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University of Kentucky - Nightlife - Nightlife - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Nightlife

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

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Quick Stats

Primary Areas with Nightlife
  • Around campus
  • Downtown
Student Favorites
  • Cheapside Bar and Grill
  • Kitty O’Shea’s
  • Two Keys Tavern
Other Places to Check Out
  • Austin City Saloon
  • Buster’s
  • The Dame
Favorite Drinking Games
  • Beer pong
  • Categories
  • Flip cup
  • Power Hour
  • Quarters

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

If you are an underage student at Kentucky, prepare to get funny looks from bouncers at bars when they eye your fake ID like a UK professor eyes a plagiarized term paper. There will be plenty of house parties around campus to go to, but be prepared for anything. Most students go to apartments first and hit the house parties around 10 or 11 p.m. Staying out until 2 or 3 a.m. isn’t unusual, unless the police show up to clear house. If you are of age, Lexington has a wide variety of clubs of various sizes and styles for everyone.

If all else fails, you can always drive to Cincinnati or Louisville to experience the bars and clubs in larger cities. Bar hours in Lexington have been extended from 1 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., so you will actually get the chance to stay out a bit longer than generations of Kentucky students before you.

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Kentucky Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Nightlife at University of Kentucky

samiam1305

Anthropology and Archaeology '12

3.8
B+

Mostly Bars

There really aren't any 'clubs' in Lex- everything is basically the bar scene. Also, there really isn't much for anyone under 21. 18+ stuff is only like once a week at the rare bar.

May 10, 2012

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Nightlife at University of Kentucky

ATMS

Psychology '13

3.8
B+

Going Out at Kentucky Is Pretty Cool

If you're from a big city you'll likely be disappointed because things shut down at 2:30am. Other than that, it's pretty cool. Two Keys Tavern is a popular place and the closest bar to campus, they play a variety of music and have good drink prices. There's three hookah lounges within a few miles of campus as well as several other small bars. Not really near campus but not too far is Trust, an extremely upscale night club (very fun) and Forte (formally Blue Moon) which is great for dancing. Saddle Ridge is pretty close and pulls a more country/rock crowd but on Saturday night the crowd and music is more diverse. Night life in terms of partying for those under 21 is does not exist! Your options if your not 21 is going out to eat, the movies, you can hang out downtown outside the clubs but I'm not sure that's too much fun. If you live on or near campus and you're going to any nightclub downtown cabs are fairly easy to get and won't cost much because of the close proximity.

Apr 20, 2012

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Nightlife at University of Kentucky

adba228

Finance '15

4.2
A-

Parties and Bars

house parties are sweet, but only if your in a fraternity for guys

Apr 04, 2012

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Page 1 of 12
User rating for University of Kentucky - Nightlife is 3.5 out of 5 based on 36 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

Closing Time

2:30 a.m.

Cheapest Place to Get a Drink

Any bar that’s having a specials night, they vary constantly

Did You Know? A ban on smoking has been placed on bars in Lexington, but the city extended bar hours until 2:30 a.m.

Bar ListingsWhat's This?

Redmons’

This bar is smaller and more downtown than near campus, but definitely worth it if you’re not looking for an overcrowded night out. Watch for live music performances from the owner, Larry Redmon.

269 W. Main St.

(859) 252-5802

Rosebud Bar and Scarlet Lounge

Rosebud Bar and Scarlet Lounge are actually two bars that operate adjacent to one another. Rosebud is usually filled with college students on the weekends, while Scarlet Lounge is a little swankier and tends to cater to a more yuppie crowd (as well as the occasional celebrity). They’re both stylish places, though, and the walls are covered with interesting artwork. Cover is usually $5 at the door.

121 N. Mill St.

(859) 254-1907

Two Keys Tavern

One of the most popular places for UK students, as it has a mix of dancing and just drinking. The cost is average, and there are pool tables and a dance floor, as well as an outside drinking area. There’s a bar outside and one inside. The tavern also opens up for a comedy night once a week. Two Keys is nearly a guarantee for a good time. Make sure to get there early as it gets crowded the later it gets.

333 S. Limestone

859-254-5000

McCarthy’s Irish Bar

This popular Irish bar has an atmosphere as laid-back and Irish as Dublin itself. It’s owned by an Irishman, employees have the accent . . . overall, the bar has an authentic and eclectic feel. Make sure to get to McCarthy’s for a quieter, cozy, Guinness-filled scene.

117 S. Upper St.

(859) 258-2181

Banana Joe’s

Every night, after the drinks stop flowing, this dance party opens up to everyone ages 18 and up.

509 W. Main St.

(859) 255-8863

Cheapside Bar and Grill

Cheapside features live music almost every night of the week, as well as affordable eats. Almost every night of the week, Cheapside’s has a drink special. Check their Web site for updates and upcoming events!

131 Cheapside

(859) 254-0046

www.cheapsidebarandgrill.com

Kitty O’Shea’s

This little bit o’Ireland features live Irish music every Tuesday night.

381 S. Limestone

(859) 255-3078

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

House parties, campus activities, bowling, movies. Banana Joe’s is 18 and up after-hours when the alcohol is no longer served. In Richmond, there are bars and clubs where students only have to be 18 to party.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Rachel Schilling
Hometown
Cold Spring, KY
Major
English

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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