December 20, 2024
Food & Drink, Guides,
It’s been a tough week, month and maybe even year. You deserve a drink. Good thing we asked our editors to round up the best bars, cocktail lounges and speakeasies in some of the coolest cities across this great nation.
See also: 19 Of The Best Tasting Menus Across the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for a tiki toast in San Francisco, a beachy beverage in The Hamptons, or a sky-high sip in Los Angeles, this list has something to add to your travel to-do list. We asked our editors across the country to tell us their favorite bars in their city, and now it's your turn to visit as many as you can!
Atlanta - Johnny’s Hideaway
View this post on Instagram
3771 Roswell Road NE, Website
Johnny’s Hideaway, “Atlanta’s ONLY Nightclub For Big Kids,” is perfectly retro. If a night of dancing is what you need, Johnny’s will supply. Read more on Atlanta's full list.
Aspen - Aspen Public House
328 E Hyman Ave., Aspen, Website
Aspen Public House is all about building community, welcoming families to a laid-back haven where pub-inspired interiors set the relaxed tone. As evening falls, the space transforms into a buzzing bar scene with a full bar service, offering local brews, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list—we’ll clink to that. Read more on Aspen's full list.
Austin - The Driskill Bar
604 Brazos St., Website
If there is one particularly iconic drinkery in this town, it has to be The Driskill Bar. Rumored to be the site where President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson went on their first date, this leather-and-carved wood sanctuary in the historic Driskill Hotel hosts live music performances every night. It also boasts three takes on the Old Fashioned, best enjoyed with an appetizer and hearty entree. Read more on Austin's full list.
Boston - FARMACIA
5 N. Square, Website
Nestled in the North Square, this nine-seat bar is a coveted ticket in town. With each syrup, infusion and tincture handcrafted, this cocktail experience is committed to detailed rotating menus. Enjoy four chapters throughout the year. Read more on Boston's full list.
Chicago - The Aviary
View this post on Instagram
955 W. Fulton Market / Website
Venture to the West Loop for some of Chicago’s most inventive cocktails at The Aviary, where guests encounter an immersive experience that engages all the senses. Conceived by the same team behind culinary standouts Alinea and Next, it features three distinct experiences each night, designed to challenge traditional notions of a night out. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, a hidden door leads to The Office, a 21-seat speakeasy that serves classic cocktails, vintage spirits and upscale bites. Read more on Chicago's full list.
Dallas - THE MANSION BAR
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd. / Website
Tucked inside Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, The Mansion Bar delights lavish interior decor details (think dark leather seating and hues of deep red all dimly illuminated), a creative cocktail menu and, of course, live music every Thursday through Saturday. To give your night a kick, order the Ma(i) ze Runner, mixed with Lalo Blanco Tequila, Nixta Corn Liquor, Elote Corn Syrup, Lime and Firewater Bitters, or keep it classic with The Mansion G&T, featuring Gunpowder Gin, House Tonic, Makrut Lime Leaf and Grapefruit Zest. Read more on Dallas' full list.
Hawai'i - Green Lady Cocktail Room
White Sands Hotel, 431 Nohonani St., Honolulu, Website
Ask for Room at 8 to find this hidden speakeasy. The intimate interior provides the perfect ambiance for cocktails prepared by some of the country’s best mixologists. Read more on Hawai'i's full list.
Houston - JULEP
1919 Washington Ave., / Website
With its already impressive roster of cocktails that highlight the global flavors of the city—and a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program—it’s no secret that Julep is hands down a Houston staple. Meet your nearest and dearest at the bar, or munch on a mouthwatering assortment of light bites and big plates in the parlor. As for our go-to order? We can’t resist the Snake-Bit Sprout mixed with Ford’s gin, chamomile, pineapple, lime and cider. Read more on Houston's full list.
Las Vegas - Herbs and Rye
While the steaks are delicious at Herbs and Rye, the award-winning cocktails have put this off-the-Strip destination on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Talented mixologists can whip up any of your favorite drinks, from a lemony French 75 to a strong and sweet espresso martini. The cocktail menu also offers a variety of must-tries, including the Ramos Gin Fizz with a tower of foam and the Saturn served in a tiki-inspired glass. See more on Vegas' full list.
Los Angeles - Apothéke
1746 N Spring St., 323-844-0717 / Website
Helmed in NYC’s Chinatown, Apothéke is now in L.A., dazzling West Coasters with botanical-infused cocktails and DIY mixology classes. Head in for “pick your prescription” style cocktails—like The Manananngal, a natural aphrodisiac with green cardamom vodka, ube and coconut milk or The Healer, where Mezcal and Pisco meet the basis of a rejuvenating green juice. Read more on LA's full list.
Miami - Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
View this post on Instagram
9011 Collins Ave., Miami Beach / Website
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club exemplifies five-star service, and the Champagne Bar blends charm and glamour. With one of the largest selections of Champagne in Miami, guests can opt for bubbles or sip on expertly crafted imaginative cocktails, such as the Mangareva Americana or the Lemon City. Read more on Miami's full list.
NYC - Bemelmans Bar
35 E. 76 St., Website
Capturing the epitome of Upper East Side luxury, Bemelmans Bar is an iconic destination where the cocktails are as exquisite as the company. Luxury meets libations with enchanting murals by renowned author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelman, embedding nostalgia into every corner of The Carlyle. Offering an impressive selection of cocktails complemented by live entertainment, sip in style at this modern temple of mixology. Read more on NYC's full list.
Orange County - Strong Water Anaheim
Co-owned by Ying Chang and Robert Adamson, this tiki bar in Anaheim has soared in popularity thanks to a James Beard Award nomination in 2024. Sip rum-forward mixed cocktails like the tropical Taro Colada, made with coconut, spiced rum, pineapple, and taro cream in a ship-wrecked setting. Pick up a bottle of house-designed Lost Voyage rum to bring the party home. Read more on Orange County's full list.
Palm Beach - 1000 North
1000 North U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, Website
Known as one of South Florida’s top waterfront restaurants, 1000 NORTH boasts panoramic views of the Jupiter Lighthouse and Intracoastal Waterway. The drink menu features an array of crafted cocktails, refreshing craft beers and an extensive wine selection, offering guests a range of options to savor while enjoying the scenic waterfront ambiance. Read more on the Hamptons' full list.
Philadelphia - RANSTEAD ROOM
2013 Ranstead St., Website
One of Philadelphia’s best-kept nightlife secrets is the Ranstead Room, with a cocktail list that pairs well with the bar’s moody aesthetic. Enjoy their seasonal mixtures like the autumnal Stop the Wedding, made with brown butter whiskey, cinnamon, vanilla and lemon. Read more on Philly's full list.
San Diego - Youngblood
For a refined night out at Youngblood, reservations are essential at this acclaimed drinking establishment that came in at No. 49 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024. Immerse yourself in its Art Deco-style decor, where perceptive bartenders will curate a 90-minute, three-course cocktail tasting tailored to your tastes and emotions. See more on San Diego's full list.
San Francisco - Smuggler's Cove
View this post on Instagram
This nautical-themed pub is not only a San Francisco classic, but one of the finest rum and exotic cocktail destinations in the world. Smuggler’s Cove boasts over 1,300 different rums—the largest selection in the country—along with cocktails inspired by three centuries of rum history. See more on San Francisco's full list.
Scottsdale - AZ88
This trendy hot spot has been nestled in Old Town Scottsdale for the last 35 years, and for good reason. Sip a refreshing concoction like the Berry Bramble or Mezcalito while perusing the space’s rotating art exhibitions. For an extra luxe experience, order the $1000 Kings Ransom crafted with LOUIS XIII cognac, lemon juice, superfine sugar and Cointreau. Read more on Scottsdale's full list.
Silicon Valley - Dr. Funk
With roots in California’s original tiki motif, Dr. Funk specializes in South Pacific elixirs. Countless cocktails range from sweet to strong, each topped with ornate garnishes that are almost too pretty to eat. Our pick? Sip on the cheekily-named Shipwreck, made with two Caribbean rums, cachaca, blackberry, banana, pineapple, pomegranate, Tiki bitters and hints of citrus for the ultimate tropical escape. See more on Silicon Valley's full list.
Washington, D.C. - SILVER LYAN
900 F. St. NW, / Website
Silver Lyan is an underground cocktail bar in the historic banking vault at Riggs Washington DC. The landmark opened as Riggs National Bank in 1891 and handled the financial affairs of over 20 U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. The building has since transformed into a hotel with secret nooks and hidden gems for locals, visitors and guests to discover. See more on D.C.'s full list.
Photography by:
.jpg)
