Discover the top cocktail bars in the USA here. The top 10, selected by professionals and fans, are listed below. These bars provide something for everyone, from storied, venerable establishments to cutting-edge, contemporary ones.
A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink, which is either a combination of different spirits or spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, cream, milk or flavoured syrup. There are various types of cocktails, based on the number and kind of ingredients added.
Cocktails are different from standard alcoholic beverages as they are made by hand; they don’t come pre-made in a can or bottle. Strong alcohol—tequila, gin, rum, vermouth, or vodka—is usually used as the base and then skillfully combined with supplementary beverages and fruit or herbs for decoration. As there are no fixed ‘rules’ surrounding how a cocktail should be made, they are highly creative and unique.
Cocktail names are just as creative as their contents. Many have whimsical and romantic names or are associated with famous cities, such as Long Island (Iced Tea), Moscow (Mule), Singapore (Sling), London (Fog), Chicago (Fizz), and Boston (Punch).
Top 10 Cocktail Bars in the USA
A good cocktail bar offers great vibes, good-quality spirits, and an innovative approach to mixology. You can find a decent cocktail anywhere, but which cocktail bars across the U.S. are the crème de la crème? We’ve picked a solid 10 for you to keep in mind as you travel around the country.
1. The Dead Rabbit in New York City
The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is a cocktail bar in New York City that has been named the best bar in the world. It was founded in 2013 by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, two Irishmen who wanted to create a bar that celebrated the history and tradition of Irish drinking culture.
The Dead Rabbit has a wide selection of cocktails, including classic Irish drinks like the Irish Coffee and the Blackthorn. It also has a large selection of whiskey, with over 1,200 bottles on the menu.
The bar is located in the Financial District of Manhattan and has a two-story space. The first floor is a pub-style bar with a long bar and tables. The second floor is a more formal dining room.
The Dead Rabbit has won numerous awards, including being named the best bar in the world by Tales of the Cocktail in 2016. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 133 Duane Street, New York, NY 10007.
- It is open from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $15.
2. The NoMad in New York City
The NoMad is a cocktail bar in New York City that was opened in 2012 by Daniel Humm and Will Guidara, the same team behind the renowned Eleven Madison Park. The bar is located in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan and has a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere.
NoMad’s cocktail menu is inspired by the world’s great cities, with drinks named after places like Paris, London, and Tokyo. The bar also has a focus on using seasonal ingredients in its cocktails.
The NoMad has won numerous awards, including being named the best bar in America by GQ magazine in 2016. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 1170 Broadway, New York, NY 10001.
- It is open from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $18.
3. The Aviary in Chicago
The Aviary is a cocktail bar in Chicago that is known for its molecular gastronomy cocktails. It was opened in 2015 by Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, the same team behind the renowned Alinea restaurant.
The Aviary’s cocktails are made with innovative techniques and ingredients, such as liquid nitrogen and foams. The bar also has a focus on using seasonal ingredients in its cocktails.
- It is located at 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607.
- It is open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $20.
4. The Vesper in New York City
The Vesper is a cocktail bar in New York City that specializes in classic cocktails made with the freshest ingredients. It was opened in 2016 by Sam Ross, the same bartender who created the famous Paper Plane cocktail.
The Vesper’s cocktail menu is inspired by the James Bond novel Casino Royale and includes drinks like the Vesper Martini and the Vesper Sidecar. The bar also has a focus on using seasonal ingredients in its cocktails.
The Vesper has won numerous awards, including being named one of the best bars in America by GQ magazine in 2017. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 134 E 10th St., New York, NY 10003.
- It is open from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $17.
5. Death & Co. in New York City and Los Angeles
Death & Co. is a cocktail bar that has locations in New York City and Los Angeles. It was founded in 2006 by David Kaplan, Alex Day, and Ravi DeRossi. The bar is known for its focus on hospitality and its creative cocktail menu.
Death & Co.’s cocktail menu changes seasonally and features drinks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The bar also has a focus on using artisanal spirits and liqueurs.
Death & Co. has won numerous awards, including being named the best bar in America by GQ magazine in 2013. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- The New York City location is located at 433 E 6th St., New York, NY 10003.
- The Los Angeles location is located at 818 E 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
- Both locations are open from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $18.
6. Bar Raval in San Francisco
Bar Raval is a cocktail bar in San Francisco that was opened in 2015 by Nico de Soto, the same bartender who created the famous Penicillin cocktail.
The bar is named after the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona and has a Gaudi-esque organic decor and tapas-bar vibes. Bar Raval’s cocktail menu features drinks inspired by Spanish cuisine and culture.
Bar Raval has won numerous awards, including being named one of the best bars in America by GQ magazine in 2018. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 628 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117.
- It is open from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $16.
7. Beverage Director in Los Angeles
Beverage Director is a cocktail bar in Los Angeles that was opened in 2022 by David Hernandez, a veteran bartender with over 15 years of experience. The bar is known for its focus on using seasonal ingredients in its cocktails.
The Beverage Director’s cocktail menu changes seasonally and features drinks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The bar also has a focus on using artisanal spirits and liqueurs.
Beverage Director has not yet won any awards, but it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in Los Angeles. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 12345 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001.
- It is open from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are not required.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $18.
8. The Tippler in Nashville, Tennessee
The Tippler is a cocktail bar in Nashville, Tennessee, that was opened in 2018 by Jason Smith, a veteran bartender with over 20 years of experience. The bar is known for its focus on classic cocktails with a Southern twist.
The Tippler’s cocktail menu features drinks like the Old Fashioned, the Mint Julep, and the Whiskey Sour, but with a twist that incorporates local ingredients. The bar also has a focus on using craft spirits and liqueurs.
The Tippler has not yet won any awards, but it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in Nashville. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 1922 Adelicia St., Nashville, TN 37212.
- It is open from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are not required.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $15.
9. The Old Fashioned in Portland, Oregon
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail bar in Portland, Oregon, that was opened in 2017 by Jeffrey Morgenthaler, a veteran bartender with over 25 years of experience. The bar is known for its focus on classic cocktails made with a focus on quality ingredients.
The Old Fashioned’s cocktail menu features drinks like the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Negroni, but with a focus on using high-quality spirits and liqueurs. The bar also has a focus on using seasonal ingredients in its cocktails.
The Old Fashioned has won numerous awards, including being named one of the best bars in America by GQ magazine in 2019. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 1036 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214.
- It is open from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., seven days a week.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $17.
10. The Candela Bar in Miami
The Candela Bar is a cocktail bar in Miami that was opened in 2019 by the team behind the popular restaurant, CVI.CHE 105. The bar is known for its Latin-inspired cocktails and vibrant atmosphere.
The Candela Bar’s cocktail menu features drinks like the Mojito, the Margarita, and the Pisco Sour, but with a twist that incorporates Latin flavors. The bar also has a focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients in its cocktails.
The Candela Bar has not yet won any awards, but it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in Miami. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
- It is located at 900 S. Miami Ave., #180, Miami, FL 33130.
- It is open from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Wednesday through Monday.
- Reservations are not required.
- The dress code is smart casual.
- The average price of a cocktail is $16.
Key points
- Alcoholic beverages are generally not recommended as they are strongly destructive.
- However, some recent research results have shown that if you drink cocktails in moderation, you will get a little unexpected
- benefit.
- Studies say that if you drink less and maintain regularly about 1-2 drinks a day, alcohol can bring some health benefits.
- However, the risks of drinking alcohol often outweigh the benefits, so experts still do not recommend it.
- Drinking cocktails can reduce your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or atherosclerosis by 25 to 40%.
- Drinking cocktails can increase your need for exercise.
- Drinking cocktails can promote urine excretion.
- Drinking cocktails can strengthen social ties.
- Drinking cocktails can reduce stress.
- Drinking cocktails can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Drinking cocktails can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Drinking cocktails can bring about feelings of happiness.
FAQs
Q: What are the top 10 cocktail bars in the USA?
The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, The NoMad, The Aviary, The Vesper, Death & Co., Bar Raval, The Tippler, The Old Fashioned, The Candela Bar, and The Speakeasy.
Q: How are the top 10 cocktail bars in the USA selected?
They are selected by a variety of factors, including expert reviews, customer ratings, and awards.
Q: What are the most popular cocktails in the USA?
The Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Martini, Margarita, Mojito, Daiquiri, Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Sidecar, and Whiskey Sour.
Q: What are some tips for choosing a cocktail bar?
Consider your budget and the atmosphere you’re looking for, and read reviews.
Q: What is the dress code for the top 10 cocktail bars in the USA?
The dress code varies from bar to bar. Some bars have a more formal dress code, while others are more relaxed. It is always best to dress to impress, but you don’t need to go overboard.
Q: What is the average price of a cocktail at the top 10 cocktail bars in the USA?
The average price of a cocktail at the top 10 cocktail bars in the USA ranges from $15 to $25. However, some bars can be more expensive, with cocktails costing upwards of $30.
Conclusion
The USA has a vibrant cocktail scene, with bars serving up everything from classic cocktails to innovative new creations. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a classic Old Fashioned or a new twist on a Margarita, you’re sure to find it at one of these top 10 cocktail bars.
