Nightlife in Morgantown is prosperous and bustling. It offers many beautiful places to stop in for a nice dinner, dancing, and drinks! Let me tell you about some of the best places to stop by and have the best night of your life!

A Night to Remember: Your Best Options for Morgantown Nightlife

123 Pleasant Street

123 Pleasant Street is easy to find its name and address as one! This live music and performance venue has hosted national, regional, and local acts across genres since 1998. The building has a long history dating back to 1891. It was Morgantown’s first significant apartment building named The Brick Row Building.

One of Morgantown’s most famous residents, architect Elmer Jacobs, even lived here! He resided in what is now the lower bar area starting in 1901. With many businesses and families living in the building throughout the years, the first attempt at a nightlife spot was in 1951. This is the year when Emil’s Tavern both opened and closed. After many taverns and bars, the stage room and upper room became home to the vibrant music community of Morgantown. It opened under the name The Underground Railroad in 1982, helmed by Marsha Ferber. After Marsha’s mysterious disappearance in 1988, the space again changed hands many times before being condemned in 1998. A local and long-time patron, LJ, bought the building in 1998 to preserve the building and its history.

Promising a place where all are welcome, the venue has accepted bands and entertainers for almost 30 years! With metered parking, two full-service bars, and a welcoming atmosphere, 123 Pleasant St. is a must-see, especially when the venue and bar have a wide variety of live music and shows hosted within its walls. A few shows you can catch include live string bands, comedy shows, festivals, rock bands, contemporary and pop bands, karaoke nights, cover bands, and more! This venue is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while listening to live music and marveling at a beautiful historical building.

Mario’s Fishbowl

This option is a local chain, with three locations throughout the state, including their two Morgantown locations at 704 Richwood Avenue and 3117 University Avenue. Mario’s Fishbowl started as a confectionery in 1949, opened by Tom and Anna Torch. After purchasing land and building the Richwood Avenue Confectionery in 1950, Tom and Anna sold groceries, ice cream, and beer on tap. Tom passed away in 1963, and the store was sold to Rose and Mario Spina, commencing the birth of Mario’s Fishbowl! Coining the name Fishbowl because of the large goblets used to serve beer, Rose and Mario served the popular fish bowls of beer until 1997 when Mark and Karen Furfari took over. The Furfaris renovated the kitchen to expand the menu offerings, updated the draft beer system, and added a large outdoor patio.

After opening their second location in 2012, Mark and Karen retired in 2017. They passed the fishbowl torch to a group of their long-time managers dedicated to preserving the history of Mario’s Fishbowl! Mario’s Fishbowl offers a complete, delicious menu of appetizers, shareable dishes, sandwiches, American classics, burgers, soups, salads, beer, and of course, their famous fish bowl draft beers! Often hosting events and specials, Mario’s Fishbowl is perfect for grabbing a classic dinner and racing your friends to finish your own Fishbowl!

Hotel Morgan

Located at 127 High Street, Hotel Morgan is a landmark reborn! Owned by Wyndham Hotels, Hotel Morgan combines historic charm, refreshed decor, and quality hospitality. It offers the perfect balance between new and nostalgic. The hotel features a 3,200 square-foot two-story ballroom with a fireplace, a cocktail bar and restaurant, and a convenient downtown location. The building has been a fixture of Morgantown since 1925, when it first opened. It features such splendor with red satin upholstery, crystal chandeliers, and an opulent ballroom. The location went from being the most popular place to stay in 1931 to an outdated motel in 1980. So, the hotel got a facelift in 1999, sporting the university’s colors and renovated interior.

In 2021 the hotel underwent another renovation to restore the property to its 1920s splendor and prestige. The Hotel Morgan has since reclaimed its place as downtown’s premier boutique luxury hotel. It features its classy bar and restaurant: Anvil + Ax. Anvil + Ax is a space where relaxed European coffee shop vibes and an elegant evening cocktail bar create a wonderful and unique drink and dining atmosphere. Their menu features delectable bread, pastries, smoothies, parfaits, paninis, and a superb coffee selection. You can also find soup, salads, charcuterie boards, flatbreads, sliders, specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. You can enjoy a relaxed, healthy dinner and a signature cocktail in a stunning 1920s-themed space at this local spot!

Bartini

Bartini Prime is best known as a local spot for great food and a great time! Located at 350 Suncrest Towne Center, Bartini Prime began in 2016. It became the 8th restaurant and entertainment venue for the managing member Justin Byers. Led by a team of motivated and detail-oriented staff, Bartini Prime strives to provide the best service, the finest food, and an incredible atmosphere.

Their site includes VIP rooms, a full-service bar, and a patio. Their tastefully curated menu features appetizers, soups, salads, certified Angus beef steaks, limited availability prime steaks, maki sushi, specialty dishes, and sides. They also serve specialty sushi rolls, prime sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, sushi bowls, and vegetarian sushi. On the drink menu, you can find martinis, crushtinis, specialty drinks, and premium beer. And don't forget the wine, including white wines, red wines, sparkling wines, rose wines, and more! Bartini Prime is the perfect option to enjoy a beautiful steak or delectable sushi roll with an extensive drink menu ready for you to choose from!