One very unique thing about Waterloo is that it is home to not one, but two, well-known universities. The presence of Waterloo’s many students makes the nightlife of the city a very exciting scene. There are a wide variety of bars all over town, and if you’re new here it can be difficult to choose which place to go when you meet up with your squad. Although Waterloo students love the Bombshelter Pub (especially on Wednesday nights), it is nice to venture out into new territory every once and awhile.
I would not personally consider myself a bar star per se, but growing up in Waterloo has allowed me to discover which bars are the ones to be at each day. However, I do not recommend going out every night of the week if you plan on staying in school. That being said, fear not young bar-goers, I am here and happy to share my tips for the best bar by weekday:
Monday: Save yourself.
Truthfully, on Monday’s there isn’t a whole lot happening in terms of nightlife in Waterloo. In fact, being as it’s a Monday you are probably better off staying in and studying, or catching up on some sleep. Save yourself for the rest of the week.
Tuesday: The Pub on King.
Since it’s opening over the past year, the Pub on King has become a very busy place. This pub offers an atmosphere that welcomes dancing, and a variety of cozy booths. It is perfect for meeting up with friends and grabbing a pint. If it’s a Tuesday night in Waterloo, the Pub on King is the place to be. On Tuesday this Pub on King features $14.50 pitchers of Canadian, Coors Light or Belgian Moon. After 9:00 p.m. Canadian, Coors Light and Belgian Moon are $4.00 for 14oz. Shots of Jager are also 4.75 after 9:00 p.m. Fun fact: This bar was formerly known as the Fox and the Fiddle, and was well-known for “Foxy Tuesdays”.
Wednesday: Chainsaw or Phils.
On Wednesday’s most students will head to Phil’s Grandsons Place, less formally known as Phil’s, for “Hip-Hop Wednesdays”. Although Phil’s has a place in the heart of many students from both Laurier and Waterloo, it is not the cleanest place, so leave your fancy outfits at home. It also is known for irrationally kicking people out, so play your cards right. Wednesday nights feature DJ Bane spinning a wide variety of old and new hip hop, r&b, and reggae music all night. Pro-tip: Cover at Phil’s is almost always five dollars, and drinks range between $2.25 and $2.75.
Chainsaw, affectionately known to some as Chainer, is also another excellent option for Wednesday nights in Waterloo. Chainsaw isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for a killer dance floor, but it is a great place to socialize, and usually features live music. At Chainsaw shots are always on special for $3.00. On Tuesdays, shots are $2.00. If you’re looking for a cheap meal, Wednesdays are Dirty Burger days and also feature $2.00 burgers, or a pound of wings for $6.64. On Wednesdays at Chainsaw, you can also win cash prizes by signing up to play foosball or ping-pong.
Thursday: Brixton Social or the Stampede Corral.
The Brixton Social, or Brixton, is probably the closest bar to the University of Waterloo, and has built a great reputation for itself among undergraduate students over the past couple of years. The club itself is aesthetically pleasing and inspired by the Borough of Lambeth in South London, United Kingdom. At Brixton Thursday is student night, and formally known as “The Weekly”. Signature shots are $3.50 and bottle service is also available. Pro-tip: be sure to get BOUJEE for this place, and get your name on the guestlist early.
The Stampede Corral is another great option for Thursday nights. Stampede, or “Stamp”, is located closer to downtown Kitchener. On Thursday nights ladies don’t pay cover, and there is a live band, along with a variety of country music.
If neither of these places tickle your fancy, and you are a die-hard Karaoke far there is also Karaoke at Chainsaw, beginning at 11:00 p.m.
Friday: Dallas Nightclub.
Dallas Nightclub is a large bar, located in the heart of downtown Kitchener. Dallas is widely known as Ontario’s largest country bar, but on Friday’s the bar also features popular top-twenty music. It is definitely a good alternative if you’re tired of squeezing into small over-crowded nightclubs.
Saturday: Night School.
If I had to choose I would rank night school as my personal favourite bar. The atmosphere there is not too formal, but also not nearly as cringey as Phil’s. The music played here often varies across all genres, and is the best for dancing. The staff at Night School are also very friendly. Night School opened in 2012 and is now the place to go if you’re looking to spend a girls-night out dancing. Not to mention there’s usually free coat check!!
Sunday: Phils
On Sundays, DJ White Gold spins all of the old school jams you grew up with. From ‘Stacy’s Mom’ to the Spice Girls. Hit music videos from the 70s, 80s, and 90s are all found at Phils on a Sunday. It’s undeniably the most lit place to end your weekend.
Whether you’re looking to spend your ‘Birthday week’ out partying, or simply just need a night out on the town, these are the places you’ll want to go.