Syracuse University
- Nightlife

The Country Club

One of the most celebrated night spots in upstate NY, the Country Club has a chic clientele, a packed dancefloor, plush Romanesque architecture, and DJs spinning mostly rock, pop, and house—though on Fridays, it becomes a massive Southern hoedown with country music and two-stepping all night long. Open to 18 and over.

Club 950

A local lesbian dance club featuring a funky atmosphere with eye-catching artwork, pop and dance music, weekly karaoke, drag king shows (that’s kings, not queens), and great food. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Lucy’s Retired Surfers

The So-Cal theme might feel a bit out of place in Syracuse, but this is still a fun bar where the DJs spin surf music as well as the typical top-40 fare, and the Corona flows like water. You can also get a spot in the VIP room for $5, as well.

Limerick Pub

This is a traditional Irish pub with good sandwiches, pool tables, and low-density crowds.

PJ Dorsey’s Pub & Grill

A fun bar with a good crowd and Irish music. It’s also connected to the acclaimed PJ Dorsey’s Steakhouse, so you can stop in there for some upscale dining before hitting the bar—don’t expect to eat cheaply, though.

Maggie’s Tavern

Maggie’s makes it a point to cater to the Greek crowd, and the walls are decorated with fraternity and sorority memorabilia. They host several Greek events, as well.

Faegan’s Café & Pub

In addition to it’s laid-back atmosphere and weekly live jazz and blues performances, Faegan’s boasts 32 different beers on tap, including domestics, imports, and microbrews. A popular favorite among beer lovers.

Chuck’s Café & Bar

As “Hungry Charlie’s,” this bar was once notorious for its loose underage drinking policies, but they closed down voluntarily and set up shop in the guise of an “espresso bar.” Don’t let that fool you, though; this is still a good bar with good music and drink specials—but expect to be carded.

Blue Tusk

This is a very classy beer-bar and a staple of the Syracuse bar scene. Blue Tusk features nearly 70 varieties of beer on tap from all over the world, all served in 20 ounce “imperial” pints. Expensive, yes, but worth the experience.

Darwin’s Restaurant & Bar

A good mix of American continental dining and bar/nightclub, Darwin’s has live blues performances, DJs on the weekends, a big screen TV, and a great view of SU campus, as well as great all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

Daniel Jack’s Entertainment Restaurant

Thursday night is Trivia Night, where a $50 bar tab prize. Also features a happy hour and musical entertainment.

There are many great coffee shops and venues in the SU area. Check out Happy Ending on South Clinton Street or the Westcott Community Center on Euclid Avenue to hear live music on the weekends. Also, on Friday nights until around 8 p.m., anyone over 18 can head to Chuck’s on Marshall Street and either eat or hang out with their 21-and-over friends.