THURSDAY IS THE NEW FRIDAY - posted on 07.31.09 by Josie Quillan

Thursday Night in La Grande has to be one of my favorite nights out. For those of you who we do not see out on Thursdays this is for you. I so badly wish I could do a fast forward shot of everything that happens with very quick and witty dialogue but this will have to do. First off, try a new restaurant for dinner. La Grande has many to choose from including three Mexican, three Chinese, a handful of great pizza places including New York Richie’s and Mt. Emily Ale House or if you’re young at heart Primo’s and yes please try Dance Dance Revolution, it will make you laugh and sweat. Then there are the more sports bar type place that will surprise you with their food quality, mainly Benchwarmer’s and Bud Jackson’s. Never forget the fine dining restaurants especially if you watch for their specials. Ten Depot always has a blue plate that runs cheaper than most of the regular menu items and Foley has bar bites that are amazingly affordable from three to five in the bar. Now that we have dinner figured out next up is the Third Thursday Art Walk.

La Grande’s Art Walk happens the third Thursday of every month. There are numerous galleries in town that boast a wide array of art styles. Satellite Art Gallery on Depot St. tries to have a new artist reception ready for each Art Walk. It is a great time to appreciate both local artists and artists from around the country and don’t forget the social time with other La Grande-ites that love having something unique and cultural to do just like you. Art Walk wraps up around 8pm, just in time for some live music.

So head on over to Ten Depot, or stay there if that is where you chose to eat dinner. Every Thursday Ten Depot brings in a different musician or band. They tend to stick to the more rock bluesy type of music which is perfect for drinking a great micro brew on tap or a gin and tonic, enjoying some awesome conversation, and getting up and dancing with your partner. The help is great, just flag down Kevin, Kim, or Cori and they will get right on your drink order. The music plays from 8–10pm so if your still ready to keep the good time rolling mosey on over to one of three places.

The Longbranch is one of the best late night spots, I know it seems dark and dingy but the drinks are great and if your lucky enough to be in when Aaron is bartending then it will be some of the best service of your bar life. Jefferson Street Depot continues with Tankers on Thursday, a big tanker of domestic beer for only $3 until midnight. Now that is a deal. Another great late night bar is The TNT Hideout Saloon. With a pool table, darts, lottery machines, and an old juke box you can create your own party. My favorite part about The Hideout is if you happen to stop by more than once a month they learn your name and will pay great attention to you. Those bartenders love new faces and keeping their customers happy.

I know Thursday nights don’t seem like the weekend yet, but they truly are. All you have to get through is Friday and then your home free until Monday. Unless you're one of the lucky few who happens to have Thursday as your Friday, more power to you to kick off your weekend with a bang. Enjoy and get out there and meet the many great people that live in our community and make La Grande Life great!