Bar Hopping on a Budget: Save Money Without Sacrificing Fun

Great nights out don’t have to drain your wallet. Here’s how to bar hop on a budget while still having an incredible time.

Planning Ahead

Set Your Budget

Be realistic:

Decide total spend before going out
Bring only that amount in cash
Leave credit cards at home if needed
Track spending throughout the night

Research Happy Hours

Find the best deals:

Check bar websites and social apps
Look for daily specials
Time your visits strategically
Follow venues on social media

Strategic Timing

Early Bird Benefits

Start your night early:

Happy hour pricing (typically 4-7 PM)
Less crowded venues
Better service
More drink specials

Mid-Week Adventures

Save by going out Tuesday-Thursday:

Cheaper cover charges
Better drink deals
Fewer crowds
Some bars offer weekly specials

Smart Drink Choices

House Specials

Stick to what’s on special:

Well drinks cost less
House wine and beer
Pitcher sharing with friends
Featured cocktails of the month

Skip the Premium

You don’t need top-shelf:

Mid-tier spirits taste great in mixed drinks
Craft beer on tap vs. bottles
House cocktails vs. premium brands
Ask bartenders for cost-effective recommendations

Group Strategies

Split Costs

Leverage your crew:

Share pitchers instead of individual drinks
Split appetizers
Carpooling or group rides
Take turns buying rounds (carefully!)

Group Discounts

Look for deals:

Bachelorette/bachelor party packages
Birthday specials
Large party reservations
Group tickets to bar crawl events

Venue Selection

Free Entry Bars

Avoid cover charges:

Research no-cover venues
Get on guest lists
Arrive before cover charge starts
Use apps to find free entry nights

Dive Bars and Local Spots

Hidden gems often have:

Cheaper drinks
Better atmosphere
Stronger pours
More authentic experiences

Food Hacks

Eat Before You Go

Never bar hop hungry:

Home-cooked meal before heading out
Potluck with friends
Take-out from cheaper restaurants
Snack throughout the day

Bar Food Strategies

If you must eat out:

Split appetizers
Look for food specials
Order sides instead of entrees
Take advantage of free snacks

Drink Pacing

Alternate with Water

Stay hydrated, save money:

Ask for water between drinks
Prevents over-ordering
Keeps you feeling good
Bartenders appreciate it

Nurse Your Drinks

Make each drink last:

Sip slowly, enjoy the experience
Focus on conversation, not drinking
Quality over quantity
You’ll spend less and feel better

Using Apps and Rewards

Hopfly Benefits

Maximize your savings:

Discover free entry nights
Find happy hour deals
Earn points for partner discounts
Track spending per venue

Other Money-Saving Apps

Groupon for bar deals
OpenTable for dining discounts
Loyalty programs
Credit card rewards

Transportation Savings

Public Transit

Save on rides:

Use buses and trains
Split taxi/Uber with friends
Walk between nearby venues
Designated driver rotations

Location Strategy

Plan your route:

Hit bars in the same neighborhood
Walk between venues when safe
Minimize transportation costs
End near your home/hotel

Weekly Specials

Monday Madness

Industry nights (discounts for service workers)
Trivia nights with drink specials
Game night deals

Taco Tuesday

Food and drink combos
$2-3 tacos with drink specials
Cerveza specials

Wine Wednesday

Half-price wine bottles
Wine tasting events
Reduced wine by the glass

Thirsty Thursday

Extended happy hours
College night deals
Pre-weekend specials

DIY Pre-Gaming (Responsibly)

Before You Leave

Save money on the first round:

Have one drink at home
Keep it light and responsible
Never overdo pre-gaming
Focus on the social aspect

Tipping Smart

Be Fair, Not Lavish

Appropriate tipping:

$1-2 per drink standard
15-20% on tabs
Round up to nearest dollar
Good service deserves recognition

Events and Promotions

Special Nights

Look for:

Ladies night (free/discounted drinks)
College night specials
Birthday freebies
Live music with no cover

Seasonal Events

Take advantage of:

Holiday promotions
Summer patio specials
NFL/sports viewing parties
Festival tie-in events

What to Avoid

Budget Killers

Don’t fall into these traps:

Shots rounds (add up quick!)
Premium bottle service
Trendy/overpriced cocktails
Multiple venue cover charges

Sample Budget Night

$50 Budget Example

6 PM - 7 PM: Happy hour at Bar A

2 drinks @ $5 each = $10

7:30 PM - 9 PM: Walk to Bar B

1 drink + shared appetizer = $12

9:30 PM - 11 PM: Bar C

2 drinks @ $7 each = $14

Transportation: Uber split 4 ways = $8 Tipping: $6 Total: $50

Making Memories, Not Debt

Focus on Experience

Remember:

It’s about the people, not the drinks
Explore new venues
Try unique experiences
Create stories, not hangovers

Use Hopfly to Track

Monitor your spending:

Note costs at each venue
Track your favorite budget spots
Share deals with friends
Earn rewards for check-ins

Bar hopping on a budget is totally doable with smart planning. Use these tips to enjoy amazing nights out without the financial hangover. Download Hopfly to discover budget-friendly venues and track your adventures!