Why Bars Matter (More Than Your Ex’s Texts)

Let’s be real: bars are where life gets interesting. They’re not just places to drink. They’re where you avoid awkward small talk, meet people who think “artisanal” is a lifestyle, and maybe accidentally order a $50 cocktail because the menu looked like a chemistry exam. In 2023, the best bars are doubling down on vibes, creativity, and the art of making you feel less like a total stranger. So, what makes a bar the “best”? We’re talking about places that serve drinks like they’re performance art, have a playlist that hits harder than your ex’s playlist, and make you wish you’d paid more attention in bar trivia. Let’s break it down, shall we?

2023’s Top Bars That Deliver (No, We’re Not Being Paid)

Here’s the shortlist of bars that made our 2023 “Best Bars” list. These spots are either so good they should be on a postcard or so weird they deserve a Wikipedia page.

1. Bar of Bad Decisions (Tokyo, Japan)

Why it’s a contender: This bar is like a choose-your-own-adventure novel written by a drunk 19-year-old. You walk in, someone hands you a cocktail that looks like a science experiment, and by the third drink, you’re debating the merits of ketchup vs. mustard with a stranger. Pro tip: Order the “Drunken Samurai” cocktail—because nothing says “I’ve arrived” like a drink that includes liquid nitrogen and a tiny sword on the side.

2. The Tiki Temple (Sydney, Australia)

Why it’s a contender: Tiki bars are having a moment, and The Tiki Temple is leading the charge. Picture this: bamboo everywhere, flamingo-shaped umbrellas, and a bartender who’s 70% pirate, 30% magician. Their “Pina Colada with a Side of Regret” is so good, you’ll question your life choices and order another.

3. The Dark Side (Berlin, Germany)

Why it’s a contender: This bar is for people who like their drinks as mysterious as their ex’s text messages. Hidden behind a bookshelf, The Dark Side serves experimental cocktails that taste like they were invented in a lab. Their signature “Smoke & Mirrors” cocktail is so smoky, you’ll start coughing and questioning your life choices.

4. The Velvet Lounge (New York, USA)

Why it’s a contender: If James Bond had a bar, it would look like this. The Velvet Lounge is where you go to impress someone who thinks “vodka martini” is a lifestyle. Their “007 Special” is so smooth, it’s basically a diplomatic mission.

5. The Pub That Time Forgot (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Why it’s a contender: This bar is like stepping into a time machine that forgot to charge. The walls are covered in old photos, the bartender speaks in riddles, and the only Wi-Fi password is “whiskeyiskeyiskey.” Their “Whisky Sour” is so good, it might make you forget your ex’s name.

Pro Tips for Bar Hopping Like a Boss

Bars aren’t just about the drinks—they’re about the experience. Here’s how to make sure your bar night is legendary (or at least not a total disaster).

1. Don’t Be That Guy (or Gal)

Arrive with a clear plan: either you’re here to drink, or you’re here to make friends. Not both. If you’re here to impress someone, just order a drink that looks fancy. If you’re here to drink, order the cheapest thing on the menu and blame the bartender if it’s bad.

2. Check the Dress Code (Unless You Like Making a Statement)

Some bars are like exclusive clubs, and their dress code is written in hieroglyphics. If you’re unsure, wear something that makes you feel confident. Bonus points if you can pull off “casual luxury” without looking like you’re trying too hard.

3. Order a Signature Drink

Bars have signature cocktails for a reason—they’re usually the best thing on the menu. If you’re unsure, just ask the bartender what they recommend. If they say “the usual,” it’s probably the best bet.

4. Talk to the Bartender

Bartenders are like the keepers of the bar’s secrets. They know which drinks are good, which ones are just there for show, and which customers are trying to impress someone. If you’re lucky, they’ll even let you in on the secret menu (if it exists).

5. Don’t Fight the Vibe

Some bars are for dancing, some are for brooding, and some are for pretending you’re in a movie. Figure out the vibe and go with it. If you’re in a tiki bar and someone hands you a flaming drink, don’t question it. Just say “Thanks, I’ll take two.”

FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious

Still have questions about the best bars in 2023? We’ve got answers—some of them real, some of them made up by a bartender who’s been up all night.

1. Are These Bars Actually Open in 2023?

Yes, no, and maybe. Bars change like fashion trends, and some of these might be gone by the time you read this. If you’re reading this in 2024, sorry—tell your bar stories and charge double for it.

2. Do These Bars Accept Credit Cards?

Most of them do. Some are cash-only, but if you’re at a bar that only takes Bitcoin, you’re probably in the wrong place. Cash is still king in the bar world.

3. Can I Make My Own Beer at Home?

Absolutely. Strategies.beer has all the guides you need to brew your own beer and impress your friends (or at least make them question your life choices). Just don’t blame us if your first batch tastes like your ex’s perfume.

4. How Do I Sell My Beer?

If you’ve got a beer you’re proud of, you need to sell it. Dropt.beer is the go-to marketplace for beer lovers. Whether you’re a microbrewer or a homebrew enthusiast, Dropt.beer connects you with customers who are ready to buy. No, we’re not being paid to say that. We’re just being smart.

5. What’s the Dress Code?

Dress codes vary like your mood on a Tuesday. If you’re unsure, check the bar’s website or just show up in something that makes you feel good. If someone gives you the side-eye, blame the bartender for bad lighting.

Final Thoughts: Bars Are Better Than Exes (Most of the Time)

In 2023, bars are where the magic happens. Whether you’re looking for a place to escape your problems or just want to impress someone with your knowledge of cocktail menus, these spots are your new best friends. So, grab a drink, talk to the bartender, and remember: the best bars are the ones where you leave with a better story than you came in with.

If you want to learn more about making your own beer, check out Strategies.beer’s guide to homebrewing. And if you’re ready to take your beer to the next level, Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. Cheers to better bars, better drinks, and better stories!