The Top 5 Cities for Pub Crawls
If you look hard enough, every city in the U.S. probably has a decent nightlife. But some just hit harder. More bars, more themes, more diversity, more authentic experiences.
Why is it, then, that some bustling metros are so equipped to cater to your squad’s every whim? Maybe it’s what makes these cities world cities. Or maybe it’s just because party people know a fun night out isn’t just about the drinks. It’s about the adventure we have as the night progresses.
What could be more adventuresome than an authentic pub crawl?
So, which are the best of the best, and which are the worst of the worst? Well, we’ll leave the worst out of the mix today... But, if you’re hunting for the best cities for pub crawls in the U.S., this is your rundown.
Let’s dive in so you and your gang can hit the right town for a legendary pub crawl.
The Best Pub Crawl Cities
1. New York, NY
Are you surprised to see the Big Apple on this list? Because we sure aren’t! New York is the city that never sleeps, so it stands to reason that nightlife would factor in.
A pub crawl in New York can take you and your group in a million directions.
Want to enjoy the twisting density of Greenwich Village or the Lower East Side? You’re in luck, as Greenwich Village and SoHo have the highest number of bars per square mile in the United States!
Want to enjoy tasty drinks while you tap into the city’s Jazz history? Harlem’s got you covered.
Want to bid the tourists farewell and sate your adventurous side? Find yourself far afield in boroughs outside Manhattan in a pub crawl off the beaten path.
New York is the kind of city that can be everything to everyone. And this stands with its bar scene. Truly, there is a pub crawl in New York for every kind of bar hopper.
2. Chicago, IL
Chicagoans are no strangers to a night out at the bar. Maybe it’s the unflinching wintery weather that inspires a drive to warm up with a nice drink. Or maybe it’s just because Chicago has hundreds of bars that slap.
Do you like the nerdy vibe of a barcade? How about legendary sports bars nestled close to a legendary ballpark? Or maybe you want to tap into Chicago’s rich trivia and improv heritage while you crawl.
Whatever your vibe, Chicago is ready to serve you and your friends. A Chicago pub crawl can be whatever you want it to be. And be as wind-swept or as cozy as you need it to be!
With a pub crawl in Chicago, you are accessing a youthful, joyful city that just wants to party. The only question is: can you keep up?
Suggested Bars
- Fame Nightclub – An art deco classic downtown
- Lore Nightclub – Fame's 2nd floor
- Electric Hotel Nightclub – Inspired by Germany’s underground nightclub scene
- Y Bar Nightclub – Ultra modern and refined
- LiqrBox Nightclub – Dancing encouraged
- The Handsome Speakeasy – Dark, luxurious, and immaculately tasteful
- Yours Truly Bar – River North oysters and martinis
- Underground Nightclub – Private events only
- Joy District Nightclub – Sports, dancing, and year-round roof access
- Hubbard Inn Nightclub – Old fashioned cocktails and eats
- Mother Hubbard's Pub – Classic sports pub
3. Boston, MA
Crawl through history in the city that kind of started it all. Boston’s got amazing city history that is well represented in its watering holes. A Boston pub crawl is perfect for both young and old alike.
If you’re a history nerd who wants to follow the Freedom Trail, you’ll find some amazing historic pubs along the trail. Or, if you’re someone who craves a staggering bar scene, you might not be surprised to find a student-centric city has it. Either way, a Boston pub crawl is the ticket.
Along the way, you’ll find a surprisingly diverse city packed into a walkable size. Traipse neighborhood to neighborhood with your friends and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with Beantown.
Suggested Bars
- Tiki Rock Bar – Pan Asian eatery and drinkery
- Wild Rover Nightclub – An Irish pub for the modern era
- Sissy K's Nightclub – Cheap karaoke, priceless memories
- Hong Kong Bar – A Feneuil Hall institution
- Koy – Korean flavors with fusion inspiration
4. Pittsburgh, PA
Did you know Pittsburgh has the most bars per capita in the U.S.? It’s true. The city also ranks #2 for pizza in the U.S., according to USA Today. Color us surprised!
But for bar crawlers who tend to get peckish along the way, it doesn’t seem like you can do much better than the City of Bridges. Just follow your Pittsburgh pub crawl tour guide and your night is sure to be a 10.
You’re on the verge of a truly great evening out for you and your friends. Now all you need to do is pick the city. And Bar Crawl LIVE! can help you shortlist it!