’s Place

When former Kent State student and actor Drew Carey comes to Kent, this is the bar he visits. It feels like a sports bar more than anything else, with TVs everywhere tuned into the game. The food isn’t too bad either; it’s the service that’s lacking. This is where most of the Kent State students who follow sports come to kick back a few and cheer for their favorite teams. For some of their larger events, it’s standing room only.

Water Street Tavern aka Glory Days

Glory Days is the frat bar of Kent. While the Greeks love it, the art crowd avoids it like a name brand. Typical dress includes anything with Greek letters, popped collars, pink shirts for guys, ripped designer jeans, and flip-flops or high heels. The highlight of the bar is the jukebox, playing anything from Weezer to Neil Diamond to Kanye West. It also has $5 pitchers.

Zephyr Pub

If you’re angst-ridden, artistic, or enjoy hanging out in a musky, smoke-filled bar, the Zephyr is for you. The music is achingly hip, the liquor is hard, and the tears are frequent. If you didn’t notice, Zephyr regulars don’t take themselves too seriously. Drink specials change monthly, but the featured beer is always $1. It also offers $5 pitchers.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings, more commonly known as B-Dubbs, is an excellent place to get good drinks and great food. Their outdoor patio is very spacious and relaxing, and it is a great place to hang out with friends.

The Loft

While The Loft used to be known for its gritty mix of townies and students, the cheap drinks have attracted the popped-collar crowd. Some nights, the overflow from Ray’s makes it nearly impossible to get in. Oh yeah, and there are $5 pitchers.

Mugs Brew Pub & Sports Grill

Mugs is a two-level bar with a decent-sized patio complete with a big-screen TV. There is always a random assortment of people there, and it’s usually packed. There are bars on both floors with a small dance floor and pool tables on the top level.

Fat Jimmy’s and Panini’s Bar and Grill

Fat Jimmy’s and Panini’s are located in the same building, with Fat Jimmy’s on the lower floor and Panini’s on the top. Fat Jimmy’s is a “club with a bar,” complete with cages and speakers blasting popular music. Panini’s, on the other hand, is a “bar with a club,” sans the edgy cages. The regulars at Panini’s and Fat Jimmy’s have been described as “kids 21 and under and the people who love them.” Monday–Thursday: Happy hour 5 p.m.–9 p.m. with 23 oz. domestic draft for only 99 cents. Friday–Saturday: Happy hour 4 p.m.–9 p.m. with half off all food and drinks.

The Electric Café Company (ECC)

The ECC is a newer, trendy club in Kent that hosts a lot of live music, including world, dance, house, trance, and hip-hop. This is one of the favorite spots for students under 21 who are looking to have a good time in an atmosphere that is conducive to all ages.

Club Khameleon

Club Khameleon is a mix of college pub, dance club, and music venue. The music ranges from anything from blues to ‘80s, depending on the night. They also book local bands, so you never really know what to expect. The lighting, mood, and music change as the theme changes. Wednesdays are $1 pitchers and karaoke night.