Arrrrg, this drink is quite strong. Pair 600 different kinds of rum with an over-the-top pirate theme and you have San Francisco’s Smuggler’s Cove. The bar serves up tiki-inspired exotic cocktails, and lots of them. If you can’t decide between Smuggler’s 100-drink-deep-cocktail-menu, go with a safe bet like a Mai Tai. Between the giant anchor … Read more
If you’re looking for a place to chill with your friends, it doesn’t get much cooler than this. But in all seriousness, Minus5 Ice Bar is one of the coolest bars in America. Sure, that could be because the temperature is kept a brisk 23 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). The entire place is made … Read more
A martini, please. Shaken, not stirred. The best bar to channel your inner Bond is Milwaukee’s spy-themed SafeHouse (or its Chicago sister). The hidden, quirky bar requires a password to get in. If you don’t know the password, there’s a few other ways to get in (which may or may not require you having to do a ridiculous … Read more
One of the coolest bars in America doubles as a fantastic indoor carnival. Seattle’s Unicorn offers everything a young-at-heart adult could want. There are corn dogs of all kinds. Popcorn. Fried Unicorn Balls (they’re really good). Funnel cake. And stiff, cotton candy-colored drinks with names like Snozzberry Frost. Combine that with arcade games, claw machines, photo … Read more
Perhaps the most fun part of this Alice in Wonderland themed bar is actually finding your way down the rabbit hole. The hidden San Diego lounge possesses a secret door (and hidden cameras to let those drinking inside laugh as you try to find it). But once you’re in, you can delight in a whimsical, quirky-meets-posh … Read more
The Chandelier is literally a giant, three-floor chandelier composed of over two million glistening beaded crystals. I mean, can drinking get more luxurious than that? Each floor of The Chandelier, nestled inside Las Vegas’ Cosmopolitan, offers a unique experience. The first floor hosts DJs and a lively atmosphere while the top floor provides a more … Read more
Visiting Colorado’s Airplane Restaurant is probably the only time you’ll pay under ten bucks for a drink on an airplane. The restaurant and bar is housed inside a Boeing KC-97 tanker aircraft that was built in 1953. The aviation theme is strong here, with both an air-themed decor and menu. You can also tour the … Read more
Who wouldn’t want Christmas year round? I’d take it, even if I lived somewhere that averages around 60 degrees in the dead of winter (I’d take that, too). Austin’s Lala’s (full name Lala’s Little Nugget) is a no-frills, cash-only local favorite that also happens to have Christmas decorations up year-round. There’s a pool table, a jukebox, and a … Read more
Like all good things in life, you have to work for Please Don’t Tell. There’s no sign or clear entrance to this speakeasy, although thanks to Yelp and the like, the secret is out. (Hint: it has to do with hot dogs and a phone booth.) But that’s okay. The atmosphere is only one small reason you … Read more
Portland’s “weird” reputation certainly lives up to its name with this horror-themed bar. If you love all things dark and undead, Lovecraft is your jam. If you haven’t guessed, this PDX bar is inspired by the terrifying works of horror-fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft. Expect bones and coffins and… dancing? Lots of dancing. Lovecraft hosts burlesque … Read more