Nightlife

M.I.A.

Inside MIA; courtesy of oxfordmia.com

This upscale bar is located within the Elms hotel. If you’re walking around trying to find it though on a Friday night, you’re most likely to hear it referred to as “Three Trees.” This is because this is what the bar was previously called until its renovation a few years ago.

As a 21-and-up bar, M.I.A. tends to attract more of an older crowd. The scene is less rowdy and more sophisticated. The drinks are more expensive, but they are actually served to you in a glass instead of a clear plastic cup. Adults tend to favor this bar when they come into town for a visit, as it is one of the few in Oxford that doesn’t feel completely like a dirty college bar. Bottle service is available to those willing to pay the price, and ample seating is provided. M.I.A. has more of a hotel lounge feel than a typical bar, but then again, that’s probably because that’s technically what it is.

If you are coming in town to visit a student, for a business venture or just for fun, I highly suggest scoping out M.I.A.

Address: 75 South Main Street

Phone: (513)-523-1541

Pachinkos Bar & Grill

If you aren’t a fan of being in crowded spaces, noisy bars, and hole-in-the-wall establishments, then Pachinkos might not be the place for you. Unfortunately, that is your loss.

Pachinkos is owned and run by Ted Woods, a man who owns nearly all the most popular bars in town. If you want to experience a true college bar scene, Pachinkos is the place to do it. On weeknights you’ll find sorority girls at the bar and sitting in the booths while their male counterparts play pool for drinks. On the weekends, however, Pachinkos turns into a mini dance club. While the bar room and booths remain open (but jam packed), the poolroom transforms into a dance floor where everyone’s favorite DJ spins the hottest hits. You’ll find girls and guys alike dancing the night away on stage, as well as people casually hanging by the bar. Best of all, there’s usually some sort of drink special going on to discount the already cheap drinks. But if you’re not there by 12:30am, you better plan on wait in a line.

If you’re feeling up to it, Pachinkos is definitely a fun way to spend your weekend nights.

Address: 11 South Main Street

Phone: (513)-523-0048

O’Pub

Another one of Ted Wood’s fine establishments, this bar just opened up this past year. As another 21-and-over bar, it tends to attract an older crowd as well. And while the atmosphere of the place is fairly relaxed and more upscale, it wouldn’t be labeled sophisticated by any means.

As the name indicates, O’Pub is supposed to emulate an old Irish pub. Although based off looks it’s a bit of a stretch, the wide beer selection offered is the best in the city. Drinks are fairly priced, and there’s always a good crowd of people. This bar also tends to be a favorite among parents, particularly dads, so if you’re coming to visit a student, surprise them and suggest you go grab a brew at O’Pub!

Address: 1o West Park Place

Phone: (513)-523-6782

Brick Street Bar & Grill

Brick Street Bar & Grill; courtesy of sceneinohio.com

If you’ve heard of a bar at Miami University, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Brick Street Bar & Grill. With the largest venue in Oxford and some of the best specials in town, everyone finds themselves at Brick Street some time or another.

With their large dance floor and center stage, Brick Street is a great place to hold concerts and shows. Many up-and-coming artists stop at Brick Street along their tours. Barstool Blackout, a techno and lights show, has stopped in Oxford and performed at Brick Street the past two years, selling out 3 nights in a row. Every night of the week is a different event, whether it’s “Karaoke” Monday’s, “90’s Night” Tuesdays, or “Piano Man” Wednesdays. One of the bars biggest draws is it’s Friday and Saturday “Beat the Clock” special. Each hour of the afternoon indicates the price for a pitcher of beer (12pm-1pm; $1 pitchers). The goal of the afternoon is to “beat the clock” and drink as much as you can early on. This draws in students from all over campus and often attracts weekend visitors during the day.

Brick Street also provides customers with a nice selection of bar food during the daytime, as well as a number of TV’s to watch your favorite game on. With two bars usually running on the weekend, it’s never too hard to get your favorite drink. And for most people, that’s Brick Street’s infamous “trashcan.” This $10 drink combines a number of different types of alcohol, some juices, and a Redbull turned upside down on top. No one knows for sure what’s in it, but it gets the job done.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a frequent guest, be sure to stop by Brick Street and see what they have going on!  And check out Brick Street’s website to see what shows are coming up.

Address: 36 East High Street

Phone: (513)-523-1335