If you’re heading out for a night on the town, you might want to check your bank account first—especially in these cities. Whether it’s poolside cocktails or a casual beer, here are 17 spots where drinks come with a hefty price tag.
1. New York, NY
New York City is synonymous with high living, and its bar scene is no exception. A single cocktail can easily top $20, making it a city where every sip counts. Locals often spend over $2,000 annually just on alcohol, highlighting the city’s pricey allure. The vibrant nightlife offers countless bars and clubs, but patrons should be prepared for a hefty bill. New York’s diverse drink offerings range from crafted cocktails to rare wines, all adding up to a luxurious yet costly experience. Whether you’re at a rooftop bar or a hidden speakeasy, expect your wallet to feel lighter by night’s end. This city truly epitomizes urban extravagance.
2. Miami, FL
Miami combines beach views with equally stunning drink prices. A poolside cocktail here can start at $17, reflecting the city’s upscale vibe. Known for its glamorous nightlife, Miami attracts both tourists and locals willing to pay for a taste of luxury. Whether it’s a mojito by the ocean or an exclusive club’s signature drink, costs quickly add up. The city’s tropical allure and vibrant atmosphere make it a hotspot for those looking to indulge. However, enjoying Miami’s nightlife comes with a premium, so budget accordingly. The fusion of sun, sea, and spendy drinks makes Miami unforgettable.
3. Los Angeles, CA
In Los Angeles, trendy bars and high-end hotels are the norm, and so are $21 cocktails. The city’s diverse nightlife offers a plethora of upscale venues, each featuring unique drink menus that cater to varied tastes. The Hollywood glamour is palpable, drawing in celebrities and trendsetters alike. Whether sipping a handcrafted cocktail in West Hollywood or indulging in a wine at a beachside bar, expect to pay a premium. L.A.’s social scene is both a spectacle and a splurge, reflective of the city’s star-studded reputation. Be ready for your night out to be both exciting and expensive.
4. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is famed for its motto: go big or go home. This is especially true at the bar, where the tab can skyrocket. Known for its over-the-top nightlife, Vegas offers everything from lavish cocktails to exclusive bottle service. The Strip is lined with extravagant hotels and casinos where each drink is an experience in luxury. Tourists flock to Sin City for its party atmosphere, but the costs can be as high as the stakes. Whether you’re at a casino bar or a rooftop club, enjoy the opulence knowing it comes at a price. Vegas nightlife is as unforgettable as it is costly.
5. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s charm extends to its nightlife, where drinks are as sophisticated as the city itself. A glass of wine or a cocktail can set you back significantly, reflecting the city’s high cost of living. The bar scene is vibrant, with venues ranging from chic lounges to historic saloons, each offering a unique experience. Tech professionals and visitors alike frequent these spots, indulging in quality drinks that match the city’s innovation. Whether it’s wine from Napa Valley or a locally-inspired cocktail, expect to pay for the ambiance. San Francisco offers a premium drinking experience steeped in elegance.
6. San Jose, CA
San Jose’s booming tech industry is mirrored in its nightlife, where drink prices are as steep as the latest innovations. Known for high living costs, the city offers a range of upscale bars and lounges. Here, a standard cocktail can be surprisingly expensive, reflecting the prosperity of Silicon Valley. The fresh, modern atmosphere of San Jose’s bars attracts professionals and innovators looking for relaxation after a long day. Whether it’s a craft cocktail or a vintage wine, the experience is as polished as it is pricey. San Jose offers a glimpse into a world where technology meets luxury.
7. Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis may surprise some with its high alcohol expenditure, where locals spend nearly $2,000 a year on booze. The city’s bar scene is diverse, offering everything from craft brews to creatively mixed cocktails. Despite the cold winters, the nightlife is warm and inviting, drawing crowds to its lively establishments. Whether you’re enjoying a local beer in a bustling bar or sipping a cocktail downtown, the price tag might catch you off guard. Minneapolis combines Midwestern charm with big-city expenses, creating a unique drinking experience where hospitality meets cost. This city proves that cold nights can still have a warm atmosphere.
8. Maui, HI
Maui is a tropical paradise where the beauty comes at a cost, especially when it comes to drinks. A piña colada or mai tai can easily cost over $21, reflecting the island’s premium appeal. Visitors flock to Maui for its stunning beaches and resorts, but the cost of a refreshing cocktail might be a surprise. The island’s laid-back vibe is palpable, yet it comes with a price tag that matches its idyllic surroundings. Whether sipping a drink by the beach or at a luxurious resort, the experience is memorable but not budget-friendly. Maui’s drinks are as delightful as they are pricey.
9. Chicago, IL
Chicago’s bustling nightlife offers a rich tapestry of bars and clubs that cater to diverse tastes. Known for its extravagant architecture and deep-dish pizza, the city’s drinks can similarly make an impression on your wallet. From craft beer to inventive cocktails, a night out in Chicago is both exciting and expensive. Visitors and locals alike revel in the vibrant atmosphere, savoring drinks that reflect the city’s dynamic spirit. The Windy City offers a mix of high-end lounges and historic pubs, each providing a unique experience. Enjoying a night in Chicago means embracing both its culture and its costs.
10. San Diego, CA
San Diego combines sunny vibes with equally appealing yet costly cocktails. Known for its laid-back lifestyle and gorgeous beaches, the city’s bars don’t skimp on price. A cocktail might start at $17, offering a taste of California’s coastal lifestyle. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet the price tags are anything but, attracting both tourists and locals. Whether you’re enjoying a drink by the ocean or in a trendy downtown spot, the experience is as refreshing as it is costly. San Diego offers a sunny escape where the drinks are as delightful as the views and the price reflects the quality.
11. Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale’s upscale resorts and vibrant club scene make it a hotspot for pricey drinks. A basic cocktail can exceed $16, reflecting the city’s affluent atmosphere. Known for luxurious golf courses and spas, Scottsdale draws a crowd willing to pay for premium experiences. The desert backdrop provides a unique setting for enjoying a drink, whether at a high-class bar or a poolside lounge. The city’s nightlife offers an array of options, each with its own charm and cost. Scottsdale embodies a blend of elegance and expense, where the drinks are as refined as the surroundings.
12. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, famous for its vibrant nightlife and rich musical heritage, now comes with a hefty price tag for drinks. Despite its reputation for endless parties, the costs have caught up with the city’s allure. From classic cocktails to innovative mixes, the bar scene is as colorful as it’s costly. The essence of New Orleans is captured in every sip, but be prepared for the expense. Whether you’re enjoying a Sazerac or a Vieux Carré, the experience is authentically unique yet financially demanding. This city’s nightlife is a captivating blend of music, culture, and high-priced cocktails.
13. Nashville, TN
Nashville, the heart of country music, is also a city where drinks can quickly drain your wallet. Known for its lively honky-tonk bars, the price of a night out can be surprisingly steep. Visitors flock to experience the live music and vibrant atmosphere, often paying a premium for drinks. Whether enjoying a classic Tennessee whiskey or a crafted cocktail, the costs reflect the city’s booming popularity. Nashville’s unique charm is enhanced by its nightlife, where music flows as freely as the cash. This city offers an unforgettable experience packed with tunes and high-priced drinks.
14. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu, with its breathtaking ocean views and vibrant culture, also offers pricey drinking experiences. Even a simple beer can feel like a splurge, as island prices add up quickly. Known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches, the city attracts those willing to pay for paradise. Whether sipping a cocktail with a view of Diamond Head or enjoying a sunset drink on Waikiki Beach, the cost is a part of the experience. Honolulu combines natural beauty with a high-end bar scene, creating an enticing yet expensive destination. Relish the island vibes, but be ready to pay the island prices.
15. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. pairs its historical significance with a sophisticated and costly nightlife. The city’s upscale bars and lounges offer meticulously crafted drinks, often reflecting the political landscape. A single cocktail can come with a hefty price, driven by high taxes and the upscale scene. D.C.’s bar scene is frequented by professionals and politicos, each contributing to the city’s vibrant yet expensive atmosphere. Whether enjoying a classic cocktail near the Capitol or savoring a wine in Georgetown, the experience is enriching but comes with a cost. Washington, D.C. offers a unique blend of history, politics, and high-priced drinks.
16. Boston, MA
Boston’s rich history is complemented by a bar scene that offers both charm and expense. While known for its historic sites and academia, the city’s drinks can be surprisingly costly. From craft beers to inventive cocktails, a night out in Boston is a journey through its past and its bar tabs. The atmosphere is a blend of old-world charm and modern flair, attracting both locals and tourists. Whether enjoying a drink by the harbor or in a cozy pub, expect to pay for the privilege. Boston’s nightlife offers a taste of history, culture, and high-priced drinks.
17. Seattle, WA
Seattle, known for its rainy weather and coffee culture, also boasts a bar scene where drinks come at a premium. A pint of beer or a crafted cocktail can surprise you with its price, aligning with the city’s high living costs. The diverse nightlife offers everything from hipster hangouts to upscale lounges, each reflecting Seattle’s eclectic vibe. Whether you’re sipping a local brew in a trendy bar or trying a chic cocktail downtown, the price is part of the experience. Seattle offers a unique mix of innovation and tradition, where the atmosphere is as rich as the drinks are pricey.
