2629 Best Bars in USA

Just 20 feet from the water, this open-air public gathering space is also a performing arts venue and open-air wine and beer garden. The two-story venue is full of swings, huge pillows set against stone terraces, lounge sets, and a grassy lawn for relaxing and sipping cocktails.

Mention "San Francisco" and "beer" and most locals and tourists will immediately think about Anchor Steam. It's a core part of the city's culture—it's what San Franciscans drink when the Giants win or after a tough day at work. Anchor started in 1896 and moved to its iconic Potrero Hill home in 1977, where the smell of brewing yeasts, hops, and barley greets the area on most days. The brewery tour and tasting is always a hot ticket (and well worth the time to see the historic copper kettles), but it's much easier to grab a flight or pint at their Public Taps bar next door. While you're there, make sure to order some of the unique Californian-Mexican cooking.

Arguably the most artistic brewery in the entire state, ABC's nationally known beers include several sours and a lot of high ABV percentages. Grab a glass in the high-ceiling tasting room and wander freely among the brewery's towering wood casks, or carry your pint outside to swap stories on the firepit patio or sun-soaked rooftop deck.

Located in the heart of Harlem's Restaurant Row, Angel of Harlem is a neighborhood favorite for a good time. From weekday happy hours and local artist performances, to live DJs spinning R&B, hip-hop, and reggae, the energy is always high. Stop by on a weekend and experience the seamless transition from lively brunch (where, for $35, you can add bottomless rum punches, mimosas, and sangria) to bustling nightlife scene. On the menu, contemporary American cuisine prepared with local, fresh ingredients, mingles with Latin and Caribbean flavors. For a larger appetite, try the Frederick Douglass burger or lobster ravioli. If you're just looking for a bar nosh, the Jamaican beef patties are a favorite for a reason.

With one of the best craft beer lists in Utah and a terrific selection of artisan spirts, this inviting gastropub with exposed-brick walls and a handful of sidewalk tables also turns out delicious comfort food, from lamb burgers to steamed mussels. It opens early on weekends for a very popular and boozy brunch.

This floral-and-tropics-themed bar boasts one of the prime patios in San Francisco, plus excellent, non-fussy craft cocktails.

The hip crowd here tends to be postcollege and more affluent; the cocktails are creative, the food is great, and there's often live music on the wraparound patio.

Trendsetters hit the scene on the 26th floor of the Dana Hotel and Spa for cocktails with penthouse views or gravitate toward the fire pit on the patio.

Tucked away down a winding lane deep in Chinatown (look for the \"Chemist\" sign), this cocktail apothecary is a surprising but happy find in a neighborhood known more for soup dumplings than creative tipples. Influenced by the 19th-century absinthe parlors of Paris, this bar is all about drama and presentation, but the results (described as \"prescriptions\" on the menu) are a delicious feast for all the senses. They also offer cocktail classes.

Key West's largest gay bar, Aqua hosts karaoke contests, dancing, and live entertainment at three bars, including one outside on the patio. For an evening like no other, come see the Aquanettes at their "Reality Is a Drag" show.

The husband and wife behind this energetic garden-theme bar (its name is a play on "arboretum") aim to provide patrons with more than a place to throw a few back in a verdant indoor setting. It's a sit-down affair, with specialty cocktails—no two remotely alike—the focus.

This classic bar—in a former carriage factory, firehouse, and body shop—across from the Connecticut Convention Center in the city's Front Street Entertainment District, hosts local rock bands on Friday and Saturday nights. You can have a bite to eat, too.   Free (validated) parking nearby.

Three noncruising casinos—all of which have hotels on-site—in the Kansas City area are the Argosy

Originally known as The Fox Hole, Arkey Blue's is the oldest continually operating honky-tonk in Texas. And like any historic, divey honky-tonk, there are pieces of history hanging all over the walls. An excellent jukebox (along with live music several days a week) provides the soundtrack for pool tables, pinball machines, and ice-cold beer—and even ice and mixers, if you'd rather bring your own bottle of whiskey.

This microbrewery has a flavor portfolio inspired by both Germany and the Pacific Northwest. Expect to find seven fresh-brewed staples as well as one seasonal beer. Have a pint at the bar or fill a growler and head off on an adventure. You can purchase meals to enjoy with your beer from the food truck that's usually parked outside.

Crowds of youngsters and longtime New Yorkers have been packing into Arlene's since 1995 for live rock and roll as well as the occasional variety shows, burlesque, and live-band karaoke. The drinks are cheap, and the vibe is all about the good times.

Since the 1980s, Armory Square, once a weary warehouse district, has evolved into a vibrant nightlife area. The dining and dancing destination encompasses five blocks of redbrick buildings softened by dark-green awnings.

If you're heading to Opelousas for music, give this downtown restaurant a visit. They serve breakfast and lunch on weekdays, but they also host live bands several Sunday nights each month. Just check with them before showing up to make sure they've got a performance scheduled when you're there.

A cocktail lounge ideal for romantic evenings and much-needed gossip sessions with friends, this 2,200-square-foot-room maintains a moody brasserie vibe with its velvety arm chairs and foliage-draped ceilings. The Arroyo Club serves an interesting assortment of cocktails, such as the Midnight Kiss, which features rice-washed tequila, cinnamon, cold brew, and chocolate. Head to the back of the room for savory bar bites like beef or plant-based smash burgers and tater tots.

In the hopping Vista neighborhood, this funky spot has neon-painted walls, colorful string lights, an adjacent tattoo parlor, and a lively crowd, making it the perfect setting for karaoke and dancing to live bands.

This bar in a hip area on the outskirts of downtown has live music most nights of the week, occasionally supplemented by fun events like karaoke and Cajun dance lessons. The shows are wide-ranging; check out their social media to see what's playing while you're in town. They also run regular drinks specials.

Sit at the white tile bar—or on the patio on a sunny day—of this Italian cocktail bar and order delicious antipasti and desserts to go with expertly prepared drinks. Beer selection is limited, but Artusi has great wine options. Make it to the 5–7 pm happy hour.

The combination of a movie theater, pizza joint, and a brewery makes this a popular spot to catch new releases while lounging on a sofa, drinking a microbrew, and scarfing a slice. Kids and dogs are welcome, but movies are often sold out, so buy tickets before the show.

Saucy, sexy, and fun, this is one of the best places in town for dinner with a show. The entertainment, as well as the gracious food service, is provided by some of the city's most gorgeous transgender women, who strut in impossibly high heels on top of the catwalk bar, vamping to tunes like "Cabaret" and "Big Spender." The creative Asian-influenced cuisine is surprisingly good. Make reservations, and go on a weekday to avoid the bachelorette parties.

With 30 beers on tap, including many regional varieties, this downtown favorite has four indoor and outdoor spaces and free Wi-Fi. Hungry patrons can order food from the Burger Queen and have it delivered to their table.

This popular, high-energy dance club plays music from the ’80s onward and has a huge screen showing videos requested by the crowd. The parquet dance floor is set off by furnishings of deep blue, maroon, and gold, and the ceiling glows with stars and twinkling lights. Signature cocktails are in demand, and you can sip a cognac or choose from a selection of popular beers. During the fall and spring, the dance club may only be open on the weekends, so check times before you travel.

Atlantic House, aka A-House, is the grandfather of the gay nightlife scene. With a dance club and two bars, there's something for everyone here.

The sleekly high-tech Majestic, designed to sail smoothly in rough waters, powers farther along Waikiki's coastline than its competitors. Enjoy seasonal whale-watching trips between January and March during the day or year-round sunset cocktail and dinner cruises aboard the 400-passenger boat. (Atlantis is also known for its submarine tours off Waikiki.) The boat's dining room is elegantly laid out, and the standard Hawaiian buffet fare perfectly accompanies the tropical cocktails, sparkling wine, beer, or guava juice. Most passengers are honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries and birthdays—or even the occasional proposal—and this, plus the Hawaiian music, makes the atmosphere festive. For the best view of Waikiki and the sunset, head to the top deck.