With classes already in full swing, sometimes, students need a middle-of-the-week repose from the stress of school, work and daily life. Here are two places that will ease the pressure and give students (who are 21 and over, of course) an excuse to leave the dorms.
Broadway Joe's
Location: 3051 Main Street.
Event: Open Mic Night
Every Tuesday night, the University Heights comes alive when Broadway Joe's opens its doors to various open mic performers and patrons from the area,
Since the start of the fall semester, Broadway Joe's has attracted an ever-increasing variety of college-aged denizens. But regardless of their background, all show up to enjoy and rejoice in the wonderful spectacle that makes up the essence of the open mic.
Each night, several aspiring musicians as well as a collection of mere fun seekers combine to make an eclectic array of musical moments. From solo vocalists, acoustic guitar players singing Bob Dylan classics, to Philly B-Eats cranking out some serious free-form funk, open mic night at Broadway Joe's has a little something for everyone.
"There's a lot of positive energy flowing. Like everyone's sending out good vibes," Dan Bloch, an undecided major, said. "Well, I think it's really great to see someone who's just coming up to play. Maybe in a few years, I'll see them again at a bigger show."
Besides Tuesday's open mic show, Broadway Joe's features indie rock on Mondays and Baby Steps' hip-hop show every Thursday.
Drink Specials
Open mic aside, many are drawn to Broadway Joe's on Tuesdays for another reason: $2.50 pitchers and an overall good time. To add icing on the cake, Tuesdays at Broadway Joe's offers 25-cent drafts and no cover charge. The bar also benefits from a very pleasant staff.
McGarret's
Location: 946 Elmwood Avenue.
Event:
Wednesday nights at McGarret's, (formerly Heenan's) is the proper solution for students with busy Tuesday-night schedules or those that can't get enough barroom excitement.
Up-and-coming bands such as Myoclonic Jerk, Nucleus and Dexter Grove play every Wednesday, contributing greatly to the good vibes and good times.
"It's a homespun funk fest," Rich Cusimano, a junior media studies major, said. "It's very cool that the bands play at the same level as the crowd. It's such a warm and inviting place, especially in the wintertime. You can always stop in, get drunk and get down!"
The music notwithstanding, McGarret's has an appealing laid-back atmosphere on the weekdays. If anyone has ever attended the bar on a Friday or Saturday night, he or she will be quite surprised when witnessing the Wednesday night scene. There is usually room to breathe, converse and move freely through the crowd.
Drink Specials
Pints of Saranac are served from some of Buffalo's most friendly bartenders for the low price of $2.25. Drinks on tap of all varieties are only two bucks. Tuesday nights are also solid at McGarret's, mainly because of their "two for one" specials, which include shots.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
