Sure, a great drink goes a long way, but drinking is a holistic experience. It's about the ambiance, the vibe, the music, the friends you're with, and the town you're in. And trust us, not all towns are created equal. Drinking in the right environment can make the difference between the best night of your life and passing out on some random dude's futon - though the two aren't mutually exclusive.
Cesar Chavez Street - Austin, Texas
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Cesar Chavez Street is easily the best bar-hopping street in Texas. It's a straight shot lined with bars as far as the eye can see. At night, there's always a block party vibe, so even just walking around can be energizing. There are also lots of late-night food trucks nearby, making a drunken pile of top-notch tacos more than just a fantasy.
Warehouse District - New Orleans, Louisiana
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While the French Quarter might be the first place that comes to mind when you picture NOLA, the Warehouse District is the younger, trendier spot to drink. Trading the touristy Mardi Gras energy for an artsier, hipster vibe, you'll be able to find crafted cocktails and upscale takes on classic Cajun cuisine. Although if you just want to get wasted, the French Quarter is still a great spot.
Lower Broadway - Nashville, Tennessee
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Four blocks of bars, country music, cowboy hats, steel-toed boots, steel guitars, and wild bachelorette parties - that's Nashville's, Lower Broadway. Should you find yourself craving a crazy night out while in town, stop by for a drink or ten. Then when you're nice and drunk, grab some of Nashville's famous hot chicken for a late-night snack.
The Vegas Strip - Las Vegas, Nevada
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It's a cliche that "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," but the reality is that if you choose to drink on the Vegas Strip, you most likely will get too drunk to remember. An area 100% dedicated to letting your inhibitions run wild, every hotel, club, bar and casino has copious amounts of alcohol and activities for you to blow your money on at any time of day or night.
River North - Chicago, Illinois
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Every day after 8 PM, Hubbard Street in River North turns into an all-night party. Considered the best nightlife spot in Chicago, the area caters to all sorts of folks, from businessmen seeking a few drinks after work to college students looking to get completely smashed. For the best time, try bar-hopping down the street.
All of Portland, Oregon
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Completely walkable and filled with more great breweries than you can conquer in a month, Portland is paradise for beer lovers. Considered one of the best beer cities in the world, you're guaranteed to find a local brew that fits your mood, whether it's something dark and hoppy or light and frothy.
Dan Kahan is a writer & screenwriter from Brooklyn, usually rocking a man bun. Find more at dankahanwriter.com