If you’re someone who loves storing obscure knowledge somewhere in your brain, pub trivia nights are ideal. Winning is the dream of every know-it-all who plays along while watching “Jeopardy!,” and who doesn’t love a chance to pit themselves against the other smarty-pantses in the neighborhood for glory and free shots? And even if you don’t win, you get to combine two great activities: drinking and games.
Some trivia leagues in the city run full seasons of competition, allowing you to rack up wins week after week for a grand prize. Others offer you one shot at glory a week. Here’s where to start to find the best trivia nights in the district.
Sixpoint Brewery
Mondays, 6 p.m.
Start the week off on a winning note with the weekly quiz nights from NYC Trivia League at the Lower Manhattan outpost of this celebrated Brooklyn beer brand. (200 Liberty St.)
Peck Slip Social
Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
Dock yourself at the Seaport’s Peck Slip Social for weekly trivia at this sleek bar for locals. Be sure to munch on some of their signature “MediterAsian” grub for added brain power. (36 Peck Slip)
Clinton Hall
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
This spacious brewpub is always a great place to get your game on, from the indoor board games to the oversized ones outside. Crowds gather here to challenge their brains on Tuesday trivia nights, and maybe their appetites, too — anyone who finishes the “CH Challenge,” i.e. eats a 20 oz. burger and fries in a set time limit, gets to eat all night for free. (90 Washington St.)
Blue Haven South
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Blue Haven’s downtown outpost is the go-to place for watch parties for local sports teams, from the NFL to the WNBA. It’s also the go-to place to test your mental fitness, with weekly trivia on Tuesdays that comes with prizes for the top three spots. (121 Fulton St.)
Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
You can both eat beans and test your bean’s skills at this Mexican eatery, which is famous for margaritas, guacamole and weekly trivia from NYC Trivia League. (83 Pearl St.)
Old Mates
Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Bring your smartest mates around for quiz night at this laid-back, Australian-style pub that’s a guaranteed good time. (170 John St.)
Stout
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Stout’s downtown outpost is is home to a long-running trivia night with great prizes. Teams of two to six can win a $40 bar tab or Stout gift certificate, plus the game includes tons of beer and swag giveaways throughout the night. (90 John St.)
Ryan Maguire’s
Tuesday, 7:30 pm.
Pub quiz nights feel right at home at this beloved legacy pub that’s been open since the 1990s. Ryan Maguire’s is also spacious enough for the teams to spread out, making it an ideal spot to play without worrying about eavesdropping rivals. (28 Cliff St.)
The Press Room at Alamo Drafthouse
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
The in-house bar at Lower Manhattan’s Alamo Drafthouse is an attraction on its own even if you’re not going to a movie, with walls covered in press blocks and prints for vintage movie advertisements. And for quiz heads, Wednesday night is the time to show up, with Geeks Who Drink hosting weekly trivia. (28 Liberty St.)
photo: iStock
