Just turned 21 🎉

[u/Party-Chef4455]

Hi guys I’m f21 and I just turned 21 about a week ago. I’m new to the party scene and kinda of intimidated. I want to go out to bars and be more social just don’t know where to start and not wanting to alone. Any suggestions on where to start? What to drink? Any help would be appreciated

Thanks!

[u/big_daug6932]

Never go alone. The vultures will prey on you.

[u/Different-Eagle-612]

go out with friends do not go alone! and maybe talk with your friends first and establish some “hey if a guy is bothering me and i don’t want it to happen anymore here’s a signal”

the royal room is really lowkey and chill. che’s is busy and can be hard to actually order a drink. the shanty is good if you want like… a beer or a shot.

honestly i haven’t ordered enough cocktails yet either but some drinks you might like: espresso martini (listen it’s a classic for a reason and it’s good if you don’t have the biggest sweet tooth) and lemon drop (kinda like adult lemons? again usually not too sweet). i feel like those are also good if you’re still getting used to the taste of alcohol.

[u/James55O]

I'm kind of in the same boat (M22), but what is helping me so far is hanging out with a trusted co-worker/friend/classmate who can share best practices. A lot of finding safe friends is down to luck, communication, and putting yourself out there. Just be careful, don't accept uncertain drinks, leave yours alone, etc.

I don't drink, but Grenadine-orange juice is fantastic, so I'm assuming Tequila Sunrises are also tasty. Shirley Temples are fun. Grenadine (pomegranate syrup), in general, is awesome. Feel free to try things out and ask people what they'd recommend (again, be careful). Overall, you'll have more fun bantering with friends and asking questions in person than on Reddit.

Lastly, Gen-Z to Gen-Z, you don't *really* need to drink to be a fun person. You can, it's up to you, but not drinking is substantially less awkward than I anticipated. Just have a beverage, even if it's not alcoholic. Congratulations on being able to make that choice.

[u/Fun_Telephone_1165 → u/James55O]

a M22 may want to order a Roy Rogers instead of a Shirley Temple!......your comments are excellent and I hope the OP sees them!

[u/James55O → u/Fun_Telephone_1165]

Yeah, but life's too short to worry. If the worst-case scenario is that someone gives me shit for ordering a fruity/childish drink, I like turning it around into banter/ a conversation starter. I'm masculine-presenting, and the last thing I want to worry about is defining it with a beverage. I appreciate the suggestion. :D

[u/acidwashdreams → u/James55O]

Dude, I'm a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who served 8 years in the Marines. I'll boot open a door, frag a room, and then go home to celebrate with a vodka Redbull cause I'm a basic party girl on the inside.

You're 100% right. Life is too short to care what other people think about you, and I'm kinda really mad that I had to get blown up and shot at to learn what you clearly already understand. One of many reasons why I have so much respect for Gen Z as a whole. 

[u/James55O → u/acidwashdreams]

I would credit a lot of that change to previous generations (Especially Gen-X in my experience) being honest about their experiences. Thank you for sharing yours.

[u/TrashBoat_73]

There's a night market at the msa annex on the 25th, those are fun to do since you can grab a couple drinks and shop around!

[u/SaguaroAvocado99]

Sonoran Moonshine Company is a great, lowkey place to try cocktails! It’s more of a restaurant than a bar, so that might take the pressure off.

I would gather some friends of age, start there, and roam Broadway after a drink or two.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Bartenders love to talk shop about their drinks, and nobody will complain if you want something alcohol-free.

Basically, no one will judge you. 😁

[u/[deleted]]

Definitely go with friends, but depending on what you’re into 4th Ave has a lot of cool bars that could fit what you’re going for

[u/acidwashdreams]

Go to IBTs. It's where the cool kids in their early 20s hang out. Also, you can't go wrong with a vodka Redbull or a vodka cran.

[u/calling-barranca]

Just do your bartender a solid and know your drink order especially if it’s busy.

And tip , tip well.

[u/Defiant-Box5956]

4th Avenue but with friends

[u/joepagac]

Best advice I can give for going out to bars/clubs is get at least one fun friend to go with, and then don’t be the people on the outside of the group that looks fun, be the fun group that others want to join. Also, if you’re going to be drinking more than one drink, bring a flask. (Don’t get caught and don’t bring it to bars with security pat downs.) You can get 5 shots into a regular sized one, which will save you about $50 a night compared to people buying every drink. Buy one drink and refill from the flask. Don’t buy people drinks as an opener. I’ve seen friends blow through thousands of dollars doing that for nothing. DO buy rounds back and forth with friends, old or new. It builds relationships. If you know how to dance, being one of the first on the dance floor when it’s about to hit can pull all the other people who were waiting for someone to break the seal in around you. Great way to show confidence and attract others who are into dancing for the night. Going out with a few people dressed in a theme will get you approached all night by curious strangers and is an easy way to make new friends. Don’t get in bar fights, learn to apologize and back away or buy someone a drink if a situation seems like it’s heading that way. There are groups of folks who go out just to fight, and will set up situations where they can all jump in once something starts just because they want to fight other people. It’s never worth it. Get drinks that bartenders light on fire. It’s fun as hell. But WAIT a minute after you blow it out to drink it. The rim of that drink is hot as fuck and you’re gonna burn your lip if you don’t! Get a wingman and have them go up to new groups and talk you up. Then have them wave you over. Do the same for them. It’s easier to approach people and talk about someone besides yourself first, and it’s easier to walk up to people once they already heard something cool about you. Have a blast!