Springfield (MA) Nightlife

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Lrfox

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I am spending Halloween weekend in Springfield, MA for a number of reasons, and I know it's August, but I'm lost as to what to do at night there (daytime activities in Springfield are no problem).

Do any Springfield locals, area college kids, or frequent visitors have any suggestions on what to do or where to go out at night? I'm staying at the Sheraton Monarch Place. I'm 22, easy to please and I like live music and beer, but my girlfriend loves the clubs (I enjoy them when I go with a girl too... just can't creep it with dudes though).

Thanks ahead of time for the suggestions.
 
Go to Amherst or Northampton? Six Flags is another possibility (if they're still open that late in the year).
 
SixFlags has a Halloween Special thing. Might not be gear for beer/live music/clubgoing crowd though
 
^I think we're going to do the Six Flags Halloween thing, but were hoping there would be some entertainment nearer to the hotel. I've heard lots about both Northampton and Amherst, but there's nothing actually in Springfield?

I appreciate the responses, thanks guys.
 
There's a street downtown with a whole bunch of bars on it that are kinda neat. I can't remember the name, but the bar Naismith's is on it.
 
There's a very old German restaurant/pub called the Student Prince on Fort Street (think of a more crowded version of Jacob Wirth's that's still true to its roots). Just around the corner is a very intimidating looking bar built into the base of the bridge that carries Amtrak trains over Main Street called the Stone Wall Pub. It's home to an interesting cast of characters and would be a fascinating place to pop into on Halloween. Finally, I'd recommend a stroll up Mattoon Street--downtown Sprinfield's most attractive.
 
Lots of strip clubs and crack dealers around the train station, if that is what you are looking for. The Student Prince is an excellent place to drink. The menu is heavy on trad favorites like hassenfeffer and strudel.

There are several clubs in Northampton and good bars and restaurants. I like the food at the East Side Grill(e). The Northampton Brewery makes its own beer and has decent enough food. Think Commonwealth Brewery in Boston (gone) and you have the idea. Pearl Street has bands downstairs (Toby gigged there once) and usually dancing upstairs. Downstairs had a sort of punk/Berlin Wall/barbed wire kind of thing going, but that was a long time ago. The Calvin and the Iron Horse have decent acts (www.iheg.com) and the Iron Horse has tables, food service and pitchers of beer.
 
Thanks a lot for the responses, guys. This is the kind of stuff I was looking for. i hate being somewhere unfamiliar with no idea of where to go and I think you may have solved the dilemma.

I'm really interested in checking out the Student Prince.

Toby, I try to keep my crack dealers and strip clubs separate. It's easier to enjoy the finer points of strip clubs when not on crack. Now, if the crack dealers are in the vicinity of late 90s style rave clubs (all night throbbing techno music) I'll be thrilled. It would beat shelling out the big bucks for E and other designer drugs.

I think I'm going to have to check out Northampton too. I have yet to hear one bad thing about the place. Thanks again for the info, guys.
 
Halloween Night at the Iron Horse may be an opportunity for the incomparable J. Mascis to dust off Dinosaur Jr. for a high-velocity trip down memory lane. If so, don't miss that gig!
 
Worthington St has a lot of bars and clubs, if that's your thing. It's about a 5 minute walk from the Sheraton.
 
My Brother in Law lives in Westfield.
I will email him and ask for his thoughts hes 26 so he still goes to bars and stuff.
Me. I am an old timer. I spent my Weekends in Springfield back from 93-97 so most of the bars I went are probably boarded up burnt down or who knows what else. ha ha .
Both He and I attended Westfield State.
he graduated in 03 I believe.
 
^I'll be meeting up with from friends from Westfield State on night. I'd appreciate the info from a local.

Yes, I had heard about Worthington, and it sounds interesting, but I've also heard it can be a bit "iffy" at times, and even more so then the typical late night rowdies
 
Here are a few suggestions. Within walking distance from the hotel there is



- Theodore's Blues, Brews and Barbecue; http://www.theobbq.com/ (My personal favorite, if I have to be in Springfield)

- The Fat Cat; right across the street from Theodore's

- The Alumni Club; 1 street over from those other two

- The Salty Dog; http://www.saltydogsaloon.net/



Now, for some classier, and more safe entertainment drive 20 minutes up 91 north to exit 18, take a left off the exit, drive 1-2 more miles and find yourself in Northampton, MA. It's my favorite place to hang and there are a TON of places to go. Here's a few suggestions;



Bishop's Lounge; http://www.mulinos.com/specialevents/

The Iron Horse; http://www.iheg.com

The Tunnel Bar; http://www.unionstationrestaurant.com/design/index.php?lv=10



Have Fun!
 
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