Tips For Hosting A Successful Bar Crawl

4 April 2015
 Categories: , Blog


A bar crawl is a great way to throw a party without being tied to a single venue. Crawls are especially popular in areas known for their small breweries or craft beers, but you can host a crawl anywhere that has more than one bar. Whether you host the crawl as a bachelor or bachelorette party, or just for a fun get-together with friends, these tips can help make it a success.

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

You must do some footwork before the big night. Call the bars or breweries ahead of time and make sure there aren't any special events or cover charges on the night of your crawl. Also, explain that you're organizing a crawl. Often, breweries and craft bars will have special deals or sample boards available that they may offer to your group. The only thing more fun than hitting up a bunch of new places in one night, is trying a bunch of new craft beers, too.

Tip #2: Be Organized

Unless your group is small, chances are not everyone will be able to join the crawl from the outset. Having a basic plan in place ensures that they can find your group later on in the evening.

Draw up a basic schedule and come up with a bar order. Include itineraries with the invitations so everyone knows what to expect.

Tip #3: Timing Is Everything

Spending too long in a single bar can ruin the mood of your crawl. A seven hour crawl is average, with a bar target between four and seven venues. Schedule 45 minutes to one hour at each bar. This gives everyone time to enjoy a single beer before moving on to the next stop. At no time do you want to feel rushed, so be prepared to switch up your plans if necessary.

Tip #4: Drink Responsibly

Naturally, you won't be driving between bars. The best place for a crawl is a nightlife district or an area with lots of small microbreweries. This means you can walk to each stop on your list. If this isn't possible, then spend the money to hire a van or a small bus to shuttle your group between destinations.

Also, plan at least two food stops into your night. One at the beginning, and another near the end. This can be a stop separate from the bars, or at a bar known for it's good food. If you choose the bar food route, just make sure the bar kitchen is open late at the second food stop.

It's also a good idea to avoid the hard stuff on a crawl. Bar crawls are typically for sampling beer. Setting a them, such as beers of the world, local microbrews, or the best craft brews, can help keep everyone away from shots and liquor.

Tip #5: Pack It In

When it's time to pack it in, make sure everyone is accounted for and has safe transport home. If you hired a driver, spend a little extra to drop everyone off at their door. For crawls that required a bit of traveling, such as to a nearby city, it may be worth it to rent a hotel room or two for the night so no one has to try and get home. 

To learn more, visit Craft Beer Hoboken NJ


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