August 29, 2024
Food & Drink, Guides,
Is there anything more refreshing on a warm day than a cool aperol spritz? The Italian classic is a wine-based cocktail that mixes prosecco with digestive bitters and soda water to create a perfectly balanced sip—but that’s just the base of the spritz world.
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We asked our editors across the country to tell us which bars in their cities are serving the best spritz, and there are quite a few approaches to choose from. Whether you’re exploring your own backyard or out on vacation, these are the spots to sip a spritz or two.
Atlanta - Le Bon Nosh
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65 Irby Ave. NW, Ste. 103 / Website
This Buckhead favorite offers tempting staples like market salad and grilled snapper, crave-worthy cocktails and a recently expanded wine list of more than 500 bottles. Shake things up with the eatery’s unique blend of two longtime favorites: the Negroni Spritz, crafted with Forthave Negroni spritz crèmant, Forthave gin, Forthave red apèrtif, Bordiga sweet vermouth and orange. Sip even more fine spritzes by checking the bars on Atlanta’s full list.
Aspen - Casa Tua
403 S Galena St. / Website
Blending cabin charm with the sophistication of a world-class restaurant, Casa Tua Aspen is a must-visit for any Aperol Spritz enthusiast. Known for its warm hospitality, the bar team crafts a classic Aperol Spritz that's light, refreshing and beautifully balanced. It’s the perfect start to a night of Northern Italian fare and superb wines. Keep the after-glow glowing with a few drinks at one of the other bars on Aspen’s full list.
Austin - L’Oca d’Oro
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1900 Simond Ave., 737-212-1876 / Website
This Italian-inspired neighborhood restaurant is a dining staple in Austin. With a farm-to-table philosophy of sustainably sourced and locally grown ingredients, the restaurant’s emphasis on quality extends to beverages as well. The wine list and cocktail menu are extensive, with daily happy hour specials on spritzes from 5 to 6 p.m. Customers rave about L’Oca’s welcoming atmosphere, patio seating, fresh food and delicious cocktails. Swing by for a night of dinner and drinks – you won’t be disappointed! Explore even more fine sips on Austin’s full list.
Boston - Coppa Boston
253 Shawmut Ave. / Website
Nestled in the South End, Coppa Boston’s patio is the perfect place to enjoy inventive Italian bites and Aperol spritzes. Crafted with precision, this spritz balances Aperol and Prosecco, topped with a splash of soda and a twist of orange. While you’re there, don’t miss their housemade charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas. Three cheers to even more fun when you discover the other spritzes on Boston’s full list.
Chicago - Pizzeria Portofino
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317 N. Clark St. / Website
Snag a seat along the Chicago riverfront and gear up for hand-stretched pizza, charcoal-grilled seafood and farm-sourced pasta (like rigatoni vodka and pesto Genovese) at this buzzy Italian eatery. Try the spot’s signature Portofino spritz, crafted with a harmonious blend of grapefruit, prosecco and Aperol, or opt for its citrus-forward rendition, the Venetian spritz. Don’t stop there though, because Chicago has even more great sips on its full list.
Dallas - The Charles
1632 Market Center Blvd. / Website
Dishing out upscale Italian cuisine peppered with distinctly Texan twists, The Charles is a must for any spritz enthusiast. Grab a seat at the trendy cocktail lounge in Bar Charles and delight in the deliciously boozy beverage topped with the highest quality Prosecco. If you’re in the mood to paint the town red, try some of the other spots on Dallas’ full list.
Hamptons - Beacon
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8 W. Water St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-7088 / Website
Known for its incredible views of the sunset, this Sag Harbor restaurant serves incredible seafood in one of the most enviable locations out east. An Aperol spritz pairs perfectly with their local blackened fish with broccoli rabe, potato puree, roasted beets and a citrus beurre blanc sauce. We also recommend starting with the pork belly pretzel buns and the steamed mussels. The Hamptons is all about fun in the sun, so be sure to try the other spritzes on the region’s full list.
Houston - Heights & Co.
1343 Yale St. / Website
No gatekeeping here; we are obsessed with Heights & Co. If you’re looking for a fun patio to watch the game, there is simply no better spot. The drink menu overflows with signature and seasonal cocktails, margaritas with a twist, and, of course, four specialty Spritzs’ to choose from. Our favorites? The strawberry Sbagliato spritz mixed with prosecco, strawberry-infused Campari and Cocchi, or the H&C spritz made with sparkling rosé, Aperol, pineapple guava and Topo Chico. Enjoy even more great spritzes on Houston’s full list.
Las Vegas - Eataly Las Vegas
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3770 S Las Vegas Blvd. / Website
Located in Park MGM, Eataly Las Vegas is an Italian marketplace filled with a plethora of dining and shopping experiences that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Among its many delights, including a whole menu dedicated to spritzes, is its expertly crafted Aperol Spritz. Enjoy your drink at La Pizza & La Pasta, Gran Caffé Milano, L’Aperitivo Bar or Toscana Ristorante & Bar while you immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Italy. The spritz here isn't just a cocktail; it's an experience layered with authenticity and elegance. Feeling lucky? Try the other sips on Vegas’ full list.
Los Angeles - Dante Beverly Hills
225 N Canon Dr. / Website
The martini maestros at Dante also know a thing or two about spritzes. Adding a tropical twist to the effervescent cocktail, its Aperol & Passionfruit Spritz makes for an idyllic beverage while soaking in sweeping city views. You know Los Angeles is about its good drinks, so check the other spots on L.A.’s full list.
Miami - Doma
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35 NE 26th St., 786-953-6946 / Website
Doma is pouring up its own rendition of the Aperol Spritz—the Il Giovanni. Prepared with Campari, Pompelmousse liqueur, freshly pressed orange juice and bubbly Prosecco, this concoction is inspired by the remedy used to aid wounded soldiers in the Italian Independence war in 1862. The city that parties all night invites you to check the rest of the spots on its full list.
Nashville - Four Walls Nashville
The Joseph, 405 4th Ave. S. / Website
Intimate cocktail bar Four Walls is known for its inventive twists on cult-classic cocktails, and its sparkling “Strawperol” is no exception. Brought to life through a harmonious blend of Aperol, prosecco, strawberries, orange juice, rhubarb and soda, the summer-inspired crowd-pleaser is not to be missed. Take your walking boots and stroll to one of the other spots on Nashville’s full list, too.
Philadelphia - Gran Caffe L’Aquila
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1716 Chestnut St. / Website
Located in the heart of Center City, Gran Caffe L’Aquila is renowned for its authentic Italian experience. Their Aperol spritz is classic yet refined, made with Aperol, Prosecco and a splash of soda, garnished with an orange slice. This two-story establishment also serves a variety of Italian culinary delights, from fresh pasta to delectable gelato that’s made in-house. Enjoy even more delights with a spritz from another stop on Philly’s full list.
San Francisco - Delarosa
37 Yerba Buena Ln / Website
Delarosa is the only perfect lunch spot after sightseeing Union Square and the nearby museum district. This hip and modern Italian restaurant not only delivers on their delectable pizza and pasta combinations, but with their clean and sharp interior and classic Aperol spritz that balances tradition with innovation. Next time you want to get together with friends and family, make sure to try another spot on San Francisco’s full list.
Silicon Valley - Rollati Ristorante
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181 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, 408-444-4080 / Website
This modern Italian-American restaurant allows you to indulge in the flavors of Italy from the heart of downtown San Jose. From its robust beverage selection of cocktails and wines inspired by Californian and Italian flavors to its iconic signature pizza and pasta dishes, the restaurant ensures a satisfying and quality experience. If you're looking for options, you can't beat Rollati's spritz menu. Enjoy a limoncello spritz with housemade limoncello, Skyy vodka, Fiorente elderflower, Jeio by Bisol Prosecco and soda; an Italicus spritz with Italicus bergamot liqueur, prosecco, soda and castelvetrano olives; or a classic aperol spritz with aperol, Jeio by Bisol prosecco and soda. Customers proclaim Rollati Ristorante as the ideal spot for social gatherings, happy hour specials and hip yet elegant vibe. Keep the vibes up with another sip from the other spots on Silicon Valley’s full list.
Washington DC - Centrolina
974 Palmer Alley NW / Website
Nestled in CityCenterDC, Centrolina boasts a stylish eatery and must-try Aperol spritz. The crisp sip served on the rocks with an orange twist, pairs perfectly with regional Italian dishes such as handmade pasta and exquisite seafood. More drinks? A capital idea, so check the other spots on DC’s full list.
Maybe you’d like to enjoy a drink in the comfort of your own home? Check our list of delightful cocktails recipes perfect for the fall season.
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