Possibly one of the biggest buzzkills when you are out with friends is when someone starts to complain.
The minute someone says, “This bar isn’t fun”, or, “What a waste of money” it seems as if the whole group starts to collectively sigh. The floodgates open and suddenly everyone starts to doubt that there is anything at all fun about what is happening.
Something I’ve noticed, however, is that when you go out on a weeknight it is rare that things are met with such poor reception from friends. I can only assume it is the anticipation. When your Big Saturday Night doesn’t live up to the hype-especially after a long week-there is a long way to fall. People plummet from 9 PM anticipation, to midnight dissatisfaction, but never fear! It can be combated.
Going out on weeknights might seem questionable at first, but as long as you know your limits, these are like your sleeper-hits, unexpectedly fun, and a great way to break up the week.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1)FREE FREE FREE!
Most bars and clubs do the majority of their business on weekends. A lot of them have great midweek deals. At Cielo on West 12th Street, for example, select weeknights do not have a cover before 11 and there is a free vodka bar. My friends and I went on an expectation-less Monday night and everyone agreed that it was a great night-especially the boys, who were not used to having a free night.
2) You can’t be calling out of work everyday…
In my Manhattan stomping grounds, we have a tendency to get ready late, go out late, and come home late because that’s what everyone does. Typically, my friends and I “match” with someone of like alcohol tolerance to avoid having anyone getting out of control, but don’t bother with designating anyone to be sober since we don’t have to drive. On weeknights it is good to drink less, but still you can get wrapped up in the fun you’re having, so try to designate somebody as the “wrap it up” person. Preferably, select the person who needs to get up earliest. We aren’t allowed to get mad at them for rounding the group back up, and basically their job is just to get us out before the party dies/it’s 5AM.
3) Get Inspiration!
A Wednesday night doesn’t have to be your big night out, but it can give you a chance to check out a new spot. The weeknight vibe a place gives is obviously a little different from the way it is on a weekend, but when the hordes are away, you can figure out what places match with your music taste, drink taste, even the layout of the dance floor or tables. It’s a fun, more lowkey way to find a place for the weekend.
4) Switch It Up
Some weekends end up leading you back to the same places, maybe because that’s where you always know your people will be. Different nights at different places can really be fun though. After a few Wednesdays going to the hookah lounge, Le Souk, my friends and I went on a Thursday. The music was much better for dancing, there was face paint, and a group of drag queens. The point is, clubs and bars switch things up-and you should too!
5) No Pressure
To me, the whole point of going out on a weeknight is that there’s less stress than on a weekend. There is less of an obligation to go out, you’re calling all the shots. You can dress up more or dress down, choose to only have mixed drinks, or only wine, make it a girls night, or bring the whole gang together. You’re putting the concept of going out in a new context, so just have fun with it!
Don’t just live for the weekends-give yourself a little midweek pick-me-up once in a while. As long as you stay smart, you’ll be glad you did.
