19 of the Most Unique Bars in the United States

LondonHouse 🍸 Chicago

Contributed by Alina of World of Lina

Another one of the many unique bars in the US can be found in the windy city of Chicago. Right at Michigan Avenue, you can take in breathtaking views of the iconic riverwalk from the top of LondonHouse Chicago.

The tri-level rooftop bar serves food and drinks and the dress code is smart casual. You can choose between the indoor bar or the main, large outdoor terrace. On the third level, there’s a small space underneath a cupola where you can book private dining in an exclusive setting. 

You don’t necessarily need a reservation, however, due to its popularity, it’s usually very crowded in the evenings. No wonder, sipping a refreshing cocktail while enjoying stunning views of the City’s skyscrapers and the Chicago river is one of the best things to do in Chicago! 

Pied Piper 🍸 San Francisco, CA

Contributed by Carole Terwilliger Meyers of Berkeley and Beyond.

It isn’t a surprise to discover that a truly grande hotel such as the Palace in San Francisco, established in 1875, boasts some very special public rooms.  Located in the SOMA neighborhood, it was once the world’s largest and most luxurious hotel, and it was the world’s first hotel with electrical lighting and an elevator. 

The hotel’s Pied Piper bar is heavy with interesting original art and is named for the giant 6-foot by 16-foot, 1909 Maxfield Parrish “Pied Piper of Hamelin” painting that hangs behind its bar.  The painting depicts the famous pied piper of Hamelin, Germany, leading locals out of town (the artist includes images of both his wife and mistress and of himself as the piper).  More art, including two Antonio Sotomayor murals, one depicting Mark Twain, hang in a lounge entered at the back of the bar.  Seating includes at the bar as well as at tables and in booths.  Martinis are popular here but don’t miss the runaway favorite signature cocktail–The Last Cocktail, made with gin, lemon juice, organic pear juice, rosemary syrup, and Prosecco.  Especially delicious selections on the small bar menu include both burrata on nutty country bread and succulent chicken wings with sweet Asian dipping sauce, but lobster mac ‘n cheese and a steak are also options. 

The Grizzly Rose 🍸 Denver, Colorado

Contributed by Amber of Amber Everywhere

The Grizzly Rose is a western-themed bar located in Denver about 15 minutes north of downtown. This massive saloon houses two mechanical bulls, a stage, a dance floor complete with disco balls shaped like steer heads, and an arcade with pool tables and other games. Country music legends including Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Willie Nelson, and Taylor Swift have all played on the Grizzly Rose stage over the years, and you can see photos from their performances along one of the back walls. The drinks are simple, mostly beer and mixed drinks, at reasonable prices.

January is the best time to visit the Grizzly Rose because the nearby National Western Stock Show draws in crowds from across Colorado and the surrounding states. You can visit the Grizzly Rose to learn to line dance, meet people from all across the western US, and try your hand at riding a mechanical bull. Even if western bars aren’t usually your thing, it’s worth a visit to see another side of Denver’s history and culture that is still very much alive and well. 

If you decide to visit the Grizzly Rose on a night when they’re hosting a concert, consider buying your ticket in advance so that you don’t get turned away at the door. 

The Spotted Owl 🍸 Cleveland, OH

Contributed by Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust

The Spotted Owl, located in Cleveland, OH in the midwestern United States serves up creative high-end cocktails in an unusual setting.  The bar is situated in the trendy Tremont neighborhood outside downtown Cleveland, just steps away from some of the city’s nicest restaurants. The bar is housed in a moody, dark-lit space in a building that once housed a 19th-century press for religious materials.

Today, you’ll find a nod to this pious past with the stained-glass windows behind the bar, which come from an old Baptist church.  The space is small, catering to intimate conversations while sipping one of the many hand-crafted cocktails from The Spotted Owl’s simple, understated menu.  The current iteration features cocktails named with themes from Ohio history and culture.  However, the menu changes periodically, such as with special summer and Christmas editions.

The most fun way to order a drink at The Spotted Owl is via the “cocktail wheel”.  This is the bar’s whimsical method of serving you a totally customized cocktail based on your mood.  All you have to do is choose your vibe and your flavors.

The Chart Room 🍸 Key West, FL

Contributed by Vince DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure

Jimmy Buffet fans have likely heard song lyrics about this bar, but few ventures past Sloppy Joe’s or Captain Tony’s to find the bar that gave birth to a musician and a lifestyle. Tucked into an unassuming hotel room (yes, a hotel room not a hotel bar) you will find The Chart Room Bar.

Well worth the hunt, this is where Mel Fisher charted his plans to find treasures and where Jimmy got his start. Legend has it the bar has made it through the years due to an obscure Florida law making it illegal to remove human remains. The remains of its regulars were placed in the bar. Go early and stay late. The bartender has great stories!

The Barefoot Bar at Duke’s 🍸 Waikiki

Contributed by Deb Hendricks of Introvert with Itchy Feet

If you’re looking for a unique bar and an iconic Hawaiian beach bar experience, you can’t do better than the Barefoot Bar at Duke’s Waikiki in Hawaii, USA. Located in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Duke’s opened in 1992 to honor the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. Duke took the sport of surfing, once known only in Hawaii, to the world. Today statues are built in his honor as far away as Australia, and the sport is popular across the globe. You’ll find people chasing the waves on Africa’s Skeleton Coast, in Máncora, Peru, and on Enoshima Beach in Japan – all because of this one Hawaiian man.

When you stroll down the beach on Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue, leave a lei on the statue of Duke on your way to The Barefoot Bar. Here you’ll not only honor the man and the sport, you’ll also have one of the best Mai Tais on the island. Enjoy a prime spot overlooking the beach to mellow out to live music, have your first hula pie, and ask yourself why you can’t stay forever.

Snake & Jake’s Christmas Lounge 🍸 New Orleans, LA

Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure

When visiting the bartenders will likely even ask, “How in the world did you hear about us?” This small house converted to a bar is lit only by a couple of strands of Christmas lights and home to a small group of locals and a “shot” taking bar dog. You won’t find a TV where everyone gets lost in a game or news story. You will find great conversation and fun!

Head into the residential neighborhood of New Orleans, park on the street, and don’t forget to buy the dog a “shot.” (The shot is just kibble but he jumps onto the barstool to eat it and the shot price is donated to a local animal charity. I don’t think this bar even qualifies as a dive bar as much as it feels like you’ve been invited into a home for a few drinks.

Sip ‘N Dip Lounge 🍸 Great Falls, MT

Contributed by Theresa Goodrich of The Local Tourist

Great Falls, Montana, is probably the last place you’d expect to find mermaids, but that’s exactly where you’ll find the Sip ‘N Dip Lounge. Located in the O’Haire Motor Inn, this is definitely one of the unique things to do in Montana. As you belly up to this Tiki-themed bar, you’ll be entertained by mermaids swimming in the motel’s pool. 

The bar opened in 1962, but the mermaids have only been part of the scenery since the mid-1990s. The finned wonders generally swim Monday through Saturday after 6 p.m., and children are allowed into the bar until 8 p.m. and they host Sunday brunch a couple of times a month, so the whole family can see them.

Sunken Harbor Club 🍸 Brooklyn, NY

Contributed by Megan of Your Brooklyn Guide 

Located in Downtown Brooklyn hidden above the swanky historic restaurant Gage and Tollner that’s been around since 1882. The Sunken Harbor Club is one of the mode unique bars in the US because it’s a cool nautical-themed cocktail lounge that feels straight out of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Guests feel like they’re in the bowels of a pirate ship in the intimate bar setting complete with ambient wave sounds that feel like they’re hitting the sides of the ship!

They specialize in cocktails and have an extensive list, some even come out in themed cups or come out with an open flame.

They also have small bites if you’re feeling snackish, but if you want a meal it’s best to head downstairs.

Ice Plant Bar 🍸 St. Augustine, Florida

Contributed by Erin of Super Simple Salty Life

For an upscale and unique bar experience, visit the Ice Plant Bar in the nation’s oldest town, St. Augustine. The “Ice Plant” building dates back to 1927 and historically was a factory for huge blocks of ice. The original crane used to pick up the ice blocks is still present in this modernized factory, along with exposed brick walls and soaring ceilings.

The Ice Plant Bar focuses on the “art of the craft” in cocktail making, creating unique and tasty concoctions made with fresh house-pressed juices, unique bitters, specially developed syrups, and (of course!) three different kinds of ice. Serving fresh farm-to-table lunch and dinner dishes to go with the luxurious cocktails, the menu lists items made with grass-fed beef, locally sourced seafood, and delicious vegetarian options. The historical building offers multiple seating areas: The large indoor restaurant, two wrap-around bars, and an upstairs outdoor bar seating area- a great place for people-watching and enjoying the tropical Florida weather.

Carousel Bar 🍸 New Orleans, LA

Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure

More than seventy years ago, someone had an idea to put a working carousel in the bar at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. Today that carousel still spins while patrons sip cocktails on barstools.

The Carousel Bar will be a crowded bar, but well worth the stop. Give the Vieux Carré a try while you spin.

Aurora Ice Museum 🍸 Fairbanks, Alaska

Contributed by Michele from Slow Traveling Cat

Are you looking for an appletini with a side of adventure? Look no further than the Aurora Ice Museum, located in Chena Hot Springs by Fairbanks, Alaska. Known as the world’s largest, year-round ice museum, this structure was created in 2005 using over 1000 tons of ice. In order to access this unique bar, you’ll need to sign up for a “tour” of the museum. For the tour, you can expect a 15-minute talk about its history and some fun facts about a few of its ice sculptures. Once the talk is over, the bar is open for guests to enjoy a handmade appletini in a glass made of ice!

After your visit to the bar, you’ll be free to browse the full museum with your cocktail. Make sure to check out the hotel rooms in the back, which feature beds completely made of ice. If you are a brave soul, go and talk to the front desk about booking a night there. For real, you can actually do that! Once your visit to the Aurora Ice Museum is complete, make sure to follow tradition by taking your ice martini glass outside and then making a wish as you smash it on the ground. Now how often do you get to end a night out by smashing your glass on the ground?