After a long day partying and cheering for Ohio against the Central Michigan Chippewas, many students and alumni may not want the festivities to end and will party into the night. As a college town, Athens has plenty of bars and party spots across Court Street for students ages 21 and older.
The Union Bar is a popular spot for residents and students alike. The Union is a multi-story bar on West Union Street known for its fun environment and live musical performances. The Union does not limit its shows to those who can legally drink, as anyone 18 or older can come watch, but only people 21 and older can order a drink from the bar or use the basement area.
The Union will have two live shows over homecoming weekend. On Friday, bands Zeitgeist, Red Temple Pray and Good Reverend will all be performing. On Saturday, The Union will host indie bands Space Kid, Twerp, Suitor and Guy Music.
Further along Court Street is Red Brick Tavern. Red Brick is a sports bar and popular party spot for Ohio University students during the school season. Its cozy atmosphere and weekly game board and card game nights have cemented Red Brick as a fixture in Athens’ nightlife.
Next is the CI, Athens’ oldest currently standing bar. Originally called the College Inn, CI has been running since 1917. The bar’s interior brings a nostalgic feeling to those who walk inside, with a first floor covered in aged wood and a basement akin to one someone would find in a rural home. The nostalgia and history make the CI a must-visit spot for returning alumni.
Next door to the CI is the Crystal, another popular spot for OU students. The Crystal is known for its bright blue exterior, daily fresh popcorn and cheap drinks. The bar is also known for the 99 mirrors spread out across the interior helps give the bar its name. Alumni looking for an affordable and nostalgic night out this Homecoming weekend should stop by the Crystal.
The Pigskin Bar and Grille, while still a bar, specializes primarily in providing an enjoyable space where people can sit down and have good food. The Pigskin sells burgers, sandwiches, wings and other pub foods alongside its daily drink specials.
Speaking of pub food, The Pub is right across the street from the Pigskin. The Pub is a classic hole-in-the-wall joint specializing in a welcoming environment and, as the restaurant reports on its website, the best burger in Athens for 25 years running. The Pub has been a staple in Athens since 1974 and welcomes people of all ages to partake in its classic pub cuisine from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, the bar remains open until 2 a.m. every night.
Beside the Pub sits the J Bar. The J Bar, formerly known as the Junction, positions itself as an energetic and trendy bar with a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it a popular spot among OU students, especially fraternities and sororities. The bar often has a long line of customers winding out the door, making entry difficult for customers who do not already know a person to get them in.
Just down the street from the J Bar is The Overhang, a much-loved spot in Athens since it opened 14 years ago. The Overhang provides guests with plenty of open space, specialty drinks and a much more relaxing environment than other bars in Athens. The bar has good prices and a weekly karaoke night on Wednesdays to keep those more musically inclined coming back for more.
Stephens Restaurant and Bar is another cozy spot near the end of Court Street. The bar offers specialty cocktails to help keep the party going, but also a selection of comfort food classics like pasta, tacos, flatbreads and sandwiches to sit down and enjoy while having fun on a night around town.
With a wide collection of bars catering to a multitude of moods, Athens’ nightlife has a spot for everyone to come and have a good time. Whether alumni are looking to party hard this homecoming weekend or just enjoy a quiet night back at their alma mater, they will have plenty of spots to choose from and enjoy.
