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Comparable Schools'
Nightlife Grades:
Quick StatsUseful Resources for Nightlife
- www.sciway.net/tourism/columbars.html
Student Favorites
- Group Therapy
- Sharky’s at Five Points
- Village Idiot Pizza & Pub
Primary Areas with NightlifeLocal Specialties
- Local microbrews - Hunter Gatherer has its own microbrewery and produces some of the best beer in Columbia.
Other Places to Check Out
- Dr. Rocco’s
- Goatfeathers
- Good Times
- Hunter Gatherer
- Local's Bar
- Parrot Head's
- Pavlov’s
- Publik House
- Salty Nut
- The Whig
- Yesterday’s
Favorite Drinking Games
- A$$hole
- Beer pong
- Circle of Death
- F the Dealer
Bars Close At
2 a.m.–3 a.m.
Cheapest Place to Get a Drink
Most of the bars in Five Points and the Vista have competitive prices for drinks, with specials on certain nights
College Prowler Take
The nightlife in Columbia revolves mainly around Five Points and the Vista, where bars and clubs are abundant with social students and good times. Drinking is a favorite pastime on weekend nights, which sometimes poses problems for the under-21 crowd. The busiest night of the week, “Thirsty Thursday,” sees students flocking to bars or buying kegs for parties. Underage students sometimes use fake IDs or scope out places that don’t card at all, but they’re still at risk of being caught by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department (SLED) officers, who sometimes go undercover for the specific purpose of finding underage drinkers. While almost all of the bars prohibit underage students (and only a few have designated “college nights” for students 18 and up), many of the dance clubs permit entry to the underage crowd. These are a mixed bag in terms of quality, but it does give the younger crowd something to do. Columbia nightlife would be better if there were more places that catered to younger students. Students believe that the best part about nightlife at USC is the numerous bars where they can have a drink. Underage students can participate, and often do, having their fun knowing the possibility of getting caught. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
SCCB says: University of South Carolina 2015 Other  |
Most parties are off campus...
Most parties are off campus because students are not allowed to drink in the Greek Village, and the dorms are too small. A good number of students go downtown when they go out anyway, whether they are 21 or not. Going out isn't easy because you either have to walk downtown or get a driver to a party. A lot of people end up getting cabs to get them to off-campus parties.
Nightlife: March 24, 2009
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SCMC says: University of South Carolina 2014 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities |
The bars and clubs are mainly...
The bars and clubs are mainly 21-and-up. The dance clubs are usually 18-and-up, but there might be a cover charge. Sometimes if a band is playing at a bar, they will let 18-and-up in, but with a cover charge. Red Hot Tomatoes is fun, and so is Wild Hare, though it's more chill.
Nightlife: March 22, 2009
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SCRA says: University of South Carolina 2015 Arts, Visual and Performing |
Bars and clubs off campus are...
Bars and clubs off campus are pretty fun, like Art Bar and The Whig or Tabu and Level. Hunter Gatherer has a really classy environment with good drinks and a really nice jazz night. The parties on campus aren't the best, but there's always somewhere to go.
Nightlife: March 09, 2009
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SCRM says: University of South Carolina 2016 Business |
Like any big college campus,...
Like any big college campus, there's of course always parties going on. Although I do not usually engage in these activities, I have been to a party or too. Personally, I find that it's more fun to go to a friend's house rather than a frat or rugby party, for example. This is because a lot of the fraternity and rugby parties aren't very safe for girls. In other words, lots of guys hitting on you everywhere you go=not so fun. But I suppose there's always a place to socialize, which is fun. Before you know it, you'll know lots of people and be meeting more.
Nightlife: February 22, 2009
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Anonymous says: |
From what I hear, bars in Five...
From what I hear, bars in Five Points are a little strict because Columbia police have been really cracking down on them. |
FactsClub Crawler
There is a wide variety of clubs at USC, ranging in atmosphere, age group, and food selection. While options for students under 21 are limited, there are some clubs that designate one or more nights out of the week for the 18-and-up crowd. These are some of the most popular clubs where students like to party, grab a drink, and relax after a long week.
Bar Prowler
USC students love going to bars, and in Columbia, they certainly have a large selection to choose from. These are some of the most popular bars in the area:
Organization Parties
Many organizations on campus throw good parties, particularly athletic and Greek organizations. In most cases, pretty much anyone can go to these by paying a minimal cover for the cost of the alcohol. Depending on the organization, there may or may not be alcohol involved, but either way, organization parties are generally well attended. Several different organizations will have parties on any given weekend, but pretty much the only way to find out about them is by word of mouth.
Club Listings
Club ICE, located in the Vista, is a fairly new club that opens its doors to crowds 18-and-up (alcohol is served to those over 21). Playing some of the best dance music in Columbia, Club ICE has proved very popular with both USC students and the young professionals of Columbia. Club ICE 920 Lady St. (803) 765-1574
Headliners is the premiere music venue for Columbia and the Vista area. While major bands do not headline the marquee, Headliners brings nationally recognized talent to its stage every weekend (and sometimes during the week). For USC students, tickets are relatively cheap, and is within walking distance from campus. Headliners 700 Gervais St. (803) 796-2333
Jillian’s provides a perfect outlet for the dining sports fan, as well as the college student itching for a night out on the town. It is not as college-oriented as many of the clubs in town. It caters to the interest of crowds ranging from college students to middle-aged adults. Some perks include the 15 television monitors and 13 big-screen televisions, as well as a full dining menu and music from DJs and live bands. You must be 21 to get in after 9 p.m., and there is sometimes a cover for special events.
Jungle Jim’s has been a staple to the underage USC crowd for years now. Often the starter-club for freshman at USC, Jungle Jim’s is located in the Five Points area and a short walk to and from most freshman dorms. However, its doors are filled to capacity on weekends during the school year. Jungle Jim's 724 Harden St. (803) 256-1390
Tabu has become one of Columbia’s most popular clubs in the past few years for the 18 and older crowd. Located in the Vista, Tabu is often the end destination after a night of eating out at the Vista’s many restaurants. Tabu offers Ladies’ Night specials—a feature that packs its dance floor every weekend.
Bar Listings
Enduring the hustle and bustle of Columbia’s nightlife for the past 25 years, Group Therapy knows how to please its customers. While this Group Therapy will not relieve you of your traumatic mental and emotional experiences, you can at least drown your sorrows with a glass of imported beer, although you must be at least 21. They have live music with Acoustic Therapy Thursdays and a DJ on Saturdays.
Like local music with your bars? In addition to its diverse drink menu, New Brookland Tavern offers its small venue up to Columbia’s local bands, including those of USC students. Those 18-and-up may attend a show at New Brookland Tavern.
At Sharky’s, you can choose from over 100 kinds of beers or order from their menu. They have appetizers, wings, calzones, hamburgers, and chicken. It’s a convenient place for college students to go, especially since there is no cover, and the minimum age is 18. Or, if you don’t feel like leaving your dorm, they offer free delivery by calling 256-BUDS. Their specials include $2 Jim Beam, $2 vodka all the time, and free pizza during happy hour Monday–Friday. Sharky’s at Five Points 636 Harden St. (803) 779-8337
The Village Idiot Pizza & Pub doubles as one of Columbia’s most popular bars after 9 p.m.
Despite its name, Art Bar is not an art gallery, though it does constitute one of the most decorative bars in Columbia. Located in the Vista area, this deceivingly large bar is packed every weekend, and has a reputation for attracting Columbia’s trendy and intellectual crowd. Its doors are open to adults 21 and older.
Delaney’s has a casual Irish atmosphere and live original and acoustic music, both Irish and American styles. The full-menu pub offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, specialty imported beers, desserts, and specialty coffees. There is no age requirement and no cover charge except for special events, making it cheap and easy for college students.
What to Do if You're Not 21
Not many of Columbia’s bars have under-21 nights; however, multiple clubs are 18 and up. Jungle Jim’s, Club Ice, and Tabu are usually packed with an underage crowd for dancing, or people can go catch some live music at either Headliners or New Brookland Tavern.
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