A well-planned bar crawl is a great way to explore multiple spots in one night without overspending—but without a strategy, costs can add up fast. From transportation to tabs, keeping your night on budget takes more than just splitting the bill. Here’s how to plan a bar crawl that’s fun, efficient, and wallet-friendly.
- Set a total spend limit—and stick to it
Decide how much you’re willing to spend before the night begins. Factor in drinks, cover charges, food, tips, and transportation. Apps like Splitwise can help track shared expenses if you’re going out with a group. Once you have a total number in mind, divide it across the number of stops or hours you plan to be out so you stay on pace.
- Choose the right bars based on value
Pick spots that offer happy hour specials, no cover charges, or food-and-drink combo deals. Yelp’s Happy Hour filter is a great tool for identifying venues with discounted drinks or small plates. You can also browse platforms like The Infatuation for curated lists of drink deals in major cities.
- Use digital gift cards for better control
If you’re heading to bar-restaurant chains like Dave & Buster’s, Chili’s, or BJ’s, preloading your budget onto digital gift cards can help you stay disciplined. For example, you can buy a Dave & Buster’s gift card online or get rewards with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card via Fluz. This caps your spending at each venue and gives you instant cashback at the same time.
To start earning rewards on your bar crawl budget, visit Fluz.
- Plan your route in advance
Pick bars that are within walking distance or along public transit routes to avoid pricey rideshare costs. Tools like Google Maps or Citymapper help map out stops and travel time. Bonus: staying on foot means more time enjoying the atmosphere and less time in traffic.
- Go with a group—and share costs
Bar crawls are more affordable with friends. Whether it’s pitchers, appetizers, or cover fees, splitting expenses keeps individual costs low. Payment apps like Venmo or Cash App make settling up on the go simple and fast.
- Leave room in your budget for tips and emergencies
Many people forget to budget for tips or end up short when an unexpected expense arises. Set aside a portion (around 15–20%) for gratuity, and keep a small buffer in case a bar has a cover charge or minimum spend you didn’t anticipate.
- Track your spend during the night
Use mobile banking apps or budgeting tools like Mint or YNAB to stay on top of your spending in real time. Seeing your balance shrink can help curb impulse rounds.
Conclusion
A bar crawl doesn’t have to end in financial regret. With a little planning and the right tools—digital gift cards, happy hour tracking, and group expense apps—you can enjoy the night without draining your wallet.
