PubClubbing Tips For Novice Drinkers
Don’t sweat it, PubClub.com has the full scoop on what it’s like inside these great drinking establishments.
The first thing to know is that there are all kinds of bars and pubs and they can vary, but in general they are defined as places you can go to for drinks without all the preparation it takes to go to a nightclub.
Have Your ID Ready
You’re going to get checked by someone at the door or by the bartender or your waitress/waiter (not all bars or pubs have doormen). Be sure you have it with you or you won’t be able to stay at the bar. This is particularly true in the USA; it’s more lax in some other countries.
Dress Codes At Bars & Pubs
Unlike a nightclub, you don’t need to get dressed up to go to a bar or pub. You can wear a t-shirt, shorts, jeans, ballcaps and at warm beach bars, even tank tops, bathing suits and flip flops. Some bars in the USA don’t allow the “wife-beater” shirts, really long shorts and other “gang-type” loose and baggy clothing.
The best way to judge the wardrobe is to check out ahead of time what other people in the bar are wearing, which you can usually observe from the street.
Bars And Pubs Are Casual
Bars and pubs are places to go for casual conversations among friends, to watch sports, to drink in a cozy public place. Sometimes, tho, they get cranking at night and can be lively hangouts, even great pick-up bars for singles. Unlike clubs, when you meet someone you want to mingle with in a bar, it’s pretty easy to carry on a conversation.
Bars and pubs are mostly for beer drinkers, tho they usually have a full bar with cocktails. If you’re a wine lover, chances are you won’t find any great wines in these bars.
Drink Prices In Bars & Pubs
Bars and pubs often are the cheapest places to drink, dive bars in particular. In some places you can get a beer – granted, a basic beer – for around $3. Generally, expect to pay $5-7 for a beer and anywhere from $4-8 for a mixed drink.
Live Music In Bars & Pubs
Some bars and pubs have live music. Some may just have a jukebox where you put money in to hear tunes. The live music can vary from a single musician with a guitar to a full band. If a place has music, it’s usually during either Happy Hour (generally, 4-7 p.m., when drinks and food are discounted) or after 9 p.m.
Some bars may charge a small cover ($5-10) if a full band is playing, but they generally don’t go around collecting money if you’re already in the bar.
Usually, live music in bars and pubs consist of covers of popular tunes, tho some have “themed” music, like Irish music at Irish bars.
Food At Bars & Pubs
Don’t expect to have a great culinary experience at a bar or pub. Mainly, it’s burgers and sandwiches. Nearly every bar in the USA also serves buffalo wings. The quality of the food varies wildly – some bars have great food while at others eating is simply something to do to refuel the body. Prices are in the $10-15 range.
For The Guys: Meeting Girls In A Bar Or Pub
For most guys, this is the entire point of going to a bar. And bars are certainly a good place to find girls. Do know that girls like to dance and will do so, even if there’s no dance floor. So you may have to dance with them to get any, well, “traction.” And to keep their attention, in the USA, you’ll probably buy them at least a couple rounds of drinks.
For the Girls: Meeting Guys In A Bar Or Pub
Well ladies, this isn’t too tough – guys are everywhere in bars and pubs! To get their attention, get your face out of your cellphone and make some “come hither” eye contact. Know, however, that not all the guys in bars are the best representative of the male species.
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Whenever I have gone to bars, the food has been pretty good. Of course, it’s not always a top-notch culinary experience, as you mention above. However, I think that is what Yelp and other online review sources are for. If you’re going for food and more than just a drink with friends, then you should always do your research before walking into a bar.
Thanks for the comment! – PubClub.com
I appreciate you providing some tips and insights on what you need to know if it’s your first time going to a bar or pub such as making sure to bring proper identification. It is important that you always bring with you a valid ID for verification purposes. This will be asked of you the moment you walk into the front door of the pub. I will make sure to keep this in mind every time I go to a bar or tavern. Thanks.
You are welcome!
Thanks for these tips for going to a bar or pub. It’s kind of cool to know that some bars could have themed music. I wonder if you could research the bar in advance to see what kind of music they play there.
Themed music – and themed bars – are a big part of what draws in a crowd seeking that style of a place. The bar’s website (of if PubClub.com has been there and reviewed a place) will let you know what type of music they play.