
The bar has impressed for a decade now, having opened in 2011. Set in the Arts District of downtown Tulsa, Valkyrie boasts one of the better whiskey lists in all of the land. And beneath the liquid, there’s an evolved culture at play at the Crown Heights spot, evidenced by a sustainable mindset and strong recent moves like eliminating tipping (and building it into the cost of the items) and creating a leadership team in the kitchen as opposed to the traditional top-down hierarchy. There’s also an impressive glass pour list for winos and some strong beers on draft. In that sense, Decibel is as much a trip back in time as it is where you’ll find some amazing Japanese sakes.īrowse The Menu Read more: New York City Travel Guide Hunky Dory NYCĪ bustling Brooklyn joint, Hunky Dory is a bright and inviting space with a drinks list that incorporates everything from pickled okra and Madeira to cucumber-whey tonic and brandy. It’s a true original in an ever-changing city, persisting by staying true to its niche and not trying to wow customers with the slickest tile pattern or the trendiest light fixture. It’s a fantastic venue for a whisky highball or, if you’re feeling saucy, a pitcher of lychee martini, along with great bar snacks. This New York sake bar has been at it since 1993. Learn More Read more: Nashville Travel Guide Decibel NYC The space is warm, the drinks are genius, and if there’s any inkling of intimidation the staff will walk you through the process, making sure you land on your new favorite beverage. The bar has taken its lauded NYC cocktail menu on the road and adapted seamlessly. Second locations don’t always work but Attaboy’s Nashville outpost is a lesson in how it’s done properly. It’s a go-to for industry types and boasts not only one of the greatest bar names in the country, but a near-perfect outdoor patio.īrowse The Menu Read more: Portland Travel Guide Attaboy Nashville

The beer list is spot-on, the cocktails are beautifully executed (and not over the top), and the food is fantastic, including a stellar burger and the best taco salad we’ve had in a long time. Set in a seemingly average spot in North Portland, Tulip Shop Tavern boasts all the hallmarks of a great bar. Better still, the bar specializes in attention-grabbing drinks like the Blood Orange Painkiller or the S.S.S., a mix of shochu, strawberry, Thai basil, sesame soda, and clarified citrus.īrowse The Menu Tulip Shop Tavern Portland, Oregon You’re instantly at ease in the place and the fried chicken is very good. Service Bar feels more like a local hangout where you leave politics at the door. Too many DC bars appeal to the many people who come to this town to lobby and make deals. A mix of established dives, classic watering holes, and ever-promising young lounges, these are the 25 best bars in America.

It’s another to go above and beyond the trends and offer not only outstanding beverages but equally good service, ideally in a memorable atmosphere. It’s one thing to be an up-and-coming establishment with a striking new drinks program. But alas, we’re amid the great reopening and, frankly, we’re thirsty. It goes without saying that more than a year without many of these sacred places feels more like a decade. It could be a particularly talented bartender, a revolutionary menu, a remarkable feat of design, or just an aura to the joint you simply don’t find anywhere else. The ones that stick with us make us warm and fuzzy not just because of the drinks, but because of the overall context.
