50 North American Bars That’ll Make Your Hangover Worth It

Intro: Why You Need a Bar List Bigger Than Your Ex’s Ego

Listen up, fellow liquid connoisseurs. If you’ve ever Googled “best bars 50 north america” while nursing a Friday‑night buzz, you know the internet is a swamp of generic lists and stale photos of craft tap handles. You deserve something that feels like a meme, hits you with the punch of a double‑shot espresso, and actually tells you where the drinks are as good as the Wi‑Fi. This is that guide. We’ve scoured the continent, consulted the spirits of bartenders past, and compiled a list of 50 bars that will make you question why you ever settled for a dive with plastic stools.

Our Methodology (Because We’re Not Just Guessing)

Before we dive into the neon‑lit abyss, let’s talk about how we chose these establishments. No, we didn’t just follow Instagram hashtags (although we did stalk a few). Here’s the low‑down:

Drink Quality: Is the bartender a magician or just a glorified soda‑pop dispenser?
Atmosphere: Does the vibe scream “Instagram gold” or “I’m stuck in a 90’s sitcom”?
Price‑to‑Fun Ratio: Can you actually afford a second round without selling a kidney?
Memorability: Will you remember the night, or will it blur into a hazy TikTok montage?
Location: Proximity to public transport, because we’re not all Uber‑rich.

If you’re a bar owner reading this, feel free to Contact us to discuss how to boost your foot traffic with data‑driven strategies.

1‑10: The Heavy Hitters (aka the “I’m Not Even Sorry” Tier)

The Dead Rabbit (New York, NY) – A cocktail bar that feels like stepping into a 19th‑century speakeasy while the DJ spins modern trap. Their Irish Coffee is basically a hug in a glass.
La Colombe (Toronto, ON) – If you think you’ve had a good espresso martini, think again. Their baristas‑turned‑mixologists know how to keep the caffeine high and the buzz higher.
The Aviary (Chicago, IL) – Chef‑driven cocktails that look like science experiments. Expect a foam that defies gravity and a price tag that defies logic.
Bar Agricole (San Francisco, CA) – Farm‑to‑glass cocktails with ingredients so fresh you can almost hear them whisper “organic”.
El Vez (Los Angeles, CA) – A Mexican‑themed dive that serves margaritas with enough lime to make you question your life choices.
Rooftop at The Standard (Los Angeles, CA) – Because nothing says “I’m sophisticated” like sipping a Negroni while the city burns below.
Jack Rose (Boston, MA) – A tiny, dimly lit joint where the bartender knows your name after the first order.
Bar Orchard (Seattle, WA) – A place where you can get a cocktail that tastes like the forest, literally. Pine needles? Yes. Regret? Absolutely.
Prohibition (Miami, FL) – Speakeasy vibes, hidden doors, and a gin fizz that could revive a dead ex‑girlfriend.
Rooftop Bar at The Drake (Chicago, IL) – Skyline views, craft beers, and the occasional pigeon that thinks it’s a VIP.

Need more data on how to turn your bar into a destination? Check out our Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer guide.

11‑20: The Underdogs That Punch Above Their Weight

Barrel & Crow (Portland, OR) – A craft‑beer haven where the taps are as diverse as your Spotify playlists.
The Velvet Lounge (Austin, TX) – Live jazz, vintage leather, and a whiskey selection that could make a bourbon snob weep.
Le Bar (Vancouver, BC) – French‑inspired cocktails with a Pacific Northwest twist. Their “Maple Manhattan” is a love letter to Canada.
Backroom (Denver, CO) – Hidden behind a laundromat, this speakeasy serves cocktails that feel like a secret society handshake.
Bar 9 (Philadelphia, PA) – A rooftop oasis where you can sip a bourbon‑infused cold brew while watching the city’s pigeons plot world domination.
Alibi (New Orleans, LA) – A bar that lives up to its name: you’ll forget your name by the third round.
Midnight Rambler (San Diego, CA) – Tiki meets industrial chic. Their Mai Tai is so good it could convince you to move to a beach.
Rooftop at The W Hotel (Boston, MA) – Because nothing says “I’m classy” like a gin‑based cocktail at 300 feet.
Garrison (Washington, D.C.) – A political hotspot where the drinks are bipartisan.
The Blind Pig (San Antonio, TX) – A dive with a secret menu that changes nightly. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a drink named after a meme.

21‑30: The Meme‑Worthy Spots (If Your Phone’s Battery Can Keep Up)

Barcade (Chicago, IL) – Arcade games, craft beer, and a vibe that screams “I’m still a kid at heart”.
Meow Wolf (Santa Fe, NM) – Not a bar per se, but their immersive art installation includes a bar that feels like a psychedelic rabbit hole.
The Bungalow (Miami, FL) – Beach vibes, pastel colors, and a cocktail menu that references every 90s sitcom you love.
Speakeasy at The Roosevelt (Los Angeles, CA) – Hidden behind a bookshelf, the drinks are as mysterious as the password.
Thirsty Bear (Vancouver, BC) – A bear‑themed bar where the drinks are as strong as the mascot’s hug.
Atomic (Toronto, ON) – Retro neon, atomic‑age cocktails, and a bartender who can do a backflip while mixing.
Rooftop at The W (New York, NY) – Skyline, neon, and a cocktail that glows under blacklight. Yes, it’s a thing.
Zombie Bar (Portland, OR) – The décor is a post‑apocalyptic wasteland, but the drinks are life‑affirming.
Moonshine (Austin, TX) – A bar that pretends it’s illegal to serve moonshine. Spoiler: it’s not.
Pixel (San Francisco, CA) – 8‑bit vibes, pixelated menus, and a cocktail named “Game Over” that will literally end your night.

Thinking about selling your own brew? Make Your Own Beer with us and become the next Instagram sensation.

31‑40: The Classic “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore” Bars

Old Town Bar (New York, NY) – Brick walls, vintage neon, and a whiskey selection that could fund a small country.
The Green Mill (Chicago, IL) – Jazz legends still haunt this place. Order the “Al Capone” and feel the mob vibe.
Barrel House (Nashville, TN) – Country music, bourbon, and a line of patrons that looks like a line at a concert.
Rooftop at The Standard (Los Angeles, CA) – Already mentioned, but worth a second mention because the view is insane.
The Rooftop at The W (Miami, FL) – Sun, sand, and a cocktail that tastes like a vacation you can’t afford.
Laurel Street Bar (San Antonio, TX) – Tex‑Mex vibes, margaritas that make you forget your ex’s name.
Harbor House (Seattle, WA) – Nautical décor, fish‑infused cocktails, and a bartender who swears he’s a pirate.
The Blind Tiger (Boston, MA) – A name that says “we see everything” and a gin cocktail that proves it.
Alpine (Denver, CO) – Mountain vibes, craft brews, and a view that makes you forget the altitude sickness.
Speakeasy at The Roosevelt (Washington, D.C.) – Another hidden gem, because D.C. needs more secret doors.

41‑50: The “I Swear This Isn’t a Tourist Trap” Picks

Bar 9 (Philadelphia, PA) – Already mentioned, but you can’t get enough of that rooftop.
Moonshine (Austin, TX) – Duplicate entry for emphasis: the vibe is legit.
Rooftop Bar at The Drake (Chicago, IL) – Yes, we love rooftops. This one has a secret menu for the truly brave.
Bar Agricole (San Francisco, CA) – Duplicate for emphasis; farm‑to‑glass is a lifestyle.
The Dead Rabbit (New York, NY) – Duplicate for those who skim.
Alibi (New Orleans, LA) – Duplicate because the vibe is too good to miss.
Backroom (Denver, CO) – Duplicate for those who love hidden doors.
Rooftop at The Standard (Los Angeles, CA) – Triple‑checked: the view is worth the hype.
Barcade (Chicago, IL) – Duplicate for the arcade addicts.
Speakeasy at The Roosevelt (Los Angeles, CA) – Final nod to the secret‑door scene.

Now that you have a list longer than your last Netflix binge, you might wonder: “How do I actually get my beer out there?” The answer is simple: Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. It’s the premier beer distribution marketplace that lets you focus on brewing while they handle the logistics.

Bar Etiquette 101: How Not to Be That Person

Even the best bar experience can be ruined by a clueless patron. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Don’t order a “beer” at a cocktail bar. It’s like ordering a salad at a steakhouse.
Tip your bartender. They’re not just shaking drinks; they’re performing liquid alchemy.
Respect the dress code. If it says “no hats,” don’t wear a baseball cap that says “I love craft beer.”
Don’t hog the Instagram spot. If you’re taking a photo, move aside for the next person.
Know your limits. Nobody looks good on a “one‑more‑drink‑please” after midnight.

SEO for Bar Owners: Turn Your Spot Into a Google Magnet

If you own a bar and want to be on this list (or any list), you need to play the SEO game better than you play darts. Here are three quick wins:

Optimize for local search. Claim your Google My Business, add high‑resolution photos, and sprinkle keywords like “best cocktails in city” throughout your site.
Leverage user‑generated content. Encourage patrons to leave reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google. The more authentic the review, the better.
Backlink to authority sites. Get featured on local blogs, tourism boards, and if possible, a link from a reputable marketplace like Dropt.beer. It’s like a vote of confidence from the internet gods.

Need a deeper dive? Our Custom Beer service can help you craft a signature brew that’ll make your SEO keywords taste even better.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Weapon (or Whiskey)

Whether you’re chasing the perfect Manhattan, a hazy IPA with a view, or a neon‑lit tiki concoction that makes you feel like you’re in a 90s music video, the North American bar scene has something for every taste bud and meme‑loving soul. Use this guide as your compass, your drinking buddy, and your excuse to ignore that 9 a.m. meeting.

Now go out, get sloshed, and remember: the best stories start with a good drink and end with a great story. And if you’re a bar owner, don’t forget to visit our Home page for more strategies that’ll make your establishment the talk of the town.

Ready to Level Up Your Drinking Game?

If you’ve survived this marathon of memes, journalism, and pure liquid wisdom, you’re officially ready for the next step: make your own beer, partner with a distribution platform, or simply book a table at one of the spots above. Contact us if you need help turning your bar into the next viral sensation. Cheers to good drinks, bad decisions, and the perfect SEO‑optimized bar crawl!