Virginia Tech - Nightlife

Known by students as the OC, Oge Chi has a bar, pool tables, and some good food. Its main attraction, though, is the dance floor. The OC often hosts parties for various student organizations. It’s good for a fun night out, but can be a little sketchy. It’s best to go in groups.

The Nerv is not only known for its dance music, but also for its food. Almost every night has its own theme, so there’s always a reason to go. You must be 21 or older to get into the Nerv most nights. Friday nights 18-and-older girls are allowed, but all guys must be 21-and-older.

The Rivermill offers a more laid-back atmosphere for students going downtown. Pool tables are in the back, along with darts and arcade games, but mostly the Rivermill is just a chill place to hang out with friends. They do have a strict carding policy, so make sure that you have two IDs handy when you show up.

PK’s is a more spacious setting than other bars in Blacksburg. There is room to move around and plenty of tables to sit at. They also have a number of pool tables, and a patio in the back for warmer nights.

Known as TOTS by students on campus, this bar is very popular in the Greek scene. This is the place to be if you’re a fraternity or sorority member partying the night away. Non-Greeks can be found here, too, especially for karaoke night, or if they’re out to drink a “rail,” one of TOTS’ drink concoctions. A rail is a combination of all the liquor on the “rail” and has six different shots.

This town is all about pool, so Sharkey’s meets the demand. They just moved to a new location, but still have pool tables and great specials.

The Underground draws an older crowd of locals and grad students. It’s also usually less packed than the other bars, so it’s a good place to go for a more chill night of hanging out and shooting darts.

The Cellar is a great place to both eat and drink. They have a nice selection of beer and wine, plus yummy appetizers like their spinach artichoke dip. During happy hour, large pitchers run between six and ten dollars, depending on what beer you choose.

Big Al’s sits above Poor Billy’s seafood restaurant on Main Street in downtown. This bar has happy hour everyday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and it has 16 TVs plus a big screen.

Hokie House gets packed for happy hour. They have some of the cheapest drink specials of downtown. Hokie House is also known for bringing comedians in for their Comedy Club nights. If you’re hungry for wings, go on Tuesdays when wings are only 29 cents apiece.

Champs is a popular sports bar downtown. The upstairs is devoted to watching the game, playing pool, shooting darts, and drinking. Downstairs at Champs, you’ll find live local bands rocking out every night, except for karaoke nights.

Located in Squires Student Center, the BreakZONE is a great place to go for bowling, billiards, and arcade games. Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–1 a.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

Smoke a hookah (flavored tobacco), drink a chai, or treat yourself to some baklava. She-Sha offers a relaxed atmosphere, and it often features local live music. They also have a number of board games (Techopoly, Scrabble, chess). If you’re spending your weekend doing school work, She-Sha offers free wireless Internet to customers.

This coffee shop is a nice alternative to the downtown scene. Their cozy back room has sofas and low lighting, and it provides a nice spot to just hang out with friends. Hours: Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-2 a.m., Friday 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-12 a.m.

This local theater in the heart of downtown is a great spot to catch a movie. Tickets are only four dollars, and the popcorn is cheap, too. The Lyric also often brings in live music.