Getting a good deal at the bar isn’t just about showing up during happy hour. It’s about knowing how to stack discounts and rewards for maximum value. By combining drink specials with digital payment strategies and loyalty programs, you can turn a casual night out into a smarter, cheaper experience. Here’s how to stack your drink deals the right way.
Start with happy hour and drink promotions
The first layer of any stack is the bar’s own offer—happy hour pricing, two-for-one cocktails, or discounted appetizers. Chains like BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse consistently run rotating promotions that vary by location. These deals often include:
- $5 margaritas or cocktails
- Half-priced draft beers
- Discounted bar snacks or appetizers
- Seasonal drink promotions and limited-time offers
Always check the bar’s website or call ahead to confirm which specials are available at your location.
Add a loyalty or rewards program
Once you’ve locked in the drink deal, it’s time to stack a rewards layer. Many chain restaurants with full-service bars offer loyalty programs that give you points on every dollar spent, including drinks. Here are a few of the best:
- My Chili’s Rewards – Free chips & salsa or non-alcoholic drink every visit
- BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus – Earn points on food, drinks, and takeout
- Buffalo Wild Wings Rewards – Score points redeemable for free menu items and drinks
- TGI Fridays Rewards – Includes drink deals, exclusive offers, and birthday bonuses
Make sure to scan your rewards account or enter your phone number before paying to ensure the points are credited.
Pay with a cashback-enabled gift card
This is where most bar-goers miss out. After you’ve used the drink deal and rewards program, don’t pay with your regular credit card. Use a digital gift card purchased through Fluz, which lets you buy a gift card for the exact amount due and gives you instant cashback.
Here’s how to stack cashback into your drink deal:
- Earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card while enjoying a margarita of the month
- Get rewards with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card while redeeming points from BJ’s Premier Rewards
- Save money at Buffalo Wild Wings with a gift card when ordering drinks and wings during happy hour
- Earn cashback with an Applebee’s gift card when combining their $5 drink deals with member perks
All it takes is a 30-second checkout process on your phone before you pay the bill.
Use browser extensions for added coupons (when available)
If you’re ordering food and drinks online for pickup or delivery from a bar-affiliated restaurant, browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten can automatically apply coupon codes at checkout. Some even give you additional cashback for using a linked account.
Just make sure your total is still eligible for loyalty points or digital gift card use if stacking all three.
Example stack at Chili’s:
- Order during happy hour: $5 margarita
- Use My Chili’s Rewards: Free chips & salsa
- Pay with a Fluz gift card: Cashback on full total
That’s three layers of savings for one simple round.
Final word: stacking is for smart drinkers
When you combine happy hour prices, loyalty rewards, and cashback-enabled payments, you’re turning your night out into a value-packed experience. The beauty is that nothing changes about what you’re ordering—just how you pay and when you go. Whether it’s a quick drink after work or a Friday night out, stacking your drink deals is the smarter way to toast.
