What to Eat and Drink Before a Bar Crawl: The Ultimate Bar Crawl Pregame Guide
Are you ready to embark on a bar crawl adventure? Before stumbling from bar to bar, you need to fuel up the right way. That’s where pre-gaming comes in—choosing the best pregame drinks and foods to set the tone for the night. In this guide, we’ll cover what is pregaming, the do’s and don’ts of pregame drinking, and the best ways to prepare your body for a day (or night) of bar hopping.
What Is PreGaming? (aka “What’s Pregaming?”)
So, what is pregaming? Simply put, pregame drinking (or pre drinks) is the act of having a pregame drink or snack before the main event—like a bar crawl, pub crawl, or night out. The goal isn’t just to sip on alcohol early; it’s also about setting yourself up with the right balance of food, hydration, and energy.
You may hear it called pre-gaming, pregaming drinks, or just “pre drinks.” No matter the wording, the idea is the same: start the fun responsibly while preparing your body for a long night ahead.
Best Foods to Eat Before Drinking
So, what should you eat before a pregame drink?
- Protein-rich foods (chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, cheese) are ideal. They slow alcohol absorption and keep you full.
- Complex carbs (pasta, rice, whole-grain bread) give you steady energy for bar crawling.
On the flip side, skip the greasy stuff. Burgers, pizza, and fried foods make it harder for your body to process pregame alcohol and may leave you sluggish.
Good Pregame Drinks to Start With
Let’s get into the fun part—pregaming drinks. The best pregame drinks are ones that keep you buzzed but not blitzed.
- Beer and cider are good pregame drinks with lower alcohol content.
- Wine is a smoother, lighter option for pacing yourself.
- Cocktails with low-proof spirits can also work as a pre game drink, but avoid sugary mixes that cause quick crashes.
If you’re feeling bold, one shot is fine—but stick to just one. You don’t want the pre drinks to end your crawl before it even begins.
How Do I Prepare My Body for Pregame Drinking?
Here’s how to level up your pregaming drinks strategy:
- Hydrate before and during. Alternate between water and your pregame alcohol to avoid a nasty hangover.
- Dress comfortably. Bar crawls mean walking—wear shoes you’ll survive in.
- Eat before your pre drinks. Never do pre game drinks on an empty stomach.
How Many Drinks Should You Have at a Bar Crawl?
Everyone asks this: how many pregame drinks or crawl drinks is “safe”?
- Stick to 1 drink per hour on average.
- Alternate pregaming drinks with water or soda.
- Know your limits—if unsure, drink less, not more.
Remember, the point of a pub crawl is fun—not to get wrecked.
Pregame Don’ts: Avoid These Mistakes
Even the best pregame drinks won’t save you from poor decisions. Here’s what to avoid:
- Don’t slam too many pregame drinks too fast.
- Don’t mix pregame alcohol with medication.
- Don’t start with a heavy, greasy meal.
- Don’t drive—ever. Call a rideshare or have a DD.
- Don’t leave your pre drinks unattended.
Should You Pregame a Bar Crawl—or Go Sober?
Some swear by pre drinks; others skip them entirely. Both can work.
- Pregaming drinks help you get in the mood and save money before hitting pricier bars.
- Going sober means more stamina, a clearer head, and no hangover the next day.
The choice is yours—just be smart about it.
Conclusion
Pregaming is part science, part fun. Whether you choose light pre drinks, a protein-heavy snack, or just hydration, the right prep makes bar hopping more enjoyable.
So next time you’re gearing up for a pub crawl, remember:
- Choose good pregame drinks that keep you steady.
- Fuel up with proteins and carbs.
- Pace yourself and hydrate.
Now that you’ve mastered pregame drinking, you’re ready to hit the crawl. Put on your walking shoes, gather your crew, and check out our upcoming Tacos N' Tequila Bar Crawl for the ultimate pre-gaming to after-party experience. Cheers! 🍻