The bars are not boring… You just go to the college bars almost every weekend, and well, that can become boring.
I went to the college bars around UConn (Storrs) when I was freshly 21, and it was a good time for a social hour with people I had not seen in a while. But I did state to my friends, “This is not as fun as it could be.”
There were missing factors that I needed! I do not want to stand around and just talk… This is not a work social outing with drinks. These are my twenties, and I need so much more.
When I go out, I’m looking for good music, whether it’s rap, R&B, House, Reggae, or Reggaeton, etc. I want to dance, have cheaper drinks, lights dim, and just have an unforgettable night.
While college bars are cool, they are stopping you from experiencing a real bar and club experience.
Here are some Connecticut bars/clubs that you have to try out!
The lady
Hartford County has some pretty nice bars with different vibes, but all new experiences.
The Lady in Downtown Hartford offers a new experience with other college students and adults.
The Lady is near major college campuses, including the UConn Hartford campus, Central Connecticut State University, Trinity College, and the University of Hartford, offering the chance to meet so many people outside of your college town.
The Lady has some of the best vibes if you are looking for a bar-and-club mix. The bar is three stories, including a rooftop bar. The first floor remains a casual bar with plenty of seating and good music, and the second floor takes you into separate parts — one side with a second bar and small arcade games, the second side brings you to a dancefloor that feels like a club, and pool tables off to another side of the “nightclub.”
The lady hosts events with amazing deals, such as an open bar for an hour on specific drinks if you buy a cup for $10.
The bar has nice separation that gives you all worlds in one, with music ranging from modern pop to rap, and various genres.
There is enough room for you not to feel crowded in or cramped, and also to make friends with new people who may go to campuses nearby.
El santo
I have been hearing great things about this bar from friends, and I think others should check it out.
El Santo is located in West Hartford, CT, near all the other fun restaurants and bars. However, this Mexican restaurant is not only known for its “pretty good” food, as my friends would say, but also a “lively nightlife,” as my sister, Jasmine, said.
The bar is split into two sections; the front plays Latin music, and the back plays modern rap/radio hits, giving the best of both worlds to dance around with friends.
Friends say the vibes are good for photos and socializing; however, it does get packed really quickly, so it’s best to arrive early if they’re hosting an event.
The 196 club
The 196 Club is located in Downtown Hartford, and it’s not what you would expect from the name.
The bar is a speakeasy! It fronts as an Ice Cream shop, but once you say your reservations or pay to get in, it shows as a nicely low-lit bar.
The bar gives the best jazz club and slow-down vibes with a nice variety of seats and often live music. The bar also has various events hosted by different DJs with a plethora of genres: Jazz, House, R&B, Reggae, Latin, etc.
The bar is best for date nights or drinks with friends, as they have some nicely designed cocktails that are aesthetically pleasing and taste good.
This is one of my favorite laid-back bars in Connecticut.
BAr New Haven
Lastly, Bar New Haven is a time. If you are looking to have an amazing time with endless dancing and lighting that feels like you’re in a movie, well, look no further.
Bar offers so many different vibes in one, whether you are looking to just get food, drinks, and lounge with your friends talking for hours, or if you are looking to dance the night away under flashing lights.
I have only heard good things about Bar and the memories made here. Music varies in selections, and when DJs are performing, you can expect a variety of house or EDM vibes.
While they are known for having great pizza, that is not the only thing that draws everyone there.
Of course, your college bars are forever going to be where you had your first bar experience, but do not let it be the only bar experience you get when you’re in college.