How to Plan a Pub Crawl for a 40th Birthday in Chicago

Show your friends a great time on a pub crawl in Chicago.

Chicago is teeming with downtown clubs and corner bars for you to take a 40th birthday pub crawl. Whether you want to keep your crawl to a single neighborhood or roam around all parts of the Second City, you will never be without a drink in your hand for very long. The best thing to do, however, is plan your night in advance so you guarantee your chosen bars can accommodate your party and you know what kind of fun you might find.

Instructions

1. Plan your starting point. Perhaps you want to start on the South Side in the Beverly neighborhood at a few Irish bars before making your way north, or maybe you would rather start in Wrigleyville at a bar near Wrigley Field. You could also start your night in the Gold Coast, venturing to bars in the "Viagra Triangle" near State and Division. This area sees a lot of rich, older customers as well as young, hip trendsetters. Wherever you start, be sure it's a place easy for your guests to find.

2. Map out your 40th birthday pub crawl. If you're interested in checking out the bars near Wrigley Field and DePaul University, you'll have your pick of punk-rock bars and college-style clubs. John Barleycorn, Seven-Ten and Delilah's are among the favorites on the North Side. If you're interested in being closer to the field, bars such as SmartBar, Casey Moran's, Cubby Bear and Gingerman are happy to help you imbibe. If you're into more of a hipster, low-key kind of night, head over to Bucktown and Wicker Park. You'll find that Northside, Cleo's, Map Room and Bucktown Pub can offer great deals and a place where you can sidle up to the bar and find great service. If your crawl goes into the wee hours of the morning, the area is brimming with late-night bars such as Flat Iron, Nick's, Estelle's and Marie's Rip Tide Lounge.

3. Plan your transportation. Once you have the pub crawl mapped out, it's time to decide how people are going to get to each destination, if walking isn't an option. If your crawl is just a few people, you might just want to take cabs from bar to bar. However, if you have a larger group, you may consider renting a limo or a trolley. If money is a concern, you can also try the buddy system and brave the Chicago Transit Authority's "L" or CTA buses.

4. Send out invitations. A 40th birthday pub crawl will only be complete once you have invited the people you want to spend the night with. Phone, text message or e-mail your friends to let them know of the plans and to give them time to respond.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a large group, you might want to call your chosen bars ahead of time to make sure they're OK with a party coming through. You should also ask if they're willing to give your group any kind of package deal on drinks or food if you make their bar one of the premier stops.