1. Daisy Duke’s
A nightlife favorite since it was remodeled from an old campus theater house in 2008, Daisy Duke’s boasts the largest square footage of a single bar or dance hall on the Northgate party strip. Friday nights are arguably the best nights to visit the comfortably refurbished dance hall, with discounted drinks all night long and an energetic crowd. The club plays about a fifty-fifty mix of country and hip hop/Top 40 music, making it a favorite of two-steppers and booty-grinders alike. Duke’s (as it is affectionately known by visitors) also doesn’t shy away from fun ’80’s and ’90’s favorites: during my last visit, the whole club was grooving to Digital Underground’s “The Humpty Dance”. The club also books country and hip hop artists on a semi-frequent basis: the catchy “Billionaire” singer Travie McCoy visited in September, and local country favorites Chris Knight and Bruce Robison have made appearances throughout the fall semester. Duke’s is definitely student friendly: featuring end-of-finals specials and holiday events like its annual Halloween party. A perfect place for the “Young, Wild, and Country” of College Station, Duke’s is a great place to unwind with friends.
- Texas Hall of Fame
Arguably the best place to hear your favorite Texas country artists, the Texas Hall of Fame, located on south 2818, is sure to have visitors two-stepping in their cowboy boots. In the past two months alone, the club has hosted Roger Creager, Aaron Watson, Kyle Park, Reckless Kelly, and Cody Johnson, with Johnny Lee, Granger Smith, Stoney LaRue, and Shawn Jennings slated to appear throughout March. The Hall is very student-friendly as well, boasting some of the lowest entry rates and drink specials throughout College Station: even guys under 21 get in for five dollars all night long. The club also hosts what it calls “The Original College Night” – discounted entrance fees to encourage both guys and girls to come dance, usually held three or four times a month. The Hall embodies classic Aggie nightlife at its best, a great place to go to catch a few two-step numbers with a date.
- Hurricane Harry’s
Like the Texas Hall of Fame, Hurricane Harry’s features country favorites quite frequently -: recently hosting “She’s Like Texas” crooner Josh Abbot; and No Justice, The Wicked River Band, and Brison Bursey are also all slated to appear within the next month. On a regular night, Harry’s plays a half-and-half mix of club and country music, a perfect mix for any dance hall visitor – and a nightly rendition of Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin'” and The Texas Aggie Fight song add to the unique Harry’s experience. Ample parking and two huge dance floors are sure keep guests coming back. A great place for large groups, Hurricane Harry’s has been a College Station favorite for years.
