The Resy Guide to Cocktails Across the Country: 40 Places to Drink Right Now — Resy | Right This Way
Updated: March 25, 2026
Perhaps it was that post-pandemic need to get out and socialize, with drinks second to company. Or maybe it’s a residual benefit of vibes-first dining. Whatever the reason, bars across the country are offering a more varied and delicious set of drinking choices than ever before.
If a few years ago, cocktail menus felt very specific — and occasionally maybe a bit twee — today, from coast to coast, they’re overflowing with options that aim to please no matter the preference. Whether you prefer your drink classic, innovative, or non-alcoholic, bartenders are channeling serious creativity and verve into the beverages that you want to drink, in all shapes and sizes. And what great timing for us. As the weather gets warmer, there are more moments to celebrate, more gatherings to tolerate, and more excuses to gather and enjoy an escape. In other words, there’s no better time to sidle up somewhere than now.
By way of a bit more explanation: While years past in cocktaildom have usually been defined by very specific trends, this year has seen a welcome shift towards more egalitarian menus (though we still love martinis and milk punch). And yes, there are still debates about the best way to clarify those milk punches, but there’s clearly more focus today on meeting drinkers where they’re at.
Non-alcoholic options continue to expand — and have inspired an entirely new menu at Boston’s Lehrhaus — and beverages come in all sizes from tiny (see: Snack-Daiqs at The Fox Bar) to tankard (thank you, Daydream). We can celebrate cocktail history over rusty nails at Saksey’s in Detroit, or with Last Words at Zig Zag Cafe in Seattle, or, we can indulge in the most modern innovations at Denver’s Semiprecious.
And whether through the drinks, the bites, or the hospitality, bars are telling personal and profound stories in ever more creative ways: Guests can experience Honolulu from a local’s perspective at Pigeonhole, explore the spectrum of Levantine flavors with arak tastings at La’ Shukran in D.C., or get a taste of Vietnamese-French-American dining at San Diego’s Kingfisher. And when in need of a bit of fantasy, bars like Chicago’s The Meadowlark are going all-out on themed menus, or guests can immerse themselves in the tropics-by-way-of-Vegas at The Golden Tiki.
So whether you’re heading down to your local haunt or you’re on the road hunting for destinations to check off your must-visit list, these are 40 of the most exciting places to grab a stool right now. They’re everywhere, and they offer something for everyone.
1. Daydream
- ALBUQUERQUE | Nob Hill
- Cocktail Bar
- $$
2. Semiprecious
- DENVER | Sunnyside
- Cocktail & Aperitivo Bar
- $
3. schmuck.
- NEW YORK | East Village
- Cocktail Bar
- $$
4. The Meadowlark
- CHICAGO | Logan Square
- Cocktail Bar
- $
5. Small Victory
- AUSTIN | Downtown
- Cocktail Bar
- $$$
6. Pigeonhole
- HONOLULU | Chinatown
- Cocktail Bar
- $
7. La' Shukran
- WASHINGTON D.C. | Union Market District
- Middle Eastern
- $$
8. Daisy
- LOS ANGELES | Sherman Oaks
- Mexican
- $$
9. Scotch Lodge
- PORTLAND, OR | Buckman
- Cocktail Bar
- $$
10. Club Frills
- PROVIDENCE | Fox Point
- Cocktail Bar
- $
11. True Laurel
- SAN FRANCISCO | Mission
12. Xaman Cafe
- DALLAS | Bishop Arts
- Mexican
- $
13. Bar Madonna
- NEW YORK | Williamsburg
- Italian American
- $$
14. OK Donna
- CHARLESTON | North-Central
- American
- $
15. The Airliner
- LOS ANGELES | Lincoln Heights
- Gastropub
- $$
16. Ticonderoga Club
- ATLANTA | Old 4th Ward
- Bar + Grill
- $$
17. Providencia
- WASHINGTON D.C. | H Street Corridor
- Cocktail Bar
- $$
18. ViceVersa
- MIAMI | Downtown
- Italian & Pizza
- $$
19. Sugar Monk
- NEW YORK | West Harlem
- Cocktail Bar
- $
20. Bomb Bomb
- PHILADELPHIA | Lower Moyamensing
- Seafood
- $
21. Saksey's
- DETROIT | Downtown
- Cocktail Bar
- $
22. Chef's Special Cocktail Bar
- CHICAGO | Bucktown
- American
- $
23. Cure
- NEW ORLEANS | Uptown
- Cocktail Bar
- $$
24. La Jefa
- PHILADELPHIA | Rittenhouse Square
- Mexican
- $
25. Lehrhaus
- BOSTON | Somerville
- Jewish
- $$
26. The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
- NASHVILLE | East Nashville
27. Good Company
- ST. LOUIS | The Grove
- Cocktail Bar
- $$
28. The Dead Rabbit Austin
- AUSTIN | Downtown
- Irish
- $
29. The Wig Shop
- BOSTON | Downtown Crossing
- Cocktail Bar
- $
30. The Golden Tiki
- LAS VEGAS | Chinatown
- Cocktail Bar
- $
31. Magdalena
- INDIANAPOLIS | Fountain Square
- Cajun
- $$
32. Jojo's Beloved Cocktail Lounge
- ATLANTA | Midtown
- Cocktail Bar
- $
33. ZIG ZAG CAFE
- SEATTLE | Downtown
- New American
- $$
34. Cane & Table
- NEW ORLEANS | French Quarter
- Modern Latin
- $$
35. Thyme X Table
- CLEVELAND | Bay Village
- American
- $$
36. Truss and Twine
- PALM SPRINGS | Old Las Palmas
- American
- $
37. Apothecary
- DALLAS | Lower Greenville
38. Refuge
- HOUSTON | Montrose
- Cocktail Bar
- $$$
39. Broken Shaker Miami
- MIAMI | Miami Beach
- American
- $$
39 venues
1.Daydream ALBUQUERQUE | Nob Hill map
Photo courtesy of Daydream
Like a ship in the night, this rum bar landed discreetly in the buzzing center of Nob Hill earlier this year. Its stretch of Central Avenue is part of the historic Route 66, but you could easily miss what is a discreet hideaway: The entrance is tucked inside Little Bear Coffee, where a set of stairs takes you to the nautically-inspired subterranean space. We’re not talking nets and buoys on the walls — it’s a cool contemporary take designed to feel like the cabin of a cruise ship, sheathed in wood, with plenty of cozy corners to settle into. And the drinks are equally intriguing takes on tropical classics — the Elevated Daiquiri gets a dose of La Cumbre Brewing IPA, the Zombie riff includes flavors of apple and walnut, and the cuba libre-inspired Cafe Libre is served effervescent. Don’t worry, if you’re here for classic tropical kitsch, there are also shareable drinks, a souvenir glass, and plenty of garnishes set on fire.
Photo courtesy of Daydream
2.Semiprecious DENVER | Sunnyside map
Semiprecious is staunchly a neighborhood bar, with astraightforward space on an otherwise quiet stretch ofNorth Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood. But it’s also a draw for cocktail fanatics and destination drinkersalmost as much as it is for locals.It’s the first foray outside of Los Angeles for acclaimed bar director Mike Capoferri, and guests can expect the same level of cocktail magic he developed at L.A.’s Thunderbolt. Drinks are complex, often clarified concoctionswith flavors that range from pickled strawberry to radish ginand olive oil, but thanks to some serious work behind-the-scenes, the complexity stays in the glass — the only decision is whether you’re going carbonated, sour, or spirited.
3.schmuck. NEW YORK | East Village map
This two-room bar in the heart of the East Village achieves vibes usually only experienced at the coolest of house parties. Music spills through large open windows, there’s various platformed and cushy-seated spaces to tuck away, and the centerpiece stainless steel bar makes it feel like you’re in the heart of the home — the kitchen. Which is ever more fitting as you dive into the cocktail menu: There’s Bread With Tomatoes, Larb Gai, and Peaches & Cream — only here that means toast-infused vodka with tomato water, a Cognac cocktail with flavors of peanut, herbs, and chiles, and a sorbet-like frozen fruit beverage topped with a berg of salted whipped cream and served with a spoon. The actual food menu is equally delightful, but whichever way you order — you won’t leave hungry.
Read more about schmuck. here.
4.The Meadowlark CHICAGO | Logan Square map
One of three concepts that share space in this Logan Square complex, this bar has the smallest footprint, but it certainly pulls its weight. After bypassing sister spots Lardon and Union, a hidden door reveals The Meadowlark: A dark den full of plush armchairs and bookcases surrounding a glowing wooden bar. It’s like stepping into a private library, and the cocktail menu is an elaborately designed tome you’ll want to dive into. Each menu iteration has a different theme — previous versions include Field Guide Vol. I: Birds of the Midwest and a Chicago tribute inspired by the 1983 World’s Fair. The resulting drinks are thematic deep dives and impressive feats of cocktail creation.
5.Small Victory AUSTIN | Downtown map
Photo courtesy of Small Victory
Finding this bar is indeed a Small Victory. Hidden behind an unmarked door in a parking garage on East 7th, dark and unassuming, this is the antithesis of the neighboring (and often chaotic) 6th Street District. It’s an apt escape that feels like you’ve graduated from the kids table. Small Victory makes proper cocktails with a capital P. We’re talking hand cut ice, custom carbonation, and carefully balanced recipes that cut no corners on quality. Cocktail novices would be lucky to have their first drinks here — the menu is a thorough introduction to classic cocktail families (including instructions on how to order a martini) — but afficionados are sure to be just as happy.
Photo courtesy of Small Victory
6.Pigeonhole HONOLULU | Chinatown map
Pigeonhole opened in February and brings a more personal approach to Honolulu’sbarscene, providing contrast to its many hotel lounges and tropically-themed dives. It tells the story of owners Harry Chin and Theresa Kim, who met working at the local James Beard-awarded Fête. They maintainFête’s fresh ingredient-first philosophy, wielding everything from passionfruit and honeydew to charred tortilla nectar and lychee-wasabi shrub in a menu of playful takes on modern classics. It celebrates local flavors and traditionswithout feeling contrived; hence, it’s full of laid-back vibes and youthful creativity that could only come from a pair of local industry vets.
7.La’ Shukran WASHINGTON D.C. | Union Market District map
Photo courtesy of La’ Shukran
Following his award-winning Middle Eastern restaurant, Albi, chef Michael Rafidi brought La’Shukran to Union Market — a vibrant and boisterous celebration of Levantine drinking traditions. As such, the bar centers on arak — the anise-flavored distillate that’s been a popular pairing for Middle Eastern dinners for centuries, most commonly enjoyed simply with water and ice. The menu invites guests along for the ride with no less than 16 arak options from Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and the U.S., and bar maestro Radovan Jankovic curates a list of cocktails infused with imported ingredient like red shatta (pepper), cardamom, and ghee. It’s all a perfect complement to Rafidi’s smoky escargots with arak butter, spiced beef heart shawarma, or fried quail with Ramallah chile oil and tahini ranch.
Read more about La’ Shukran here.
Photo courtesy of La’ Shukran
8.Daisy LOS ANGELES | Sherman Oaks map
Since 2022, Los Feliz’s Mírate has accrued an impressive list of accolades for both its creative fare and its in-depth beverage program that sources ingredients exclusively from Mexico. Daisy carries on the same philosophy, but this time, the team is zeroing in on the iconic margarita, specifically inspired by the cantinas of northern Mexico. And they weren’t kidding — there’s no less than 12 variations of the citrusy drink, from a classic Cadillac to the Baja Slaw with purple cabbage and pulque vinegar. Whether in classic or creative offerings, it’s a delicious celebration of Mexican-American culture.
Read more about Daisy here.
9.Scotch Lodge PORTLAND, OR | Buckman map
The backbar here makes an obvious case for drinking one of the many whiskey selections neat or on the rocks, but the cocktail list is where owner Tommy Klus’ keen palate really shines. It’s a thorough list ranging from fresh and fruit forward combinations, like the Sweet Darlin’ with banana, Thai tea, and pandan sweet cream, to richer and more complex like the Loch Stock with chile liqueur, lapsang souchong sweet vermouth, and mole bitters. It’s easy to lose yourself among the bottles — especially with offerings like a vintage boulevardier with I.W. Harper bourbon, 1960’s Campari, and vintage Torino vermouth — but there’s also a food menu that deserves equal attention, stacked with bites from fried brie, to pickle-spiced fries and pappardelle with candied duck.
10.Club Frills PROVIDENCE | Fox Point map
This one’s for an unsung hero: ThisFox Point bar takes inspiration from the colorful, frilly fringed toothpicks most often seen piercing those teetering club sandwiches. It’s a celebration of nostalgia in both food and beverage, with chef Robert Andreozzi and bartender Jesse Hedberg (both of the locally beloved Pizza Marvin) leading the charge. While there is a stellar club sandwich on offer, the cocktails take center stage here. Hedbergleans into his well-edited style for a menu ofdrinksthat take a partyinthefront,business inthebackapproach:He relies on a tech-forward cocktail lab in the back of the space to infuse, clarify, and carbonate cocktails like the High Horse with apple, “hydro-horseradish,” and “strange-flavored” vodka, or the Clarisa with mezcal, beet, raspberry, and goat milk. Up front, it all makes sense in the dark, neon-lit space.
11.True Laurel SAN FRANCISCO | Mission map
Since 2017, this Mission District bar has been listed among the world’s best, and to no surprise — it comes from chef David Barzelay and bartender Nicolas Torres, the dream team behind the two Michelin-starred Lazy Bear. They maintain their hyper-focus on local ingredients, but tailor their approach to a more casual space. The cocktail menu reads like a botanical index, inspired by a walk through the Bay Area hills: The Laurel Martini involves a California Bay tincture, a paloma riff includes California guava and anise hyssop, and there’s house brewed green rooibos and marshmallow root kombucha. The complexities are discreet, though — cocktails are highly clarified and brightly hued — and Barzelay’s selection of seasonal small plates are fried, salty, and saucy and are basically impossible to say no to.
Book now on Tock.
12.Xaman Cafe DALLAS | Bishop Arts map
Photo courtesy of Ayahuasca Cantina
When the sunsets on the bright and cheeryXaman Café, it’s back room opens to revealAyahuasca Cantina, celebratingculinary traditions from ancient Mexicowith a fine dining approach. The cocktail menu takes guests through historical eras from “Prehispanico”,featuring fermented options like tepache and pulque, toa “Revolucion” section incorporating smoky and bitter flavors, and“Era Moderna” with innovative drinks like the Nepantla with sake, charanda, horchata, and whey.And aside from the cocktails, the back bar is a thorough collection of Mexican ingredients from spirits to wine, making for a transportive experience through and through.
Photo courtesy of Ayahuasca Cantina
13.Kingfisher SAN DIEGO | Golden Hill map
One could argue that alcohol is a crucial part of a Vietnamese meal, whether it’sbeer or rice wine to pair with tropical temperatures and herbaceous, seafood-centered dishes. At Kingfisher, Vietnamese flavors are channeled through a French fine dining lens and informed byCalifornia ingredients (not to mention,enjoyed in its climate). The Golden Hill restaurantis known for its progressive tasting menus and dishes like smoked dry aged duck confit with rice noodles and nướcmắm chimichurri, andamps up the focus on beverages with a bar program that dives deep into modern Vietnam-inspired cocktails. It’s full of ingredients like jackfruit, sesame leaf, five-spice, black sugar, and housemade components likea clarified phởreduction.
Book now on Tock.
14.Bar Madonna NEW YORK | Williamsburg map
The stretch of Metropolitan avenue that bridges the overflowing Bedford avenue and Lorimer street sub-neighborhoods of Williamsburg has long been a reliable thoroughfare for eclectic food and beverage ( St. Anselm! Kellogg’s Diner!). But somehow, the arrival of Bar Madonna in Spring of 2024 felt like a piece of the puzzle we didn’t know was missing finally clicked into place. Its casually-cool space, restaurant-worthy Italian-American bites, and expectation-busting cocktails create a synergy that could only come from a tight-knit team of local industry vets: Partners Eric Madonna (formerly of The Modern) and Ray Rando (formerly of Carbone) tapped beverage director Ricky Reyna and chef Chris Caliso to create a one-of-a-kind haunt for sipping Nonna’s Half & Half martinis and limoncello milk punch while snacking on arancino beneath original art by Brooklyn’s own KidSuper.
15.OK Donna CHARLESTON | North-Central map
From the team behind Last Saint and Bar George, this North Charleston restaurant is part of the recent wave of neo-Italian American spots that are celebrating tradition while taking some liberties with creative personal input. The cocktail menu is full of the kinds of things you want to return to again and again: The dirty martini is made with a hit of Calabrian chile and orange oil, the Negroni riff carries flavors of cherry and noyeaux, and the house margarita is refreshingly light with lemon, yuzu, and a hint of vanilla. And while this group is known for their excellent drinks, this spot has an equally worthy menu of food that ranges from an arugula potato chip salad with “excessive” pecorino to cauliflower parm and a mortadella tart.
16.The Airliner LOS ANGELES | Lincoln Heights map
Photo courtesy of The Airliner
Even among the growing array of izakayas in Los Angeles, The Airliner continues to stand out for its originality and well-rounded hospitality. After being restored in 2023, the 100-year-old space is gleaming, and gives Lincoln Heights a better-than-most neighborhood oasis full of Southeast Asian flavors. The melting pot of influences means drinks feature creative combinations, but aren’t overly complicated — rum with tamarind and coconut milk, mezcal with yerba mate vermouth and lemongrass — all balanced and satisfying and accompanied by a food menu that’s worthy of a visit all on its own, whether you’re in the neighborhood or not.
Read more about The Airliner here.
Photo courtesy of The Airliner
17.Ticonderoga Club ATLANTA | Old 4th Ward map
It’s like a clubhouse for cocktails, from its storied 10-year history to the eclectic space itself, most often filled with a lively group of regulars and neighbors. There’s even a giant Ticonderoga pencil in the corner that apparently just showed up one day. The drinks evoke similar nostalgia, forgoing fussy frills to focus on carefully edited recipes that balance authority and approachability — the signature Ticonderoga Cup combines aged rum and French brandy with sherry, pineapple, and mint, and there’s a reserve version if you’re feeling fancy. The tavern-style food menu is also an adventure, with dishes from crispy sweetbreads to paella and a lamb burger, and it’s far beyond typical bar fare. Fittingly, you might need a treasure map to find the spot, tucked in the back corner of Krog Street Market.
18.Providencia WASHINGTON D.C. | H Street Corridor map
A self-proclaimed “love letter to the immigrant experience,” this small (22 seats) yet mighty bar celebrates the heritage of chefs Erik Bruner-Yang and Paola Velez and bartenders Pedro Tobar and Danny Gonzalez. The whole experience is a journey through Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American flavors — from café de olla with Salvadorian rum, or salty and sweet pandan-coconut cocktails à la Taipei, to a house Michelada with chile paste, worm salt, and optional alcohol. Bites are an equally jubilant celebration of cultures (see: baked Alaska kakigori), and it’s all more than worthy of making some new dining and drinking traditions.
19.ViceVersa MIAMI | Downtown map
The recent boom of apertivo bars and menus of “neo-Neopolitan” pizza has hit a new peak at this Downtown hot spot. Owner Valentino Longo, who hails from Rome, tells his story through a succinct menu of classic-ish cocktails — all tailored to meet the Miami energy at any hour of the night. That includes the signature Affogato Martini, an instant hit made of toasted coconut-infused vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, with a generous scoop of pistachio gelato. And they’ve proven they can pretty much do anything right, with a weekly burger night that already has a cult following. Call it neo-Italian-Miamian.
20.Sugar Monk NEW YORK | West Harlem map
Photo courtesy of Sugar Monk
A great bar carries a torch, and this Harlem gem wields fire with dazzling precision — continuing the neighborhood’s speakeasy-style traditions while showcasing an innovative approach to drink making. As such, the space is dark and moody and serves elaborately designed menus — each with a theme, like the current book of drinks inspired by the Buddhist chakras. It’s a spiritual approach all the way down to the back bar filled with housemade bitters and liqueurs from their Brookyln-based brand, Atheras Spirits. Botanical flavors are appropriately featured throughout the menu, and amaros and liqueurs are offered as tastings. It’s a celebration of the Harlem cocktail scene from past and present, now complemented by Bitter Monk, a tasting room for the Atherasselection in Brooklyn’s Industry City.
Photo courtesy of Sugar Monk
21.Bomb Bomb PHILADELPHIA | Lower Moyamensing map
If you’re seeking a remarkable drink and some Italian American culinary nostalgia in Philly taken to the next level, it’s hard to miss the offerings of Joey Baldino. Known for his quality remix of red sauce classics at Palizzi Social Club, he’s now taken over this90-year-old South Philly institutionto revive it with a seafood-forward menu and his inimitable style ofcocktails. Itaims to bridge generations by balancing familiarity and creativity — the house martini is madeVesper-style and dirty with pepperoncini brine, and Galliano makes an appearance, but it’s served as a spritz with elderflower, grapefruit, and prosecco. In contrast to Palizzi, you don’t need to be a member to get in the door — vibes are “come one, come all,” and you’re sure to be surrounded by a lively mix of locals.
22.Saksey’s DETROIT | Downtown map
Photo courtesy of Saksey’s
While sports fans stumble from Comerica Park across the street to downtown’s popular sports bar, Gilly’s Clubhouse, those seeking a respitefrom beer-guzzling know to turn instead to Saksey’s. It’s the subterranean counterpart to Gilly’s, with a separate alleyway entrance into its plush lounge. The cocktail bar pays tribute to Detroit’s original and iconic Saksey’s bar of the 1960’s, with riffs on drinks from the same era. Think Rusty Nails served long and infused with flavors of sesame and coconut, a selection of mini martinis (including one served like a snow cone), and a rootbeer-flavored Negroni topped with sarsaparilla foam. The cocktails are the work of NoHo Hospitality’s bar director Darryl Chan, who’s also behind New York’s The Portrait Bar and Café Carmellini, and guests can expect the attention to detail and well-rounded hospitality.
Photo courtesy of Saksey’s
23.Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar CHICAGO | Bucktown map
This Bucktown bar from the team behind Giantis really a full-service restaurant — serving American Chinese staples likeegg rolls, hand-pulled noodles, beef and broccoli, and walnut shrimp —but its cocktails are absolutely worth the trip whether you’re eating or not (though you probably should). The selectionfrom beverage pro Josh Perlman showcases classics that lean into bold and bitter flavors that complement the food, like a lemongrass-infused gimlet with shochu and chile ora mezcal-based piñacolada with orange blossom. Whatever your adventure calls for, it’s best enjoyed at the action–packed centerpiece bar.
24.Cure NEW ORLEANS | Uptown map
Bar-going in NOLA often involves historical spaces and locally invented cocktails (in other words, Sazeracs or bust), but this is where you go to experience contemporary Big Easy cocktailing at its finest. Since 2009, Cure has been a sparkling spot in the residential Freret neighborhood — welcomingly off the beaten riverside paths. It feels like the best kind of neighborhood bar, but with cocktails worthy of grander attention — proven by their 2018 Beard award. The menu is generous, with riffs that lean into fresh flavors and pantry additions: A caipirinha with bitter orange and cardamom; an old fashioned with yuzu, gentian, and sarsaparilla; and here, the Sazerac-inspired Dutch Angle carries flavors of mango and ylang-ylang.
25.La Jefa PHILADELPHIA | Rittenhouse Square map
Most bars do their best work at night, but at La Jefa, there’s exciting and original cocktails at pretty much every hour of the day. And it should be no surprise — owner Dan Suro is carrying on the legacy of his family, who founded the local favorite, Tequilas, in 1986. He’s taken over the back of the space and transformed it into a cafe-by-day and cocktail bar-by-night, with menus that spotlight Mexican flavors: It celebrates Guadalajaran coffee traditions in the morning, alongside house fermented sodas, fresh green apple and grapefruit Garibaldis, bloody Marias, and “breakfast” old fashioneds. At night, the flavors are featured in more bold ways, building on a well-curated selection of agave spirits with fresh ingredients like squash, masa, and chamoy.
26.Lehrhaus BOSTON | Somerville map
Photo courtesy of Lehrhaus
This Jewish lehrhaus, or “house of learning,” is a vibrant celebration of culture through and through, from its kosher tavern-style menu to frequent community programming and, a compellingly creative list of cocktails woven with global Jewish flavors. Drinks at Lehrhaus gracefully balance familiarity with unexpected pops of fresh flavors: Find s’chug and sumac in a spicy (or “harif”) margarita, challah-infused bourbon makes for a savory New York sour, and ghee, fenugreek, and Brovo amaro come together in a rich old fashioned. And for drinkers looking for non-alcoholic options, Lehrhaus has gone above and beyond with a selection of drinks featuring their housemade NA spirit.
Photo courtesy of Lehrhaus
27.The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club NASHVILLE | East Nashville map
When The Fox Bar opened in East Nashville in 2017, it became an instant classic. It’s a space that feels like it’s been there longer — gleaming with Art Deco touches and with an extensive back bar fit for the most serious of spirit drinkers. But what’s happening on the menu is just as inspiring — the well illustrated (literally) menu is speckled with tropical riffs among more classic but still highly creative takes. It’s a place you can’t go wrong, whether with a pristine Manhattan or a Concord grape margarita, plus nostalgic bites including a Fizzy Glizzy and a mortadella sandwich.
Book now on Tock.
28.Good Company ST. LOUIS | The Grove map
Good cocktails need good ice — a philosophy that owner Jordan Goodman takes very seriously. Before there was Good Company, there was Good Ice — Goodman’s hand-cut cocktail ice business that now supplies the bar. That’s all to say — the cocktails here are, well, good. They’re simple and precise, focusing on classic formulas with updated ingredients, and aim to speak for themselves. The space is minimal and the menu forgoes ingredients for intriguing descriptions — the Jalisco Sipper has “notes of coffee, ripe fruit, and most importantly, Tootsie Pops” while the Savannah Slammer is “what your grandma was drinking all those years” — which is really all you need to know, anyways.
29.The Dead Rabbit Austin AUSTIN | Downtown map
The original New York City bar is a storied space full of charm, covered in twelve-plus years of family photos and dollar bills. It manages to be both a St. Patrick’s Day hot spot and an award-winning cocktail lounge — vibes are casual and boisterous downstairs, with sloshing Irish coffees and pints of Guinness, but as you work your way to the upper level, the energy becomes more subdued and cocktails become more complex. And even more challenging is recreating such a beloved vibe, but with the debut of the Austin iteration last year, they’ve done just that. It’s Ireland by way of New York City, infused with Texas spirit.
30.The Wig Shop BOSTON | Downtown Crossing map
From the moment you walk through the entrance of what used to be an actual wig shop — complete with a display of colorful bobs still residing in the window — the experience is a fever dream full of creative cocktails. The windowless space keeps the glowing, velvet-clad lounge hidden, where the energy is always high and the drinks are one-of-a-kind. The menu is a bartender’s playground, taking a high-low approach that marries serious technique with playful flavors. There’s never a shortage of garnishes like glitter and flavored foams, and names include the Channing Ta-Yum, Easy-Bake Coven, and The Floor is Guava. And to add to the adventure, hidden behind the bar is a speakeasy-style steakhouse: Bogie’s Place.
31.The Golden Tiki LAS VEGAS | Chinatown map
Photo courtesy of The Golden Tiki
For over a decade, the Golden Tiki has held down the fort as Las Vegas’ favorite tropical escape. It goes all-in on the pirate-inspired theme with an immersive space filled with everything from skeletons to a wall of animatronic shrunken heads,withdim lightingthat’sonly a little disorienting. The cocktail menu featuresthe expected amount of rumand fruit juices,plusprivate barrel spirits, shots topped with Dole soft serve, and the option to add fire to any drink for an extra $1 — a steal, in our book. Situated just off-Strip, there are few better places in the city to experience the full spectrum of Vegas action. Did we mention it’s open 24 hours a day?
Photo courtesy of The Golden Tiki
32.Magdalena INDIANAPOLIS | Fountain Square map
Indy’s cocktail scene got a serious boost when bartender Nick Detrich returned to town. He grew up in the area, but spent the previous decade or so at the helm of some of New Orleans’ top cocktail spots, including the acclaimed Cane & Table and Jewel of The South. Now, he’s settled in Fountain Square, but hasn’t fully left the Big Easy behind: Magdalena features classic drinks, with a dedicated NOLA section, and serves raw bar bites and smalls plates inspired by the South. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more proper Sazerac (or, Sazerac-cured salmon with Herbsaint mustard sauce) without a trip to Louisiana.
33.Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge ATLANTA | Midtown map
This glowing tribute to the disco era takes a speakeasy-style approach — hidden behind the food hall at Politan Row — but don’t expect buttoned-up bartenders or a hushed ambiance. The vinyl soundtrack pulses, the lights are dim and vibrantly hued, and the ceilings soar — like a cathedral for cocktails, and the drinks are worthy of praise. They stay on theme but otherwise ditch the old school approach: Midori makes an appearance, but is balanced with Tequila, chartreuse, and lemon, the Fuzzy Navel is built on a base of VS Cognac, and there’s a version of a Blue Hawaiian served non-alcoholic.
34.ZIG ZAG CAFE SEATTLE | Downtown map
Regardless of where you live, if you’ve sipped a Last Word in this century, it’s probably because of Murray Stenson. He was one of Zig Zag’s first bartenders, and his keen attention to the pre-Prohibition gin drink quickly made it a bartender’s favorite throughout the States and beyond, and solidified Zig Zag Cafe’s stance as a serious drinking destination. And even nearing three decades in, the bar is as trusty and charming as ever. Once you’ve entered the dark, intimate space, it’s easy to forget that you’re right underneath the lively Park Place Market — an ideal spot to escape the city crowds and enjoy live jazz on the weekends.
35.Cane & Table NEW ORLEANS | French Quarter map
Photo courtesy of Cane & Table
You can’t fake charm like this: Weathered French Quarter digs with an airy patio, and refreshing tropical cocktails with bites to match. Local bar legend Kirk Estopinal pairs classics and rum-focused riffs to chef Alfredo Nogueira’s Cuban-meets-Cajun fare. Crab croquetas, grilled octopus, and Gulf shrimp criolla are ideal alongside daiquiris and shareable mai tais — the atmosphere is just the icing on the cake.
Photo courtesy of Cane & Table
36.Thyme X Table CLEVELAND | Bay Village map
A tried and true neighborhood spot could easily rest on its laurels, but this is one that goes above and beyond the call of duty. It’s a beacon for creative food and beverage in Bay Village from chef Mike Smith, along with partner Eric Scott, whose cocktails take a culinary approach with lots of housemade ingredients — like a pad Thai-inspired margarita with peanut, chile, and lemongrass, or a Jamaican jerk rum punch with mango, coconut, and sherry. And house-selected classics read simple but are carefully curated and tailored — from a High Life pony and a shot to a serious Dark & Stormy bolstered by blackstrap rum.
37.Truss and Twine PALM SPRINGS | Old Las Palmas map
Photo courtesy of Truss and Twine
Despite its popularity as a vacation destination, prior to 2017, it wasn’t always easy to find an open watering hole in Palm Springs after 10pm. But when T&T arrived on the scene, the city’s schedule shifted. Chef-owner Michael Beckman also runs the next door Workshop Kitchen + Bar, and sought to fill the area’s late-night gap with a sprawling space for classic cocktails. Like it’s sister, Truss & Twine’s brutalist-style bar is a stark contrast to its friendly service and jovial (and often DJ-fueled) vibes. It’s a centerpiece for local hospitality and an escape within the escape.
Photo courtesy of Truss and Twine
38.Apothecary DALLAS | Lower Greenville map
When you’re ready to take a bit of a bartender-driven ride, this is the spot. The bar, from the same team behind the Michelin-starred (and next door) Rye, serves a dizzying display of cocktails that include ingredients as varied as the name might suggest. There’s a new menu every month, full of creations from a Midori sour with melon-Champagne foam, to a drink described as “70’s pot-luck classic Watergate Salad meets the Golden Cadillac,” and something called Funky Chicken Taco with butter and bullion-infused gin. You better buckle up.
Book now on Tock.
39.Refuge HOUSTON | Montrose map
Bartender Bobby Heugel is a seasoned leader in the Houston bar scene, probably best known for Anvil Bar & Refuge, which started a bit of a cocktail craze when it opened in the Montrose neighborhood in 2009. Now, the bar has spawned a sister in its space upstairs — younger, but perhaps a bit more mature. Though still glowing with neon, it’s a more intimate space, and the cocktails are a bit more cerebral, woven with lots of floral, bitter, and savory flavors, and with a reserve list featuring private barrel bourbon and agave spirits. But that doesn’t mean it’s stiff — there’s shots in flavors of hot honey and apple pie, and martini specials on Tuesdays.
40.Broken Shaker Miami MIAMI | Miami Beach map
This tropical brand has been a leader in all things overproof, fruity, and flamed since opening its first location in Miami in 2012, and even over a decade in, continues to raise the bar on immersive cocktail experiences across the country. Now under the direction of New York’s Authentic Hospitality ( Pebble Bar, Ray’s Hometown Bar), the group has taken the opportunity to refresh their approach and reinvigorate the spaces in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. You can expect the same beloved, festive vibes, plus updated menus, and added touches that channel local sensibilities — in Chicago, bites include a locally styled hot dog, while in Miami, there’s a focus on agave-based cocktails like the La Bomba Colada with Tequila, limoncello, and chile liqueur.
Local Cocktail Guides:
New YorkLos AngelesChicagoMiamiWashington D.C.
Lizzie Takimoto is a writer and editor for Resy, and previously was food and drinks editor for Starchefs. Follow her on Instagram, and follow Resy, too.
Lehrhaus
4.8 · Jewish · $$
Somerville
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Cocktail Bar · $$
East Nashville
Daydream
4.9 · Cocktail Bar · $$
Nob Hill
Saksey's
4.7 · Cocktail Bar · $
Downtown
ZIG ZAG CAFE
4.8 · New American · $$
Below Pike Place Market
PreviousNext
Discover More
Courtney Storer on Restaurant Trends, the Joy of Dining, and the New Season of FX’s The Bear
40 Restaurants Across America Worth a Journey in 2025
The Resy Guide to the 2026 James Beard Awards® Winners
50 Best Names Top Restaurants in North America
The Resy 100: Restaurants Around the Country That Define Dining Today
America’s Hotel Restaurants Embrace a Bold New Era
The Resy Guide to Hotel Restaurants We Love
Pizza, Perseverance, and the Aloha Spirit: Sale Pepe’s Maui Journey
It’s a Pizza Ranch World, And We’re Just Lucky to Live In It
To Become a Pizza Nation? It Took a Village
The Resy Guide to the 2026 James Beard Awards® Finalists
Diane’s Place Tells the Story of America, Through a Hmong Prism
A Love Letter to the Unicorns
What Made You Fall in Love with Restaurants?
15 of The Hottest New Openings Across the Country Right Now
- 1
- 2
- 3
Resy powers the world’s best restaurants, using technology to imagine the future of hospitality.
© 2026 Resy Network, Inc.
BESbswy