Best American Cities for Morning People or Night Owls
Everyone has their own unique internal clock. If you’re a morning person, you probably love getting up with the sun, having a leisurely breakfast, and enjoying some peace and quiet before the rest of the world gets out of bed. Or maybe you’re a night owl, groggily fighting your way through the daylight in order to welcome the fun (and occasional debauchery) that bars and nightclubs bring.
Regardless of your preferences, we’ve found a city out there that buzzes with energy the same time of day as you do. As we’ve been adding hundreds of merchants to our Taste of Groupon collection, we’ve been crunching numbers on a whole lot of data, including finding out where there are concentrations of people most likely to purchase certain foodie deals.
To help morning people and night owls find their metropolitan match, we examined which cities were home to the most purchases of early-bird deals (coffee, brunch, etc.) and which were most represented among purchases of after-hours deals (beer, wine, etc.). Below, our lists will help you figure out whether relocation to a city more suited to your temperament is in your future:
America’s Top Cities for Morning People
- Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN
- Austin, TX
- Denver, CO
- Chicago, IL
- Kansas City, MO
- Dallas, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- Boston, MA
- Nashville, TN
How Did Minneapolis–St. Paul Claim the No. 1 Spot?
Our data suggests Twin Cities residents are the most likely to buy deals for local coffee shops, as well as restaurants that serve morning staples like brunch and fresh juice. But what makes Minnesotans so gung-ho to get up early? It could be the climate. Minneapolis–St. Paul is the coldest major metropolitan area in the United States, after all, so maybe folks who live here are just trying to squeeze every minute of sunlight and warmth out of the day.
Or it could go back to the area’s roots. Decades before Minnesota was even granted statehood, this part of the country was a lumber-industry hot spot. And nobody loves getting up at the crack of dawn for a giant stick-to-your-ribs breakfast more than a lumberjack. Ask Paul Bunyan.
Whatever the reason, people who reside in Minneapolis and St. Paul live for their morning meals. If you need further evidence, take a look at some of the comments customers have left on our site:
SiP Coffeebar
Local ingredients are the star at this popular café, where organic, fair-trade coffee pairs with housemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.
- “Love this place! The best coffee!” – Kayla L.
- “Quiet spot to sit and chat, study, relax. Nice and inviting. Great menu selections. Hipster approved!” – Jerod P.
- “Great little hidden gem! I live nearby and look forward to stopping in again soon”. – Amy P.
Devil’s Advocate
Meatballs may be the specialty at this gastropub, but brunch comes in a close second. Popular dishes such as toffee french toast and biscuits and gravy pair with behemoth bloody marys, mimosa flights, and 40 beers on tap.
- “Fun place, great food! Loved the mimosa flight.” – Melissa D.
- “The brunch here is out of this world!” – Kirk D.
- “Hidden treasure; brunch is good and the bloodys are a meal in themselves.” – Robert B.
Bull Run Coffee Bar
The family that owns this neighborhood joint roasts their own coffee in small batches, ensuring that each cup is as fresh and flavorful as possible.
- “It's a good place, with a good homemade chai tea [and] very cool vibes to just hang out.” – Angel S.
- “I love this place! The drinks are phenomenal, and the people are even better. … The baristas are a good conversation waiting to happen, and they'll take the time to get to know you. I think of Bull Run as the Cheers bar of Minneapolis coffee shops.” – Sarah C.
America’s Top Cities for Night Owls
- Hartford, CT
- San Diego, CA
- Charlotte, NC
- Sacramento, CA
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Omaha, NE
- Louisville, KY
- Washington, DC
- Indianapolis, IN
- Columbus, OH
How Did Hartford Claim the No. 1 Spot?
If there’s one thing that unites most night owls, it’s a love of drinking. According to our data, Groupon customers in and around Hartford buy deals for breweries and wineries more frequently than any other market. At first glance, this might shock some people. After all, the city’s nicknamed the Insurance Capital of the World, and that moniker doesn’t exactly call to mind a place where people are pounding down brewskies until 2 a.m. every night.
But maybe Hartford is a little bit like its most famous resident, Mark Twain: beyond that educated, prim-and-proper façade lies a rebel, one who loves nothing more than a stiff drink and a bawdy joke.
Perhaps we’ll never know the real reason why Hartford residents are such a nocturnal breed. But if there’s one thing we do know with certainty, it’s that they fawn over their local breweries and wineries, as these glowing reviews prove:
Cottrell Brewing Co.
This family-owned brewery uses fresh, natural ingredients to make its New England–inspired brews. BeerAdvocate has even praised its Mystic Bridge IPA and Old Yankee Ale, giving both scores of more than 80 out of 100.
- “Great beer, friendly staff—can't wait for our next visit!” – Em O.
- “Aged beers were the greatest beers I've ever had.” – Molly H.
- “Awesome place, friendly people, great beer. Come ready to try beer and take some home.” – Robbin
Dalice Elizabeth Winery
The family that owns this winery uses four generations of know-how to produce its all-natural chardonnays, merlots, and sauvignons. Guests can even pair these vintages with a small menu of rustic Italian cuisine.
- “Beautiful winery. Great location, spectacular servers, delicious wines, and a scrumptious cheese plate. You won’t be disappointed.” – Nora L.
- “It is a beautiful winery with plenty of outdoor seating. Bring a snack or picnic lunch and enjoy the view of the pond and the live music if there is some. Love this winery!” – Diane H.
- “The setting is beautiful. The wine is delightful. The host and hostess are charming!” – Patricia N.
Thomas Hooker Brewery
The brewers here produce more than 10 small-batch beers, including IPAs, red ales, and even a chocolate-truffle stout. New Englanders aren’t the only ones to notice their efforts, either; it was ranked the 73rd best brewer in the world by RateBeer.
- “Great beer! The tours were very informative. I would highly recommend them. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.” – Charlene
- “Great beer selection! Cool atmosphere to meet other beer lovers and hang for a few hours. Perfect way to spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon!” – Jane R.
- “I always have a fun time at the brewery. The beer is delicious and the people are friendly!” – Alison