As a transfer student from the calm, empty, and isolated deserts of Southern Utah, I arrived at the University of Louisiana Lafayette expecting students to spend their free time studying, doing laundry, and engaging in school activities. Little did I know that while students at this university can, and do, study hard, they also play hard. And it’s easy to do since the majority of the best nightlife—bars, restaurants, and clubs—are within walking distance of the university, or just a short bus ride away. Check out this list of the best places to frequent near UL Lafayette so you can get your party on sooner than I did. After all, when you go to the University of Louisiana Lafayette, nothing is lamer than getting stuck playing cards with your grandmother on a Friday night, or going home for the weekend.
- The best bar for a Friday night:The Keg is a rowdy bar, and you don’t go there for a quiet drink. It’s also the hot spot to hit on Friday nights, and everyone who’s anyone will be theretaking in the scene and having a good time. The Keg isn’t just popular on Friday nights, though. It’s also the hangout to beat on Mondays and Wednesdays. After all, the weekend never really ends in Lafayette. The Keg is popular because it caters to the college crowd, loves Greeks, and is just about five minutes from the campus.
- The best dance party: Nitetown, though certainly second to The Keg, is popular on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. But this club brings in a different crowd. Live music, local DJs, and over-the-top dance parties make Nitetown popular with lady Greeks and other female students. So if you’re looking to party with beautiful, popular women, this is the spot to hit.
- The best burger: Jefferson Street Pub(always referred to as JSP by those who know it best and love it) is a staple in Lafayette. It’s downtown, so you’ll need a car to get there, and if you’re drinking, you’ll have to have a designated driver. But if you’re looking for the best food a Friday or Saturday night can offer, JSP is the only place to go. The French onion soup has earned its claimed to fame, too, and if you stick around long enough trying to work off your hangover; a late night (or early morning) serving of shrimp and grits can get you going again. If you need a little more excitement than a burger, JSP delivers live music on Fridays and Saturdays too, and the local bands are pretty excellent.
- The best pizza: Alesi’s. Sure, you can call any of the major chains and get a pizza on a Friday or Saturday night. But if you’re willing to head out and get your grub on before 10 o’clock rolls around, Alesi Pizza House serves up the best pizza in Lafayette, hands down. This restaurant also serves the best Italian food within walking distance of UL Lafayette.
- The best on-campus parties. While there’s not really an “on-campus” party per se, the Greeks at the University of Louisiana Lafayette do know how to show themselves, and everyone else, a great time. Just like at other universities, you’ve got to know someone to get invited to these shindigs, but they typically feature the best local bands, great food, wide varieties of drinks, and plenty of memories you’ll wish the entire campus could magically forget.
Partiers at UL Lafayette have a never-ending list of options, but even if you don’t like to party hearty, there’s plenty for you to do, too. Zydeco at the Blue Moon Saloon, strolling the Art Walk, or a grabbing a coffee at the local CiCi’s are all tame ways to spend a weekend without being labeled lame.
Amy Oliver is a Marketing and Cultural Administration professional in the Rocky Mountain West. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Louisiana Lafayette, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Cultural Management.