Top 5 Places to Go in Ann Arbor if You’re under 21
All the fun with none of the underage hangover
—By Vyom Grover, Tommy Karadimas, Claire Schneider
Gosh Darn It! You just got your fake swiped at Rick’s on a Thursday night and now your entire weekend is f**ked!! What ever are you going to do about it? It looks like the end…or does it? You may think that drinking ‘till regret on a Sunday morning, realizing you have 20 assignments due the next day is a classic, but we can assure you that you will get there in due time. The University of Michigan has amazing pastimes that are meant mainly for students. These attractions on campus are a core part of campus life, but many miss the chance of seeing the beauty of these experiences. We understand the appeal of bar hopping to college students, but not everyone is of drinking age. So while you’re stuck below the prime age of 21, relax and take a look around.
Revel and Roll (1950 S Industrial Hwy)
Relive your 12th-birthday party and run over to a bowling alley with some friends or significant other and jump into some competitive fun. Revel and Roll is just a short drive from campus, with weekly deals like $17.79 unlimited bowling per person on Thursdays, and late hours on weekends, but you can go during the week as well. U-M sophomore John Tsillimingras is an unfortunate 19-year-old, and finds bowling here to be a fun activity to do with friends on the weekends: “It’s a really sweet place with lots of lanes and it’s open pretty late, so we can bowl for a while. I love the competitive aspect of it too.” They also have an arcade, billiards/pool, and tasty food. It’s sure to be loads of fun for the whole group, just make sure to bring your A-game.
The State Theater (233 S State St)
“Movies? Ahh man, I hate that! The tickets are so expensive and the food is overpriced!” Well, The State Theater is the place to go for a nice, cheap, AMAZING experience. The State Theater has a nice vintage look on the outside but do not be fooled by its old exterior, the inside is furnished with many high-end, top quality theaters. The State Theater is THE spot on campus to watch movies with your peers. The movies that are shown here are not old, retro movies either; our very own theater is in competition with the top theaters in the state and plays screenings of newly released movies as we speak. With discounts for students on every movie (20%) and advance booking, this theater is an amazing spot on campus. Want to grab a bite before/after the movie? Well no problem, you have many restaurants right next to you and a snack shop right underneath the theater if you’re still worried about the food prices at the theater.
Necto (516 E Liberty St)
Now, we understand the appeal of a party. The people, the music, the realization your dance moves are suitable for a family wedding. However, walking through the cold streets of Ann Arbor just to realize “going out” only increases your step count, is disappointing to say the least. Necto is THE 18+ club to be at. You are immediately greeted with glowing lights, a playlist of today’s top hits, a dance floor, and a DJ. A flat fee of 20 dollars is required but is immediately worth it when you realize you haven’t wasted the past hour wandering around campus. The club is open from 9 pm – 2 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays and on special occasions they hold shows and events. Sophomore Marlee Sacksner loves how convenient it is to meet up with friends there and have a good time. “Going there with a good group of people makes the experience so fun. I love the atmosphere and can totally see myself going back even after I turn 21.” Partying isn’t the only fun thing in Ann Arbor, but if you’re looking for something to mimic that feeling, this is the place to be.
Cantina (1140 S University Ave)
Everybody knows it, everybody loves it… CANTINA! Although this place is notorious for its fishbowls, you only have to be 18 to get in, and can have (almost) just as much fun without ordering any drinks here—plus you’ll save some money. Open till 2 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, all with live DJs, you’ll feel like the typical college student out late, and being right across the street from Joes, you can even experience the post-bar pizza slice that everyone craves. U-M student Ammar Hussain is now a senior and 21, but still loves going to Cantina: “I used to go there all the time as a sophomore and junior. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and music, and I still love to go there now, even if it’s just a quick stop on my way to Ricks.” Also, on the bright side, you won’t be hungover the next morning.
Pinball Petes (1214 S University Ave)
Last but not least, a fan favorite, Pinball Petes. If you’re looking for a classic arcade with great music and a lively atmosphere, this is the place for you. It has a great location right in the middle of the South University shopping center and is open every day until 12 am, plus an extra two hours on the weekends. They’re known for their extensive pinball collection but also house a number of enticing games, machines, and prizes. While they don’t serve food, their prime location allows for a number of alluring options in close proximity. We can personally vouch that Pinball Petes is a great last minute activity. It requires virtually no planning and overall makes for a super relaxed, fun outing. Make a night of it! Go grab a bite to eat with your friends, then head down the street for hours of refreshing fun. You won’t be disappointed.
Alrighty! We’ve given you 5 memorable experiences that you can live, over and over again at the University of Michigan. From 18+ bars with phenomenal food, to bowling, to even our own movie theater, The University of Michigan truly has it all. Drinking can be really fun, but let’s not get carried away, you can have virtually just as much fun without it, plus it’ll save you money and a headache the next day. The many experiences of college, while sober, can be daunting, but one thing to remember is that everyone is nervous, so take advantage of that and just try to have fun. From the sweaty Computer Science freshman to the Amex Black Card holder billionaire senior in Ross, anyone can benefit from having 1 or 2 (or more) sober activities to sprinkle in throughout their time at school, and hey, you might enjoy it even more.
Feature photo, Michigan Theater; Photo Credit, Claire Schneider