Around Nagoya station, there are a lot of places for cheap drinking. Sakae is the big nightlife district, in a loose triangle formed by the Sakae, Yaba-cho and Osu Kannon stations. Sakae has a large red light district as well, but as with most of Japan, there's no sense of danger so don't worry about drifting around. There are countless izakayas around Kanayama station, both cheap chains and more upscale places.
If the bar and club scene is not for you, try Nagoya Friends (http://nagoyafriendsparty.net/) and their bimonthly international parties. Always a dynamic mix of foreigners and Japanese. At the party it's all you can drink and eat ~¥3000.
Serge Gen's Restaurant Group NAGOYA
Five top-quality restaurants in the heart of Nagoya, Japan. From Italian cafe, Yakiniku, Sushi, to catered party events.