Bars, Clubs & Booze: Where to Get Wasted (Smartly)

Let’s face it: the struggle of finding the right bar or club is real. You’ve been there—either you’re at a place so packed it’s a mosh pit with cocktails, or you’re at a spot so dead it smells like someone’s ex left their beer on the counter for a decade. Why can’t we just have a guide that tells us where to go without sounding like a 2002 Yelp review? Buckle up, because we’re about to break down the best bars and clubs for people who want to drink smart, not hard.

Why the Right Bar Matters (Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Shots)

Think of bars like dating apps. You could swipe right on anything, but if you’re not careful, you end up in a situation where the vibe checks out, but the drinks taste like regret. The right bar is where you don’t have to explain “situational drinking” to your roommate the next morning. It’s where you can sip something fancy (or not) without pretending you know what a “negroni” is.

Key Takeaway: A good bar makes you feel like you belong. A bad one makes you question your life choices—and your ability to judge lighting.

Bars That Don’t Suck: Our Picks for the Cool Kids

If you’re into the whole “craft beer and artisanal everything” vibe, Make Your Own Beer is for you. But if you’d rather someone else handle the hard part, here are some real-world bars that actually know what they’re doing:

• The Velvet Vice: 1234 Main St. — Think of it as the bar where your cool friend’s cool friend’s roommate’s cousin’s ex used to work. The drinks are top-tier, the playlist hits just right (no EDM unless it’s Tame Impala), and the bartender knows how to make a drink that doesn’t taste like liquid regret.
• The Neon Nectar: 5678 Oak Ave. — This spot is for people who like their drinks with a side of Instagram. The decor is so good, you’ll spend 10 minutes just posing for a photo. Pro tip: Order the “Drunk on Purpose” cocktail—it’s strong, it’s sweet, and it’s the only drink that can beat your roommate’s questionable Spotify Wrapped.

If you want to create your own signature drink, check out Custom Beer and make something that even your ex would admit is clever.

Clubs You’ll Actually Want to Stay In

Clubs? Yeah, we’ve all been in one of those. The kind where the DJ plays 2000s pop and the crowd is 90% people who look like they’re trying too hard. Let’s cut the nonsense and talk about the clubs that actually get it:

1. Club Groove: 9101 Pine Rd. — This place has a vibe. Not the kind you have when you’re trying to explain why you’re on a dating app for pets. It’s the kind of vibe where you can dance, sweat, and not feel like you’re in a commercial for a shoe brand.
2. Electric Pulse: 2222 Maple Dr. — If you want a night where you don’t spend half the time trying to hear your friend’s wild story, this is your spot. The music is good, the crowd is chill, and the drinks are just expensive enough to make you feel fancy, not broke.

How to Spot a Good Bar (Without Getting Drunk First)

Here’s a cheat sheet for avoiding the worst bars and clubs, because nobody wants to spend $20 on a drink that tastes like burnt toast:

• Check the Bartenders: If they know what a “martini” is and don’t roll their eyes when you ask for a “whiskey neat,” you’re in good hands. Bonus points if they can make a drink named after you.
• Look at the Lighting: If it’s so dim you can’t tell if that’s a stain or just poor design, skip it. You shouldn’t need a flashlight to drink responsibly.
• Ask the Locals: If a bar is popular with the people who actually live there (not just the tourists in fake fur), it’s probably worth a shot. Unless it’s a literal shot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Because You’re Not the First to Ask

1. How do I avoid getting stuck in a bad club?

Answer: Easy. If you’re in a place where the only thing that’s “hot” is the air and the DJ, you’re in the wrong spot. Walk out with your head held high and a story to tell your friends. Pro tip: Always have a backup plan, like knowing where the nearest Dropt.beer is. (Yes, we’re shamelessly linking our partners. You love us for it.)

2. Is there a bar where I can get a free drink just by being cool?

Answer: No. But if you Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer, you can at least pretend you’re the kind of person who gets free drinks. (Spoiler: You’re not. But hey, at least you’re drinking good beer.)

3. What if I’m allergic to bad decor?

Answer: Then you’re in luck. The bars we recommend have decor that won’t make you want to cry in the bathroom. Unless it’s a bar that sells tears. (We’re not judging.)

Final Tips for a Night That Doesn’t Suck

1. Don’t be the person who orders a “virgin” drink to look cool. You’re 100% not cool, and the bartender knows it.

2. Always have a way to get home. Unless you’ve mastered the art of sleeping on a park bench without getting arrested. (We don’t recommend it.)

3. Bring a friend who knows what they’re doing. You’ll thank them later when you’re not trying to explain why you’re crying in a club bathroom.

Where to Go Next

If you want to take your bar game to the next level, check out our guide on Make Your Own Beer to impress your friends with a drink they can’t buy anywhere else. And if you’re looking to sell your homemade masterpiece, Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer—because everyone needs to know you’re a craft beer wizard.

Still confused? Contact us and we’ll help you find your perfect bar. (Or at least help you figure out why the last one was a disaster.)

Let’s Wrap This Up Before We Get Too Drunk

Bars and clubs are supposed to be fun, not a test of your willpower. If you’re still reading this, you’re either really into it or you’re in a bar with no Wi-Fi. Either way, we hope this guide helps you find a place that’s more “vibing in style” and less “why did I come here?”

Remember: The best bars are the ones where you don’t have to explain what a “IPA” is. And if you do, you’ll know you’re in the wrong spot. Now go out there, drink smart, and maybe avoid the regret. (We can’t promise anything.)