University of South Dakota
- Nightlife

Pressbox (AKA the P-Box)

Under new ownership in 2003, the P-Box reopened their second level on sporadic nights, offering a dance floor for students. There is no dress code, but it’s normal for students to be dressed nice. Some students refer to the bar as the Greek bar, especially on Thursday nights when girls drink free.

Charcoal Lounge (AKA the Char Bar)

The Char Bar is located at the far east end of the Main Street bar scene. You must be 21 to enter. There is no dress code, but it’s normal for girls to be in skirts and tops and guys to be in jeans. Public parking is located in the alley behind the bar and is free.

Open Mike’s

Open Mike’s is one of the newest bars in Vermillion. It was quick to label itself as the local music pub. From live bands to open-mic nights and karaoke contests, Open Mike’s is small, but it’s the place to go from some real musical action.

Main Street Pub (AKA The Pub)

The Pub is the hangout for college students who prefer the sit-down-and-chat atmosphere. It serves food till 10 p.m. and is open on Sundays. With several TVs and drink specials most nights, The Pub is a good place to start the evening—and end it.

The Varsity Pub

A place usually full of locals and grad students, the Varsity isn’t your typical spot for college students, but it draws a crowd of them occasionally with local bands. With an upstairs and basement, the Varsity is the other quiet local bar with room for some conversation.

Pro’s Sports Bar

Pro’s is the preferred hangout before and after any big USD sporting event. It is also conveniently located just south of the DakotaDome. Attached to Prairie Lanes bowling alley and also considered a restaurant, it’s a great place to entertain. In addition, it has a separate room for private parties, a big screen for games on TV, and it’s home to some wild karaoke during the week. Wednesday night’s 25-cent hot wings draws in a large crowd of college students.

Carey’s Bar

Carey’s is today’s main college bar hangout and home of the Coyote Crazies. It’s also the bar many faculty members tend to frequent and where law student keggers take place. With a beer garden, dartboards, and the largest variety of beer on tap, a typical Saturday night is packed. During Dakota Days, it is the only bar known to create an actual line around the corner.

Bunyan’s

College students know one of the first buildings on West Main Street, Bunyan’s, is primarily a local bar. The majority of students don’t go to Bunyan’s, except maybe to buy a keg for a party. The bar has a pool table inside and cooks all the traditional bar food. You’ll usually see a few motorcycles parked outside, and a whole lot of strangers inside.

Leo’s Lounge

Leo’s Lounge was the original college hangout when your parents went to school. Now, it’s a good bar to take your parents to for a beer. There is a game-room side and a bar side, and the pub serves food and offers a friendly atmosphere where a good number of locals hang out.

Chalky’s Restaurant & Bar

Chalky’s is the gaming bar. With dartboards, foosball tables, and pool tables, it’s the place to go to get some gaming action along with your beers. It’s also one of the quieter bars in town and is well known for its Chalky’s Tacos.

Prairie Lanes

The bowling alley attached to Pro’s Sports Bar.

Coffee Shop Gallery

Relax and enjoy some local artwork or a poetry reading.