Why You Need to Stop Drinking at the Same Bar Every Friday

Let’s face it: your go-to bar is probably the same one you’ve been hitting up since 2015. Sure, the bartender knows your name, and the décor hasn’t changed since the Obama administration. But if you’re still treating bar-hopping like a monogamous relationship, you’re missing out. Finding new bars isn’t just about “liquid gold” (though, okay, it is). It’s about discovering hidden gems, avoiding the same predictable crowd, and—dare we say it—actually enjoying your drinks again.

But how do you find the best bars near you without sounding like a tourist asking directions? Keep reading, or scroll down to the “TL;DR” section if you’re in a hurry (and by the way, we get it, adulting is exhausting).

Bars Near Me: The Science of Not Feeling Like a Tourist

Here’s the secret: the best bars aren’t always the ones with the biggest neon signs. Sometimes, they’re the ones tucked behind a laundromat or disguised as a “private event space” (code for: they don’t want to be found). But if you’re not the type to stalk social media for bar recommendations, here’s a step-by-step guide that doesn’t involve sounding like a creepy stalker:

• Ask the locals: Yeah, the person who runs the convenience store two blocks over. They’ve seen your sad attempts to look cool while buying a Snapple. They’ll tell you which bars are “too touristy” and which ones are “where the real people go.”
• Use Google Maps (but creatively): Type in “bars near me” and filter by “top-rated” or “newly opened.” Don’t just read the reviews—look for the ones that say things like “they know how to make a proper Old Fashioned” or “if you’re into weird experimental cocktails, this is your spot.”
• Follow the smell of beer in the air: There’s a reason you always end up at that dive bar by the highway. Your nose didn’t lie to you. If you catch a whiff of hops or wheat beer in the air, it’s a sign you’re on the right track.

The “Bars Near Me” Myth: It’s Not Just About Proximity

Let’s get real: “bars near me” is a bit of a cop-out. Sure, convenience is king when you’re too drunk to drive (or too sober to walk three blocks), but proximity shouldn’t be your only criterion. Here’s what to consider instead:

• Vibe: Do you want to be the only person in the bar, or do you want to be in a place where you can barely hear yourself think? The right bar for you depends on your mood. If you’re there to brood after a bad breakup, maybe avoid the bar where everyone’s laughing and clinking glasses.
• Drink Selection: Not all bars are created equal. If you’re a craft beer lover, you need a bar that rotates its taps like it’s curating an art exhibit. If you’re into cocktails, look for places that use fresh juice (not from a concentrate) and can pronounce the garnish.
• Food: Unless you’re just there to sip and sip again, check if the bar has food that doesn’t just consist of nachos and chicken wings. We’re talking actual pub fare, like beer-battered anything or a charcuterie board that doesn’t look like it was assembled by a toddler.

Pro Tips for Finding Bars That Don’t Suck

Let’s cut the fluff and get to the good stuff. Here’s how to find bars that actually make you want to stay for more than one drink:

1. Follow the lighting: Dim lighting = romance. Bright lighting = tourist trap. Neon signs = you’re in a place that’s trying too hard to be cool. If the bar’s lighting looks like it’s from a 1980s slasher film, run. Fast.
2. Check the playlist: If the DJ is playing 2000s pop, you’re in trouble. A good bar will have a playlist that doesn’t make you groan and ask if there’s a “quiet hour.” Bonus points if they play jazz or something that sounds like it’s from a film noir.
3. Observe the patrons: If everyone looks like they’re there for a networking event (i.e., they’re in suits and talking about “synergy”), maybe find a different spot. The best bars have a mix of regulars, tourists, and people who just look like they’re having fun.

Bars Near Me: The “I Don’t Care, Just Give Me a Drink” Approach

Let’s be honest: sometimes you just want to find a bar, order a drink, and not overthink it. If that’s your vibe, here’s a foolproof method:

• Walk for 10 minutes in any direction from your current location. If you see a bar, go in. If not, go back and start walking again. This strategy works because it’s based on the principle that “any bar is better than no bar.”
• If you’re in a new city, ask a barista for recommendations. They’ve seen your sad attempts to look cool while buying a latte. They’ll either give you an honest answer or tell you to go to the bar across the street where “the weird people hang out.”
• Ignore the Yelp reviews. Seriously. The people who write 1-star reviews are either bitter exes or people who tried to order a margarita and got a cocktail that looked like it was made in a lab.

The “Bars Near Me” FAQ: Answered by Someone Who’s Been There

Q: How do I find bars near me without sounding like I’m hunting for a bar?

A: Just walk around. If you’re too obvious about it, you’ll end up in a place that’s either too touristy or too exclusive. Walk with purpose, like you’re going to a specific bar, even if you’re not. Bonus points if you pretend to be on a mission to find a specific drink.

Q: What if there are no good bars near me?

A: Then you’ve got two options: 1) Move to a city with better bars, or 2) Make your own beer. (We’re not joking. Check out Make Your Own Beer for the full experience.)

Q: Can I find a bar that doesn’t make me feel like a tourist?

A: Absolutely. Just follow the locals. They’re the ones who don’t take pictures of their drinks and actually know the bartender’s name. If you see someone ordering a drink and not looking at their phone, that’s the bar for you.

Final Thoughts: Liquid Gold Awaits

So there you have it: the ultimate guide to finding bars near you without sounding like a lost tourist or a creepy stalker. Whether you’re into craft beer, cocktails, or just want to feel like you’re in a movie scene, there’s a bar out there for you. Just remember: the best bars are the ones where you don’t feel like you’re trying too hard to impress anyone—including yourself.

Need more tips? Check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for advice on how to make your bar the real deal. And if you’re looking to sell your beer online, don’t forget to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. Cheers to finding the perfect bar—no GPS required.