Whether you’re obsessed with playing HQ Trivia, are harboring a secret love for Steve Harvey, or can’t stop binge-watching reruns of Jeopardy!, we can all agree that there’s something exhilarating about using your know-how to earn prizes.
But you don’t have to go on TV to earn the big bucks. Head to these Baltimore bars and restaurants for trivia that’ll be sure to put your mind to the test. And with special drink promotions, food deals, cash prizes, and creative theme nights, these bars will have everyone feeling like a winner. Grab a pint, pick a clever team name, recruit your smartest teammates, and get ready for some friendly competition.
Sunday
Homeslyce: At Homeslyce’s Federal Hill location, the fun and games start at 7 p.m., but the drink specials go all night long. Get $4 Deep Eddy drinks, $4 Coppola wines, $3.50 seasonal beer, $5 craft draft beer, and $2.50 Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Natty Boh bottles and cans. Or split a $12 seasonal pitcher with your teammates and prepare to dominate. 1741 Light St., 443-501-4000
The Brass Tap: This Towson bar hosts a themed trivia night that starts at 7 p.m. And with categories ranging from The Big Bang Theory and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air to the Ravens and James Bond, no game night is ever boring. The weekly winners walk away with gift cards, brewery glassware, free draughts, and a bartender’s choice of free shots. Visit the bar’s Facebook page for upcoming themes for each week. 825 Dulaney Valley Rd., 410-842-6041
Kooper’s Tavern: Kooper’s Tavern is known for its BYOB (build your own burger) menu. And nothing pairs better with a burger than a bucket of beers and some friendly competition. Kooper’s trivia starts at 8 p.m., it’s free to play, and the happy hour specials last all night. There’s only one rule: No Sunday Scaries allowed. 1702 Thames St., 410-563-5423
Monday
El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen: Charm City Trivia hosts a weekly game night at this Canton restaurant starting at 8 p.m. There’s a variety of tequila drinks, specialty house salsas, and family-style nachos—perfect for sharing with your team. And with so many delicious plates, are there really any losers? 2921 O’Donnell St., 410-814-0594
Black Eyed Suzie’s: This Bel Air bar mourns Mondays in the best way—by offering $5 martinis all day. Grab a glass (or three) and stay for the weekly trivia game at 7 p.m., hosted by Charm City Trivia. The toss-up winners get free Suzie Bombs.119 South Main St., 443-271-799
Cafe Hon: Hosted by Charm City Trivia, Cafe Hon’s trivia night starts at 8 p.m. Earn a $20 gift certificate for first place, a $15 gift certificate for second, and a $10 gift certificate for third. There’s also weekly drawings for more chances to win and tons of drinks specials.1002 W 36th St., 410-243-1230
Tuesday
Frazier’s on the Avenue: Head over to Frazier’s on the Avenue for a weekly trivia night that starts at 8 p.m. The Hampden dive will be serving up deals like $2.50 domestic bottles and $5 tots all night long. Order your toasty tots plain or dip them in chipotle ketchup or Sriracha ranch. 919 W 36th St., 410-662-4914
The Laughing Pint: This bar’s happy hours specials run from 3-6 p.m on Tuesdays and are the perfect pregame for the trivia competition at 8 p.m. The drink deals include $2 Natty Boh drafts, $3 cans of All Day IPA, $4 Union Duckpin, and $4 Union Anthem. 351 Gough St., 410-342-6544
Myth & Moonshine: Hosted by Charm City Trivia, this game night brings everyone together, from the competitive geeks to beer-loving bros. Myth & Moonshine offers drink promotions like $2 tall Natty Boh cans, $3 domestics, $4 rail drinks, and $5 drafts all night long. 2300 Boston St., 410-777-5502
Wednesday
Maxie’s Pizza, Bar & Grill: Get your game face on and head to this neighborhood bar at 7:30 p.m. In addition to weekly trivia, Maxie’s also hosts special themed nights. There’s an upcoming spooky trivia night on Halloween, featuring a midnight costume contest, live DJ, and halloween cocktails. 3003 N Charles St., 410-880-1113
Ottobar: Check out the upstairs of this Remington bar from 7-9 p.m. for trivia hosted by Showtime Trivia. There’s weekly prizes for the winning teams and cash prizes for the top teams in the region at the end of the season. The best part? After trivia, you can stay at the Ottobar for late-night karaoke at 10 p.m. 2549 North Howard St., 410-662-0069
Looney’s Pub: This Canton pub hosts a 7 p.m trivia night every Wednesday with awesome drinks deals, including $3 Jim Beam, Malibu, and Deep Eddy drinks and $9 Yuengling and Miller Lite pitchers. Pair the drinks with their $6.99 chicken sandwich served on a freshly baked brioche roll and crispy french fries. 2900 O’Donnell St., 410-675-9235
Molly’s Irish Pub: Bring your ‘A’ game to this local trivia night. The game goes from 7:30-10:30 p.m., and the winners get more than just bragging rights: The round winners get free shots, the runner up wins $10, and the game winner claims the cash prize of $25. 1053 Rte 3 North, 410-451-4222
Brewer’s Cask: With 20 rotating draft lines and an expansive bottle collection, Brewer’s Cask boasts one of the most eclectic beer lineups in Baltimore. So enjoy the brews and get in on the buffoonery at ‘Greg’s Shitty Trivia’ from 8-11 p.m., hosted by the entertaining Greg Parker. 1236 Light St., 410-273-9377
Crossbar: Get rid of the hump day blues at Baltimore’s favorite biergarten for trivia every Wednesday. Starting at 8 p.m., this sud-soaked trivia night features chances to win up to $50 in cash, free shots, and fun prizes. There’s also $3 Miller Lites, $1 off drafts, $4 rail drinks, and $5 Jager drinks. 18 East Cross St., 443-438-4013
Thursday
Ye Olde Emerald Tavern: Locals love to hit up this Baltimore pub for the food specials every Thursday, like one pound of chicken wings for $7.50 or a half-pound of shrimp for $7.99. Indulge in the finger-lickin’ food while playing a round of trivia, hosted by Charm City Trivia. The game starts at 8 p.m. 8300 Harford Rd., 410-870-3821
Mother’s Federal Hill Grille: The competition is fierce at this trivia night hosted by Charm City Trivia. The games start at 7:30 p.m, and from the know-it-alls to the novices, the weekly game night is open to everyone. 1113 S Charles St., 410-244-8686
Max’s Taphouse: There’s no better place to show off your knowledge of useless information than at Max’s Taphouse. Starting at 8 p.m., Charm City Trivia hosts game night in Max’s upstairs Mobtown Lounge. There’s free shots for the toss-up winners, so bring your nerdiest friends and get ready for a boozy bout. 737 South Broadway, 410-675-6297