2629 Best Bars in USA

It may come across kitschy with its log cabin theme (further intensified by signature cocktails like Scout’s Honor and Roasted Marshmallow), but Bigfoot Lodge is a beloved mainstay among Eastside denizens. Despite its first impression, it is every bit a low-key, unpretentious neighborhood bar that specializes in shots and beer and welcomes the occasional tourist that happens to stumble inside.

Visiting Fort Worth and not seeing Billy Bob's isn't quite as bad as going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower—but it's close. Built in an old cattle-pen building, the world's largest honky-tonk is a vast place—the almost 3 acres of indoor space include several bars, pool tables, a Western store, an arcade, a huge dance floor (in lieu of a disco ball, there's a spinning rhinestone-studded saddle), a stage that draws some of country's top acts, and a bull-riding ring (contests are usually held on Friday and Saturday nights).

A legend in the D.C. area, the Birchmere is one of the best places outside the Blue Ridge Mountains to hear acoustic folk, country, and bluegrass. Enthusiastic crowds regularly enjoy table-side service while taking in performances by artists such as Judy Collins, Don McLean, Bela Fleck, and Emmylou Harris. But the club is also a draw for some of the country's best jazz and R&B artists (Rachelle Farrell, Sheila E., Angie Stone).

With an intimate, couch-lined space modeled after old-time speakeasies (complete with a secret back entrance), this could very well be Boulder's greatest bar, since the staff is passionate about handcrafted cocktails. They're not shy with advice—including the perfect ice shape to suit your booze. Eat before you go since food is limited to a few small dishes.

From the sultry red interior with jewel-toned furnishings and quirky chandeliers to the Asian-fusion menu, every detail within this cocktail bar on Restaurant Row was designed by James Beard award--winning executive chef Serena Bass (the woman behind the Chelsea Hotel's once-star-studded Serena lounge). The sexy setting serves as a playful backdrop for the well-curated drink selection, including the fan-favorite Lychee martini, and tasty bar food, like the roast duck spring rolls and Japanese yam tempura with an addictive ginger dipping sauce. Cozy up with a date on the plush, custom-made aquamarine couches and terra-cotta chairs or peep the adorable heated patio in the back. If you happen to be around on a Thursday, swing by for their weekly live music events featuring local artists. On Saturday, DJs can often be found playing into the wee hours.

While Black Abbey beers can be found on tap throughout Nashville, a visit to their monastery-themed brewery in Berry Hill is an experience all its own. Enjoy a brewery tour, then sample their flavorful beers in the Fellowship Hall located in the middle of the working brewhouse. The brewery also hosts food trucks most nights along with trivia nights and vinyl pop-up parties, where the staff spin their favorite records.

Way before its stretch of 14th Street became the trendiest few blocks in town, the Black Cat was a destination for alternative music and quirky nostalgic dance parties. The venue is a host for midsize rock concerts and smaller, local acts focused on indie, alternative, and underground music, with favorites such as the Dandy Warhols, the Ravonettes, and Ex Hex. The Black Cat also regularly hosts artistic events, including comedy, edgy burlesque, and independent film nights. The postpunk crowd whiles away the time in the ground floor's Red Room, a side bar with pool tables, an eclectic jukebox, and no cover charge. The club is also home to Food for Thought, a legendary vegetarian café.

Since opening in 2018, this fun and inviting brewery has become a local favorite for its creative brews (blueberry mango sours, anyone?). Don't be put off by the industrial setting—the brewery hosts live music on an expansive patio, art shows, and rotating food trucks. It also brews its own cider. 

Set in rustic, rambling farmhouse high on a hillside in Epsom, about 15 miles east of Concord, this spirited little nanobrewery has developed an almost cult following for its complex brews as well as its magical setting, with sweeping views of the countryside. Try the refreshing Beer Field wheat beer or Rhute Fo-ah rhubarb IPA, along with a Korean brisket sandwich from the kitchen. Folk and acoustic rock concerts take place many weekends on the pastoral grounds. 

Five nights a week, you can dance under the stars and swaying coconut trees at West Hawaii's premier nightlife spot. Recently renovated and reimagined, the open-air Musiquarium is now a sustainable initiative by a local 1HeartHub, which unites businesses with social purpose. By supporting local farmers, artists, and musicians, they also help sustain the broader community. Live music includes jazz, R&B, soft rock, and classic Hawaiian and island-style tunes. Tavern-style pub fare and drinks are on tap if you need a break from dancing.

Across from the harbor in Kawaihae, you can dine and dance to live music under the stars and palms at this wildly popular tavern, with central uncovered atrium (offering a clue about how often it rains here—nearly never). The fare is of the burger, fish-and-chips, and fish taco variety and is decent in both price and quality. The grog offerings are super fun, with inventive cocktails such as the Dancing Dragon, an elixir with house-made sangria infused with peach and raspberry liqueurs and tropical juices. Sometimes the bands are great and sometimes not, but it's so much fun to come here you really won't mind.

This cottage doesn't look like much from the street, but after you pay your cover at the garden gate, you'll soon find yourself on a large covered deck packed with a young crowd dancing to the hottest local Cajun, zydeco, and roots music acts nearly every night of the week. The Wednesday night Cajun jams are a mid-week highlight. Check their calendar online for upcoming shows.

Considered by many (not least its current owners) to be \"the jazz capital of the world,\" the Blue Note was once the stomping ground for such legends as Dizzy Gillespie and still hosts a variety of acts, from Chris Botti to jazz to Latin orchestras to Maceo Parker. Expect a steep cover charge except for late shows on weekends, when the music goes from less jazzy to more funky.

Head here for a classy evening in an intimate setting, complete with great blues, jazz, and R&B from well-known performers such as Mose Allison and Wynton Marsalis and outstanding New Orleans cuisine such as jambalaya and fried catfish. Expect to pay a cover charge and a minimum of food or drink. Go to their website for a list of performances and to purchase tickets online. You can come for just the show, but those who enjoy a meal get better seats.

Known for producing acclaimed, organic Bluewater Vodka, Halcyon Gin, Wintersun Aquavit, and several flavored liqueurs, this industrial-chic operation on the Port Gardner waterfront also houses a trendy bar and bistro with well-prepared Pacific Northwestern fare. Stop by for a tasting or a cocktail (try one of the house infusions).

Known for its setting inside a fabulous 1920s roadside building shaped like a coffee pot, Bob's is one of the city's most enduring landmarks—and it's a pretty fun dive bar for karaoke and cheap drinks. Fun facts: Indie singer Neko Case used to be a bartender here, and parts of the screwball comedy movie I Love You to Death were filmed inside.

This uptown drinking den picks up where tiki bar founding father Don the Beachcomber left off—first, by occupying its former space where Frank Sinatra guzzled navy grog by the quart and second, by delivering both classic cocktails like zombies and mai tais and fruit-forward, rum-heavy originals decorated with umbrellas, chunks of honeycomb, and flamingos. It's dark, full of kitsch (it's hard not to love the pufferfish lights), and has both late-afternoon and last-call happy hours daily. 

This legendary theater with Art Deco accents is probably the city's top midsize concert venue. Packing in the crowds here is a rite of passage for musicians (some already big; some on the cusp of stardom). Grab one of the tables on the balcony (if you can), stand (and get sandwiched) on the main floor, or retreat to the comfortable bar in the basement, which fills up after each show.

A sensation when it opened in 2007, Simon Hammerstein's Roaring '20s–style cabaret–cum–burlesque show–cum–performance art emporium remains one of the biggest players in any nightlife category. The triumvirate of gorgeousness—design, customers, and performers—explains why the experience doesn't come cheap. Check the website to make reservations and prepare for a late night.

Grab a seat at the long copper bar or one of the café tables in this art-filled downtown lounge with tall brick walls and a well-curated list of mostly Washington wines. Pizza and well-prepared gastropub fare is served, and the reliably good house wines are a great deal. 

Popular with the cool crowd, this indoor-outdoor craft cocktail joint lures in droves to revel in creative mixology and fabulous people-watching. Everything at the vintage-chic hot spot is perfectly Instagrammable, from the daring and beautifully presented drinks to the twinkle lights over the pool. It's no wonder the venue has been awarded national titles such as America's Best Bar.

This legendary honky-tonk is one of the last true Texas dance halls. If live country music and dancing are your thing, then two-step down to this venerable venue, where Old Austin lives (and dances) on. Lessons are available for first-timers or anyone in need of a little refresh before the headlining band kicks things off. The classic haunt has hosted live music (from world-famous celebrities like Dolly Parton and beloved locals like Dale Watson) since 1964 and crowds still flock to the hallowed dance floor every week.

You wouldn't think a premiere live music venue would be in such a secluded, industrial district, but perhaps that is Brooklyn Steel's appeal. Formerly a steel factory, this venue from the Bowery Presents group hosts many rock and indie acts in a large space that holds 1,800 guests across its main floor, balcony, and three bars.

Shelves of often hard-to-find bottles from both smaller and widely known wineries line the walls of this cozy, dimly lit downtown wine bar and bottle shop with a friendly staff that's always happy to make suggestions, whatever your price point. Enjoy a glass of wine (there's cider and beer, too) alongside a cheese-charcuterie board or another light snack. There's a cute patio as well. 

At this hip Hamptons-esque scene, society darlings crowd the lounge, sipping killer cocktails like the French Pearl (gin, Pernod, lemon juice, mint) and Buccan T (vodka, black tea, cranberry, citrus, basil, and agave nectar).