You flew in from another state on a business trip and bump into an old friend you haven’t seen since college. It’s been a while since you spoke with them. Now is the time to catch up with them.
To meet the occasion, you don’t just go to any bar — you go to one of the best bars in America.
Comparison Table
Best Bars In America | Details | Overall Rating |
THE WORLD FAMOUS IN ATHENS, GEORGIA | Known for its funky décor and unique menu and drink options | |
THE WHITE HORSE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS | Has authentic Texan live entertainment and dancing experiences | |
SALTY DAWG SALOON IN HOMER, ALASKA | Historical context, which adds to your drinking and eating experience | |
THE EDGE OF WAIKIKI IN OAHU, HAWAII | Oceanic views and delicious seafood menu and drink options | |
THE ELK ROOM IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND | Has a vintage vibe to it that’ll make you feel like you’re travelling back in time to the Prohibition era | |
YVONNE’S RESTAURANT IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS | Intimate atmosphere, international cuisine and unique drink options | |
BIBO ERGO SUM IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA | Bibo Ergo Sum is an upscale cocktail bar | |
VELVETEEN RABBIT IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA | You’d find on the famous Vegas strip such as The Chandelier | |
BAVARIAN INN IN FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN | Enjoy some of the best German cuisine in the region | |
THE GRISWOLD INN TAP ROOM IN ESSEX, CONNECTICUT | Featured in television and film | |
RUMBA BAR IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON | Enjoy your rum alongside delicious seafood dishes | |
GREEN MILL COCKTAIL LOUNGE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS | The bar was a known hangout spot for Al Capone and his henchmen | |
THE DEAD RABBIT GROCERY AND GROG IN MANHATTAN, NEW YORK | Takes the tradition of Irish pub culture and brings it in conversation with the modern bar scene today | |
ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR IN ORLANDO,FLORIDA | This bar in Orlando, Florida is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. | |
CALLAGHAN’S IRISH SOCIAL CLUB IN MOBILE, ALABAMA | Pride and joy of Alabamans | |
JEFFERSON STREET PUB IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA | Enjoy a good beer among locals | |
MARVEL BAR IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA | Prides itself on perfecting the art of the cocktail and mixed drink | |
OFF THE RECORD IN WASHINGTON, D.C. | Deemed one of the best bars in America by Washington elite | |
THE VELVET TANGO ROOM IN CLEVELAND, OHIO. | Every cocktail is completely fresh and made from scratch | |
THE SOLO CLUB IN PORTLAND, OREGON | Unique owner “story” and excellent live jazz entertainment |
HOW WE CHOSE OUR RATINGS
Any bar hopper knows that no two bars have the same vibe, décor, and, of course, hard stuff.
Some bars in America have mechanical bulls.Others are relics from the Prohibition period. Others still are much more modern — changing the way you enjoy your favorite brew.
In short, it’s not just about the drinks.
Americans and tourists to America alike come out to these bars for the experience of chatting with an old friend,enjoying a girls’ or guys’ night out and taking a break with colleagues after a hard day at work.
Whether these are in your hometown or out of state, here are 20 of the best bars in America you need to check out.
1. The World Famous in Athens, Georgia
This bar deserves a 5-star rating for its funky décor and unique menu and drink options.
Home to Athens, Georgia, this funky bar is known for its simple décor, feeling like you’ve landed in a quaint English pub in Essex.
It is located in the middle of “Hot Corner”in the city — a place once well-known for the cluster of African-American-owned businesses. In addition to enjoying your favorite drink, locals recommend ordering the poutine with Creature Comforts Automatic pale ale — a tribute to the local restaurateur Dexter Weaver and the band REM’s album “Automatic for the People.”
2. The White Horse in Austin, Texas
This bar earns a 5-star rating for its authentic Texan live entertainment and dancing experiences and unique menu and drink options.
If you’re looking for the authentic Texan experience, look no further than The White Horse bar. Not only is it one of the best bars in America, it is also one of the liveliest.
Enjoy your favorite drink at this bar and, depending on which day of the week you go out, cut a rug to the local band music. Whether you have two, three, four left feet, learn how to swing dance with Four on the Floor on Wednesday nights.
Are you fixing to learn the Texas Two Step? Not a problem. Come out to the bar on Thursday and Friday nights to learn with Dancin’ Austin and Saturday nights to learn with Honky tonk Inc.
In addition to the live music and getting your boogie on, you’ll enjoy some bombastic tacos, burritos or quesadillas to name a few items on their menu.
3. Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer, Alaska
This bar deserves a 5-star rating for its historical context, which adds to your drinking and eating experience.
For those you making the long trek to Alaska, it’s definitely worth your while to stop by the small-town Homer at Salty Dawg Saloon to down a cold one. This is both one of the best bars in America and an historical site also, being built in 1897.
After being owned by several different owners, in 1960, it finally became the bar that people recognize today. The late State’s Representative Earl Hill strand purchased the structure in 1960.After the “Good Friday” earthquake of 1964, he moved the bar to its current location — adding a distinctive lighthouse tower to cover a water storage tank.
4. The Edge of Waikiki in Oahu, Hawaii
This bar earns a 5-star for its oceanic views and delicious seafood menu and drink options.
Located at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel in Oahu, this Hawaiian bar is a must-see for any tourist in the area. An adult-only bar, The Edge of Waikiki is situated beside the hotel’s infinity edge pool and provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone that is a U.S. National Natural Landmark.
Enjoy your favorite drink alongside seafood appetizers, artisanal sandwiches and brick oven pizzas while you listen to some of Hawaii’s most beloved musicians and watch the sun set.
5. The Elk R in Baltimore, Maryland oom
No standing at the bar.
Please be patient. Drinks are labor intensive.
No cell phone use.
Smokers please use the back door.
And most importantly: Please speak easy.
These are the rules of engagement at Baltimore’s swanky, speakeasy The Elk Room. Follow them and you won’t have any trouble. The elks aren’t the only ones who have ears here after all.
Named by Esquire as one of the best bars in America, The Elk Room has a vintage vibe to it that’ll make you feel like you’re travelling back in time to the Prohibition era. Going past the bar, or also known as the Elk, you can sit back at the Chesterfield lounges and talk business. Or just hang out with friends and family.
This bar deserves a 5-star rating for its chic atmosphere and classy lounging areas.
6. Yvo Restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts nne’s
This bar earns a 5-star rating for its intimate atmosphere, international cuisine and unique drink options.
With a 20s and 50s nostalgia, Yvonne’s restaurant and bar welcomes today’s generation of trendsetters and connoisseurs of all things. Situated in the same location as the infamous Locke-Ober, the Yvonne’s building has been registered to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Yvonne’s is known for its elite clientele,intimate setting, international cuisine and grand parties that even Gatsby would have approved of.
7. Bibo Erg in Los Angeles, California o Sum
Located in the West Hollywood neighborhood, Bibo Ergo Sum is an upscale cocktail bar.
The bar operates under a simple philosophy:
“I drink, therefore I am.”
Being located in the entertainment capital of the world, the establishment pays homage to the silver screen in its menu,which is inspired by the notorious Christopher Nolan drama “The Prestige.” The menu is broken up into three sections which mirror the parts of the famed magic trick in the film: The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige.
Fortunately, the bar’s success is no magic trick: It’s a tribute to hard work.
This bar earns a 5-star rating for its tribute to the City of Stars.
8. Velveteen Ra in Las Vegas, Nevada bbit
Home to Sin City itself, the Velveteen Rabbit differs from the usual bars you’d find on the famous Vegas strip such as The Chandelier.
It is a craft cocktail and beer bar located in Vegas’ Arts District. Operated by the “witchy sisters” Pamela and Christina Dylag, the Velveteen Rabbit boasts of using fresh produce and house-made ingredients in their cocktail menu, which changes seasonally. The bar features local art, boutique spirits, vintage furniture and an outdoor patio with a stage for entertainment.
This bar earns a 5-star rating for its commitment to the arts and use of house-made ingredients in its drink and menu options.
Are you looking to celebrate Oktoberfest in an authentic German fashion, but can’t take time off work to fly out to Munich for the bash?
No problem. The next best thing is the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Enjoy some of the best German cuisine in the region, and don’t miss out on staying at least a night at this inn. With 13 acres of a beautiful riverfront, you can enjoy the estate’s architectural gems such as the Glockenspiel and authentic German cuisine and beer. Bring your family along and enjoy a day at the resort’s water park.
This bar deserves a 5-star rating for its authentic German drinking and dining experience.
With over 550 different types of rums, the Rumba Bar will satiate your rum needs. Enjoy your rum alongside delicious seafood dishes. You’ll have the opportunity to tour over 60 different Caribbean rums by asking one of the bartender’s for a Rum Map. If you complete the map,you’ll become a member of the bar’s Rum Society and even receive your own Rumba coin, your name on the wall, and memories for a lifetime.
This bar earns a 5-star rating for its specialty in rum.
12. Green Cocktail Lounge in Chicago, Illinois Mill
The atmosphere at this bar is steeped in 20s and 30s nostalgia. It was designed after Clark Monroe’s Uptown House in Harlem. Standing in the corner of the bar in alabaster is none other than Ceres, the goddess of Harvest — rechristened Stella by house musicians. She watches over the bar and makes sure people play by her rules.
In addition to listening to smoky jazz music, enjoying good food alongside a good drink, the bar was a known hangout spot for Al Capone and his henchmen. Considering that this is Chicago, it’s not much of a surprise.
This bar deserves a 5-star rating for its nostalgic 20s and 30s atmosphere as well as good food and drinks.
13. The Dead Ra Grocery and Grog in Manhattan, New York bbit
This Manhattan bar takes the tradition of Irish pub culture and brings it in conversation with the modern bar scene today.
Started by two guys with a dream, Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is known for serving craft beers, whiskeys, their world-famous Irish coffee and the best Guinness in New York.
The bar has three levels — The Taproom, The Parlor and The Occasional — to meet all of your needs.
This bar merits a 5-star rating for its excellence in all things Irish.
14. Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar in Orlando,Florida
This bar in Orlando, Florida is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
Enjoy some delicious quesadillas, tacos,and fajitas at Rocco’s. The Mexican décor pays homage to sacred holiday celebrations for Mexican people such as the Day of the Dead.
If you like Mexican food and Tequila, you’ll love this bar.
This bar deserves a 5-star rating for its authentic Mexican dining and drinking experience.
15. Callagh Irish Social Club in Mobile, Alabama an’s
Serving authentic Irish cuisine, this bar is the pride and joy of Alabamans.
Opened since just after the war in 1946, Callaghan’s Irish Social Club is home to the unique Oakleigh Garden District in Mobile. Not only is it one of the best bars in America, but it also has been recognized in USA Today and the Alabama Cattleman’s Assn as having the Best Burger in Alabama.
This bar earns a 5-star rating for its authentic Irish cuisine and drink options.
16. Jefferson Stree in Lafayette, Louisiana t Pub
If you’re looking to enjoy a good beer among locals, head over to Jefferson Street Pub as opposed to a bar you’d find in New Orleans.
Enjoy a meal from its diverse menu options of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads while listening to live music entertainment.
This bar deserves a 4.5-star rating for its local pub experience.
17. Mar in Minneapolis, Minnesota vel Bar
No, this isn’t a bar dedicated to serving drinks named after caped superheroes and super heroines.
Instead, this is a bar prides itself on perfecting the art of the cocktail and mixed drink. Headed by two passionate mixologists and foodies, Matthew Voss and Peder Schweigert, this bar has a diverse selection of original cocktails for you to choose from.
This bar earns a 4.5-star rating for its commitment to the art of the cocktail.
18. Off the Record in Washington, D.C.
Deemed one of the best bars in America by Washington elite, Off the Record is situated in the Italian-Renaissance-style Hay-Adams hotel, just across from the White House.
It is aptly named as it is a known hideaway for Washington’s political and public communications elite. Don’t be surprised if you catch Anderson Cooper here.
This bar earns a 4.5-star rating for its classy atmosphere.
19. The Velvet Tango in Cleveland, Ohio. Room
The origins of this bar in Cleveland, Ohio are shrouded in mystery as is its owner. According to The Velvet Tango Room, the owner escaped an unknown country in Eastern Europe and then travelled to South America.
His ship anchored at the Port of Cleveland. Something of the city appealed to him and he decided it would be the perfect location to establish his authentic cocktail lounge.
Today the bar hosts live jazz alongside the many varieties of alcohol in its repertoire.
This bar earns a 4.5-star rating for its unique owner “story” and excellent live jazz entertainment.
20. The Solo Club in Portland, Oregon
The origins of this bar in Cleveland, Ohio are shrouded in mystery as is its owner. According to The Velvet Tango Room, the owner escaped an unknown country in Eastern Europe and then travelled to South America.
His ship anchored at the Port of Cleveland. Something of the city appealed to him and he decided it would be the perfect location to establish his authentic cocktail lounge.
Today the bar hosts live jazz alongside the many varieties of alcohol in its repertoire.
This bar earns a 4.5-star rating for its unique owner “story” and excellent live jazz entertainment.
TRAVELER’S GUIDE: PICK YOUR POISON AND ENJOY THE NIGHT
Choosing a bar in America to unwind with friends or family won’t be difficult with some of these best bars in America that offer excellent menu or options, décor and live entertainment.
Rather, the company that you are with is more important.
Just remember to enjoy the finest things with the finest people in your life.
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