Let's face it. When it comes to Friday and Saturday night, campus life is sadly lacking in the social department. Sure there are going to be several rooms packed with drunk kids, passing around a bottle of illegally obtained vodka. More wild parties might include a contraband keg, skillfully smuggled in past the front desk. But if it's the razzle-dazzle nightlife you are looking for, jump on the shuttle and head into the city. Still weary of the scene? These brave few ventured to some local dives to see what it was all about.
- MEGAN SLACK
Guapo's is not so pretty Name may mean handsome, but appeal isn't aesthetics
Sure, not everybody at Guapo's knows your name, but speaking Spanish to the bartender might reward an innocent-looking freshman with the mark of legitimacy, an "X" on his hand. A popular spot to rent out among the fraternities, this establishment is primarily a Mexican eatery. Somehow, though, on Friday nights, Guapo's morphs from a family-friendly restaurant into a thriving pit of hormones.
The atmosphere is a bit more low-key than a club you have to pay more than $5 to get in, which is a plus for those who usually don't go to "frat parties." Half the partygoers wander around mingling, shouting the occasional too-cheery hello upon seeing someone they know, while the other half takes to the dance floor to spend the night pelvis-to-pelvis with whoever's willing to get down.
Underage partygoers either arrive completely toasted or find a way to beat the age-old drinking laws by having their wiser elders purchase them semi-overpriced beer. This seemingly unbeatable system has recently been infiltrated by the larger, burlier variety of Guapo's workers. The three or so employees can be seen penetrating the crowd of could-be minors, trying to spot naked hands among the sea of marked ones. Claustrophobes: Beware of the closet-like bathroom with its two stalls and swarm of mirror-hogging Clinique queens. By mid-party one of the toilets is usually closed for business, and the makeup is fading under layers of perspiration. The subpar music begins to fade close to 1 a.m., along with the morale of the masses, who have either left or are huddling outside smoking cigarettes on the porch.
The worst part of spending an evening at Guapo's is also, ironically, the best part - getting home via the AU shuttle bus. People arrive sporadically, so crowding isn't a problem, but the mass exodus to leave Guapo's when the bar closes at 2 a.m. is remarkable. People cease to breathe as they pile on top of each other to avoid walking home on their blistered feet. Some people give in, heave a sigh and brave the mile to campus, but others fight to the death for their square foot of aisle space.
All in all, no matter how you get home, one leaves Guapo's drunk, satisfied and with money still in his or her wallet. Not a bad deal for the short trek, the cheap (or noexistent) cover and refreshingly low-maintenance atmosphere.
- REBECCA ARMENDARIZ
Take a pass on crowded, pricey club There seems to be little significance to the name "Passport," other than that a late-night sojourn to this Connecticut Avenue bar evokes not-so-fond memories of travel: waiting pointlessly in line, forking over cash for a service any rational person would find extortionate, experiencing a sense of dissatisfaction once one reaches his or her final destination. Oh, and like a turbulent plane ride, an evening at Passport causes many to vomit uncontrollably.
Sounds like fun, right? Apparently so, since every time Delta Tau Delta throws a party at this hole, excitement spreads through the residence halls like an overzealous RA on duty. If you don't believe me, try this simple experiment: Tell some random freshman that it's "Beach Party Night" at Passport. She will immediately drop all plans for the evening and begin searching her closet for the perfect pair of pants. It's like Cinderella preparing for the ball - except at the stroke of midnight, things can only get better, thanks to the miracle of alcohol.
Speaking of which, booze is shamelessly overpriced at Passport. Classy places like Guapo's can get away with charging $5 for a beer, but Passport doesn't even have a theme! Unless, of course, the theme is "Overcrowded Airport Terminal," which would provide all the more reason to avoid this dive.
- MICHAEL VALLEBUONA
Platinum costly, but lacks class Tarnished nightclub frequently brings the sleaze to AU partygoers
Have an urge to get groped by sweaty old men? Then Platinum is the place for you! Located on 915 F St. NW, Platinum boasts two dance floors and two balconies that hang over a main dance area. If the club wasn't so crowded on weekends, the setting would be perfect for any clubber's fantasy. Although the setting is perfect, the small, crowded feeling is enough to make anyone feel claustrophobic. The basement is in great need of remodeling, the drink prices are too high to handle, and there is usually a line of club-ready Platinum fanatics wrapping around the street corner.
Platinum features three DJs. On the main floor, in the basement and in the VIP room, each plays his or her own music to appeal to different types of people. Choices include hip-hop, Latin and house music.
If you plan on checking out Platinum, leave early to avoid long lines, take the Metro because there is little parking and drink beforehand so you can escape the club's steep drink prices. Platinum's "College Thursdays" are the best night to check out the dance scene. The club's 18-year-old age minimum draws underclassmen who want to start their weekend early. If you want to party with students your own age, check out Platinum next Thursday. But don't get your days confused, because Sunday nights can be perfect for stalkers and dirty, drunken 30-year-olds.
Check out www.platinumclubdc.com for more information about scheduling, prices and special events.
- JENNIFER VARADI
