The Grad Center Bar (GCB) is a not-for-profit, members-only club located in the ‘Grad Center’ dorm complex (along with the Bear’s Lair and Graduate Lounge). The GCB has been running since 1969 and has been at its present location since 1986.
The Basics
Opening hours: The GCB is open nightly until 1am.
Capacity: The GCB has a legal capacity for occupancy, therefore on busy nights there may be a queue to enter. This is not the choice of the GCB or its staff, so we ask graduate students to remain respectful of door staff while waiting for entry.
Events and Promotions: for details of upcoming GCB events and promotions, check out the GCB Facebook Page
Membership – GSC pays your fee!
Membership for all graduate students is paid for by the GSC every year using its income from the Graduate Student Activity Fee. The GSC buys this membership in bulk and at a negotiated rate, so the GCB is a very convenient hang-out for grad students and we can go there at any time without a charge for entry.
Graduate students must renew their membership cards at the beginning of each academic year and must present a legally-acceptable form of ID when doing so.
International graduate students please note: the GCB cannot legally accept forms of ID issued by non-US countries other than passports. It is possible, however, to show your passport when obtaining or renewing your membership card and then to keep a photocopy of the passport’s biographical page with you for future visits.
More about the GCB
The GCB is not a for-profit bar, so the drinks are generally pretty cheap, and since it’s relatively exclusive it can be a nice place for grad students to hang out with each other. The bar comprises four separate rooms, with pool tables, dart boards, TVs, video games, couches, booths, and tables. Darts, board games, and video games may be checked out in exchange for an ID. There are drink specials on every night of the week, and certain days have specials earlier in the evening for things like free pool.
Directions to the GCB
The entrance to the GCB is on the south side of Charlesfield Street, on the block between Thayer and Brown Streets.
Starting from the corner of Waterman and Thayer, start walking south on Thayer, away from all the restaurants and shops. You will cross Manning, George, and Benevolent Streets. The next one is Charlesfield Street. Turn right on Charlesfield.
On your left now is the Graduate Center Building. Walk a bit up Charlesfield, looking to your left to find a bridge that leads to a concrete plaza. Cross the bridge.
As you get to the end of the bridge, there is a door forward and slightly to your left. Go through that door and down the stairs, turn right at the bottom, and you’ll be in the GCB.