Looking for a fun way to spice up your Wednesday nights? Trivia events across the U.S. offer a chance to test your knowledge, enjoy great food and drinks, and even win prizes. From New York to Seattle, these trivia nights feature rotating themes, exciting prizes, and drink specials. Here’s a quick overview of five popular spots:
- The Tipsy Trivia Tavern (New York, NY): Pop culture, history, and surprise themes. Prizes up to $100 bar tab.
- The Laughing Pint (Austin, TX): Texas legends and country music trivia. Prizes up to $75 bar tab.
- The Trivia Spot (Los Angeles, CA): Hollywood-themed trivia with prizes up to $150 house credit.
- The Clever Keg (Chicago, IL): Chicago history and sports themes. Prizes up to $100 bar tab.
- The Cozy Corner (Seattle, WA): Seattle history and pop culture trivia. Prizes up to $80 bar tab.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a good seat, as these events fill up fast. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop culture fan, or just in it for the food and drinks, there’s a trivia night for you. Ready to join the fun? Let’s dive into the details!
Looking for a fun night out? Pub trivia nights see growth in ...
1. The Tipsy Trivia Tavern, New York, NY
Every Wednesday at 7:30 PM, The Tipsy Trivia Tavern brings a lively energy to Manhattan's Lower East Side. This industrial-style pub blends a cozy atmosphere with a modern twist, offering one of the most entertaining trivia nights in NYC. Groups of trivia enthusiasts gather around rustic wooden tables, ready to dive into six rounds of challenging questions.
What to Expect:
- Rotating weekly themes: First Wednesdays focus on pop culture, second Wednesdays cover history and science, third Wednesdays highlight music, and the fourth week is a surprise Wild Card round.
- Prizes worth playing for: First place wins a $100 bar tab, second place gets $50, and third place takes home $25.
- Extended happy hour deals: Enjoy $5 draft beers and half-price appetizers during trivia.
Insider tip: Get there by 7:00 PM to grab a good spot - seating fills up fast, and teams are capped at six players to keep things competitive.
Next, we’ll head to Austin to check out The Laughing Pint, where trivia night comes with a side of Texas charm.
2. The Laughing Pint, Austin, TX
Every Wednesday at 8:00 PM, The Laughing Pint brings trivia night excitement to Austin's East Side. This neighborhood spot combines pub-style trivia with a Texas twist, featuring rounds that highlight everything from local history to pop culture.
Here’s What You’ll Find:
- Rotating themes: One week might dive into Texas legends, while another could focus on country music or pop-culture surprises.
- Prizes: First place takes home a $75 bar tab, second gets $40, and third scores branded pint glasses.
- Drink deals: Enjoy $4 Lone Star drafts and $6 house margaritas during the games.
Pro tip: Get there by 7:30 PM to grab a good seat - teams are limited to five players.
Up next, discover why trivia lovers in Los Angeles head to The Trivia Spot.
3. The Trivia Spot, Los Angeles, CA
The Trivia Spot hosts lively Wednesday night trivia in LA's Silver Lake neighborhood, kicking off at 7:00 PM. This gastropub blends a laid-back California vibe with competitive trivia, creating a fun and energetic environment for all.
Why It Stands Out:
- Hollywood-themed trivia: Categories focus on movies, TV shows, and celebrity facts, perfect for entertainment buffs.
- Prizes for the top teams: First place gets a $150 house credit, second place earns $75, and third place takes home $25.
- Specials during trivia: Enjoy $6 craft beer flights and half-off select appetizers.
How It Works:
- Six trivia rounds
- A 30-minute food break after the third round
- Teams capped at six players
- Digital scoring for quick results
Pro tip: Get there by 6:30 PM to grab a table with a clear view of the screens. Free street parking starts at 6:00 PM, but spots go fast.
Next, we’ll head to Chicago to check out The Clever Keg, a local trivia favorite.
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4. The Clever Keg, Chicago, IL
Head over to The Clever Keg in Wicker Park for a lively trivia night that brings together locals and visitors alike. Every Wednesday, this neighborhood pub turns into a buzzing spot for midweek fun and friendly competition.
Why You’ll Love It:
- When: Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
- Themes: Weekly topics rotate - Chicago history (week 1), sports (week 2), music (week 3), and general knowledge (week 4).
- Prizes: First place snags a $100 bar tab, second place earns $50, and third place takes home $25.
- Drink Deals: Enjoy $5 local craft beers and $6 signature cocktails during trivia.
- Food Specials: Half-price appetizers and $10 specialty pizzas from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
How It Works:
- Five trivia rounds with bonus questions tied to the week’s theme.
- Teams are capped at six players.
- A digital scoring system keeps things smooth and fast.
- There’s a 20-minute break after round three for snacks and drinks.
Insider tip: Arrive by 7:00 PM to grab a table - street parking is free after 6:00 PM, but spots fill up fast on trivia nights.
Next, let’s check out the trivia scene in Seattle at The Cozy Corner.
5. The Cozy Corner, Seattle, WA
Wrapping up our coast-to-coast list, The Cozy Corner in Seattle brings trivia to Capitol Hill every Wednesday at 7:45 PM. With its exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood decor, this spot creates the perfect cozy vibe for a fun trivia night.
What to Expect:
- Weekly Themes: Each week has a different focus - Seattle history (first Wednesdays), music trivia (second Wednesdays), pop culture (third Wednesdays), and general knowledge (fourth Wednesdays).
- Prizes: First place gets an $80 bar tab, second place earns $40, and third place takes home $20.
- Drink and Food Specials: Enjoy $5 local IPAs, $7 craft cocktails, and half-price small plates during the event.
How Trivia Works:
- Teams can have up to five players.
- There are four themed rounds, with digital scoring to keep things moving.
- A 20-minute break splits rounds two and three.
Pro tip: Get there by 7:15 PM to grab a table - seating fills up fast, and teams are limited to five players.
Venue Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at the key details for each venue:
- The Tipsy Trivia Tavern (New York, NY): Wednesdays at 7:30 PM | Teams up to 6 | $100 bar tab prize | $5 drafts, half-price appetizers
- The Laughing Pint (Austin, TX): Wednesdays at 8:00 PM | Teams up to 5 | $75 bar tab prize | $4 Lone Star drafts, $6 margaritas
- The Trivia Spot (Los Angeles, CA): Wednesdays at 7:00 PM | Teams up to 6 | $150 house credit prize | $6 beer flights, half-off appetizers
- The Clever Keg (Chicago, IL): Wednesdays at 7:30 PM | Teams up to 6 | $100 bar tab prize | $5 craft beers, half-price appetizers
- The Cozy Corner (Seattle, WA): Wednesdays at 7:45 PM | Teams up to 5 | $80 bar tab prize | $5 IPAs, half-price small plates
Tips for Your Trivia Night
With your venue sorted, here are some ways to make the most of your trivia night and boost your chances of snagging that bar tab:
Assemble a Well-Rounded Team
Gather a group of up to six people with diverse knowledge areas - think history buffs, pop culture enthusiasts, sports fans, news junkies, and music lovers. Aim for teammates who enjoy a bit of competition and can stay composed under pressure.
Brush Up on Trivia Skills
Plan some practice sessions with your team. Play games like Trivial Pursuit, tune into NPR's Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me®, read up on the latest news, watch documentaries, and swap interesting facts. This helps identify weak spots and builds team chemistry.
Cover All the Bases
Make sure your team has expertise across major trivia categories, such as:
- Pop Culture & Entertainment
- History & Geography
- Sports & Recreation
- Current Events
- Music & Arts