Purdue has quite a few bars near campus, each offering its own unique atmosphere and array of various drinks and food. Depending on what type of night you are looking to have, whether it be a laid back conversation with some friends while drinking a beer or a night full of dancing and rave music, Purdue has many places on campus that are able to provide you with whatever kind of night out you are looking for.
Harry’s: Harry’s Chocolate Shop has been around since 1919 when Harry J. Marack opened its doors to the public, thus making it the oldest bar at Purdue. Initially it was a soda fountain until Harry’s obtained a liquor license later in the 1920s. With so much history it’s no wonder Harry’s has established itself as a staple near Purdue’s campus. Alumni also tend to favor Harry’s as their hang out spot when they return to campus to catch up with friends. The atmosphere at Harry’s is very relaxed and not as chaotic as most people might imagine a college bar to be (until around 9 p.m. when the college students begin their late night festivities.) There are lots of tables to sit down at and enjoy a drink, burger, as well as engage in a great conversation with your friends.
Harry’s has an array of specialty drinks, as well as some delicious meals to choose from. One of the most popular drinks among students is the “Grasshopper.” This sweet cocktail has a mint flavor and is made with green creme de menthe that gives the drink its signature color. A “John Daly” is another highly requested mixed drink at Harry’s. It is a combination of iced tea, lemonade, and vodka.
Ordering food at Harry’s is also a must. Their quesadillas, chicken wings, and burgers are sensational and loved around campus. The prices are also very reasonable, with the average meal price staying at about $7.50. When making a visit to Harry’s be sure to plan ahead and arrive before 8 p.m. or you might have trouble finding an open table.
Location: 329 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3a.m. , Sunday: 12 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Brothers: If you’re looking for a step up from Harry’s in terms of a more exuberant atmosphere, then Brothers is the best option. There are still plenty of tables to hang out with friends, but the addition of pop music and space to dance around, if you choose to do so, creates the typical college-esque bar experience. Brothers is known for its great deals throughout the week on both drinks and food. With $1 double wells on Mondays and 25 cent wings every Wednesday, it’s hard to resist making a weekly visit to Brothers. The deals are also great for students who are looking to have a night out but need to stick to a budget.
Location: 306 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 5 p.m. – 3 a.m. , Sunday: 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Where Else: Where else would you rather be on a night out at Purdue? The answer is in the question. Where Else! This bar has been near Purdue’s campus since 1997 and is one of the most energetic bars on campus. With a live DJ set most nights and a sizable dance floor, Where Else is the perfect place to bust a move while dancing the night away with your friends. Earlier in May it was announced that Chauncey Hill Mall will be going under some major reconstruction, but do not worry because Where Else plans to stay open and wait out the storm.
Where Else also offers 50 cent beers every Monday night, which is the cheapest drink offer on campus and very popular among students. Don’t skip out on deals like this and make a visit to Where Else next Monday night.
Location: 135 S. Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, IN
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. , Sunday-Tuesday: Closed
Neon Cactus: Neon Cactus, called “the Cactus” for short, is the closest thing Purdue has to a club. With a ginormous lit up dance floor and constant upbeat rave music playing, it’s no surprise the Neon Cactus is perhaps the most popular bar on campus. Every Thursday the Cactus hosts “Thirsty Thursday,” which offers students the chance to get a 32oz mixed drink for $3.50. You can pick from many different options but the fan favorite is the “Long Island Iced Tea.” This deal is extremely popular and more often than not creates a line out the door, which can take hours to get inside. Make sure to show up no later than 10 p.m. on a Thursday night if you want to make it inside first.
Neon Cactus is also known for the Piano Man, who performs classic hits on his piano in a separate room of the bar. Students sit down and sing along while they take a break from dancing around for hours. If you’re ever free on a Thursday night and in the area, then you definitely need to make a stop at the Neon Cactus.
Location: 360 Brown Street, Unit 15, West Lafayette, IN
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. , Sunday-Wednesday: Closed
For more information to plan your perfect night out check out HomeofPurdue.com to find additional articles on these bars and other nightlife options.
By: Shauna McAulay
Shauna's Blog 