The Athens Pyramids

      As you walk down the brick paths of Court Street, you'll come in contact with a wide variety of shops anywhere from the Import House to Big Mama's Burritos, Fluff Bakery to The Pigskin. But as you walk towards the end of Court Street and turn onto Mill Street, you'll come across one of the "chillest" spots on campus: The Athens Pyramids. 
      Located at 5 Mill Street, The Athens Pyramids is the campus's local hookah bar. The Pyramids is the only hookah bar located in Southeastern Ohio (primarily because of the Ohio smoking ban, which The Pyramids was grandfathered in under). Its rarity makes it a big hit with young adults from all around the area. There have been a handful of people, both smokers and non-smokers, who have driven quite a distance just to spend a few hours at this little-hole-in-the-wall shop. That's right, you don't have to be a smoker to benefit from this hookah bar. There are usually non-smokers there that also come to this lounge just to collect themselves and enjoy the different atmosphere.

Open Mic Night - Wednesdays Evenings

      After your eyes adjust to the smokey, barely lit room and your nostrils begin to fill with the overwhelming smell of flavored tobacco, all your worries seem to be left at the door. The walls are wooden with various Egyptian items painted around the room. The lights are usually dimmed, allowing customers to reach full relaxation. The overstuffed sofas are arranged around in the room in a way that almost forces you to interact with the group of people sitting next to you.


      Most people who visit the hookah bar are extremely laid back, a nice change from the hectic scenes of Court Street. Not only is everyone easy going, but they're usually incredibly friendly. It's not unlikely that you'll strike up a conversation with the people smoking across from you. The conversations going on around the room are usually kept at a minimal volume, allowing you to enjoy to the music playing over the speakers. Even though most people come in small groups of four to five, it's not unusual to see someone smoking alone, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere to themselves.

DJ Mike Blau - Saturday Evenings

      The Pyramids allow their customers to simply enjoy time to themselves. Even though the hookah bar's primary function is a place of relaxation, it also offers a wide variety of events everyday of the week: 
Monday - Movie Madness
Tuesday - Buy Two, Get One Free
Wednesday - Open Mic
Thursday - Comedy in the Round
Friday - Karaoke with DJ Marshall
Saturday - DJ Mike Blau with Laser Lights
Sunday - Study Tables


      The Athens Pyramids allows their customers, which are primarily students, the chance to escape their hectic schedules and simply knock off some steam; whether they smoke or not. This shows that even though Ohio University was voted "The Number One Party School," there are still places located on campus for those people who enjoy a more down-to-earth scene, rather than a raging party.