thePULSEBy Katey Khaos with Emily Kopec and Emily Osgood
OK, sure, summer vakay is over, that’s kind of a bummer…but there’s nothing you can do. So ~ whether you’re coming to school here in Worcester as a freshman, sophomore, or upperclassman ~ make the best of it and dive into all the different aspects of the your college and your [new] city ~ Your college years are basically a glorious melting pot of people who have different styles, backgrounds, and ideas, who follow different trends, have different hobbies, etc., so soak it all in! Get creative! Let loose with the way you dress, the kind of music you listen to, which clubs you hang out at, the coffeehouses where you get that all important caffeine, how often you treat yourself to some relaxing spa time, where you go for a romantic night with your latest hottie. It’s an adventure. And we want to help you get the most out of Worcester ~ so even though there’s no way we can list all the clubs, shops, venues, restaurants, bars, gyms, spas, etc., what we can do is give you a little taste of what the city has to offer and then encourage you to get out there and EXPLORE!!! There is so much to do that you could literally spend each and every weekend doing something different. Check out what other people are into. Think you might be a head-banger at heart? Head to a concert at The Palladium. Starting to feel like maybe you’d like to do a song or two at an open mic night? Lots of clubs are waiting to put you on stage. Love animals and want to start volunteering? Give the Worcester Animal Rescue League a call. Ready to break out of the “mall mold” and dress a little more Boho-chic (while saving some cash)? Head to a local thrift shop and put together your own take on hippie-chicness. Finally ready for that tattoo (sorry, Mom!)? You’ve got a bunch of studios to choose from in the city. Want to start overcoming that high school shyness? Find someone in your dorm who looks interesting and introduce yourself. Now, don’t ditch your personality and everything about yourself that’s gotten you through the first 18+ years of your life, but have some fun trying out new places and looks and hobbies ~ they’re all around you. So from all of us at Pulse, welcome [back], have a great school year, get out there with your friends, meet some new people, have fun, try something different, and get to know your city!
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST CUPPA IN TOWN
Coffee is a must for college students, so the first thing you might want to do when you arrive at school is stake out your favorite java joint. Sure, you can brew some boring old joe in your dorm, but for high-octane caffeine (and some fancy coffee drinks that are more fun to order and drink than they are to make!) and a break from the four walls of your room, best to get out in search of the best beans around.
The Bean Counter ~ Serving up gourmet coffee alongside amazing pastries and cakes (including vegan and gluten free), Bean Counter is definitely the coolest place to get your caffeine fix and hang with students from all over the city…
113 Highland Street, Worcester, beancounterbakery.com
Wholly Cannoli ~ While known around town for their giant pizza slices, this Italian bakery mixes up all sorts of delish coffee drinks ~ including everyone’s favorite iced staple.
490 Grafton Street, Worcester, whollycannoli.com
Boston Donuts ~ Located on Park Ave, BoDo’s boasts over 30 flavors like “Pistachio Ice Cream” and “Cinnamon Sticky Bun” ~ these brew masters have a cup for every taste!
383 Park Avenue, Worcester
In House Coffee ~ Need to prepare for that all-nighter? This Shrewsbury Street favorite has a huge selection of espresso drinks ~ plus regular coffee drinks, iced coffee, and just about any coffee concoction you can imagine ~ plus lots of yummy goodies on the side.
225 Shrewsbury Street #C, Worcester, inhousecoffee.com
Also make some time to try out Espress Yourself Coffee at 2 Richmond Ave. in Worcester, and check out our CoffeeHouse Listings every month in Pulse!
STAYING VEGETARIAN IN WORCESTER
Being a vegetarian in college isn’t the easiest thing, especially when the cafeteria offers limited options. There are only so many ways to prepare a salad, after all. Why not swing by one of these awesome vegetarian restaurants for something more than boring veggies in a bowl.
EVO ~ There’s nothing not to love about this newer restaurant, from their modern interior to their quick and friendly service. All meals (many of which are vegetarian) are prepared with local as well as natural and organic ingredients and are sure to please your palette. BTW, their Italian Grilled Cheese on panini break is a MUST-HAVE!
234 Chandler St, Worcester,
www.evodining.com
Living Earth ~ After you’re done with your delicious EVO meal, why not stock up on some veggie snacks for your dorms from this family-owned grocery store. Don’t let the appearance fool you ~ it may look small, but Living Earth is crammed with specialty items that you can’t find anywhere else in Worcester ~ artisan cheeses, fair trade coffee and teas, and many more environmentally and socially conscious picks.
232 Chandler St., Worcester,
www.lefoods.com
Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant ~ This budget-friendly take-out joint offers all-vegan food with a Jamaican kick (We thought the same thing ~ now that’s cool!). Their curried “chicken” over rice and beans is sure to satisfy both hunger and soul.
157 Belmont St., Worcester, www.belmontvegetarian.com
Loving Hut – Formerly known as Quan Yin, this vegan Asain restaurant is small and intimate. A quick glance at the menu will show there’s plenty of mock meat to be found, which goes rather well with the sweet and spicy broths. Bonus: You get a calm, zen dining experience and a wallet with some cash left; a full meal and tip rings in at around $15.
56 Hamilton St., Worcester, lovinghut.us/worcester/
Craving Chinese food or want to bring a fellow vegetarian to someplace a bit more upscale? Try Nancy Chang’s ~ they form tofu into faux chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp and add it to their delicious entrees ~ you won’t miss the meat at all!
372 Chandler St., Worcester, www.nancychang.com/index.htm
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NOT-SO-PERSONAL SPACE ~ RESIDENCE HALL BATHROOMS
Ah, the college dorm bathroom…just when you thought fighting over mirror time with your sister was unbearable, now you have to struggle to find a clean shower that still has enough hot water. Adjusting to sharing your most private space can be difficult, but is essential to maintaining your sanity during Freshman year. Follow these tips to ensure smooth sailing during your as-close-as-you’re-going-to-get-in-college personal time.
1. Shoes in the shower. Always wear some sort of footwear in the shower to avoid standing in other people’s … well, you get the idea. Flip flops are a cheap solution, but Crocks clogs offer full-foot coverage.
2. Don’t forget your towel. After all, walking naked back to your room isn’t exactly the best way to make new friends.
3. Take your things with you. Invest in a tote of sorts to carry your toiletries to and from the bathroom. This eliminates cluttering the bathroom, as well as eliminating your favorite shampoo from going missing.
4. Be conscientious of dorm mates. If you live on an all girls floor, try to keep your boyfriend’s (or any guy’s) use of the bathroom to a minimum. Think of how awkward it may be if you were to walk into the bathroom and you realize there’s a guy the next stall over!
On the bright side, keep in mind that since this is a public bathroom, there’s someone to clean it for you on the daily. That means that if you’re looking for a clean stall to take a long, hot shower in, you may want to consider setting your alarm a bit earlier than you anticipated.
STAYING SEXY ON A BUDGET ~ BEAUTY DAY
Unwinding after a stressful week of studying and exams can be rough, especially when you live at school and are constantly sharing your space with others. Worcester has some amazing spas that offer full relaxation from head to toe. Take some time for just you, or bring a friend to these local spas for some relaxing treatments that won’t tap into your text-book fund.
St Cyr Salon offers student discounts on multiple services including waxes, manis and pedis ~ all you have to do is mention the discount code “SD20.” Also check out Adesso Beauty Spa where full-time students get a 20% discount on all services!
St Cyr Salon:
235 Park Avenue, Worcester, www.stcyrsalon.com 
Adesso Beauty Spa:
108 June Street, Worcester
Massages can be another great way to relax and after lugging those books around campus all week, your back could probably use some TLC.
Bellisimo Europoean Day Spa offers a 60-minute massage for only $75! They also offer six different types of massages and will even customize a massage to fit your needs! If you’re looking for a way to refresh your face, try their “fassage.” Their fassage is a facial massage that includes exfoliation as well as a custom mask, making this a perfect way to clear up those pores from your daily makeup routine.
For a list of the other great spas that can make you feel like a million bucks, check out our March Indulge issue! www.thepulsemag.com/wordpress/2011/03/311-indulge
Summer may be over but there’s no reason you shouldn’t keep that killer tan, right?
Indian Summer Tanning Spa was a People’s Pick six years in a row and offers a tanning options for everyone’s needs, from pasty beginner to bronzed veteran. They even have sound equipment so that you can “jam while you tan.” With your student I.D., your first tanning session is free!
1285 Pleasant Street. Worcester, www.indiansummertanning.com
Glo Tanning offers great tanning at a great price so you won’t have to look as white as the snow that’s falling this winter! They offer great specials like 50% off every level tanning beds all year long with their Student Special Plan! Anyone who mentions their website can also receive 15% off any bottle of lotion in stock! Check out their spa services like laser hair removal, massages, photo facials and so much more! Head to glotanningcenter.com/specials.html to see all the ways you can save money and look your best this semester!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some of us really dig body mods! Zaza Ink is the perfect place to go, especially if you’re feeling adventurous. Full time students get 10% off all tattoos and piercings! Let their talented artists design the perfect custom tattoo for you, or add a new stud to your collection of jewelry.
291 West Boylston Street, West Boylston, www.zazaink.com
Of course, what beauty day would be complete without the ever-popular nail salon trip?
Cherry Nails is the perfect price for college students (that’s right, ladies, you won’t have to sell back your textbooks just to have good looking nails!) Cherry Nails offers a paraffin wax with every manicure. Swing by to cap off your girl time with a mani-pedi for only $33!
131 Highland Street, Worcester
In the mood to get some fancier pampering? Try gobare Salon for gorgeous eyelashes and perfectly waxed eyebrows ~ or even more extensive waxing!
87 Harding Street, Worcester, 508-799-8833, www.gobare.us
HAVING FUN ON A BUDGET ~ EVEN IF YOUR BUDGET IS ZERO
The words “college student” and “broke” usually go hand in hand. Before you start rummaging through the couch cushions for spare change, check out these options that mean you might not have to spend every weekend stuck in your dorm room!
The best place to start saving is right outside your dorm room door. The Campus Activities Office has discounts for students all year. The CAO offers discounted movies / concert tickets and connections to cheap transportation like the Woo Bus! They will also give you a Woo Card that’s good for discounts all over the city! Keep checking in with their events calendar for free things to do across the city!
Here are a few events to help you get started!
– ARTSWorcester presents Fernando Martins at the Hanover Theater until the end of September. Come and enjoy a free art exhibit with some friends.
– Check out REC Main South Community Farmers Market at the YMCA Central Community Branch. Shop for fresh local produce and other items made by local vendors and watch performance artists in the streets. Held every Saturday through the end of October, the farmers market is a great way to get outside for some free fun!
Check out the Activities Office of other colleges in town. Schools host free events with free food for students all the time. Holy Cross has an art gallery that rotates exhibits and is free for everyone. This fall they will show works of art from their art faculty. Holy Cross features free movie nights, and WPI puts on some great theatre productions throughout the year. Schools social calendars change all the time as certain groups put on events, so you’ll never be without plans on a Friday night. 
Okay, maybe you have some cash, thanks to your ‘rents sending your monthly allowance or to that job that’s barely keeping you afloat ~ but you don’t want to spend it all in one weekend. The following places offer up a fun night out without breaking the bank!
West Boylston Cinema – Looking to take someone on a date without having to sell a kidney, or even looking to see a movie with some friends without spending your entire work study paycheck? See a movie at the West Boylston Cinema on Tuesday and pay only $3.50 for a matinee showing! Evening shows are only $5.00!
101 West Boylston Street, West Boylston, www.westboylstoncinema.com
Central Rock Climbing Gym – Rainy days are never fun, but Central Rock offers a fun alternative to staying inside and studying! Central Rock offers Ladies’ Night on Mondays from 5pm-10pm where a pass and rentals are only $14! College students can climb on Thursday nights from 6pm-11pm (with college ID, of course) for only $17. Oh, and did I mention free pizza?!
299 Barber Avenue, Worcester, www.centralrockgym.com
Trombetta’s Farm – New England winters usually mean one thing ~ lots and lots of snow. Trombetta’s Farm is a great place to go for some mini-golf all year round! This 18 hole mini golf course is 100% indoors! One round will cost you $7.50, but the second round if half off!
655 Farm Road, Marlborough, www.trombettasfarm.com/
CLAYTIME Paint-Your-Own-Pottery and Bead Studio – Looking for something fun and different to do with friends? Try CLAYTIME Paint-Your-Own-Pottery and Bead Studio. With your College I.D. you can get half off their studio fee on Thursday nights and have fun channeling your inner artist.
124 Boston Turnpike Road, Shrewsbury, www.claytimestudio.com
Responsible Spending for Responsible Adults (21+)
Ralph’s Diner – Music, food and drinks ~ what could be better than that? Catch great local and national acts (usually for only a $5 cover) while chowing down on a burger or drinkin’ a beer! Ralph’s also offers karaoke on Wednesday nights beginning at 10PM, as well as Dirty Gerund Poetry on Monday nights beginning at 9PM (with no cover!)
148 Grove Street, Worcester, www.ralphsrockdiner.com
London Billiards – Free pool! You heard right! Sundays – Thursdays are all college nights at London Billiards! Groups of 4 (with college ID) will be given a free hour of pool! You can also grab draft beers for $1, and pitchers for $6! Special pricing for appetizers are also available on college nights!
70 James Street, Worcester, www.londonbilliards.com
PS. Groupon.com is a great way to grab some local deals, too, and gives you ideas you might not have come up with on your own. Groupon.com will send daily deals right to your e-mail. These e-coupons are only valid after a certain number are purchased, so tell your friends to join, too! Discounts include restaurants, boating trips, skydiving, and much more!
NO WHEELS? HOW TO HAVE FUN ON AND CLOSE TO CAMPUS
Sometimes we forget that even the folks in charge of our college education realize that the four (we hope!) years we spend matriculating are only about academics ~ they’re about trying out different social circles, meeting people from different parts of the country/world, learning to balance our work/play time, and basically living a life that’s preparing us for the adult world ~ which does include downtime! So, most campuses have their own Student Activity Centers (or versions thereof), pubs, game centers, theatres, auditoriums, etc. ~ and there’s usually something going on each and every weekend ~ an up and coming band, a sports event, a concert, a comic ~ right on your campus ~ or one nearby…no car necessary.
Want to get away from campus for a while for a change of scenery/the possibility of meeting some new people? Well, even if you don’t have wheels of your own, that shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying all the entertainment Worcester has to offer.
Think cabs and ZipCars ~ they’re both great, inexpensive ways to get around the city and check out all these great places we’re mentioning! Some colleges (like Holy Cross) even have discount programs where students can join the ZipCar program for only $35 a year! www.zipcar.com
If you don’t think you can swing that on a college budget, don’t worry! Luckily, your college is part of the Worcester Consortium, which means that there’s a free shuttle that travels from campus to campus (and a few other stops in between!) For a list of stops and times, check out www.cowc.org/college-student-resources/shuttle
Also remember the basic, and be sure to check out your CAO for local bus schedules, and don’t forget about your feet!
Break the ice on your first date by laughing together at a Dan Smith Comedy show! Swing by Jose Murphys and catch the show for only $12! It’s a guaranteed night of fun and laughs ~ Dan’s a riot and he brings in a lot of comic heavy-hitters, too!
305 Shrewsbury Street Worcester, www.funkyandjosemurphys.com/jose/index.html
The Palladium – A hardcore hotspot, The Palladium gets the best of the live heavy stuff ~ local bands, national bands, and some amazing bills that you won’t see anywhere else in the area. Get ready for the pit!!
261 Main Street, Worcester, www.thepalladium.net 
That’s Entertainment – For all you out-of-state geeks, this place is for you! From cards, games and consoles to comic books and action figures, That’s E has everything! Register for Magic tournaments, and keep an eye out for meet and greets from famous comic book authors!
244 Park Avenue, www.thatse.com
If you’re trying to impress your date with your knowledge of sports, try a Worcester Sharks game at the DCU Center. The hockey club has discounted tickets for college students on Friday and Saturday nights with a valid ID.
50 Foster Street, Worcester, www.dcucenter.com
Visit your Campus Activities Office to buy buttons for the Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle. On Saturday September 10th some of the greatest eats in the city open their doors to college students and offer up sample fare! You can buy advanced tickets from your school for only $10, which allows you to try food from over 20 restaurants. When the Shuffle ends, head over to the Canal District for CanalFest, where you can learn about the history of the Blackstone Canal and enjoy more free food and entertainment.
21+
Mahoney’s Pub – Spend a night out with the guys watching the game at Mahoney’s! Mahoney’s offers “No Rules Wings” on Monday nights, which means FREE WINGS! They also have dart boards, a golf arcade game and a PlayStation 3 set up for anyone to drop in and play!
413 Park Avenue, www.facebook.com/mahoneyspub.ma
A DOSE OF CULTURE
C’mon, you’re in college, you don’t have to pretend that culture’s just for the geeks…in fact, it’s pretty cool to have some interests outside of partying!
Higgins Armory Museum ~ Visit Higgins Armory and see the world of knights come to life ~ you can even dress up as one, should you feel so inclined. Check out weaponry and armor from across the centuries. If you’re 21+, Don’t miss the 11th Annual Festival of Ale at Higgins Armory on September 24th. Sample over 70 beers from local breweries.
100 Barber Ave., Worcester, www.higgins.org
Worcester Art Museum – Acclaimed for European and North American painting, prints, photographs and drawings, and with galleries that change all the time, there’s always something new to check out at the Worcester Art Museum! It’s a great place to grab some inspiration, a great resource for those lovely art history papers, and you can even enjoy monthly mixers, some lectures, and weekend classes. WAM, as it’s called, is considered a world-class museum ~ and it’s right in our backyard!
55 Salisbury St., Worcester, www.worcesterart.org
The Hanover Theatre ~ A beautiful performing arts hall in the heart of Worcester! The Hanover offers a variety of performances from ballets to Broadway musicals to comedy acts and more! Visit their website at thehanovertheatre.org to see what’s playing now!
2 Southbridge St, Worcester, www.thehanovertheatre.org
The Poet’s Asylum ~ Whether you’re a professional poet, a novice who simply has something to say/poetry in your heart, somewhere in between, or simply love the rush of hearing amazing poetry/spoken word, then the PA is the place for you. It’s a great way to get feedback on your word ~ and it’s all in good fun! If you have local or national poetry slam aspirations, too, these are your people!
910 Main Street, Worcester, www.poetsasylum.org
ARTSWorcester ~ A non-profit membership organization providing opportunities and services for visual, literary, and performing artists, AW offers more than 18 visual art exhibits annually including at the historic Aurora Gallery (660 Main Street, Worcester), at the Hall Gallery at Quinsigamond Community College, and as part of the Worcester Windows Program.
660 Main Street, Worcester, www.artsworcester.org
Or if art isn’t your thing, try the Worcester Historical Museum. Explore Travel through time and see some off the hundreds of objects hand-crafted right here in Woo Town, and learn a whole lot more about Worcester’s history. Bio majors will love Worcester’s Ecotarium! You’ll be able to get up close and personal with all kinds of animals and even take a trip to outer space in their digital planetarium. All full-time college students get in for only $4.
WHM:
30 Elm Street, Worcester, www.worcesterhistory.org
Ecotarium:
222 Harrington Way, Worcester, www.ecotarium.org
If you’re looking for something a little different, try musicworester.org. Advanced tickets to see dance ensembles, orchestras, and ballets are only $20 for college students!
The Sprinkler Factory is home to a number of aspiring artists. The crowning jewel of the factory is the gallery’s atrium, where the public is invited to browse though studios and attend both gallery openings and juried fine art shows.
38 Harlow Street, Worcester, sprinklerfactory.com
…and don’t forget to look to your own school for cultural offerings ~ dance companies, theatre groups/companies, galleries, special guest artist performances, vocal groups, poetry slams, and more!!!
GET OUT ~ OUTDOORS, THAT IS!
New England weather almost guarantees countless nights of being bundled up inside while the snow falls. Get outside now and enjoy the last warm days ~ you’ll be thanking yourself later!
For less than $11 per person, you and three friends can enjoy a night at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort in Oakham. They offer both a pool and pond, and host all sorts of activities on Friday nights! Enjoy on site canoe or kayak rentals if you’re feeling adventurous, or spend the afternoon relaxing on their secluded beach.
203 Bechan Road, www.pineacresresort.com
If hiking is more up your alley, check out Mt. Wachusett. Hike the trails of this beautiful mountain featuring natural rock walls, waterfalls, and great views at the top. The Mount also has a great line-up of year-round events (not to mention the best skiing and snowboarding in the area!) ~ music, beer, nature, even sales on gear!
499 Mountain Road, Princeton, www.wachusett.com
Art in the Park – Each year, 3-dimensional art pieces are installed in Worcester’s own Elm Park. Why not spend the afternoon walking around the park and checking out these awesome modern art pieces hidden throughout. Art in the Park is free and available through October!
Looking for a place to ride that bike you brought all the way from home? Head over to Rutland State Park where you’ll find scenic trails covering much of its 300 acres. In winter, the bike paths become cross-country skiing trails, so you can enjoy them all year round! Cool off from biking with a dip in Whitehall Pond with a beach and picnic tables nearby.
2 Crawford Road, Rutland, www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/rtld.htm
Afraid to gain that “freshman fifteen?” Why not pick some fruit with your friends to help you stay fit at Tougas Farm. Tougas Farm offers pick your own apples, blueberries, nectarines, peaches, raspberries and pumpkins ~ all available to be picked in September! It’s only $3 per person, and that money is credited to the purchase of fruit!
246 Ball Street, Northborough, www.tougasfarm.com 
Massachusetts Audubon Society/Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary A cool, autumn day is the perfect time to check out the largest urban sanctuary in New England! This sanctuary offers more than 400 acres of woods and fields, 78 different species of butterflies and 5 miles of walking trails. That’s right, all in Worcester!
414 Massasoit Road Worcester, www.massaudubon.org
stART on the Street – 250 artists, crafters and performers showing off their talents in the streets of Worcester! Check out some great art and performances while dining on some great local food! The 9th annual stART on the Street kick’s off September 18th at 11AM on Park Ave! Rain date September 25.
Fall is a great time for romantic outings ~ so grab your sweetie and try apple picking and a hayride for an affordable and fun date. Roaming through endless apples trees also allows you two some alone time away from the crowed dorms, making an orchard the perfect place for a first date! Spend the day at Berlin Orchards enjoying hot cider and strolling hand-in-hand in grassy fields!
Don’t feel like venturing off campus? Grab some friends and start a Frisbee or volleyball pick-up game in the quad! It’s a great way to get outside, as well as making some new friends! Oh ~ and did we mention that New England is world famous for it’ autumn foliage. Take a walk around the city and check out the gorgeous leaves
FASHION CENTS ~ MAKE IT A [CHEAP] SHOPPING WEEKEND
Goodwill ~ A can’t-miss Worcester thrift haven
25 Park Ave, Worcester 508-752-4042
• We love their better-than-average selection of women’s tops and men’s bottoms including plenty of college brand faves like American Eagle, Express, etc
• Check out the decorating and houseware/dormware goodies section in back – Good stuff!
• Daily 50% off clothing with specific tag color
Salvation Army ~ When you have a couple hours to sort through a LOT of stuff
72 Cambridge St, Worcester 508-799-0528
• Massive store lined with chock-full clothes racks as far as the eye can see hiding something for everyone
• Separate room for books and CDs galore (‘90s music fans, meet your new BFF)
• Need furniture? Your first stop should be S.A.’s separate furniture store in back carrying everything you need to furnish your pad
• Daily 50% off clothing with specific tag color; Wednesdays feature 50% off four colors
Alexis Grace Consignment Boutique ~ Finer selection of artfully displayed merchandise
7 Harrison Ave, Worcester 508-799-4700 www.alexisgraceconsignment.com
• Retail consignment shop with upscale feel specializing in “fun, funky, classy, sexy and demure”
• Carries new to near-new clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories with an emphasis on designer labels (but a hearty selection of great “B” list brands too!)
• Offers well-rounded variety of styles from past to present including one-of-a-kind items (anyone up for a Givenchy mesh necklace?)
• Located in a cool restored factory building; Guys, check out their Man Town section!
BEST PLACE TO MEET A HOTTIE
Boiler Room ~ THE place for students to be on Thursday nights. Experience wild 18+ Thursdays at this thumping, pumping underground nightclub. Each week features guest DJs (including some very well-known names!) spinning top 40 and dance remix. Between the hot bartenders and the red industrial-vibe décor, this hot spot is a must-hit ~ and a great excuse to get all dressed up!
70 Winter St, Worcester, www.boilerroomclub.com
The Salty Dog ~ Guys, you’re not going to find hotter girls than the ones at Salty Dog in Kelley Square ~ and not only are they smokin’, but chances are they’re going to be riding the mechanical bull. Need we say more?
1 Kelley Square, Worcester, thesaltydog.net/worcester
Byblos Lounge ~ Located in beautiful Union Station, Byblos delivers an international experience minus the price of a plane ticket. Dine on authentic Mediterranean food, dance to international music, take in some live entertainment (including belly dancers), puff on a hookah and mingle with an upscale, cultured crowd in a lavish setting. (Guys, did we mention the women here are smokin’ hot?)
2 Washington Sq, Worcester, www.byblostx.com
The Boynton – Located in the bustling WPI ‘hood, it’s no wonder this upbeat restaurant/bar is a student favorite. Plenty of booths = No fighting to rest your booty, and you get a great view of the joint no matter where you’re sitting. No attitudes here, just friendly faces, multiple flat screens TVs, great food at great prices, and ~ oh yeah ~ 51 beers on tap.
117 Highland St, Worcester, www.boyntonrestaurant.com
We couldn’t possibly list all of the great bars and clubs Worcester has to offer; however, in each issue of Pulse we feature Club Listings for some of the hottest places to go, such as the Raven, Tammany Hall, The Lucky Dog, and many, many more!
THE RESTAURANTS
Hungry from a week of studying, taking tests, and trying to absorb everything your professors are talking about? Good ~ ‘cause Worcester has a mind-boggling selection of restaurants, diners, and dessert places. In the mood for traditional American favorites or Italian comfort food? Done and done. Out late (or even later!) and craving delish diner food? We’ve got some of the best diners in the country (the diner car was invented here, as a matter of fact)! Taste buds have a hankerin’ for some more exotic flavors? Take your pick ~ Middle Eastern, German, Asian, Irish, Spanish, Brazilian, Indian, and more. We can’t possibly mention all the amazing restaurants here in the city, so instead, we’re going to direct you to our website that has them ALL ~ www.tasteworcester.com. You can search through restaurants in all the neighborhoods and by kind of food served, BYOB, if entertainment is offered, by price point, whether it offers a romantic setting, and more. From breakfast to brunch to dinner to dessert to late night/oh-so-early-in-the-morning snack, you’ll find ‘em all.
Why not start a tradition of bunch of you from your dorm going out to a different restaurant each week, or setting aside Sunday mornings to catch up over brunch. Take turns who chooses where you go. Know some kids from another school? Invite them along too. Before you know it, you’ll have a network of friends that includes people from all the different colleges with all different tastes
Break the ice on your first date by laughing together at a Dan Smith Comedy show! Swing by Jose Murphys and catch the show for only $12! It’s a guaranteed night of fun and laughs ~ and Dan brings in a lot of comic heavy-hitters, too! Can’t get enough of Dan Smith? Check out his website at dansmith.com for a list of performance dates!
So you might want to start out the school year with a few weekends of getting to know your campus, then heading to a familiar club, spa, restaurant, or museum where you know you’ll see your classmates/dorm mates, then gradually moving on to new spots (which equal new people!). Before you know it, you’ll have figured out your favorite places in the city and Worcester will feel like your [second] home!!
