Campus shenanigans are only half the fun in Moscow. Hit up these hotspots to get connected and have a blast beyond campus borders.
illustration by erin dawson | rawr
Bucer’s Coffeehouse Pub
This Main Street coffee shop opened 12 years ago and boasts in-house roasted coffee with a roaster from Turkey. There’s also an assortment of cookies, cakes, sandwiches, soups and other delights. All but the cookies are crafted in-store from scratch, said Pat Greenfield, Bucer’s owner.
The shelves of old books lining the walls are mostly there for ambience, Greenfield said, but they are all for sale. The Wi-Fi Internet connection is acceptable, and the atmosphere created by the books and leather chairs lends itself to studying. All the food is available until closing time, she said.
“Students can be ravenously hungry at 10 p.m.,” Greenfield said.
All ages and types of people are welcome according to Greenfield. She said she enjoys the multicultural elements of Moscow. Bucer’s also offers live music on weekends without cover charges, and open jazz jam sessions take place Thursdays for the intrepid performer.
“I want (newcomers) to know they can have fun here, too,” Greenfield said. “It’s not just for studying.”
Bucer’s Coffeehouse Pub is open during the school year from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. M-Th and until midnight Friday and Saturday and is closed on Sunday.
Nuart Theater
The Nuart Theater, located on Main Street, offers everything from music to movies, espresso and existential conversation. Manager Eric Engerbretson said it’s a unique open-mic venue with weekly Monday night sessions.
“It’s the only open-mic place I’ve ever heard of with all the instruments (readily) available – drums, electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar (and) keyboard,” he said.
He said the lobby is like a small coffee house with a stage for live music, and books on spirituality and philosophy that span shelves along the walls. With $1.00 Americanos and $1.50 small lattes, he said the Nuart provides the cheapest quality espresso in town, which comes from Cravens Coffee in Spokane.
A larger stage and a 30-ft. movie screen lie behind the lobby, with HD resolution capability and room for 500 people. Free movies are shown Fridays at 7 p.m. Sports are also broadcast on the screen – including this year’s televised Idaho Vandals games – and the Nuart will display the Olympics opening ceremonies.
“It’s really cool to watch a major sporting event when you have half of a big crowd rooting for one team, and half for the other,” Engerbretson said.
Nuart Theater is open from noon to 8 p.m. M-F and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Pie Hole Pizza
Some night-time adventures in Moscow may not be complete without a slice of pizza and a chalk drawing in the bathroom. Pie Hole Pizza, located on 2nd Street just off of Main, provides both.
Assistant Manager Zach Glaze said the bathrooms at this pizza place have chalk