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Comparable Schools'
Nightlife Grades:
Quick StatsUseful Resources for Nightlife
- The Isthmus: This Madison-based newspaper lists all the social events for the upcoming weekend. You can find information on new movies, touring acts, and coffeehouse shows.
Student Favorites
- Bar hopping
- Going out to eat
- Greek parties
- House parties
- Live shows
- Union events
Primary Areas with Nightlife
- Capital Square
- Memorial Union
- State Street
- Union Terrace
Other Places to Check Out
- Genna’s Lounge
- Kimia Lounge
- Opus Lounge
- Porta Bella Wine Cellar
- The Barrymore Theater
- The Church Key
- The Orpheum Theater
- The Paradise
- The Plaza Tavern
- The State Bar & Grill
Favorite Drinking Games
- Beer pong
- Card games (A$$hole)
- Flip Cup
- Power Hour
- Quarters
Cheapest Place to Get a Drink
State Street Brats
The Kollege Klub
College Prowler Take
For weekend activities, it’s really about what students are in the mood for and what’s accessible. Due to the closeness of State Street and its insane amount of bars, students do often find themselves at these locations. For those unfamiliar with the bar scene, students suggest popular places like the KK. If bars aren’t your thing, then house parties are another popular option. However, there are a lot of things to do that don’t include alcohol and heavy crowds. Students find just as much entertainment in Madison’s comedy clubs, coffee shops, or the live band performances. UW definitely has a reputation for being a party school, and the majority of students fulfill this image. Going to the bars on State Street or to house parties are by far the most popular options when it comes to Madison’s nightlife. Those wanting something else, though, should not despair. Also on State Street are a few performing art centers where students can take in a play or musical. Madison’s Civic Center attracts touring acts like Rent, Chicago, and The Nutcracker Ballet. Here students can also take in touring musicians like John Mayer and Pete Yorn. There are also UW sponsored events like samba lessons, yoga instruction, and photography classes to partake in. In the end it’s simply matter of deciding how you want to spend your precious weekend time. 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:
Anonymous says:  |
The bar scene is good in Madison....
The bar scene is good in Madison. Wisconsin has the highest ratio of bars to people, and pretty much everyone likes to drink. If you have a fake ID, assuming that you are under 21, there are lots of places you can go. |
Anonymous says: |
There are so many bars, you would...
There are so many bars, you would definitely need a fake ID. I like going to the KK and the State, though there are so many fun bars. Madison definitely doesn’t lack things to do for fun. |
Anonymous says: |
The bars in Madison are great. If...
The bars in Madison are great. If you want to hit up a dive where you’ll always run into someone you know, go to the Plaza on Henry Street, or the Paradise by the capital. Paul’s Club on State has a great atmosphere, and so do the Opus and the Kimia Lounge up by the capital. If you like wine, go to Porta Bella Wine Cellar just off State. |
Anonymous says: |
As a freshman, most parties will...
As a freshman, most parties will be a random house party—sweaty, crowded, loud, and essential to the first year experience. Afterwards, parties will occur at the apartments or houses of friends, and will usually lead to the bars. The atmospheres of bars in Madison range from the essential college bars (KK, Brats, Brothers), to somewhat more relaxed bars consisting of older crowds (Genna’s, Paul’s Club), to swank bars such as those around the capital. |
Anonymous says: |
Parties are always going on, but...
Parties are always going on, but they are usually overcrowded house parties. The bar scene is also good, but no clubs worth going to. |
Facts
Organization Parties
Many of the student organizations at UW will house parties for their members, or to gain more members. These are usually held at the Union or somebody’s apartment. Other organizations like the Ten Percent Society simply sponsor parties where anyone and everyone is welcomed to attend.
Club Listings
Club Inferno features many live acts, as well as DJs who spin all sorts of music, from house and jungle, to hip-hop and goth.
The Majestic is one of Madison’s few nightclubs; it is close to Capital Square, and many go there for the lush atmosphere and pricey drinks. The music is incredible, and the patrons are usually upperclassmen. The Majestic 115 King St. (608) 251-2582
Bar Listings
Based on the works of revolutionary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, this bar and restaurant by the capitol is a huge draw for students and the Madison community. Known for their margaritas, Fridas serves great Mexican food at reasonable prices. Frida Mexican Grill 117 State St. (608) 256-4000
Brothers is a typical college bar with lots of fashionably-clad students grinding to the latest hits. If that’s your sort of scene, then you should feel right at home. Brothers 704 University Ave. (608) 251-9550
Bull Feathers is suitable for any night and any occasion. Many seek refuge after a long day or just to catch up with friends. The drinks are reasonable and there’s a welcoming crowd. If you’re heading here on a weekend, be prepared for a long wait. Bull Feathers 303 N Henry St. (608) 257-6444
Founded in 1932, State Street Brats is the original creator of the red (smoked) brat. The second floor has stadium seating and two 10 foot screens for watching the game on weekends.
Known as “the KK,” this large bar is a magnet for frat boys, freshmen, and athletes. Drinks aren’t all that expensive, and the crowd is pretty decent. Students say you have to go there at least once to truly complete the UW undergrad experience. The Kollege Klub 529 N Lake St. (608) 257-3611
Located minutes from State Street, this heaven-themed restaurant is perfect for an evening with friends or visiting family. Inside there is a bar, jukebox, pool tables, and dart boards.
This is one of State Street’s nicer bars. Inside, there is comfortable seating, attractive lighting, jukeboxes, and a large fake tree. There can sometimes be a line, but for this place it is worth it. Paul’s Club 212 State St. (608) 257-5250
This place is essential for birthdays. Customers on their special day receive free drinks, a nitty gritty mug, and obnoxious waiters. If it’s your 21st though, be prepared for excessive treatment and attention. Students must go for at least one birthday. Nitty Gritty Restaurant and Bar 223 N Frances St. (608) 251-2521
Voted for “best cocktails” by UW’s student paper, this lounge creates a trendy atmosphere with cushy seats and low lighting. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest for this up-scale lounge. Drop in and try their famous cosmopolitan and strawberry champagne cocktail. Blue Velvet Lounge 430 W Gilman St. (608) 250-9900
What to Do if You're Not 21
If you aren’t of age, or simply don’t want to go to the bars, check out “Today at the Union.” This is a listing of all the day’s events at both unions, and you are sure to find a show or free event occurring. One of the more popular union events is “Free Art Nights.” On the weekends students have complete access to pottery wheels, loose clay, and collage materials. There is no fee for this event, and students can even get their pottery pieces glazed and fired. Open mic nights are also frequent in Madison, and the local coffee houses or lounges will usually host them. Also add- Residential halls hold events for students throughout the week and on weekends. Movie nights, dances, speakers, and pizza parties are all fun ways to meet other students and relax with friends.
Did You Know?Campus provides convenient and safe ways of transportation at night. SAFERide gives students 4 free nighttime cab rides a month. Also, the 80 and 81 buses run all night as SAFERide buses. SAFEWalk is a student-employed organization that will walk with students to their destinations until 1 a.m. Check out www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/safeservices.asp for more info.
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