These days it seems to be increasingly difficult to hold on to your money. Working never seems to bring enough of it in and going out deprives you of too much of your hard earned money. Going out for drinks can be one of the worst offenders when it comes to separating you from your hard earned money. Thankfully, there are ways in which you can go to the bar and still get a good bang for your buck. Below are a few suggestions which may help you go to the bar and stretch out your spending money.
Obviously the first way to save money at the bar is by not going, but where’s the fun in that? Sometimes a body needs to get out of the house for a while and visit with folk. So, the first best way is to go to a bar during happy hour. Almost every bar In the country will have a 2-3 hour happy hour during which they will offer specials on food and drink. Try finding an establishment offering a small happy hour apps menu and cheap pints. This can be a great way to have a bite and a pint without overspending.
Another great way to save money at the bar is by going with friends. By having two or more people at your table you can save money ordering beer by the pitcher instead of by the pint. A lot of places offer pitchers of beer for at least three bucks cheaper than an equivalent number of pints. This gives you and your friends the illusion of happy hour beer prices without having to show up at happy hour. Also, if your group gets hungry sharing a plate of nachos or spinach dip or something can be cheaper than each of you ordering a meal or your own snack.
Keeping track of a bar’s daily specials can also be a good way to save money. Many bars offer beer, snack, and drink specials outside of happy hour. Most of these specials will be found on the bar’s website, if they have one. If there’s no website stop by the bar itself. They’ll usually have some for of banner or daily specials board advertising all the great deals.
If you’re not a fan of beer, most bars will have specials on hard liquor. As long as you don’t mind drinking middle of the road liquors, there are often specials to be had on mix drinks. Every bar has a “well station” where bartenders mix drinks and cut up lemons and limes for garnish. The well station usually has 3-4 bottles of middle of the road whisky (or is it whiskey?) and vodkas. They will use these to make “well drinks” which is just another way of saying mix drinks. This way you can save money on a Tequila Sunrise or Vodka martini without spending extra money on expensive alcohols.
A final suggestion for saving money at the bar is to seek out local dive bars, because in some bars you’re spending extra money on the ambiance instead of the drinks. Dive bars can offer the same well drinks and many of the same beers and snacks as the more hi-falutin’ bars will. And you won’t get charged an arm and a leg for the privilege of drinking there. As an added bonus, dive bars often have more charm and character than some of your fancier bars. They will often offer better daily specials, as they are willing to work a little harder to get your patronage than are some of your fancier establishments.
It’s possible there are more money saving tips than this author can dream up. If you keep a watchful eye on your favorite watering holes, you will be able to spot the savings more easily. Try these suggestions on your next trip to the bar and you’ll be sure to stretch your dollar when you go out.