Hey students, looking for fun things to do around town during the school year?
Here are some tips and recommendations from the locals that are sure to keep you busy. Whether you’re a freshman new to the area or an upperclassman who has been around town for a while, these are our go-to spots to meet friends for dinner, catch some local live music, or just take your mind off school for a night.
Restaurants
Roast Social Kitchen
Great food, good drinks, and a fun hangout spot. They have high-quality ingredients and fresh food that tastes as good as it looks. We recommend going for a pizza (they even have gluten-free!) and a cocktail with a friend.
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
Their pizza and craft beer combo always hits the spot. They have deep dish, regular, or ale crust pizzas. We recommend the Chicago style or grab an order of the Sicilian pepperoni rolls.
Twisted Root Burger Co.
Whenever you’re hankering for a good ole burger, Twisted Root is the place to go in Tyler. They are located on Broadway Avenue and are open reasonably late. They also have good cheesesteaks to make your decision even more difficult.
Posados Cafe
A couple of our favorite Tex-Mex spots in town. They have cheap lunch specials during the week, and we’re always fans of the Tex-Mex plates. There are two locations to check out, one on East Fifth Street and the other on Gentry Parkway.
Mercado’s
Same owners as Posados. Add this one to the Tex-Mex to-do list, also.
Fun Activities in Tyler, TX
Green Acres Bowl
These lanes have it all, from bowling to TVs streaming sports games to snacks and a bar. Slip on some classic bowling shoes, and we won’t tell anyone if you use the bumpers. They’re open late and have good deals.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
Putt-Putt makes for a good low-key date activity on a clear night. Tuesdays are unlimited from 3–7 p.m. or get competitive on Wednesday’s tournament night.
Escape Room
These puzzle rooms are our new favorite team-building activity! Take your club, organization, or just a group of friends to test your teamwork and creative thinking. Solve riddles, break codes, and see if you make it out!
Broadway Square
This outdoor mall in Tyler has a good variety of stores and restaurants. JCPenny and Sears are the big-box stores here. Get your back-to-school clothes or do your gift shopping.
iJump Tyler Trampoline Park
This is our favorite way to feel like a kid again and get our energy out! The trampoline park is a blast and always makes for fun pictures (when you’re upside down in the foam pit). Check it out, and bounce around until your legs feel like jelly!
Entertainment & Nightlife in Tyler, TX
Cork Food & Drink (Friday Nights)
A nice Friday night date spot for Euro-Asian food. Cork has solid cocktails and a good wine menu. We usually order sushi and seafood here.
Where’s Rufus (Tuesday Nights)
This is the locals’ bar in town. Where’s Rufus has pool tables, TVs to watch the game, and even a poker night. Mark your calendar for $2 Tuesday nights with the local DJ.
The Garage Bar (Live Bands Almost Every Night)
You can catch some live music almost any night of the week at The Garage Bar. It’s a lively spot that draws a crowd. Go for the music with friends, or shoot a game of pool in the back.
Coach’s and Cowboys (Thursday nights)
This is a fun combo joint with a sports bar and grill on one side and a country western club on the other. Good atmosphere and good people. Check them out on Thursday nights for $0.25 wings at Coach’s, or go for karaoke and dancing at Cowboys.
Stanley’s (Friday Nights)
We love our barbecue in Texas, and Stanley’s is one of our favorites in Tyler. You must try The Mother Clucker — a monster sandwich with smoked chicken, bacon, a fried egg, and a big scoop of guacamole. Be prepared to wait in line with a bunch of other hungry people, but oh, it’s so worth it!
That list should keep you busy any day of the week in Tyler. Let us know which activities in Tyler, TX are your favorites and if there are any others we should add to our list!