Washington & Lee University
- Nightlife

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Washington & Lee University - Nightlife - Nightlife - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.31

Nightlife

Quick Stats

Primary Areas with Nightlife Downtown Lexington
Student Favorites
  • Macado's
  • The Palms
Other Places to Check Out Don Tequila
Local Specialties The Schooner at Macado's:
Favorite Drinking Games
  • Beer pong/Beirut
  • Chandeliers
  • Flip cup

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Like many other aspects of W&L social life, the party scene virtually revolves around Greek organizations. With a sparse selection of bars in town, fraternity house parties make up the vast majority of nightlife opportunities for students, and they are highly accessible to the general student body. Most all Greek organizations stand by the rule of opening up a party to non-members after a certain time. Since non-formal rush takes place throughout fall term, many inclusive, informal hang-out opportunities abound for guys. 

Besides the Greek centered party scene, the University has also been working toward more on-campus activities offered for those whose scene is not a raging frat basement. Free movies in Stackhouse Theatre, comedy performances, and a famous lecturer all provide a viable alternative to the merry-go-round of Greek parties at the school. The Palms and Macado's, Lexington's two college-friendly bars, offer some fairly enticing drink specials and festive atmospheres, but the two invariably end up more popular with W&L law students and local VMI cadets than with undergraduates. Students looking for a fast-paced, racing nightlife would do better to look for a college in a larger city. No matter how crazy or wild the party gets or how outrageous a comedian's performance is, Lexington remains a fairly sleepy mountain town.

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Washington & Lee Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Nightlife at Washington & Lee University

WorkHardPartyHard

Business Administration and Management '15

4.6
A

Every Night Can Be a Party Night

While it is true that the social scene and nightlife are dominated by the Greek presence, there is always something to do, even on Sundays if you know where to look. The fact that you can have a good time any night of the week works really well with the intensity of academics at W&L. If you have to stay in and study one night, there will always be the next night to go out. Also, the parties thrown by the Greek organizations can be vastly different and can appeal to many different crowds. Whether you enjoy jam bands, swing dancing, raves, day parties, basement ragers or small-scale house hang-outs, there is something for you. Clubs are non-existant and just upperclassmen and VMI students go to the bars seriously. It is easy to have a good time at W&L.

May 22, 2012

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Nightlife at Washington & Lee University

crandren

Education '15

4.2
A-

Nightlife Is Fraternity Parties

There are no clubs or bars in Lexington, Virginia. This can get annoying as soon as students reach drinking age, but fraternity parties are always an option for these students. The frequency of fraternity parties and their magnitude defines the nightlife of Washington and Lee.

Dec 17, 2011

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Nightlife at Washington & Lee University

generalswim2113

Political Science and Government '15

5.0
A+

great.. assuming..

Great nightlife... assuming you like frat parties. They're a lot of fun depending on where you go, alcohol is all free (or paid for by frat dues... free for freshmen, girls, and GDI's) and a lot of fun. we like to rage.

Dec 12, 2011

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User rating for Washington & Lee University - Nightlife is 4.6 out of 5 based on 18 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 a.m.

Cheapest Place to Get a Drink

Macado's

The Palms

Organization Parties

The school sponsors the Fancy Dress Ball once a year (fancydress.wlu.edu). Say hello to prom on steroids.

Bar ListingsWhat's This?

The Palms

This is the center of all W&L bar activity. This corner bar is a key mixing place for juniors and seniors, and it can get pretty packed. Slow service is a nagging complaint because of understaffing, but the food is pretty good—especially the burgers.

101 W. Nelson St.

Lexington

(540) 463-7911

www.thepalmslexington.com

Macado's

30 N. Main St.

Lexington

(540) 464-8201

www.macados.net

Diggers (Inside the Southern Inn)

Diggers, set inside an up-scale restaurant, is distinctly more buttoned-down: rowdiness is a no-no, unlike at the Palms.

37 S Main St.

(540) 463-3612

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

Try fraternity parties or off-campus house parties. Do not try that fake ID—if you’re caught, you might get kicked out of school.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

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Clarke Morrison

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