As a first year, everything is new and exciting, especially when it comes to the college social scene, but eventually suspicious garbage-can punch and sticky frat-house floors will get old, and you might be left wondering if there’s anything more to life or, rather, if there’s anything else to do on the weekend in the seventh largest city in the United States.
Here’s a list of Friday-night alternatives that won’t break the bank, are within a 20-minute car ride from campus and can’t get you into trouble with the cops, unless of course you decide to pair the activity with drinking, in which case”¦. Check out the safe transportation tips from Krista Campolo (right) and cheers!
Luther’s Café
1425 N. Main Ave.
210-223-7727
A drag queen hostess? Old “˜80s pop rock anthems? Fried pickles? It’s so bad it’s good. Practice your air guitar and start warming up your voice for the 10 p.m. karaoke kickoff. The shenanigans go till 3 a.m. and start again on Saturday, same time, same place.
Sultan’s Café and Grill
5625 Babcock Rd.
2911 N. Saint Marys St.
210-733-9988
Blow off some steam by blowing smoke on one of the couches at this well-reviewed spot on the northwest side of San Antonio. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and they stay open till 3 a.m. on Fridays. Go often enough and use your frequent smoker card to get a free refill after five punches and a free hookah after 10 punches.
Dinner & a Movie
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
618 NW Loop 410
210-677-8500
You’ve probably been going to the movies with your friends since you were too-cool-for-school in junior high and we know you can look up show times and locations on your own, so we’re not being entirely unique in this suggestion to spend Friday night at the movies, but the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema isn’t your regular movie theatre. With three San Antonio locations, theme nights, sing-a-longs and showings of old classics like “Zoolander” and “Bend it Like Beckham,” the original draw of having food and drink served to you while you watch the movie is only the beginning.
First Friday
Near the Blue Star Arts Complex
116 Blue Star
safirstfriday.com
Check out some art and rub shoulders with San Antonio’s hipsters in downtown’s historic King William district on (you guessed it) the first Friday of every month from 5-11 p.m. The street fair, which is free, spans several blocks and showcases everything from clothing and jewelry to gallery openings and street art (try to catch one graffiti artist’s epic demonstration on his solar system-inspired masterpieces). You can also support some of our peers who occasionally sell or feature their art at the showcase.
Cowboys Dancehall
3030 NE Loop 410
210-646-9378
A favorite for those of us who like to get our honkey tonk on, Cowboys Dancehall offers dance lessons from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday night. College night is Wednesday with a $10 cover if you’re under 21. Check out their website for information on upcoming concerts with country superstars.
Hardbodies Ladies Club
2726 N. Saint Mary’s St.
210-736-4865
This little gem is within walking distance of campus and features men that could very well put Magic Mike to shame. Pack yo’ dollar bills and be on the lookout for Jimmy Steele, Turbo and Envy. At $20 it can be a steep cover, but birthday girls get in free if they’re over 21 and half off cover if they’re 18 and up. Plus, can you really put a price on memories?
