• I withdrew $40 in cash to head to a bar in West Village to meet some friends. I prefer using cash at bars, instead of using my card and opening a tab because I can control my spending better that way. When you open a tab, you're more likely to just order a bunch of drinks and appetizers without thinking about how much you're actually spending, and before you know it, you're closing your tab and sign on the dotted line for $100, including tip. So: Cash is king