Fun. Approachable. Personal. Intoxicating. Spirited.

These adjectives are all qualities people look for in the search for a favorite bar. Whether it is the food, alcohol, music or people that make a bar unique, what makes a bar successful ultimately comes down to efficient service and good entertainment.

Owned by the Aber family, the Club 42 Bar and Grill has remained a popular bar and dance venue since 1937. With numerous televisions around the bar, customers have the option to watch ESPN or the featured sports game of the evening. The club also has daily pizza, wing, and beer specials, so frequenters are sure to find something to thrill their taste buds.

On June 15, 2016, a surprising public announcement was made that sent Ashland locals into a frenzy.

Club 42 was officially closing. Then it was declared on June 20 that with careful consideration and much deliberation, the club would stay open.

AU junior Marissa Latone is a Health and Risk Communication major. She has visited the club numerous times with friends. Like others in the Ashland community, Latone looked forward to spending time at the club and was upset when she initially heard the news about the club closing its doors.

“I was shocked when they said they were closing,” said Latone. “I think [Club] 42 is a good place to go and hang out on a Thursday or Saturday.”

When locals heard about the announcement through the official Club 42 Facebook page, dozens of concerned phone calls and social media posts came flying in all at once.

“The community was both very upset and surprised; it was crazy,” said a Club 42 employee. “News spread like wildfire. People came out and bought every last T-shirt we had. We did not quite think of the impact it would have.”

For decades, the Ashland community will always remember the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that the establishment had and continues to have for its clientele. Individuals have the opportunity to dance all night long, eat a variety of satisfying bar foods, drink refreshing alcoholic beverages, play a friendly game of billiards, and socialize.

“They have more seating which I like compared to other clubs,” said Latone. “I am not a big dancer and Club 42 allowed me to sit more and talk.”

Club 42 has a rich history, which both locals and college students alike can enjoy.

“We are friendly [and] we are a local spot; you come in time and time again and see the same people; I like that,” said the Club 42 employee. “It is clean and [both] our food and prices are good.”

Club 42 is unsure whether or not Thursday nights will continue to be a “college night” at their bar and whether or not they will continue to provide the free shuttle to and from the club.

“This is an icon-type bar; we have been here forever,” said the Club 42 employee. “We are trying everything that we can [in order] to keep things going.”

Open to suggestions, the Club 42 owners encourage individuals to help spread the word about their establishment remaining open.

Now that the club is up and running once again, they hope to eventually host more bands during the fall and have a hog roast for all to enjoy out in the parking lot. Additionally, the club owners think it would be fun to teach country or hip-hop line dances, bring back karaoke nights, and maybe even build an outside patio for warmer weather.

With Club 42 only a short drive from campus, it is located in an ideal spot for college students on 1702 Claremont Ave. in Ashland, Ohio. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.