Bar crawls are a great way to explore different venues, try new drinks, and enjoy an energetic night out with friends. But without a plan, hopping from one spot to another can quickly lead to an unexpectedly high bill. By taking a strategic approach—choosing the right locations, timing your stops, and using smart payment methods—you can have all the fun of a bar crawl without the financial hangover.

Step 1: Choose the Right Neighborhood
Start by selecting a walkable area with multiple bars close together. This cuts down on transportation costs and allows you to spend more time enjoying drinks and less time in transit. Look for districts or streets known for nightlife variety—some areas even have designated bar crawl routes or local events with discounted entry fees.

Step 2: Time Your Crawl Around Happy Hours
To maximize savings, plan your stops around each bar’s happy hour schedule. Many places run early-evening specials between 4 PM and 7 PM, while others offer late-night discounts after 10 PM. By staggering your arrival times, you can enjoy multiple happy hours in a single night. Websites like Yelp or local nightlife guides often list updated happy hour schedules for popular spots.

Step 3: Pre-Purchase Gift Cards for Extra Rewards
One of the easiest ways to keep costs down is to prepay with gift cards that earn rewards. For example, you can earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card or get rewards with a Dave & Buster’s gift card before the night begins. Using Fluz allows you to buy gift cards for the exact amount you plan to spend, giving you instant rewards that you can stack with happy hour prices and drink specials.

Step 4: Limit Premium Orders to One Stop
Signature cocktails and premium pours are fun, but they’re also the fastest way to inflate your tab. Choose one or two venues known for their specialty drinks, and order premium options there. At other stops, stick to discounted beers, house cocktails, or well drinks to keep spending balanced.

Step 5: Include Bars with Free Entertainment
Live music, trivia nights, or karaoke can turn a regular drink stop into a full experience without extra costs. These activities often come with drink specials, making them a perfect addition to your bar crawl. Check local event calendars or your favorite bar’s social media pages for upcoming entertainment nights.

Step 6: Keep Everyone on Budget
If you’re organizing the crawl for a group, discuss budget expectations in advance. Consider pooling funds for group rounds or setting a per-stop spending cap. This keeps the night affordable for everyone and avoids awkward moments when splitting the bill.

The Bottom Line
A well-planned bar crawl can deliver maximum fun with minimum spending. By mapping out happy hours, pre-purchasing gift cards for rewards, and mixing high-energy entertainment with budget-friendly stops, you’ll end the night with great memories—and your wallet intact.