A night out at your favorite watering hole can cost you a pretty penny. Yet, you don’t have to forgo staying in just to save money. If you go to the bar with a budget, you can have fun and save money!

One of the best tricks in the book is to simply drink before you go out. Have a drink or two at home before you go out so you don’t have to start fresh with high-priced beers and cocktails. The price of alcohol and beer bought from the grocery store is dramatically cheaper than that from the bar. The same goes for food. Avoid ordering costly food at the local pub by eating before you go out.

Once out, ask for prices before ordering. This will allow you to know what you’re getting and for what cost without blindly emptying your wallet on the first drink.

Savor your beer. In other words, the slower you enjoy your drink(s), the less you drink and the less you pay. It is also wise to substitute water for a drink every other round. Water is not only free, but it’ll keep your appetite at bay.   

Avoid shots. Shots are the most marked up item at bars. Do not offer to buy the whole bar a round of shots, either. If you do enjoy a shot hear and there, hold tight to your taste buds and stick to rails and avoid top shelf liquor.