Underground Rated 8 of 10

By Bridget Balch

Wondering what to do on a Tuesday night? Want a place where you can hang out with friends? Just dying to get your coffee buzz for the day?

The hottest new place on campus, The Underground, provides all of the above and much more.
After years of having only Seaco and the Nest as the only on-campus dining and hang out spots, The Underground’s cool, relaxing atmosphere provides a fresh place for students to spend their time.
Senior John Gordon Corrigan pointed out that, before, the only place for students to just hang out was the Washroom, which he called “lame.”

In contrast, he describes The Underground as “really classy” and “a great place to hang out.”
Located in Lee Hall, right in the center of campus, The Underground’s ambiance and tasty array of food and beverages make it the place to be.

“[The Underground is] a great place to hang out with friends and talk,” said Freshman Abby Kimmitt, as she and a group of friends laughed and chatted over a game of Taboo, one of various board games available for check out.

The funky lighting and constant background music sets the Underground apart from the Nest by creating a fun, event-centered mood.

With a built-in stage, sound system, and dance floor, the Underground is the perfect setting for just about any event.

“There’s always something going on,” observed Underground employee, Elizabeth Spaulding.
With everything from concerts to karaoke, there is something for everyone.

However, certain events don’t seem to bring in so many people.

“The place is dead,” commented Freshman Rossanna Catahan, while sitting in the nearly empty room during a concert one night.

Bingo, on the other hand, which seems to be one of the more popular events, filled the room to capacity.

Freshman Robbie Clark identified it as one of his favorite events to attend.

“[The Underground] usually gets pretty crowded on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights,” Spaulding said.

Now, I’m sure those of you who are maybe a little tired of eating at Seaco are wondering how the food is.

Well, the general consensus is that it is exceptionally good.

Catahan gives it 9 out of 10.

“The cookies are so good!” she commented.

“The smoothies are great and a popular choice,” Spaulding added.

The deli-style salads and sandwiches, each of which is named after a different building on campus, give the Underground a distinctly UMW feel.

Spaulding recommends her favorites, the Meltdown and the Arrington.

However, these special names don’t strike everyone as cute.

Junior Elizabeth Emmel said that she likes the selection, but finds the idea of eating food named after a smelly freshman dorm somewhat unappetizing.

As for the coffee, “It’s no Hyperion, but it’s better than Starbucks,” Kimmitt remarked.

Also, the fact that The Underground serves alcohol makes The Underground a place of particular interest to those who are over 21.

The Underground does not, however, accept the meal plan as a form of payment.
Many students find this extremely annoying, but not enough so to completely cut the Underground food out of their diet.

Whether you’re looking for a laid back place to talk with friends or a dance floor to show off your moves, the Underground provides a great environment for students to have fun with friends. With its hip atmosphere, many events, and delectable food, the verdict on the Underground is that it’s a hit.
I give it an 8 out of 10.