The Best U.S. Cities for Bar Hopping

America is a cocktail of vibrant cities, each offering its own unique culture, nightlife, and well…cocktails! The U.S. presents a smorgasbord of options for those looking for the perfect bar-hopping experience. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party, a weekend getaway, or simply exploring your own city’s nightlife, this blog has all the information you need to plan the perfect bar-crawling adventure. From Miami’s South Beach to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, read on to uncover which cities offer the best in bar density, walkability, service, and, of course, a good time!

Key Findings

Claiming the crown as the top U.S. city for bar hopping is Miami, Florida. The city boasts a high bar density with 13.44 bars per square mile and impressive service with 1,810 bartenders per 100K residents. Its walkability score of 77 and a remarkable concentration of live music bars — 37 per square mile — further cement its position as a bar hopper’s paradise.
Providence, Rhode Island, stands out with the highest bar density (19 bars per square mile), guaranteeing a new bar is never far away, coupled with the benefit of low Uber fares for budget-friendly exploration.
Meanwhile, Washington, DC, earns a spot for its exceptional walkability, ensuring safe and easy navigation from one lively bar to another. Whether you’re with a group or embarking on a solo adventure, DC is the most pedestrian-friendly city for bar hoppers, with a walk score of 98 out of 100.

The 20 Best U.S. Cities for Bar Hoppers

U.S. map plotting out the top 20 cities for bar hopping in the country.

Miami tops our list as the number one U.S. city for bar hopping. With nearly 14 bars per square mile, the second highest in our study, and just over 1,800 bartenders per 100,000 residents, sunny Miami ensures there’s always a bar with speedy service nearby, ready to craft your piña colada in the blink of an eye.

With a higher-than-average walk score of 77 out of 100, navigating Miami is also a breeze. Plus, with 37 bars that play live music per square mile (more than three times the average), Miami promises a lively and unforgettable night.

Coming in at number eight, we have San Francisco. As a city renowned for its cultural diversity and unique spirit, San Fran’s bar scene doesn’t disappoint. With nearly 13 bars packed into every square mile, you’re never too far from your next pit stop. Plus, the city is home to many bars with live music, ensuring every hop is a musical journey (musical beers, anyone?).

Sitting at number nine, Las Vegas comes as no surprise. Known as the city that never sleeps, Vegas cements itself as a top choice for bachelor and bachelorette party destinations.

With its myriad of bars, thrilling casinos, and other exciting activities, Vegas ensures every minute of your trip is filled with fun. So, whether you’re raising a toast to the bride-to-be or hitting the jackpot at a slot machine, Sin City delivers an experience that’s hard to beat.

Last but not least is New Orleans, coming in at number 20. Its vibrant music scene, rich culture, and tantalizing cuisine give bar hoppers an exciting backdrop to experience with their beverages of choice.

With cheap average domestic and imported beer prices at bars ($4-$6), New Orleans makes it easy to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. From strolling through the historic French Quarter to catching live music on Bourbon Street, the city promises a memorable bar-hopping experience for all.

The Best U.S. Cities for Bar Hopping by Category

U.S. map plotting out the best cities for bar hopping based on category.

Providence, Rhode Island, might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where you should spend a girls’ (or boys’) night out, but this unassuming city has a lot going for it if you’re looking for a promising location to host a bar crawl.

Providence boasts the highest bar density out of all the cities on our list (19 bars per square mile), meaning you’re never too far from a new watering hole to try out. The city also has the added advantage of low Uber fares ($17.96 for the average ride), making it easier on you and your pals’ wallets as you explore what the capital of Rhode Island has to offer.

Next up, Washington, DC, gracefully slides onto this list for being the most walkable city for a bar crawl, with a walk score of 98 out of 100! Whether you’re bar hopping with friends or exploring the city solo, DC’s pedestrian-friendly layout ensures you can move freely from one vibrant bar scene to another.

Finally, for bar patrons who absolutely hate waiting for service, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a city that certainly knows how to cater to bar-goers. With the most bartenders per 100,000 residents — a whopping 1,880 — you’ll never have to wait long for your next round.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you prefer the bustling energy coursing through the beaches of Miami, the walkable streets of San Francisco, or the jazz scene of New Orleans, there’s a perfect destination out there for every bar hopper.

However, if you’re planning a bachelor(ette) party, remember that it’s not just about the destination (or the shots) — it’s also about celebrating love and the exciting future that lies ahead.

So, while you’re plotting your route from one bar to the next, why not also plan a sparkling surprise? A visit to Shane Co. could be the perfect addition to your party itinerary. With a vast selection of engagement rings and fine jewelry, we have the perfect keepsake to commemorate this special occasion. Let us help you find a piece that captures the sparkle of the night and the joy of the journey ahead.

Methodology

To find the best U.S. cities for bar hopping, we began our analysis with the 50 largest cities in the United States. We identified 11 critical ranking factors contributing to a memorable and convenient bar-hopping experience. These factors include bar density, entertainment, average alcohol prices, walkability, and public and private transportation.

We assigned each city a score ranging from 0 to 5 for each factor, where a score of 5 indicates the most favorable conditions for bar hopping. Each city’s total score was determined by the sum of its individual factor scores, which were weighted based on their impact on the overall bar-hopping experience.

These individual factor scores were then aggregated to provide each city with a final score out of 50. A higher score suggests that a city provides a better environment for bar hopping.

Ranking factors include:

Cost of a Domestic Beer