European cities and towns have historically used the pub crawl (or “gin” or “beer” crawl) as a social networking tool for people living in or visiting a certain area. Pub crawls, by design, blend communities, tourists, landmarks, and (of course!) drinking by guiding revelers along a given route to enjoy brief visits at a number of watering holes offering food, drink, entertainment, and unrivaled atmosphere. It’s a great way to reacquaint yourself with the place in which you live, or an excellent way to sample local fare and meet a lot of interesting people.

Spanning less than half a mile along Main Street, the below bars offer one of the best concentrations of excellent pubs in Stamford. From plasma televisions showing round-the-clock sporting events to island décor to outdoor patios, a few even have free wireless (not that you’ll be doing any work!), dart boards, and pool tables. And full menus to boot!

So grab some friends, and spend your next happy hour checking out some of the best spots Stamford has to offer. But be sure to call for a cab to get home!

1. Tiernan’s Bar & Restaurant
www.tiernansbar.com
187 Main St.
Stamford, CT 06877
(203) 353-8566
Starting the pub crawl off on an appropriately Irish foot, we begin with Tiernan’s; noted for its wide selection of delicious imported beers and reputation for being the best venue for rock in Fairfield County. Sample the delicious Irish fare, enjoy live entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays, surf the Internet with Tiernan’s free wireless access, bask on the outdoor patio, or park yourself in front of one of eight plasma televisions. Happy hour runs 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and there is never a cover charge.

2. Bobby Valentine’s
www.bobbyv.com
225 Main St.
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 348-0010
Bobby Valentine’s has it all: award-winning wings (half-price from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday!), Wednesday-night karaoke from 9 p.m.—close, and discounted drinks during the week from 4-7 p.m. The sports bar is a shrine to the pub’s owner, Bobby Valentine, who was born in Stamford and managed the New York Mets until 2002. The place is chock-full of baseball memorabilia and sports fans crowded around large televisions anytime a game is on.

3. Black Bear Saloon
http://www.blackbearstamford.com
261 Main Street Fl 1
Stamford, CT
(203) 324-4448
On Monday nights at the Black Bear, enjoy $5 cocktails (your choice) from 8 p.m.—close.  They’ve got live DJs Thursdays through Saturdays, plasma television screens for you sports fans, a regular and late-night menu, and this great offer: You can host your own happy hour with $2 mixed drinks, beer and wine for your co-workers and friends any Tuesday through Saturday evening. Best part? You’re already at the right address for our last stop at Hula Hanks. Just walk upstairs!

4. Hula Hanks Stamford
www.hulahanks.com
261 Main St,
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 316-0278
Hula Hanks, a 4,000-square-foot, tropical island-themed, dual-level pub with three bars, a covered outdoor patio, full menu, plasma and big-screen televisions, and live DJs on the weekends will be difficult to tear yourself away from. You’ll likely want to stay at this spot all night, what with its interesting island décor and “Hurricane Happy Hours” every Tuesday through Saturday. The good news is, you can stay as long as you like! This is the perfect denouement to your Main Street pub crawl. Just be sure to pace yourself—and watch out for those shot girls!