2629 Best Bars in USA

Amid varnished wood and exposed brick that reinforce the cozy vibe, the Penrose fancies itself \"the Upper East Local\" and has something for everyone. There are nearly endless choices of spirits and specialty cocktails, including many types of whiskeys, a cold-brew espresso martini, and several nonalcoholic options. The bar offers breakfast corn dogs and other treats at its popular weekend brunch, and a colossal fried chicken sandwich at dinner. A late-night menu is served daily until 2 am; and even live jazz, blues, and folk music are performed on Sunday nights at 7 (no cover charge).

Pining for a genuine taste of retro Las Vegas? This kitschy and shagadelic lounge that dates to 1972 remains one of the town's truly essential nightspots. Just north of Encore, this evergreen romantic getaway serves food, but what you're really here for is the firepit—a sunken area with a raised pond with flames shooting out of the center—and signature cocktails such as a classic, 1970s-classic Harvey Wallbanger and the lethal, 64-ounce Scorpion. Happy hour's from 3 to 6 pm daily.

Fresh off his success at Esther's Kitchen, Chef James Trees in late 2024 opened this Arts District cocktail bar on the site of an old auto repair shop. Inside, the drinks have a notably French flair—many incorporate absinthe. On warm nights, the open-air patio is one of the best spots in town. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to purchase a padlock and affix it to the chain link fence near the rest rooms.

Leave your designer handbags on the bar; this is a place to see and be seen. Sophisticated clientele frequent this piano lounge, where a different expert each day (check the website and pick your favorite) tickles the ivories of a one-of-a-kind, art deco–style Steinway grand while patrons sup on trendy offerings like the Poof!—a pairing that reflects Las Vegas bars' current fascination with all things smoky, with a cocktail of Bulleit rye, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth, placed under a smoky dome alongside duck confit croquettes. Caviar is, of course, a given, featured in tacos and the Bellagio Martini, served with an Ossetra cigar.

This dim elegant bar is a perfect marriage of New Orleans cocktail culture past and present. Owners of Cure—the forefather of NOLA craft cocktail bars—transformed the former home of the 19th century Creole apothecary into a sophisticated spot to try expertly crafted classic drinks that would make the bitters inventor and his friends proud. The inner courtyard, which backs up to Court of Two Sisters, is one of the best in the Quarter.

The Palace Hotel's clubby, wood-paneled watering hole takes its name from the 1909 Maxfield Parrish mural The Pied Piper of Hamelin, which covers most of the wall behind the bar. The Pied Piper lures an upscale clientele for stiff two-olive martinis, Manhattans, and other trad libations.

Everything you need for a good time at work or play is at Pinewood Social, an all-day hangout featuring a coffee bar, craft cocktails, a bowling alley, bocce ball, and even two small outdoor dipping pools. This sceney spot is always bustling because the food is as good as the fun.

Lighted by flickering candles, this tavern in the basement of The Olde Pink House is one of Savannah's most romantic late-night spots. There's a talented piano player setting the mood, two stone fireplaces, and an array of fox-hunt memorabilia. The upstairs menu is available, with the same quality of service but a slightly less formal approach. Keep your eyes peeled for the House's ghosts, said to be most commonly seen here in the tavern. The handful of tables fill up fast, but the staff will serve you wherever you find a spot.

Although this elaborate luau has the sharpest production values, there is no booze allowed (it's a Mormon-owned facility in the heart of Laie—Mormon country). It's held amid the seven re-created villages at the Polynesian Cultural Center in the North Shore town of Laie, about a 1½-hour drive from Honolulu. The luau—considered one of the most authentic on the island—includes the Ha: Breath of Life show that has long been popular with both residents and visitors. Rates vary depending on activities and amenities that are included (personalized tours, reserved seats, or table service, for example). Waikiki transport is available. It's held Monday–Saturday at 5.

\"Drink craft beer\" is the motto here, so grab a stool, saddle up to the bar or around one of the barrels fashioned into a table, and take your time poring over the video board displaying various lagers and ales, along with hard ciders and seltzers. There's a heavy focus on NYC and New York State brews, with some suds from other states. Take advantage of the Tuesday through Friday happy hour from 4:20 to 6:20 pm, when beer, wine by the glass, and well drinks are all $7; on Monday, happy hour is an all-day/all-night affair. The kitchen stays open late, serving bar fare to soak up some suds. A vegan burger is available.

Above a ski- and board-rental shop at the mouth of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, this lively pub offers a huge menu of hearty dishes, cocktails, and craft beers. Inside the large A-frame chalet-like building, you'll find bright polished wood floors and trim and a friendly vibe.

A gathering place for ardent beer enthusiasts, Pourhouse features a dozen rotating taps, 200 bottles and cans of beer and hard cider, and wines by the glass. The waterfront beer garden offers sweeping views of Port Townsend Bay and the nearby harbor. Some snacks—like charcuterie or cheese plates—are served, and you can bring your own takeout. Most Friday and Saturday nights in summer, there's live music outside.

This polished, spacious, second-floor cocktail bar is named after the way a drink forms iridescent liquid ribbons when it's expertly poured. The menu lists options with a sliding scale that tells you how "spiritous," "refreshing," "comforting," and "adventurous" each one is, and you order accordingly. There are a few food items, too, like cheese and charcuterie, which are a good idea, because you'll be tempted to stay for another round of drinks.

At this cultural landmark founded in 1961, a cadre of distinguished New Orleans musicians, most of whom were schooled by an ever-dwindling group of elder statesmen, nurture the jazz tradition that flowered in the 1920s. There is limited seating on benches—many patrons end up squatting on the floor or standing in back—and no beverages are served, nor are there restrooms. Nonetheless, legions of satisfied music lovers regard an evening at this all-ages venue as an essential New Orleans experience. You must buy a ticket online in advance (nothing is sold at the door any longer), and you are asked to arrive 20 minutes before the performance.

This throwback speakeasy mixes signature craft cocktails and offers a respectable beer-and-wine selection to accompany Southern-inspired burgers, pork chops, and duck dishes. A ragtime jazz band plays in the early evening on weekends, then the tables are removed and a DJ transforms the dining room into a full-on dance club.

Popular brews offered by this Tallahassee craft-beer king include Mango Wit and Eight-Five-O American Pale Ale. Sample your selection at its huge tasting room, which also has a beer garden featuring indoor and outdoor games and a restaurant serving burgers, wings, giant pretzels, and other pub-grub favorites. Parents will be happy to know that children are welcome here, as are leashed (and well-behaved) dogs. 

Lovers of vintage bar rooms will be in heaven at this veritable 1950s-era time capsule on Division Street. After shuttering in 1975, it was left undisturbed until 2015, when a local hospitality group dusted off the warm wooden interior and reopened the doors. Today there’s an emphasis on nautical quaffs like grog and navy strength gin. The Sunday and Monday oyster and martini happy hour is a favorite with locals.

There's no phone number or big sign for this speakeasy; just ring the bell to enter. Wood-burning fireplaces, deep banquettes, and curtains for privacy all contribute to the intimate vibe—perfect for a date or small group gathering. The little candlelit garden out back is lovely and put to use: herbs grown here are used in the carefully crafted cocktails. You can make reservations through the website but walk-ins are welcome.

A contemporary and attractive coffeehouse and bar, Raven Cafe serves excellent organically grown food from morning to night and hosts live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as some Thursday and Sunday evenings.

This popular spot is a tradition in Vail. It's standing-room-only in the afternoon, and a bit mellower in the evening. Most nights there's guitar or piano music, and there's bingo in the winter.

Dubbed the "Barmuda Triangle" by locals, the little cluster of bars and restaurants located just off Sea Pines Circle is a fun spot to grab a drink, eat wings and burgers, watch a game, or meet up with friends in the various outdoor areas. Reilley's Grill & Bar is the area's cornerstone, with a big outdoor bar, seating area, and delicious food. Elsewhere, the Boardroom is open late with live music; One Hot Mama's has tasty wings and burgers; MidiCi Italian Kitchen has wooden tables and open-air seating; and Brother Shucker's Bar & Grill serves up fun with raw oysters, vodka specials, and trivia nights.

After a day of hiking or skiing, grab a seat inside this cozy tavern or out on one of the expansive decks and savor the outstanding house-made beers along with guest taps from other notable breweries. There's great pub food, too, and a popular Sunday brunch.

Catch a lineup of indie tastemakers inside this converted industrial space, or hang outdoors in the beer garden while trying bites from on-site food truck KTCHN (on cooler evenings you can congregate around the firepits). A wide variety of draft beers and a specially curated cocktail program are available inside at the bar or at the trailer bar outside.

Southeast Portland's stately early-1900s former Washington High School building has been converted into a state-of-the-art concert hall, featuring noted pop and world-beat music acts and comedians, from Steve Earle to Tig Notaro, plus film festivals and other intriguing events. There are two bars on-site, including a roof deck (April–October) with great views of the Downtown skyline.

If you ask any native Nashvillian (even famous locals), they’ll tell you that Robert’s is the gold standard of honky-tonks in town, with live music and dancing nightly. The two-level bar has been a local staple for decades and features some of the absolute best live bands on Broadway from before lunchtime until after midnight. Peruse the boot collection on the infamous boot wall and enjoy a fried bologna sandwich.

In the last few years, Rocco's has taken root in numerous South Florida downtowns and become synonymous with wild nights of chips and guac, margaritas, and intoxicating fun. This is more of a scene than just a restaurant, and when Rocco's in the house and pouring shots, get ready to party hearty. With pitchers of margaritas continuously flowing, the middle-age crowd is boisterous and fun, recounting (and reliving) the days of spring break debauchery from their preprofessional years. Get your party started here with more than 220 choices of tequila. There's another branch at 5250 Town Center Circle in Boca Raton, at 110 Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, and in Palm Beach Gardens in PGA Commons at 5090 PGA Boulevard.

With multiple performers at each of the three intimate venues, there's so much to hear here. Expect music of all types, often from bands or soloists just passing through the city. The lineup usually starts around 6 or 7 pm and runs 'til around midnight—meaning you can get your live music fix and catch up on sleep, too. There's typically one stage with no cover charge, making Rockwood a great spot to just drop in.

Named for late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, and previously known as Dangerfield’s since 1969, this entertainment spot is under new ownership and has received a complete overhaul following a COVID-19-induced closure. Now featuring an art deco design and an upscale feel, the club hosts rising stars like Josh Johnson of The Daily Show, comedy podcast tapings, and more. A menu of snacks and cocktails—with names like the Gin Carrey, the Berry Seinfeld, or, of course, the Rodney Dangerfield—are on offer, and a fuller food menu is forthcoming. Ticket prices range from free to $25, depending on the show, and are slightly discounted online.