If a change in the night life is desired, then it is time to trade in the glow sticks for a pair of cowboy boots and join in a little boot-scootin’ at Nyoh’s Bar.
Every Tuesday night, Nyoh’s, located in the shopping center on the corner of Olentangy River and Ackerman Roads, attracts cowboys and city slickers alike for classic country tunes, line dancing and drink specials that are light on the wallet.
Travis Saunders, Nyoh’s general manager, said he attributes the bar’s recent popularity among Ohio State students to the excitement of entering into a new atmosphere.
“Usually, around 11:30 p.m. we have a line out the door,” Saunders said. “I think people like having the option of going to a relaxed bar, and not feeling under-dressed or like they’re being criticized for wearing an old T-shirt and a pair of jeans.”
Nyoh’s does a respectable amount of business throughout the week, but Tuesday’s country-theme has shown through as the true advertising winner. Saunders said on normal nights, the bar averages only 10 cases of alchohol an evening, compared to the nearly 80 cases on country nights.
Jake Bissonette, a graduate student at OSU, has been going to country night for the past few months, and said the relaxed setting takes him back to his roots.
“I’m from a small town, so coming to a place like this is comforting,” Bissonette said. “I like the country nights because there is such a great mixture of people here. From real cowboys to sorority girls, everyone comes, and everyone feels welcome.”
The dance floor has become an open range for country line dancers. Originally, Nyoh’s hired a dance instructor for those whose floor dancing skills did not surpass the electric slide, but decided against it after realizing most dancers who are initially illiterate in the techniques of line dancing generally follow the lead of others.
Brian Miesse, a Nyoh’s regular, has ventured to other Columbus-area bars in search of the perfect line-dancing atmosphere but prefers Nyoh’s because of the low-key yet energetic surroundings.
“Now I’m a true country boy, all the way from for West Virginia, so I know country line dancing,” Miesse said. “These nights really are great, and since it’s a younger crowd, it’s more fun and relaxed than other country bars. I love to dance and I love to drink, so line dancing is the perfect way to remain in shape and burn off the beer.”
For those down-home country folk who are disillusioned by the long lines on Tuesday nights, Nyoh’s recenlty added a second weekly country night on Friday evenings.
