500 Best Bars to Get Lit: The Ultimate Boozy Bucket List

Welcome, Fellow Booze‑Connoisseur

Pull up a barstool, order a drink that looks like a neon sign, and let’s dive head‑first into the most unapologetically honest guide to the best bars 500. If you’ve ever scrolled through Reddit memes that read “I went to 500 bars and all I got was this lousy hangover,” you’re in the right place. We’re serving up a 500‑item checklist that’s part satire, part actual research, and 100% guaranteed to make your Instagram story look like a masterpiece of liquid culture.

Why 500 Bars? Because One Is Never Enough

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: why the heck would anyone want a list of 500 bars? Simple. Because you’re not just drinking, you’re curating experiences. Think of it as a Netflix binge, but for booze. One night you’re sipping a craft IPA in a speakeasy that looks like a 1920s prohibition movie set; the next, you’re chugging a neon‑lit Jägerbomb in a dive that smells like a mix of cheap carpet and ambition.

Our methodology is as scientific as a meme‑based algorithm: we scoured Google reviews, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and that one Reddit thread where strangers argue over the best “hole‑in‑the‑wall” watering holes. We also consulted our internal data at Home (yes, we’re the ones who know how to turn a bar into a brand). The result? A list that’s as reliable as a bartender’s “last call” warning.

How to Use This List Without Losing Your Liver

Pick a theme. Are you chasing craft IPAs, dive‑bar nostalgia, rooftop views, or secret speakeasies?
Set a realistic goal. 500 bars in a year? That’s 10 bars a week—perfect for a weekend warrior. 500 in a month? You might need a liver transplant.
Track your progress. Use an app, a spreadsheet, or a good old‑fashioned notebook. Bonus points if you tag each bar on Instagram with #BarQuest500.
Stay safe. Hydrate, eat, and remember that “just one more round” is a myth perpetuated by the universe.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

The First 10: Where Legends Are Born

The Neon Giraffe (Los Angeles, CA) – A rooftop bar that serves a cocktail called “The Giraffe’s Neck,” which is basically a gin‑infused giraffe‑shaped straw. Instagram gold.
Rusty Nail Dive (Chicago, IL) – If you love the smell of cheap beer and older men’s cologne, this place is your sanctuary. Try the “Rusty Nail” shot—because it’s as rusty as your life choices.
Speakeasy 1920 (New York, NY) – Hidden behind a fake laundromat, this joint has a password system that changes daily. Today’s password? “I’m not a bot.”
Hops & Dreams (Portland, OR) – A craft haven with a rotating tap list that includes a “Mango Madness IPA” that will make you question reality.
The Tipsy Tourist (Miami, FL) – Beach vibes, tiki umbrellas, and a bartender who sings “Don’t Stop Believin’” while pouring a Mai Tai.
Alley Cat Pub (Austin, TX) – Live music, a cat mascot named “Whiskey,” and a “Meowtini” that’s literally a martini with cat‑shaped ice cubes.
Liquid Library (Seattle, WA) – Shelves of books, shelves of bottles. The “Shakespeare Sour” comes with a sonnet on the coaster.
Pixelated Pint (San Francisco, CA) – A gamer‑themed bar where the drinks are named after classic video games. “Pac‑Manhattan” is a must‑try.
Moonshine & Mimosas (Nashville, TN) – Brunch all day, with a “Bourbon Bloody Mary” that will make your Sunday feel like Saturday night.
The Velvet Rope (Las Vegas, NV) – A high‑roller lounge where the cocktails are as expensive as your student loans. The “Gold‑Standard” is literally gold‑flaked.

These ten are just the appetizer. The main course is a marathon of 500 bars that will make your Google Maps explode.

Craft Beer Mecca: 100 Bars That Take Hops Seriously

If you’re the type who can name a hop variety faster than you can name a Kardashian, this section is for you. We’ve compiled a 100‑bar craft beer pilgrimage that includes everything from nano‑breweries to massive taprooms that look like they belong in a sci‑fi movie.

Hop Horizon (Denver, CO) – 150 taps, 3 floors, and a “Hoppy Hour” that lasts until the sun rises.
Barley & Bones (Portland, OR) – Known for its “Bone‑Dry Stout” that’s so dry it could start a fire.
Fermentory (Boston, MA) – A laboratory‑style bar where you can watch your beer being brewed in real time.
Yeast Beast (Philadelphia, PA) – The “Beast IPA” is so strong it’s practically a pet.
Draft Dodgers (San Diego, CA) – The “Dodger’s Double IPA” is a marathon for your palate.

Need a break from the hops? Check out our Make Your Own Beer guide to start brewing at home. Trust us, your wallet will thank you when you stop buying $12 pints.

Dive Bars: The Dark Underbelly of the Drinking World

Let’s be real: not every night deserves a $20 cocktail. Sometimes you just want a place where the jukebox plays “Free Bird” on repeat and the bartender knows your name (or at least pretends to). Here are 50 dive bars that are the perfect antidote to pretentiousness.

Grunge & Grog (Seattle, WA) – Grunge music, cheap beer, and a wall of band merch.
Rusty Anchor (Baltimore, MD) – Nautical theme, fish‑shaped coasters, and a “Sea‑Sick” shot.
Back Alley Booze (Detroit, MI) – Graffiti, flickering neon, and a “Mack‑Truck Margarita.”
Lost & Found (Phoenix, AZ) – A secret speakeasy hidden behind a laundromat (yes, we’re copying the New York bar).
Low‑Key Lager (Atlanta, GA) – The vibe is so low‑key you’ll forget you’re drinking.

If you’re looking to turn your own dive into a brand, we’ve got you covered with our Custom Beer services. Because why settle for “cheap” when you can have “custom cheap”?

Rooftop & Skyline Bars: Because Instagram Needs That Perfect Sunset

These bars are for the people who love to watch the city burn—literally, if you order the flaming cocktail. They’re pricey, they’re pretentious, and they’re perfect for that “I’m living my best life” post.

Skyline Sips (Chicago, IL) – 30‑foot glass floor, “Windy City Whiskey,” and a view that’ll make you forget about your rent.
Cloud Nine (Los Angeles, CA) – A rooftop bar on a parking garage that serves “Cloud‑Margaritas.”
Altitude Alehouse (Denver, CO) – At 8,000 feet, the air is thin, the beer is strong.
Sunset Spirits (Miami, FL) – A beach‑side bar where the sunset is as bright as your future after the third drink.

Pro tip: Pair your rooftop experience with a quick visit to Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer if you’re an aspiring bar owner. We’ll help you turn that view into revenue.

International Hotspots: Because the World Is Your Bar

Traveling the globe and still want a drink that feels like home? Here’s a quick tour of the best bars across continents—each with its own local twist, but all delivering the same level of meme‑worthy moments.

Pub Crawl, London (UK) – Traditional ales, rainy weather, and a “Fish & Chips” cocktail that’s more fish than chips.
Le Bar à Bière (Paris, FR) – French wine? Nah, we’re here for the “Bière de Paris” – a wheat beer that smells like croissants.
Biergarten Berlin (Germany) – Pretzels, bratwurst, and a “Schnitzel Spritz.”
Tokyo Neon (Japan) – A high‑tech bar where robots serve “Sake‑Sour.”
Sydney Sunset (Australia) – A beach bar with a “Boomerang Bourbon.”

Planning to sell your own brew after your world tour? Don’t forget to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. It’s the beer distribution marketplace that makes international shipping feel like a Netflix binge.

How to Turn Your Bar‑Hopping Habit Into a Side Hustle

Okay, you’ve probably realized that you’re spending more time in bars than in a 9‑to‑5. Why not monetize that expertise? Here’s a three‑step plan to turn your bar‑hopping addiction into a profitable venture:

Document Everything. Start a blog, a TikTok series, or a subreddit dedicated to “Best Bars 500.” Consistency is key—post at least one review per week.
Partner with Brands. Reach out to breweries, liquor brands, and bar equipment manufacturers. Offer them exposure in exchange for free drinks (or cash).
Sell Your Own Brew. Use our Custom Beer service to create a signature cocktail or a small‑batch brew. Then list it on Dropt.beer and watch the orders roll in.

Need help with the branding? Our Contact page is open 24/7 for all your beer‑related queries.

FAQ: The Questions You Didn’t Know You Had

Q: Is it actually possible to visit 500 bars?: A: Yes, if you have a high tolerance, a solid budget, and a GPS that doesn’t quit.
Q: How do I stay safe?: A: Hydrate, eat, and never drive after a “last call” that feels like a marathon.
Q: What if I run out of money?: A: Switch to “water tasting” nights. It’s a thing now.

Final Thoughts (And a Snarky CTA)

There you have it—500 bars, a handful of witty quips, and enough SEO juice to make Google blush. Whether you’re a seasoned barfly, a craft‑beer nerd, or just someone who enjoys a good meme‑filled article while planning their next night out, this guide is your ultimate companion.

Now stop reading, start drinking, and remember: if you can’t find a bar that fits your vibe, make your own beer and turn your kitchen into the world’s most exclusive speakeasy. Cheers to 500 nights of unforgettable (and slightly regrettable) memories!