Last week, I celebrated my 21st birthday. I had my first legal drink at dinner that night, and proceeded to bar hop until my feet hurt and I could barely keep my eyes open.
1. Bars/clubs are nothing like fraternity basements.
I expected every place to be filled with guys who would hit on me or try to grind on me. It turns out that people in the real world have a little more class than that (or I just didn't go to a trashy place). Either way, each place had it's own vibe. Embrace it.
2. Most bars and clubs charge a cover.
When you pay $5 to get in, you don't have one drink and leave 10 minutes later. It just doesn't happen.
3. Don't be afraid to trust the bartender.
Just go up to the bar and say, "I just turned 21, give me something good." I added in that I don't like to taste the alcohol. The bartender asked me if there were any flavors I didn't like, started mixing things from bottles I didn't recognize, tasted her concoction and handed me the drink saying, "Try it. Let me know if you like it." It was really good!
4. The more friends the better.
More friends at a college party means more friends to try to round up when it's time to leave, but at a bar, you mostly stick to the people you came with. That's not to say that you can't make new friends, but the more friends you bring the better.
5. Drinking at a bar is twice as expensive.
How do you think they make their money? A Guinness was over $5, when you can by a six-pack for under $15 at Wal-Mart. Be careful, or your wallet will be much thinner when you leave. Maybe this is why pre-gaming exists.
6. Always have a DD or two.
There's really no reason to drink and drive, so have a designated driver. A friend that will come pick up your drunk @$$ will also work. Don't be afraid to call a cab. Sure, it might mean less money, but you know you will get home safely.
7. Don't over do it.
You don't want to spend the second day of your 21-year-old life with a massive hangover. And you want to remember your 21st, right?
8. You can get free stuff on your birthday...
But it's not like pop culture portrays it where you always get free drinks on your birthday. Sure, I got one free birthday drink and one of the clubs didn't charge me a cover, but the only reason I didn't pay for all of my drinks is because my friends bought me drinks for my birthday.
9. Eat a good dinner first.
Not all bars have food, and with Number 7 in mind, this piece of advice helps you not spend your birthday with your head in the toilet.
10. You don't have to drink sh*tty alcohol anymore.
But now you have to pay for it. You win some, you lose some. Maybe frats aren't that bad.
11. Have fun.
It's your 21st, so do whatever you want to have fun, just be safe doing it.
