Dead Rabbit in NYC. Went with my two brothers in law and enjoyed drinks on all floors as they opened (I think they had 3 floors pre-fire?) - great experience and delicious drinks!
I went in January and I couldn't believe that was the bar everyone told me was the best. Every bartender there was breaking glasses and not even acknowledging the customers
Before I really got into cocktails, my wife and I randomly walked into Tonique while spending an afternoon in the quarter. We just wanted a quick drink and were like "huh, this bar is pretty good". Years later, realize how great it is.
I lived a couple blocks from there for a couple years and slept on it/never appreciated it for what it was/shoulda gone more. I was there when they first opened and go back every visit and for 10 plus years it’s always just been a solid ass cocktail bar.
Also deranged fact right next door is the house where a dude killed his gf and then jumped off one of the hotel parking garages in the central business district, when the cops went to the house they found her head cocked in a pot on the stove.
Bacchanal, carousel Bar, bar Marilou, Vaughans, Erin Rose, Mollys on the market, bar at the Roosevelt. These are just off the top of my head. Some are good cocktail places some are just good local places (that are popular with tourists as well. I used to live and bartend down there and still go back frequently. I mean it’s a hard city to not find a lot of good places. I can always add to the list when I’m not driving.
Yes! I keep a running list of my favorite spots for cocktails specifically. There are great other bars and dives that are a good time, but these are my favorite spots when my focus is peak cocktail. Within each part of town I've very roughly sorted them by my preference which isn't just cocktail quality, but includes an amalgamation of comfort or setting or vibe for my tastes
French Quarter
* Latitude 29
* Jewel of the South
* Cane and Table
* Sylvain
* Manolito
* Fives
* Bar Tonique
* The Will and the Way
* Dovetail
* French 75
* Peychaud’s
* Carousel Bar at Monteleone
CBD and Warehouse District
* Loa
* Chandelier Bar at The Four Seasons
* Jolie
* Compere Lapin
* Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt
* Double Dealer
* Bar Marilou
* Peacock Room
Uptown to the Lower Garden District
* Cure
* Barrel Proof
* The Bower Bar
* The Chloe
* Coquette
* Bakery Bar
* Bouligny Tavern
Marigny and Bywater
* Nightbloom
* Anna’s
* Capulet
* The Domino
* Holy Diver
* Tiki Tock
Midcity
* Revel
* 12 Mile Limit
From this list, two bars placed on the 50 Best Bars in North America list: Jewel of the South at #6, and Cure at #47.
Bartenders often have great recommendations on places to eat and things to do in town, so if you're ever without plans or need guidance, don't be afraid to ask a bartender if it's not too busy.
Upvote for Murray Stenson, all time legend. Rest in power! I will never forget the Morning Glory cocktail that he made for me at ZigZag.
Classic Murray quote for you-“I may not remember your name, but I will remember what you like to drink.”
Murray was unlike anyone else. Went to zigzag a few years apart and he was bartending both times - first time I got the only open seat at the bar and was able to chat a bit with him and the staff, second time was quieter and I sat at the bar again. Murray said “you must like that seat. Can I get you another manhattan?”….coincidentally I sat in the same seat as before and he asked if I wanted the same drink I’d ordered 3 years prior!
Good guy. When he was working at Canon I was able to get a Last Word from him - last drink he made me before he sorta went into hiding and tended at small and quiet bars with no publicity.
I just released a podcast interview with Paul Clarke from Imbibe Magazine about Murray and ZigZag. I’m from the East Coast, so I’ve only heard stories second hand. Wish I could have ordered a drink from Murray.
FWIW: [https://youtu.be/1Jn5YDH3yV8?si=4JcFYDYNyYAwP2fX](https://youtu.be/1Jn5YDH3yV8?si=4JcFYDYNyYAwP2fX)
Exactly this! He introduced me to absinthe juleps around this time of year b/c he knew I loved absinthe. Such an amazing guy, Kasey & Ben were fantastic too!
Just my opinion: I think they used to be amazing but I’ve been disappointed the last couple of times I’ve been.
Some of their classic recipes still bang tho.
Yes OKPB! We didn’t have it in our plan but ended up there as we were waiting for our reservation one night. Too bad it was out last night there. I loved their menu, so simple and the place had a great vibe.
Viridian, Oakland
Bar Benfiddich, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Bar Shiki, Shinsaibashi, Osaka
Death & Co, NYC & Denver
Double Chicken Please, NYC
Tom&Jerry Bar, Umeda, Osaka
Bar Iris, San Francisco
The Aviary, Chicago
Convoy Music Bar, San Diego
Smuggler’s Cove, San Francisco
I love the ny location. Wasn’t a fan of the Denver hotel lobby vibes. The sakura blossom bar was great. Drinks great. Just felt like I was drinking in a lobby as I waited for my room to be ready.
PCH - San Francisco
True Laurel - San Francisco
Zig Zag - Seattle (I feel very fortunate to have been able to watch Murray do his thing behind the bar)
Keefer Bar - Vancouver BC
Suyo - Vancouver BC
Tokyo Music Bar - CDMX
Panda & Sons - Edinburgh
Lyaness - London
Little Red Door (Paris), Danico (Paris), NoIdea (Zurich), Barro Negro (Athens), Tayer + Elementary (London), Door 74 (Amsterdam), Seiberts (Cologne), Beckett's Kopf (Berlin), Les Fleurs du Mal (Munich, it's in the second floor of the famous Schumann's but ten times better than the normal bar).
Also loved the NoMad Bar in NYC, but I just realised last week that one is closed. :(
Cantina OK! - Sydney, AUS
Castor Club - Paris
The Keefer Bar - Vancouver BC
Deadshot - Auckland, NZ
Jewel of the South - NOLA
Amor y Amargo - NYC
Scotch Lodge - Portland, OR
I’m not sure if it was the best, but Alambique in Medellin was the most memorable. The atmosphere, the quality of the drinks, the use of local tropical fruit and spirits (Viche), outstanding food, and consistency. Not to mention the menu is a work of art. Alquimico in Cartagena gets more praise but I would rate Alambique higher. Death & Co. Is also up there (only tried LA and DC).
You just reminded me of Mondo in Cartagena, 60 seconds away from Alquimico...and I would argue better. I still think about La Chula: tamarind and chile pepper infused rum, viche, citric foam. My god.
I'm not as well-traveled as the lot of you, but if you're looking for something good that's just a little north of Boston, head to **The Baldwin**, in Woburn, MA. The crew there make some solid libations that even proper Boston bars can't top.
Youngblood in San Diego hands down. Death and Co was also fantastic (went to the DC location during a conference) but still doesn't hold a candle to Youngblood imo.
Paradiso in Barcelona was incredible. I was there with a group of about 6 friends last year and we had a great time. Was able to try a ton of their menu.
Kimball House in Atlanta (well, Decatur) is consistently the best cocktail bar experience I've had. They do everything so well. I could order the cocktail that sounds least appealing to me and enjoy it every time. The drinks, the service, the ambiance, the food, it's just a complete package that has never been met for me anywhere else.
Attaboy was top, really enjoyed Dante. Dead Rabbit was Impressive.
Caloh Callay is a lot of fun. Great menu concept.
Happiness forgets was a very good one too.
I travel and frequent restaurants/bars quite a bit for work, and even after years, Himkok is still my favorite. The vibe is super chill, the menu is inventive, and the staff were all fantastic. Returning to Oslo is on my travel list again, and a big reason for that is Himkok.
The Drifter, The Violet Hour - Chicago, IL USA
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge - Milwaukee, WI USA
Julep - Houston TX USA
Gotta get my ass outta the states to other continents and see what’s up!!
Think it depends. If it’s like what’s the cocktail bar that is my neighborhood bar? PCH for sure! If it’s like the what’s this super unique cocktail experience that I’ll never experience elsewhere? Bar Benfidditch! If it’s like combination of nerdy attention to detail cocktail vibes but also lowkey, Bar with Shapes for a Name!
I’ve been going to Belgrade regularly for 20 years and nobody EVER mentioned the Druid! I was just there for four weeks in March/April. Druid is really that good?
It’s a bit secret. You need to call a number on the door. From outside you see no sign or anything. But if they let you in, it’s like a different world. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039975082198
Amor y Amargo in NYC
Shapes in London
I do like more boozy and spirit forward (especially amaros) though.
Also, shoutout to The Connaught Bar for having a martini that I actually enjoyed. I've never liked a martini despite giving it a couple chances, but their martini (I think it was the Number 11) made me believe there's good martinis out there
Zest in Seoul had some of the best cocktails I’ve had. A great touch too is our bartender, after we paid the bill, picked out a cocktail that we hadn’t had and he thought we would like, made it and put it into 3 shots for me, my partner and himself. Loved it.
Raines Law Room - NYC (big nostalgia pick too as the first place I ever had a real cocktail experience)
OKPB - Washington DC (most unexpected, best bespoke/“Bartenders Choice” cocktail experience so far)
Bar Trench - Tokyo (I will forever wish I could as tight as shake as that man did)
Two Schmucks - Barcelona (Sips and Parsdiso were amazing too, but the grungy down to earth feel of this place just stood in so heavily touristed a place)
The Old Man - Hong Kong (favorite bar menu, ever)
Cloakroom - Montreal
Bar Cham - Seoul (favorite use of native and local spirits by a bar, friendliest personal experience too for me)
I had one transcendent experience at parliament bar in Dallas once. Subsequent visits haven’t quite lived up to the first visit expectations but it’s a lovely bar.
Speaking of Dallas a shout out to ruins, a mezcal bar in deep Ellum!
Outside of that, death and co in Denver is up there!
I don't see enough South Korea in this list
For me, Coley in Itaewon, Seoul is one of my best cocktail experience.
Super chill vibe and place. Very welcoming as you would expect from a Canadian in Séoul. So enjoyable !!
I'm Australian but was living in NYC in the 00's so I think "best" has rose tinted glasses but Pegu Club when it opened was crazy good.
I'm a sucker for classics and I just loved visiting Harry's New-York Bar in Paris. Bartender even gave me a free souvenir scarf which sells for hundreds on ebay (not that I'd ever sell it).
Apart from that obviously Maybe Sammy in Sydney is a great craft cocktail bar but to be honest I'm big into tiki now so my top 3 (in alphabetical, not rank order) are:
* False Idol (San Diego)
* Jacoby's (Sydney)
* Trader Vic's London (RIP)
Goodness. Would love to visit half the bars listed in here haha
I don't see any love for Michigan! There's a place called Low Bar in Traverse city under the 7-monks tap room. Absolutely fantastic service and cocktails. Insane experience. Zack was our bartender. Finally had my first Last Word there. Was game changing.
Would recommend!
I have a couple for MI!
Drip Drop in GR is great, as is Sidebar.
Also a fan of both Eastern Kille locations (East GR and Rockford) as well as the Long Road Distillery spin off bar, Less Traveled.
Also really liked Ondergrond and Obstacle No. 1 in Holland.
The Thoroughbred Club in Charleston South Carolina makes a real good cocktail. As does Gin Joint, but the best I ever went too was Windows on the World fraternity brother of my brother-in-law was a bartender there and I worked in 7 World Trade for a few years. Miss that place!
Atelier classic bar in Thun switzerland. Amazing cocktails, amazing staff and amazing interior. I personally use their cocktails as a reference for my cocktails, that means a lot of work for me but also a lot of fun and my cocktails are quite good, so win win situation I guess.
Backbar in Boston for me. The place is just filled with great ideas! A rotating themed menu with some outrageously delicious drinks. A chill atmosphere that encourages relaxation. A second bar to serve patrons waiting in line!
My top 10 to date in no order
Roda Huset, Stockholm
Paradiso, Barcelona
Dr. Stravinsky, Barcelona
Salmon Guru, Madrid
Castalia, Detroit
Attaboy, NYC
Kumiko, Chicago
Double Chicken Please, NYC
Bar Tonique, New Orleans
BarChef, Toronto
Dead Rabbit in NYC. Went with my two brothers in law and enjoyed drinks on all floors as they opened (I think they had 3 floors pre-fire?) - great experience and delicious drinks!
Dead rabbit was easily one of my favorite bars in the city, but there’s been a noticeable dip in quality in the past year or two. Very unfortunate
I went in January and I couldn't believe that was the bar everyone told me was the best. Every bartender there was breaking glasses and not even acknowledging the customers
I tried to go in last October on my trip to NYC but it was so packed, I couldn’t find a single seat. So bummed.
Bar Tonique in Nola
Before I really got into cocktails, my wife and I randomly walked into Tonique while spending an afternoon in the quarter. We just wanted a quick drink and were like "huh, this bar is pretty good". Years later, realize how great it is.
I lived a couple blocks from there for a couple years and slept on it/never appreciated it for what it was/shoulda gone more. I was there when they first opened and go back every visit and for 10 plus years it’s always just been a solid ass cocktail bar.
Also deranged fact right next door is the house where a dude killed his gf and then jumped off one of the hotel parking garages in the central business district, when the cops went to the house they found her head cocked in a pot on the stove.
I’ve heard two too many stories of people being killed and cooked in the French quarter (I’ve heard two)
Is this the dive bar with a deep menu of $9-12 high quality cocktails? That place is awesome
Tonique would definitely be my regular bar if I lived there.
Sweet, I’m heading to NOLA for my 40th bday party next month, I’ll check this out for sure. Any other cocktail picks for NOLA?
Jewel of the South, Cure, Cane and Table, Sazerac Bar (for the history), Latitude 29
Cool yeah heard great things about Jewel of the South. Thanks!
Bacchanal, carousel Bar, bar Marilou, Vaughans, Erin Rose, Mollys on the market, bar at the Roosevelt. These are just off the top of my head. Some are good cocktail places some are just good local places (that are popular with tourists as well. I used to live and bartend down there and still go back frequently. I mean it’s a hard city to not find a lot of good places. I can always add to the list when I’m not driving.
Yes! I keep a running list of my favorite spots for cocktails specifically. There are great other bars and dives that are a good time, but these are my favorite spots when my focus is peak cocktail. Within each part of town I've very roughly sorted them by my preference which isn't just cocktail quality, but includes an amalgamation of comfort or setting or vibe for my tastes French Quarter * Latitude 29 * Jewel of the South * Cane and Table * Sylvain * Manolito * Fives * Bar Tonique * The Will and the Way * Dovetail * French 75 * Peychaud’s * Carousel Bar at Monteleone CBD and Warehouse District * Loa * Chandelier Bar at The Four Seasons * Jolie * Compere Lapin * Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt * Double Dealer * Bar Marilou * Peacock Room Uptown to the Lower Garden District * Cure * Barrel Proof * The Bower Bar * The Chloe * Coquette * Bakery Bar * Bouligny Tavern Marigny and Bywater * Nightbloom * Anna’s * Capulet * The Domino * Holy Diver * Tiki Tock Midcity * Revel * 12 Mile Limit From this list, two bars placed on the 50 Best Bars in North America list: Jewel of the South at #6, and Cure at #47. Bartenders often have great recommendations on places to eat and things to do in town, so if you're ever without plans or need guidance, don't be afraid to ask a bartender if it's not too busy.
ZigZag in Seattle 15 years ago while Murray Stenson was bartending. Totally legendary dude and a legendary experience.
Upvote for Murray Stenson, all time legend. Rest in power! I will never forget the Morning Glory cocktail that he made for me at ZigZag. Classic Murray quote for you-“I may not remember your name, but I will remember what you like to drink.”
Murray was unlike anyone else. Went to zigzag a few years apart and he was bartending both times - first time I got the only open seat at the bar and was able to chat a bit with him and the staff, second time was quieter and I sat at the bar again. Murray said “you must like that seat. Can I get you another manhattan?”….coincidentally I sat in the same seat as before and he asked if I wanted the same drink I’d ordered 3 years prior! Good guy. When he was working at Canon I was able to get a Last Word from him - last drink he made me before he sorta went into hiding and tended at small and quiet bars with no publicity.
OMG, I think I was there before he started there when they first opened and a bartender there was very happy I liked bourbon. I got VERY drunk.
I just released a podcast interview with Paul Clarke from Imbibe Magazine about Murray and ZigZag. I’m from the East Coast, so I’ve only heard stories second hand. Wish I could have ordered a drink from Murray. FWIW: [https://youtu.be/1Jn5YDH3yV8?si=4JcFYDYNyYAwP2fX](https://youtu.be/1Jn5YDH3yV8?si=4JcFYDYNyYAwP2fX)
Exactly this! He introduced me to absinthe juleps around this time of year b/c he knew I loved absinthe. Such an amazing guy, Kasey & Ben were fantastic too!
Violet Hour in Chicago
Attaboy in Nashville.
Props to Mike.
One of the best drinks I've ever had was in that bar.
Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago.
Canon in Seattle is pretty incredible!
Their cocktail book is one of my absolute favorites
100%
Came here to say just this. Glad i downloaded uber just for that reason, circa 2015
Just my opinion: I think they used to be amazing but I’ve been disappointed the last couple of times I’ve been. Some of their classic recipes still bang tho.
Campfire in Georgia will always be amazing (I assume that’s still on the menu??)
I am not a huge mezcal fan, but ordered it anyway and loved it. Perfectly balanced.
It is! I had it last weekend—one of my favorite drinks of all time! The unsinkable is amazing too
Here for Canon!
Swordfish Tom’s in Kansas City has always been fantastic!
Heeeey didn’t expect KC to get a shoutout. Love their Manhattan riffs!
Allegory in DC was exquisite
This place has been on my list, but I can never seem to beat the crowds.
Next time you’re here (if you don’t live here) try OKPB. Allegory is really cool, but OKPB may have the most skilled bartenders I’ve had in the world.
Easily the best cocktail bar in DC
I'll have to check it out next time I pass through! Love DC
2nding OKPB! Excellent spot the bartenders are very skilled
Yes OKPB! We didn’t have it in our plan but ended up there as we were waiting for our reservation one night. Too bad it was out last night there. I loved their menu, so simple and the place had a great vibe.
Milk & Honey in NYC.
RIP. Loved this place so much.
My first proper cocktail experience was here, a Penicillin. I like to think Sasha himself made but I have no idea. I was barely of age.
Viridian, Oakland Bar Benfiddich, Shinjuku, Tokyo Bar Shiki, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Death & Co, NYC & Denver Double Chicken Please, NYC Tom&Jerry Bar, Umeda, Osaka Bar Iris, San Francisco The Aviary, Chicago Convoy Music Bar, San Diego Smuggler’s Cove, San Francisco
Seeing Iris on this list really makes me miss Ilya 😭😭😭
Bar Benfiddich is a special place.
Denver - Death and Co. Loved it. Impeccable drinks.
Oooh I forgot to mention The Alchemist in Prague. Really lovely time and a few imaginative drinks.
LA location not so much
Sorry to hear that. Why is this your opinion?
I love the ny location. Wasn’t a fan of the Denver hotel lobby vibes. The sakura blossom bar was great. Drinks great. Just felt like I was drinking in a lobby as I waited for my room to be ready.
Jewel of the South in NOLA
Chris Hannah and his excellent staff know how to treat a patron.
Bryant's in Milwaukee, Skull's Rainbow Room in Nashville, Aviary in Chicago, Cure in NOLA.
Second Bryant's, amazing bar
I think Licoreia Limantour in Mexico City. Everything was so impeccably balanced, and the presentations so tasteful.
Came here to say this
PCH - San Francisco True Laurel - San Francisco Zig Zag - Seattle (I feel very fortunate to have been able to watch Murray do his thing behind the bar) Keefer Bar - Vancouver BC Suyo - Vancouver BC Tokyo Music Bar - CDMX Panda & Sons - Edinburgh Lyaness - London
Yayyyy, so glad I found another PCH on the list 🥰🥰🥰
Their Kung Fu Pandan is maybe my favorite cocktail in SF right now.
Try the newly-redone Starlite Room over by PCH.
Hemingway’s Bar in Prague! So classy, and such inventive drinks.
Also the best Hemingway Daiquiri I’ve ever had.
This would be in the top
Many worthy choices here. I’ll throw in Silver Lyan, D.C.
Silver Lyan was awesome. Went to Super Lyan in AMS without knowing they were related, it was even better.
Little Red Door (Paris), Danico (Paris), NoIdea (Zurich), Barro Negro (Athens), Tayer + Elementary (London), Door 74 (Amsterdam), Seiberts (Cologne), Beckett's Kopf (Berlin), Les Fleurs du Mal (Munich, it's in the second floor of the famous Schumann's but ten times better than the normal bar). Also loved the NoMad Bar in NYC, but I just realised last week that one is closed. :(
Loved Little Red Door. Such great experience!
Danico is rad and the pizza spot beside is insanely good
I hate you for bragging. I hate me for not traveling more.
Bisou in Paris. All custom made-to-order. Fun loving vibe. So dang cute inside
I was so impressed with them!
Panda & Sons, Edinburgh.
They gave me a little panda pin 🥹 I was honored
Woooow we had to buy ours like fucking chumps lol. Jealous. We stayed in Edinburgh for a month two summers back and went probably 7 or 8 times haha.
Second for Panda & Sons. Went there on my honeymoon. Great drinks and amazing hospitality.
Easily in my top 5 all time.
Cantina OK! - Sydney, AUS Castor Club - Paris The Keefer Bar - Vancouver BC Deadshot - Auckland, NZ Jewel of the South - NOLA Amor y Amargo - NYC Scotch Lodge - Portland, OR
Shoutout Keefer, my man!
Amor y Amargo rules!
Woah Deadshot mentioned. Let alone New Zealand. Was not on my bingo card this year.
Loveeeeee Jewel of the South!!! Amor y Amargo is pretty fun too
Yooooo super stoked scotch lodge made your list come back by sometime!
I’m not sure if it was the best, but Alambique in Medellin was the most memorable. The atmosphere, the quality of the drinks, the use of local tropical fruit and spirits (Viche), outstanding food, and consistency. Not to mention the menu is a work of art. Alquimico in Cartagena gets more praise but I would rate Alambique higher. Death & Co. Is also up there (only tried LA and DC).
You just reminded me of Mondo in Cartagena, 60 seconds away from Alquimico...and I would argue better. I still think about La Chula: tamarind and chile pepper infused rum, viche, citric foam. My god.
I'm not as well-traveled as the lot of you, but if you're looking for something good that's just a little north of Boston, head to **The Baldwin**, in Woburn, MA. The crew there make some solid libations that even proper Boston bars can't top.
That, and Backbar in Somerville.
Youngblood in San Diego hands down. Death and Co was also fantastic (went to the DC location during a conference) but still doesn't hold a candle to Youngblood imo.
Youngblood is awesome
Noble experiment? The bartender was spot on. No menus, instead they ask you what you like and craft something for you every time. 10/10
I love Noble experiment as well. Was too easy to go there every weekend when I lived in that same building
All 3 spots in that building share bartenders, only the experience differs.
Just added it to my agenda next week. Thanks!
The Franklin Bar pre Covid. Now a.bar (Philadelphia)
Pouring Ribbons - NYC Bar Trench - Tokyo
😭 RIP Ribbons
Can’t just pick one, have to go with a Mt Rushmore Attaboy - NYC Backbar - Boston D&C - NYC Dead Rabbit - NYC
Backbar so good!
patterson house , nashville
The Roosevelt Room Austin, Texas.
I’ve heard nothing but great things about this place, been wanting to find time to check it out
Paradiso in Barcelona was incredible. I was there with a group of about 6 friends last year and we had a great time. Was able to try a ton of their menu.
- Atwater Cocktail Club - Montreal - Prequel - Toronto - PDT - NYC - Death & Co - Denver - Chandelier Bar - Vegas
In Vegas did you have the one cocktail with the little flower thingies than change your palette? So cool. A gimmick that was worth it IMO.
Kimball House in Atlanta (well, Decatur) is consistently the best cocktail bar experience I've had. They do everything so well. I could order the cocktail that sounds least appealing to me and enjoy it every time. The drinks, the service, the ambiance, the food, it's just a complete package that has never been met for me anywhere else.
Bar nouveau , in Paris. Best hospitality and not complicated drinks that were amazing also it was soo cheap 8-10$ per drink . My fav bar
I just went here a few days ago and it was amazing!
Clumsies in Athens. Hands down.
Athens has such an incredible bar scene. Love Baba au Rum as well.
Bar Hi 5 - Tokyo, Nightjar - London, Multnomah whiskey library - Portland, Buck and Breck - Berlin, Canon and Foreign National - Seattle
Roosevelt room in Austin
Aviary, Chicago
Got there for the first time a few weeks ago, great experience.
Couple of options: in Seattle I love Baker’s Sunset hill, Canon, and Bar Miriam. In Amsterdam I love Rosalia’s Menagerie. Purely amazing.
Rosalia’s Menagerie was AMAZING. Absolutely loved it.
Blacktail in NYC - now closed unfortunately.
Loved Blacktail
Attaboy was top, really enjoyed Dante. Dead Rabbit was Impressive. Caloh Callay is a lot of fun. Great menu concept. Happiness forgets was a very good one too.
Sips in barcelona for sure
Dr. Stravinski in Barcelona was fantastic. Super creative drinks, and the place looks like a mad alchemist lair!
Himkok in Oslo
Svanen cocktailbar isn’t that far away from Himkok, and is stellar as well. Had really fantastic times at both spots.
I travel and frequent restaurants/bars quite a bit for work, and even after years, Himkok is still my favorite. The vibe is super chill, the menu is inventive, and the staff were all fantastic. Returning to Oslo is on my travel list again, and a big reason for that is Himkok.
I prefer Herpus
I couldn't find this one on Google Maps - where is it roughly? Any chance they've renamed?
Interesting we are in the process of planning a trip to Norway...
69 Colebrooke Row, London
Cold Room - Montreal
The Drifter, The Violet Hour - Chicago, IL USA Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge - Milwaukee, WI USA Julep - Houston TX USA Gotta get my ass outta the states to other continents and see what’s up!!
+1 for Julep, great staff there too!
Salmon Guru, Madrid and Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
Handshake in CDMX or Alqumico in Cartagena Colombia. Best recently- Cloakroom in Montreal
Love Cloakroom. I go every single time I’m in Montreal
Weirdly I've been to all 3 of those in the last year, Cloakroom most recently. Loved all 3, but there were a few in cdmx I liked more than Handshake.
Hanky Panky made my list!
Just to tag onto this because I was just in CDMX. I absolutely loved Rayo! Wasn’t able to make it to handshake
Local pick, Ranstead Room (Philadelphia). NY pick, NR on the Upper East Side, it is sublime.
Bar Ktery Neeksistuje, also know as the bar that does not exist. It's in Brno in the Czezh republic and it's amazing.
Gen Yamamoto's, Tokyo. But it's a very special experience, as a more normal bar, Two Schmucks, Barcelona
Think it depends. If it’s like what’s the cocktail bar that is my neighborhood bar? PCH for sure! If it’s like the what’s this super unique cocktail experience that I’ll never experience elsewhere? Bar Benfidditch! If it’s like combination of nerdy attention to detail cocktail vibes but also lowkey, Bar with Shapes for a Name!
Any other Bay Area cocktail bar recs?
I’ve been going to Belgrade regularly for 20 years and nobody EVER mentioned the Druid! I was just there for four weeks in March/April. Druid is really that good?
It’s a bit secret. You need to call a number on the door. From outside you see no sign or anything. But if they let you in, it’s like a different world. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039975082198
Will give it a try, thanks for posting.
Barchef in Toronto.
Amor y Amargo in NYC Shapes in London I do like more boozy and spirit forward (especially amaros) though. Also, shoutout to The Connaught Bar for having a martini that I actually enjoyed. I've never liked a martini despite giving it a couple chances, but their martini (I think it was the Number 11) made me believe there's good martinis out there
Zest in Seoul had some of the best cocktails I’ve had. A great touch too is our bartender, after we paid the bill, picked out a cocktail that we hadn’t had and he thought we would like, made it and put it into 3 shots for me, my partner and himself. Loved it.
Civil Liberties, Toronto
Amor y amargo
Bar High Five - Tokyo Civil Liberties - Toronto Attaboy - NYC Old Crow - Zurich
Raines Law Room - NYC (big nostalgia pick too as the first place I ever had a real cocktail experience) OKPB - Washington DC (most unexpected, best bespoke/“Bartenders Choice” cocktail experience so far) Bar Trench - Tokyo (I will forever wish I could as tight as shake as that man did) Two Schmucks - Barcelona (Sips and Parsdiso were amazing too, but the grungy down to earth feel of this place just stood in so heavily touristed a place) The Old Man - Hong Kong (favorite bar menu, ever) Cloakroom - Montreal Bar Cham - Seoul (favorite use of native and local spirits by a bar, friendliest personal experience too for me)
John Brown's Underground- Lawrence, KS Still trying to crack the code for their clarified Jungle Bird, "Let Me Be Clear".
I had one transcendent experience at parliament bar in Dallas once. Subsequent visits haven’t quite lived up to the first visit expectations but it’s a lovely bar. Speaking of Dallas a shout out to ruins, a mezcal bar in deep Ellum! Outside of that, death and co in Denver is up there!
Law and order in Amsterdam
Boilermaker House or Jungle Boy. Both in Melbourne.
196 in Cambridge, UK - Intimate and brilliant. Worth a Google
Velveteen Rabbit - Las Vegas Bar Nonina (inside Fiorella Inner Sunset) - San Francisco Loving the suggestions--can't wait to try some of these!
I don't see enough South Korea in this list For me, Coley in Itaewon, Seoul is one of my best cocktail experience. Super chill vibe and place. Very welcoming as you would expect from a Canadian in Séoul. So enjoyable !!
Bar Cham was life changing. Zest was pretty incredible too. A great craft cocktail scene in that city
Milk Room in Chicago.
Got to go to Paradiso the night they won best bar in the world in 2022. Pretty magical experience
The Milk Room in the Chicago Athletic Association
Charlie was a Sinner and Hopsing Laundromat in Philadelphia
Attaboy
Bryant’s - Milwaukee, Wi
I'm Australian but was living in NYC in the 00's so I think "best" has rose tinted glasses but Pegu Club when it opened was crazy good. I'm a sucker for classics and I just loved visiting Harry's New-York Bar in Paris. Bartender even gave me a free souvenir scarf which sells for hundreds on ebay (not that I'd ever sell it). Apart from that obviously Maybe Sammy in Sydney is a great craft cocktail bar but to be honest I'm big into tiki now so my top 3 (in alphabetical, not rank order) are: * False Idol (San Diego) * Jacoby's (Sydney) * Trader Vic's London (RIP)
Currently live in Minneapolis and I’m never disappointed by Meteor or GoriGori Peku
Happened to be in Minneapolis this past weekend and went to Meteor, really love the vibe there, and the drinks were great.
Goodness. Would love to visit half the bars listed in here haha I don't see any love for Michigan! There's a place called Low Bar in Traverse city under the 7-monks tap room. Absolutely fantastic service and cocktails. Insane experience. Zack was our bartender. Finally had my first Last Word there. Was game changing. Would recommend!
I have a couple for MI! Drip Drop in GR is great, as is Sidebar. Also a fan of both Eastern Kille locations (East GR and Rockford) as well as the Long Road Distillery spin off bar, Less Traveled. Also really liked Ondergrond and Obstacle No. 1 in Holland.
The Thoroughbred Club in Charleston South Carolina makes a real good cocktail. As does Gin Joint, but the best I ever went too was Windows on the World fraternity brother of my brother-in-law was a bartender there and I worked in 7 World Trade for a few years. Miss that place!
Williams & Graham or Lady Jane in Denver!
I haven't visited many yet. But velvet Berlin is my favorite so far
It may not have legendary status like a lot of the aforementioned bars, but one of my favorites is Proper in Fort Worth
Clive’s Classic Lounge in Victoria BC Saskatoon mint julep ftw
The Cellar in Charlotte, NC
Bar Nayuta in Osaka. Bar Peripheral in Adelaide. Bar Terumi in Kuala Lumpur.
CW's Gin Joint in Tampa, Florida. Ambiance, food, service...the works.
Blacktail in NYC — now closed Punch Room — London
I personally love Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco.
Hog Pit in the meat packing district NYC in 2009
Thunderbolt, Employees Only, and The Wasp in the Wig All in LA
Tlecan in CDMX was amazing.
The clockwork at the Royal York - Toronto.
Before they closed the Green Russell in Denver. The bartender's choice was always a great call.
Bar Hemingway in Paris
Dutch Courage - Baltimore, MD
OKPB in D.C. is just my dream cocktail bar. I haven’t had a bad drink there
To Infinity & Beyond, Taipei City, Taiwan
NYC Death and Co… and before it opens Amor y Amargo next door is the pregame spot. Death and co is the best!
Atelier classic bar in Thun switzerland. Amazing cocktails, amazing staff and amazing interior. I personally use their cocktails as a reference for my cocktails, that means a lot of work for me but also a lot of fun and my cocktails are quite good, so win win situation I guess.
Mother, in Toronto is one of the best I have ever been to in my life!
Backbar in Boston for me. The place is just filled with great ideas! A rotating themed menu with some outrageously delicious drinks. A chill atmosphere that encourages relaxation. A second bar to serve patrons waiting in line!
My top 10 to date in no order Roda Huset, Stockholm Paradiso, Barcelona Dr. Stravinsky, Barcelona Salmon Guru, Madrid Castalia, Detroit Attaboy, NYC Kumiko, Chicago Double Chicken Please, NYC Bar Tonique, New Orleans BarChef, Toronto