As far as hobbies go, clubbing has been on the top of my list since I turned 18 and was able to walk through Ghaleb’s Hookah Lounge doors.

Since then I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a variety of clubs and bars in Fresno. Club and bar-hopping also doubles as networking. Being out and about is such a convenient way to meet people, and the more people you know, the more places you go.

If you’re new in town or just new to the bar/club scene, you might be surprised at what Fresno has to offer, because trust me, it’s more than what meets the eye.

One of the newer hot spots in town is Club Imperio, located on Cedar and Ashlan. It’s a swanky multi-leveled club that has immense potential to become the best club in Fresno because of its venue alone.

When you walk in, you see a large chic bar with what seems to be an endless amount of liquor.

During one of my first visits there, I was led up a stairway to a secluded VIP lounge where you could look over the balcony and onto the dance floor.

A hometown favorite bar that has recently grown in popularity is Shenanigans, located on Herndon and Cedar.

It’s a small Irish pub that always brings out a larger college crowd from Wednesday through Saturday.  If you’re not there by 10 o’clock nowadays, you’ll be waiting in line for at least 45 minutes.

They’re strict on their capacity, which only speaks volumes about their popularity.

The downside to the popularity of this bar, besides having to wait to get in, is having to wait a little while longer to get a drink because, for some reason, Shenanigans always seems to be understaffed.

Veni Vidi Vici’s, more popularly referred to as Vinny’s, is a bar better known for its outside back patio than its mirror walled inside. The bar inside is a cool little corner bar where the bartenders are more than prepared to make you whatever drink you desire.

The drinks are on the pricey side, though.

Whenever I’ve gone to Vinny’s, there’s been techno (or maybe just alternative) music and it’s just not my cup of tea.

I hardly spend time inside; I usually just shoot straight to the beautiful back patio. The back patio is equipped with large white tents, black patio furniture, large trees and tall lamps.

Livingstones is another pub that’s located on Olive and Wishon in Tower District. You walk in and see a well-lit dining room with a large bar that has experienced and friendly bartenders.

You head towards the back a little bit and you’ll find a dimmer dining area that sets a romantic vibe.

If you step outside to the back patio you’ll find brighter lighting and a smoking area.

There’s some patio furniture but, most people prefer the standing room from what I’ve witnessed there. It’s a very charming pub.

The perfect place to end your night of dancing and drinking.  Old Town Saloon, a 21+, in Clovis brings in a heavy college crowd on Thursdays. That may have something to do with the $3 Coronas and the crowd pleasing DJ who never fails to play all of the new dance hits and popular classics.

Back patio is full of heavy smokers, over-aggressive bouncers and security. No video policy. Large pool table in the way. Large dance floor makes up for their small, broken restroom doors. Very large bar, service is quick.  

Redwave, located on Shaw and Cedar. It’s a dimly lit bar, that has a hazy effect to it. It’s usually an older college student crowd since it’s a smaller bar. They have karaoke on Wednesday nights that brings out a larger crowd.

You’ll find some of the best micheladas in the city here. A little on the spicy side but they come large enough by the time you get to the bottom of the glass you won’t mind the spiciness.

Swiggs, located on Shaw and Fresno, is the epitome of college bars, the Adios mother f*ckers, (AMF’s, name of a drink) are awesome, and it’s the best place to go after Fresno State games. They offer an upper level that has games like beer pong and huge Jenga.  Attendance has suffered because of change in music.

Whether you’re looking for a wild night out in the city or a relaxed night in at a bar, you’ll be able to find it with ease in Fresno.

There are a lot of options in this city, they all have something special and unique to offer.

Remember to always drink responsibly! Never drink and drive! I hope this little bar/club guide will help you find a way to burn off some steam in the best way possible.