Best Bars to Start & End Erin Express
The Erin Express is back, and this year, we’re getting the kind of perfect drinking weather that makes a beer taste even better—warm weather, sunshine, and a whole lot of bar-hopping ahead. But with 30 bars, multiple check-in spots, and thousands of people trying to drink their weight in beer, the key to surviving (and thriving) on this crawl is having a solid game plan.
Top Tomato Bar via Google Reviews
In our opinion – you don’t just wing Erin Express. You strategically pick your starting point, pace yourself, and know exactly where you want to end up—preferably in one piece, with at least one good story. To make sure you don’t fizzle out halfway through, we’ve put together the perfect route to make this Erin Express your best one yet.
Where to Start – The Best Bars to Kick Off Erin Express
Step one: Check in, grab your first drink, and settle in before the madness peaks. This year, check-in locations are spread across the city at spots like Misconduct (both Locust and JFK), Cavs Rittenhouse, Lucy’s, Green Room, Newdeck Tavern, and Cavs Headhouse. Each one has its own vibe, so choose wisely.
If you want instant high-energy chaos, hit Misconduct or Cavs Rittenhouse, where the lines start forming early and the party kicks off fast. But if you prefer to ease into the day without getting elbowed at the bar five minutes in, check in at Green Room or Newdeck Tavern—solid spots that will still be lively but not overwhelmingly packed right out of the gate.
Once you’re officially in, it’s time for stop number one—and this is where the real fun begins. Uptown Beer Garden is a must, opening just for Erin Express and bringing big outdoor beer garden energy that screams “first beer of the season”. If you want to switch it up, Garage Rittenhouse is another solid option, making its Erin Express debut with a massive space, great beer selection, and guaranteed crowds. Looking for something with a bit more room to breathe? Libertee Grounds has plenty of outdoor space (and games, if you’re feeling competitive) to get the day started at a slower, more strategic pace.
Mid-Crawl Madness – Where to Keep the Energy Up
By now, you’re either fully in the zone, questioning your life choices, or attempting to rally with a questionable shot choice. This is the time to keep the momentum going—without accidentally peaking too soon.
Head to Bru Craft & Wurst if you’re a beer lover and want a solid drink selection. Need a little pick-me-up in the form of frozen alcohol? Fat Tuesday is your move—because nothing fuels an Erin Express second wind quite like a sugar-filled daiquiri that will either revive you or take you out completely. If you need a break from standing shoulder-to-shoulder in packed bars, Lucky Strike is a great mid-crawl stop—order a beer, bowl a round, and remind yourself that you still have some level of coordination left.
If by this point you realize you forgot to eat, now is the time. Erin Express is a marathon, not a sprint, and food is your best friend. Lucy’s, The Wayward, and Landmark Americana all have solid bites that will keep you in the game without forcing you into a full food coma.
Where to End – Closing Out Erin Express Like a Pro
At some point, you’re going to look at your friends and ask, “Where are we ending this?” The answer? It depends on what kind of energy you have left.
If you’re still in full send-it mode, Paddy Whacks is the move. It’s got Irish bar chaos, dance floor energy, and just enough madness to carry you through to the end. If you need one last beer but zero unnecessary social interactions, Drinkers Pub is your spot—low-key and exactly what you need for a smooth landing.
If you started at Misconduct Locust, there’s something poetic about ending where you began—a full-circle Erin Express moment that says, “I did it, and I lived to tell the tale.” And for those who like to end things on the ultimate power move? Top Tomato. Because pizza + beer = the only logical way to wrap up a bar crawl.
Sunday is perfect for:
✔️ The people who skipped Saturday but still want in on the fun
✔️ The rally kings and queens who refuse to let one night take them down
✔️ The ones who just want one more beer… and maybe a little redemption
