Amherst Brewing Company (A.B.C) is located in downtown Amherst, right on N. Pleasant St. A.B.C is a great place to grab a bite to eat, relax and drink refreshingly smooth homemade brews. A.B.C has two floors: the downstairs is a pub/restaurant, and the upstairs is a bar/game-room. This arrangement is great because you can have the best of both worlds, all located under one roof.
What sets this place apart from other bars? Plenty of things, but most importantly "the beer," says an A.B.C enthusiast. There is no better way to celebrate the changing seasons than with A.B.C's seasonal beer. These beers, along with the year-round brews, are named after inspirations such as the owner's pets, children, graduation time and the Super Bowl. Typically a pint of any flavored beer is only $3.75 but can contain up to 7.2% alcohol by volume. The menus include a detailed description of each brew, as well as a chart that explains the body, bitterness and hop factor.
Diva's Nightclub is a primary LGBT dance club in Northampton but also frequented by straight people. It is open Tuesday through Saturday nights. The last call for drinks at Diva's is at 1:45am, and the club stops admitting patrons at 1am and it closes at 2am. Diva's has three bars, one of which is off-limits to under-21 year olds. Both bars have approximately the same drinks available. The third bar is to the left of the entrance, and has different DJs/music from the main room. The club is known, in addition to its variety of dance nights, for $1 pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon, making it one of the cheapest bars around (other drinks are comparatively priced). In the past, CommGrads had birthday parties at Diva's on Thurs whose theme is an 80's retro night.
Seven O's Bar is a place where everyone knows your name. Located on 330 Amherst Road just before downtown Sunderland, Seven O's is just a short bus ride away for UMass students. Established and built in 1976 by Ralph Olszewski, Seven O's started as a family business. The name of the bar comes from the Olszewski family, Ralph's wife and five kids, forming the "seven o's." Ralph wanted to build a bar that was safe enough to bring his wife to and he wanted to feel at home. In his eyes, Seven O's is a success.
Seven O's is a wide open area, spacious and homey - like a family living room. With a stage in back and open floor in front, it is ideal for karaoke. In fact, Seven O's won Best Place for Karaoke in the 2006 Reader's Poll of The Advocate. "It was really a surprise to me," says Agnes Ting, current owner of the bar, upon receiving the award. Karaoke at Seven O's is every Wednesday night starting at nine, and anyone is welcome - singing isn't in the job description, but having a good time is mandatory.
Along with award-winning karaoke, Seven O's also has live music on Friday and Saturday nights. A regular performer at the bar is Mark Snow. Snow performs songs from The Band, Elvis, Johnny Cash, and music from classic rock era. Along with Snow, there are a variety of performers who play at Seven O's. "Anyone can play here," says Anges. She especially encourages student bands to perform. "It is perfect to play here," she says smiling. "Bring your friends and have a good time." There is plenty of room and enough beer to last till morning.
