After years of planning and construction, Norris University Center will soon offer students a new space to congregate with the Dec. 15 opening of Luna’s Pub & Grill, according to a statement to The Daily from a University spokesperson.
Northwestern first announced its intention to update Norris’ East Lawn — now called Cohen Lawn — in late 2022 and included an outdoor restaurant in its plans. The University eventually unveiled the proposal for a pub, a stage for entertainment groups and a rooftop patio as part of the East Lawn renovations in Spring Quarter 2024.
University Trustee Paul Schneider (Weinberg ’96, Kellogg ’11) and Nicole Schneider; University Trustee Frank Cohen (Weinberg ’95) and Julie Cohen; and NU parents Jana and Ken Kahn donated funds for the renovation of what used to be known as the East Lawn.
Most students will not be on campus for the pub’s official opening due to Winter Break, but, according to a sign outside of Luna’s, there will be a grand opening celebration on Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. The celebration will continue throughout the first week of Winter Quarter, according to the statement.
The pub will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the exception of Dec. 20 and 21, when there will be slightly shorter hours.
Beverage options such as beer, wine and hard seltzers will be available at the pub, according to the statement. Luna’s will also serve food, including appetizers, salads, main dishes and desserts. Students can use dining dollars and Cat Cash for food but not alcohol.
Anyone who wishes to purchase an alcoholic beverage must be 21 or older and provide a valid government-issued ID, which will be checked by trained staff, according to a University spokesperson. People who try to use a fake or borrowed ID will not be allowed to purchase alcohol and will be referred to the Office of Community Standards.
This is not the first time NU students have been able to buy alcohol at Norris. A bar called The Gathering Place was open from 1982 until 1992 and closed due to low sales amid concerns about drunk driving and underage drinking.
Luna’s is meant to provide an “engaging campus gathering space open to the entire community,” according to a University spokesperson.
Norris’ website lists weekly programs held at Luna’s beginning Jan. 6. Luna’s Next Up! Stage will host Tuesday night karaoke from 7 to 9 p.m. while the stage will provide on-campus trivia on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The University also plans to include live music, sports watch parties and other themed events in its rotation of weekly programming at the pub.
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Related Stories:
— Norris to be renovated this summer, will feature pub, rooftop patio
— From beer to books: Northwestern nears completion on Cohen Lawn, Deering Library, other projects
