From mermaids in Montana to dogs taking shots to real-life bars songs have been written about. We asked pro travelers for their top picks of unique bars in America and discovered oddities to add to your must-see list!
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Flora Bama 🍸 Florida-Alabama State Line
Contributed by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
Arguably one of the most famous beach bars in the world, Flora-Bama is iconically located along a gorgeous beachfront at the state line of Florida and Alabama. Flora-Bama can be reached by stellar coastal scenic drives from either state. So much more than a single bar, Flora-Bama has five separate stages which host live music every night of the year—be sure to see the stage surrounded by thousands of bras. Or choose your favorite beachside bar setting for amazing sunsets, people-watching, or just chilling. And if you visit Flora-Bama after the Spring Break mayhem, try to catch the Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, the legendary Flora-Bama Mullet Toss (last April weekend). Participants toss a mullet (local Gulf of Mexico fish) from a spot on the Florida side onto the Alabama side. Winners receive prizes and all proceeds are donated to local charities.
Food is available from several Flora-Bama areas, including their Oyster Bar and two sit-down restaurants. Flora-Bama has a full marina, across the street from the bar complex, with Jet Ski and boat rentals. But, my friends, as if that is not enough, the most unique thing about Flora-Bama is that it offers church services every Sunday. The service tagline is, “It is OK to be not OK” and occasional attendees (like me) attend service with a Bushwacker, a frozen drink popularized by Flora-Bama. You must try it, whether or not at a church service!
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.
Kani Ka Pila 🍸 Waikiki, HI
Contributed by Noel Morata with This Hawaii Life
When you are exploring around Honolulu in Oahu for some cool bars to explore then place Kani Ka Pila on your must visit spots around Waikiki to visit. Located right on Waikiki at the Outrigger hotel, the pool and bar area with round tables is always popular so reservations are a must.
Kani Ka Pila – in Waikiki offers amazing live entertainers around this iconic bar hang out spot where impromptu hula dancing is the norm with regulars that come to visit their favorite performers. It is a favorite local dining and bar spot at the Outrigger hotel on the Waikiki beach front area.
If you are looking for some very well known local performers for free or just the price of a delicious tropical drink, then this is the most popular place to experience Happy hour or in Hawaii called Pau Hana “End of day” gathering to enjoy with family and friends.
Battle and Brew 🍸 Atlanta, Georgia
Contributed by Jillian Michelle of Adventure Dragon
If you’re a fan of fantasy, science fiction, video games, or British television, then head to Atlanta’s Battle and Brew bar to live out some of your favorite fantasy worlds and experiences. This gaming bar features drinks and shots made to resemble potions from classical RPG games, with names such as “Health Potion” and “Mana Potion.” Fantasy-themed murals line the walls, and a life-sized TARDIS from the BBC’s popular British television show, Doctor Who, dominates one corner of the bar.
Battle and Brew hosts special cosplay nights where both staff and customers arrive in their favorite costumes to spend the evening partying like it’s Halloween, even when it’s the middle of summer. The highlight of the entire bar, however, is its focus on gaming. Guests are able to play every type of game imaginable, including virtual reality, tabletop, console, and PC games. There are free board game days and geek trivia nights. If you get hungry while playing and drinking, there’s also a full-service restaurant on-site. Battle and Brew is actually the first-ever gaming bar and restaurant in the United States and has been a local favorite in the area for nearly 20 years!
Tin City 🍸 Paso Robles, CA
Contributed by Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff
Paso Robles is a lesser-known wine country destination in Central California, USA. It is often overshadowed by Napa Valley in Northern California. There are more than 200 wineries and vineyards in Paso Robles. Tin City is an evolving industrial makers market in Paso Robles where many local producers and artisans showcase their craft beverages. Being situated in an industrial park, the whole place has a warehouse kind of vibe and there are many awesome wineries and breweries to check out. Here apart from wine, you can try locally sourced craft beverages like beer, spirits, and cider.
Tin City features a long list of beverage producers who are passionate about their craft. Barrelhouse brewing company has a changing selection of craft beers on tap. They have a very relaxing outdoor space with food trucks serving delicious food. Tin City Cider has several craft cider varieties to try. McPhee’s canteen in Tin City is a great farm-to-table restaurant to try some wood-fired pizzas. Tin City is a great place to hang out with friends and family. When visiting Paso Robles, make sure to check out the Sensorio Field of Lights which is a unique outdoor art and light masterpiece over Paso Robles undulating landscape, that will leave you awestruck.
Grateful Shed Truckyard 🍸 Wisconsin Dells, WI
Contributed by Kylie of Between England and Iowa
A fun, unique bar in the USA is the Grateful Shed Truckyard in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. It is located in a converted Greyhound bus depot. There is a full-sized Greyhound bus hanging from the ceiling (filled with tables and chairs!) and other quirky seating options such as in the back of a truck bed or inside VW buses. The decor is an explosion of color, retro light-up signage, and the bar is surrounded by old VHS tapes.
The bar is open from 11 am until 2 am (2.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays) and serves cocktails, and canned and bottled beer along with a large selection of beers on tap from breweries around Wisconsin and the Midwest. There are 4 indoor food trucks (open until 9 pm/10 pm), live music, and events. The outdoor seating area has a fire pit, giant Jenga, and Bags games, great for relaxing on warm evenings!
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.
Boobie Trap 🍸 Bushwick, Brooklyn
Contributed by Kelly of Girl with the Passport
Easily one of the best-themed bars in NYC, Boobie Trap is a fun, super unique, R-rated bar in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn that is brimming over with eclectic, sexualized items from B-movies,
So, expect to find a beer dispensing mannequin inside as well as troll dolls, a barbie doll chandelier, and a series of rubber boobs that adorn the bathroom ceiling.
Drinks are also well-priced since tallboys start at between $4.00 and $7.00 each. You can also order delicious comfort food like cajun mac and cheese and jalapeno cornbread muffins to accompany your drinks.
And when you’re not imbibing, play some board games with friends or color inside one of the nude coloring books that this amazing bar has on hand.”
The Speakeasy at Williwaw 🍸 Anchorage, AK
Contributed by Mike Still @LiveTravelTeach
The Speakeasy is a great way to unwind after an adventurous day in the mountains or get ready for a late night hunting the northern lights in Anchorage, Alaska. This hidden bar is Williwaw Social’s not-so-private secret and aptly named locale with fantastic cocktails and local brews. The atmosphere inside is great before or after whatever you came to Alaska for and can accommodate small groups, a date night, or a traveler’s night out. To get in you’ll need to go to a phone booth near Williwaw Social and call for a secret password. The Speakeasy’s password changes throughout the night and is only given out if you call from the phone booth downstairs. If they have a line and you have to wait you can always grab a drink at Williwaw Social downstairs.
Williwaw Social is much a bigger venue and often hosts live music concerts and events. There are countless restaurants nearby and Humpy’s has some of the best Alaskan pub fare. Whether you want a local brew or chic cocktail The Speakeasy has a fantastic four-season atmosphere and will beat out many establishments from cities in the lower 48.
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.
Pier Teaki 🍸 St. Petersburg, FL
Contributed by Tori of Tori Pines Travels
Located in the charming city of St. Petersburg, FL, you’ll find one of the most unique bars in the USA, Pier Teaki. It sits on the fourth floor of the building at the end of the 3,000-foot pier in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. The pier is filled with art and unique activities but the best part is the bar. It’s tiki bar themed complete with lounge seating, tiki huts, and flame torches.
Its location on the 4th floor at the end of the pier offers stunning 360 views of Tampa Bay and the city of St. Pete. Visit at sunset for the best views in town. As one of the best bars in St. Petersburg, you must visit Pier Teaki on your next trip or if you live nearby. It is open for lunch until late into the evening, and kids are welcome until 8 pm. They offer a large menu of bar bites that are very seafood-focused, including some incredible fish tacos, along with other island-inspired dishes. But no visit to Pier Teaki is complete without a signature frozen cocktail, or two! They also offer a full selection of liquor, beer, and wine, to please anyone’s palate.
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?
Bemelmans Bar 🍸 New York City, New York
Contributed by Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com
Having a drink at Bemelmans Bar feels like stepping back in time to the 1940s. This exclusive bar in the Carlyle Hotel on New York City’s Upper East Side is decorated with original murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s books. The exquisite cocktails are served at intimately lit tables by impeccably suited waiters. A pianist plays live as you take a sip.
Bemelmans is frequented by NYC’s elite and has featured several TV shows and movies, including the Sex & The City Movie (making it one of many movie locations in New York City). Tip: to avoid the highest cover charges, come early, before 9pm when a jazz trio will play.