Mastering the Erin Express: Unwritten Rules and Pub Crawl Etiquette You Need to Know

Ladies and gents, lovers of the Guinness pint and the emerald isle, ready your shamrock-stamped attire because the Erin Express, the infamous Philadelphia pub crawl, is just around the corner!

Ever found yourself lost in a sea of green, navigating through pubs on Erin Express day, struggling to follow the unwritten rules of the day? Fear not, dear friends - we're about to spill the unspoken rules of the Erin Express Bar Crawl that will not only help you survive the day but truly master it.

Strap in as we journey into the world of Erin Express Etiquette, covering everything from managing congested sidewalks to orchestrating the perfect pub group photo.

This year's Erin Express is all set for March 16th and March 17th. No need to fret over choosing the 'right day' as your favorite local pubs are well-prepared to welcome you with a green beer upon arrival.

Next, consider hitting up different eateries throughout the night to vary your palate and keep things spicy. This crawl isn't just for pub aficionados; it's for food junkies as well- so don't be afraid to treat your taste buds! Just remember to chew at least 20-ish times; tipsiness and choking are a bad combination - you heard it here first.

There's always a distinctive buzz in the air when the Erin Express Bar Crawl is near, and getting into the spirit of things starts with your outfit. Channel the energy of the Irish and feel free to wear anything green. It’s the unofficial color of the crawl, after all. From green hats to t-shirts adorned with cheeky sayings, rocking the color green is a sure way to show your spirit.

As you trot from pub to pub, remember that you'll be doing a good deal of walking. This means comfortable, sturdy shoes should be top of your list. Ladies, this might not be the time for strappy heels unless you, like Rihanna, have mastered the art of gracefully navigating sidewalk grates in them.

Decorating each other in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day is all part of the pub crawl fun. But, let's face it, how do you hold on to your silly — yet adorable — four-leaf-clover glasses while navigating the jam-packed bars? A simple tip is to bring a small bag or backpack to keep your festive accoutrements safe (including your phone and wallet!).

If you're prone to feeling chilly, remember to take layers. A breathable shirt paired with a light jacket or sweater should suffice. And should the rain decide to join the party, a waterproof jacket or trusty umbrella will help you stay dry.

Moving onto crowd navigation - ah, the bane of every bar crawler's existence. Rule #1 of Erin Express Etiquette: Don't push. Nobody likes a rude crawler. So, forge ahead with patience and kindness, maybe strike a fun conversation with fellow crawlers while you’re bobbing and weaving through. 

And let me let you in on a little secret, standing in a fiendishly long line outside your favorite watering hole isn't a pub crawl badge of honor. In fact, it's just a waste of your precious pub-crawling time. Opt for bars that are a walkable distance apart and have a decent crowd flow. And remember, having a clear-cut game plan with a list of your favorite Erin Express bars on hand would be a lifeline you'd thank yourself for later! 

Finally, perfect your group photo game. The art of capturing everyone's shiny faces, drinks, and cheesy grins is a skill every Erin Express participant should master. Sometimes, you have to climb onto a chair to get the right angle; other times, it's all about capturing the impromptu moments. Regardless, these are the tokens of your adventure, and they will be the foundation of many a "Remember when..." conversation to come. 

To wrap up, pub crawling is about savoring the journey, not just scoring the drinks…but who doesn’t love a good toast or two? Happy crawling!