The Voice - Student Newspaper

Westgate: GCC student nightlife

It is a nice night to go out and you have no idea what to do or where to go. Yeah, you could go to Mill in Tempe but you don't feel like driving that far. So where do you go? Glendale Community College (GCC) students usually opt to hang out at Glendale's Westgate Mall.

There always some kind of special event going on at the arena and many places to eat, drink and be merry with friends.

Westgate has a variety of venues to entertain college students. No matter what sort of environment you like, Westgate is perfect because it grants you the ability to bar hop for nights you're feeling spontaneous.

On the lower level, Hell's Half Acre caters to a trendy music crowd, with their lights low and their big screen TV playing the trendiest music videos, students flock to relax from a day in the books.

Just across the way at McFadden's Bar and Grill the environment is a little bit brighter with a European style patio set and a vibrant interior. McFadden's is the perfect place to kick back with buddies to watch a heated sporting event and play a little pool. Don't miss out on Margaritaville while you're walking the courtyard because this is one place that knows how to have a good time.

If your thoughts sound like, "Margaritaville? My dad loves Jimmy Buffet, I don't want to show my face here," then you'd be missing out on a live band that plays all of the greatest, hit songs that you pretend not to love but know all the words to.

Hidden in the center of Westgate is The Yard house, with its expansive patio lounge. The Yard House is more than a five page menu of beer; its cuisine is divine with its respected variety of steak and seafood to complement any beverage you desire.

On the upper deck, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant hosts one of the most exotic menus Westgate has to offer, if you want to try something you've never had before, Kabuki's will serve it up raw.

If you're rearing to let out your country side, kickoff your boots at Saddle Ranch and ride that mechanical bull.

Bring your appetite when visiting Saddle Ranch be¬cause they could feed an army with a single dish.

Then there's, The SHOUT House, a fun lively spot for all. With dueling pianists either singing a song together or playing against each other really gets the crowd moving. Make your night interactive, if you can handle it, these pianists pull selected audience members on stage and perform roasts. When SHOUT House's pianist and entertainment manager, Sam Ferguson, was asked to describe this bar in one word he said "Adventurous".

My personal experience at The SHOUT House was a great one. All the workers are really nice and everyone is just looking to have a good time. Every Thursday night is college night, and at 8 pm with a current student id there is no cover charge.

Westgate is the place to have fun and let loose after a day with your nose in the books.

Please send comments to sortega@gccvoice.com