How to Save Money and Have Fun Trying: 7 Downtown Businesses Offering Student Discounts

Alright students, August is here, and the time is near. School is right around the corner. Before you know it, you’re fighting for your life in the school supply section during Tax Free Weekend (which is next week by the way) and after that, it’s only one week before classes. In the final weeks of summer, time flies fast, but don’t worry, it’s not all bad. Back to school means coming back to Downtown Arlington, and there’s no better place to be during the school year. Downtown takes good care of their student population, financially and socially. Here’s a list of Downtown’s great hangout spots that offer discounts for UTA students and faculty.

1. Hooligan’s Pub – 20% off Entire Bill

Hooligan’s Pub is an Irish pub featuring a rotating selection of beers and great mixed drinks and whiskey elixirs. Along with a classy selection of drinks, enjoy a menu full of appetizers and burgers. Hooligan’s Pub is also participating in Downtown Eras, a city-wide celebration of Taylor Swift and her new exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection.” Highlights from their Swift-themed menu include “Violet Haze,” gin mixed with lavender syrup, shaken with egg whites and lemon and topped with lavender buds, and “Best Dressed,” a rose-flavored margarita.

2. Maverick’s Bar & Grill – 10% off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Maverick’s Bar & Grill is a destination for highly acclaimed barbecue and live music every week. UTA students often visit for their great prices and great late-night entertainment. Maverick’s Bar & Grill is open until 2:00 a.m. on the weekends and features wall-to-wall television screens, bar food, and fan-favorite brews. Bring your Maverick ID for 10% off your food bill and all non-alcoholic beverages.

3. Old School Pizza Tavern – 10% off Food Purchase

Old School Pizza has a diverse range of pizzas for people of all interests to enjoy from chicken alfredo to the classic Mediterranean pizza. With sizes ranging from 8 inches to 16 inches, this is the perfect restaurant for groups or individuals craving their own personal pie. In addition to these flavorful slices, their menu includes wings, subs, and salads. Be sure to bring your school ID card for 10% off your food purchase.

4. Flying Fish – 20% off Food Purchase

Flying Fish is a staple of the Downtown diet, bringing delicious Cajun-style seafood to the Arlington community. From catfish to shrimp to oysters to good ole po’boys, Flying Fish offers a style of cuisine unique from other Downtown restaurants in a laid-back setting. In addition to a full menu of seafood dishes, they also have 20% off your entire food purchase, so don’t forget to come with an empty stomach and your UTA ID!

5. Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club – 10% off Food Purchase

As suggested in the name of the restaurant, Grease Monkey is an auto mechanic-themed restaurant serving top of the line burgers and providing Arlington with a social hub for car, sports, and music enthusiasts alike to connect and have fun. Grease Monkey is a favorite spot among UTA students such as the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity not only because they offer 10% off your food purchase, but also because every Tuesday is College Night, where students can enjoy discounted rates for a rotating selection of drinks and food. Great food, great prices, great patrons- it's no wonder Grease Monkey is a popular destination for people of all ages and interests. 

6. J. Gilligan’s – 10% off Food

Heading to J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill is basically a UTA tradition at this point. For decades, students, frats, and families have gone to J. Gills for drinks, food, and entertainment. With their world-famous Irish Nachos, quality beer, and gorgeous new outdoor seating, this is the place to be this semester and beyond. And if you’re a country music fan, be sure to come by on August 18^th, 2023, for their “Boot Scootin’ Babes” concert, a female star-studded performance as part of Downtown’s overarching Downtown Eras city-wide campaign.

7. Free Play Arcade - $8 Admission

Free Play Arlington is full of old school games and classic entertainment. The Arlington location includes games such as X-Men, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Tetris, and just in time for the movie coming out this Friday, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Free Play is the perfect late-night destination for students to hangout, go on dates, and let loose. Bring your competitive spirits and UTA ID for discounted admission and get ready for a night of fun.