There’s something magical about stepping into a bar with history etched into its walls. The bars on this list have stood the test of time, keeping their unique charm and traditions alive while welcoming new faces from around the world. It’s more than just a drink, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after the last sip.
Contents
- 1 American Bar at The Savoy, London
- 2 Harry’s Bar, Venice
- 3 Carousel Bar & Lounge, New Orleans
- 4 Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, Milwaukee
- 5 Dukes Bar, London
- 6 The King Cole Bar, New York City
- 7 Bemelmans Bar, New York City
- 8 Harry’s New York Bar, Paris
- 9 Comstock Saloon, San Francisco
- 10 Bar Hemingway, Paris
- 11 The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore
- 12 The Dead Rabbit, New York City
- 13 Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, New Orleans
- 14 The Roosevelt Hotel’s Sazerac Bar, New Orleans
- 15 Tiki-Ti, Los Angeles
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 15 Top Brands of Canned Tuna for Delicious Quick Meals, Ranked
- 18 15 `Healthy` Foods Nutritionists Say You Should Avoid
American Bar at The Savoy, London
The American Bar at The Savoy Hotel is one of the world’s oldest surviving cocktail bars, having opened in 1893. Its extensive menu and iconic drinks have shaped cocktail culture globally. The bar is renowned for the creativity of its bartenders, including the legendary Harry Craddock, who compiled “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” Over the years, this glamorous location has attracted high-profile guests like Winston Churchill. The American Bar has consistently won prestigious awards, such as “World’s Best Bar.” It continues to blend history with innovation in cocktails.
Harry’s Bar, Venice
Established in 1931, Harry’s Bar in Venice is a legendary spot where the famous Bellini cocktail was invented. Giuseppe Cipriani, its founder, designed this bar to offer a relaxed yet elegant ambiance. It became a favorite of celebrities like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. The bar’s understated charm contrasts with the glamorous clientele it attracts. Even today, it remains a go-to destination for those who appreciate fine cocktails and history. Its recipes, like the Bellini, have gained international fame.
Carousel Bar & Lounge, New Orleans
Housed inside the historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, the Carousel Bar has been spinning since 1949. Its rotating bar seats resemble a carnival carousel, offering patrons a unique experience. Known for its classic New Orleans drinks, such as the Vieux Carré, it has become a cultural staple of the French Quarter. Writers like Tennessee Williams were frequent visitors, adding to its literary mystique. Its charm lies not just in its novelty, but in its steadfast commitment to preserving local cocktail traditions. It remains a must-visit for anyone exploring New Orleans.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, Milwaukee
Opened in 1938, Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge is Milwaukee’s oldest cocktail bar, serving classic drinks in an intimate setting. Its dim lighting and cozy booths evoke a nostalgic mid-century vibe. Bryant’s offers a “cocktail experience” without a menu, where bartenders craft personalized drinks for patrons based on their preferences. Known for its quality and the rich history of its patrons, it’s a destination for cocktail connoisseurs. Over the years, Bryant’s has received recognition for preserving the essence of America’s cocktail past. Its timeless charm makes it a popular spot in Milwaukee.
Dukes Bar, London
Dukes Bar, nestled within Dukes Hotel in London, is synonymous with the Martini. Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, frequented this bar, inspiring the famous “shaken, not stirred” line. Since the early 20th century, Dukes Bar has been a refined destination for those seeking high-end cocktails. Its small, elegant space and meticulous attention to detail offer an exclusive experience. The bartenders at Dukes pride themselves on delivering perfection in every glass. Today, it remains a hallmark of classic London cocktail culture.
The King Cole Bar, New York City
The King Cole Bar in New York City, located in the St. Regis Hotel, is best known as the birthplace of the Bloody Mary. Opened in 1934, the bar has maintained an air of sophistication with its famous mural by Maxfield Parrish as the centerpiece. Originally known as the “Red Snapper,” the Bloody Mary quickly became one of the bar’s signature drinks. Over the decades, it has attracted high-profile guests, including Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe. Its timeless elegance continues to draw visitors seeking iconic cocktails in a luxurious setting.
Bemelmans Bar, New York City
Bemelmans Bar, located within the Carlyle Hotel, opened in 1947 and is known for its upscale ambiance and famous murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the Madeline children’s books. The bar’s timeless charm is evident in its live piano performances and classic cocktails. Over the years, it has served as a haven for artists, writers, and celebrities, maintaining a quintessential New York allure. Its signature cocktails, like the Old Cuban, are crafted with precision and respect for tradition. Bemelmans remains an iconic, luxurious bar for discerning patrons.
Harry’s New York Bar, Paris
Since 1911, Harry’s New York Bar in Paris has been a gathering place for expatriates, intellectuals, and artists. The bar is famous for creating several classic cocktails, including the French 75 and the Sidecar. Its founder, Harry MacElhone, designed it to bring American cocktail culture to Europe. The bar’s unique transatlantic connection made it a hub for prominent figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Gershwin. Today, Harry’s retains its early 20th-century charm, drawing cocktail aficionados from around the world. It remains a key part of Paris’s rich bar scene.
Comstock Saloon, San Francisco
Opened in 1907, Comstock Saloon in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood has retained its old-time saloon charm. Originally established to cater to the city’s bustling Gold Rush-era clientele, it has become a symbol of San Francisco’s cocktail evolution. The bar’s dark wood interior, vintage decor, and authentic drinks like the Manhattan and Sazerac keep its rich history alive. Over the years, it has attracted a loyal following of cocktail enthusiasts. Comstock continues to celebrate its past while serving as a modern cocktail destination, combining tradition with a contemporary flair.
Bar Hemingway, Paris
Tucked inside the Ritz Paris, Bar Hemingway is a legendary spot named after the famed writer himself, who frequented the hotel in the 1920s. With its rich history dating back to the early 20th century, the bar offers an intimate experience with just a few tables, creating an exclusive ambiance. Famous for crafting timeless cocktails like the Serendipity, Bar Hemingway reflects the elegance and charm of the Parisian cocktail scene. Its walls are adorned with Hemingway memorabilia, adding a literary flair to the atmosphere. It remains a pilgrimage for cocktail lovers and literary buffs alike.
The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore
The Long Bar at Singapore’s Raffles Hotel is one of the world’s most iconic cocktail destinations, known for inventing the Singapore Sling in 1915. Its colonial-style décor transports patrons back in time, offering a nostalgic yet luxurious atmosphere. The bar’s most famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, has gained international renown, drawing visitors from around the world. Peanuts are famously served, and it’s tradition to throw the shells on the floor, adding to the relaxed and casual feel. Today, The Long Bar continues to embody the vibrant history of Singapore’s colonial era.
The Dead Rabbit, New York City
Opened in 2013 but steeped in 19th-century Irish pub culture, The Dead Rabbit in Manhattan has gained international fame for its cocktail mastery and historic influence. Inspired by the Irish gang that roamed New York’s Five Points neighborhood in the 1800s, the bar pays homage to the city’s immigrant history. With its intricate cocktail menu and atmospheric decor, it combines Irish drinking culture with a New York cocktail ethos. The bar has received numerous accolades, including being named the World’s Best Bar multiple times. The Dead Rabbit continues to set the standard for modern cocktail bars.
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, New Orleans
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, located in the heart of the French Quarter, was originally a gentlemen’s bar built in the early 1900s. Its signature cocktail, the French 75, is a refreshing blend of gin, champagne, and lemon juice, which became popular during World War I. The bar’s ambiance reflects the glamour of a bygone era, with antique furnishings and classic glassware. Known for its impeccable service and attention to detail, Arnaud’s remains a staple of New Orleans’ cocktail culture. It continues to offer a luxurious cocktail experience that transports guests to the past.
The Roosevelt Hotel’s Sazerac Bar, New Orleans
The Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel is one of the most iconic bars in New Orleans, dating back to the early 20th century. Famous for its namesake cocktail, the Sazerac, considered one of the first-ever cocktails, the bar exudes classic New Orleans charm. Its art deco design and walnut-paneled walls offer an air of timeless elegance. The Sazerac Bar has been a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking to experience authentic New Orleans cocktails. It remains a living part of the city’s storied drinking history.
Tiki-Ti, Los Angeles
Tiki-Ti, a small family-run bar in Los Angeles, has been serving up Polynesian-inspired cocktails since 1961. It is one of the last remaining original tiki bars in the U.S., famous for its exotic drinks like the Ray’s Mistake and the Mai Tai. The bar’s walls are lined with tiki memorabilia, creating an immersive experience that transports guests to the South Pacific. Despite its small size, Tiki-Ti has developed a loyal following for its strong drinks and vibrant atmosphere. It remains a beloved piece of Los Angeles cocktail history.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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