My Top Ten Bars in 2023
You know how much I like a good drink. And if you’ve followed me on Instagram this past year at all, you will have noticed that I probably don’t enjoy anything more than exploring a new city or place and its bar scene. Last year was a blast for me since I got to travel a lot and discovered some amazing spots that I absolutely fell in love with. I’ve put together a list of my top ten favorite bars in the US that I visited in 2023, and I’d love to share it with you! Since I love them all equally, I will list them in the order that I visited them, rather than trying to rank them. That would be too difficult!
Whether you’re planning your next trip or just looking for new places to try out in your area, I hope my list will give you some inspiration. And if you have any recommendations of your own, please let me know! I’m always on the lookout for new places to explore and discover.
1. N. 40 – Boise, Idaho
Right at the beginning of 2023, I was lucky enough to make my first trip to Idaho. Turns out, Boise, the capital, has an amazing bar scene with lots of creative people pitting their skills into crafting fantastic drinks. No. 40, the hidden speakeasy bar in Bar Gibbon at The Lively only opens on Saturdays and only if you call or text a secret number. It’s a very intimate, cute little space with a capacity for 12 people only. I was lucky enough to sit at the bar and chat with their head bartender, who mixed us incredible drinks and was a lovely dude to chat with. Trust me when I say I would fly back to Boise only to visit N. 40 again – it’s that remarkable.
N. 40 at The Lively, 505 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702
https://www.thelivelyboise.com/speakeasy
2. Thick as Thieves – Boise, Idaho
Boise has another amazing speakeasy that’s reminiscent of the old school. Like the N. 40, you can only enter Thick as Thieves through a hidden entrance after dialing an old-school telephone located in a somewhat sketchy back entrance. Once inside, the bar is a complete contrast – it’s lavish, enjoyable, and the bartenders and mixologists are experts at their craft. Additionally, the drinks are reasonably priced.
Thick as Thieves, 620 W Idaho St Suite 200, Boise, ID 83702
@thickasthievesboise
3. The Dean Bar – Providence, Rhode Island
The Dean Bar is a hidden gem that transports you to the elegant hotel bars of Europe. With its intimate and discreet ambiance, it’s like stepping into a chic Berlin apartment – cozy, stylish, and oh-so-inviting. No wonder, I felt right at home the moment I walked in. The Dean Bar captures the essence of European sophistication while maintaining an approachable and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind with a meticulously crafted cocktail and lose yourself in conversation with friends or strangers alike. So, if you’re in search of a cocktail lounge that feels like a hidden retreat in the heart of Europe, look no further than The Dean Bar. Trust me, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
The Dean Bar, 122 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903
The Dean Bar @ The Dean Hotel Website | @thedeanbar
4. Dante West Village – New York
Dante is a name cocktail lovers should know – the legendary circa-1915 café has won World Best Bars in 2019 and is usually among the top spots. Now a registered New York City landmark, this modest meeting house has always attracted people from all walks of life. I happened to be there for the first time in March 2023, and I liked it so much that I went again the next day. They actually have two locations (in Manhattan but mind you, they have also opened another one in Beverly Hills) – and I particularly enjoyed the legendary one in West Village and their daily Martini Happy Hour (although the Negroni Happy Hour at their other place wasn’t bad either). Either way – Dante was probably my best find in 2023, and I cannot wait to be back soon and vibe with the other New Yorkers.
Dante West Village, 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
@dantenewyorkcity
5. Imprensa – Lisbon, Portugal
Seeking a spot with vibes as fresh as the oysters? Look no further than Imprensa Cocktail & Oyster Bar in Lisbon – where the party’s always hopping and the laughter flows like fine wine! And let me tell you about the guys behind the bar – not only are they friendly and chatty, but their cocktail skills are off the charts! They’re the dynamic friends who founded this joint to craft cocktails together and trust me, you won’t want to leave once you experience their magic. So, if you’re up for a night of laughs and tantalizing treats, make your way to Imprensa Bar. Believe me, it’s a vibe you won’t want to miss out on!
Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar, R. da Imprensa Nacional 46, 1250-127 Lisboa, Portugal
@imprensa_
6. Wildhawk, San Francisco
Nestled snugly in San Francisco’s Mission District, the Wildhawk is like a cozy cocktail oasis where the good times flow as freely as the drinks! Why do I love it? Well, picture this: dim lights, plush seats, and a vibe that’s equal parts classy and kick-back. It’s the kind of place where you can sip on a crafty concoction while chatting up the friendly bartender or swapping stories with fellow cocktail enthusiasts. But what really seals the deal for me is the vibe. It’s like stepping into a friend’s living room (if your friend happens to have killer cocktail skills and a knack for creating an atmosphere that’s both chill and chic).
Wildhawk, 3464 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
@wildhawk_sf
7. The Violet Hour, Chicago
The Violet Hour is a hidden sanctuary for cocktail aficionados. With its mysterious allure and expert mixologists, it’s a haven where every sip tells a story. Step inside and be mesmerized by the dimly lit ambiance and plush decor. But what truly sets this spot apart is the talent behind the bar. These artisans blend premium spirits and fresh ingredients to craft cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening with friends or mingling with fellow patrons, there’s an electric yet intimate atmosphere that makes every visit feel special. So, if you’re craving a taste of Chicago’s vibrant cocktail scene, don’t miss The Violet Hour. It’s more than just a bar – it’s an unforgettable experience. Cheers to good times and great drinks in the heart of the city!
The Violet Hour, 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
@violethourchicago
8. Provenance Bar – Cleveland, Ohio
If you’re in Cleveland and craving a cultural cocktail experience, the Provenance Bar at the Cleveland Museum of Art awaits. Here, sophistication meets innovation, offering patrons an immersive experience where every detail is a testament to artistry and ingenuity. You’ll find yourself enveloped in an ambiance that blends contemporary design with timeless elegance. It’s a space where every corner exudes refinement, inviting you to savor the moment and indulge in the art of mixology. Behind the bar, skilled artisans craft cocktails with precision and passion, transforming each libation into a masterpiece of flavor and flair. From classic concoctions with a modern twist to inventive creations inspired by the museum’s exhibitions, every sip is a journey of discovery.
Provenance Bar at Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
@provenanceatcma
9. The Green Lady Room – Waikiki, Hawaii
The Green Lady Lounge is a secret oasis for cocktail connoisseurs. But hold onto your leis – this isn’t your typical Aloha beach bar. Instead, step into a world of speakeasy vibes and sultry charm. Behind unassuming doors lies a lush sanctuary where mixology meets mystery. Picture this: dimly lit corners, velvety greenery, and an air of exclusivity that’s as intoxicating as the cocktails themselves. This isn’t just a bar – it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Ask for room 8.
The Green Lady Room at Heyday, 431 Nohonani St, Honolulu, HI 96815
@greenladycocktailroom
10. Fabelei – Berlin, Germany
This cozy yet stylish spot is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts and social butterflies alike. As soon as you step through the door of FABELEI, you’ll feel the cozy yet stylish vibe wrap around you like a warm hug. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but smile as you take in the inviting atmosphere. But let’s talk about the drinks – oh, the drinks! Each one is a work of art, crafted with care and creativity by Fabelei’s talented mixologists. Whether you’re into classic cocktails with a twist or adventurous concoctions that push the boundaries, there’s something here to tickle your taste buds and tantalize your senses. So, if you find yourself in Berlin and in need of a little pick-me-up, do yourself a favor and swing by Fabelei Bar. Trust me, it’s not just good – it’s THAT good!
FABELEI Cocktailbar, Kyffhäuserstraße 21, 10781 Berlin-Bezirk Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Deutschland
@fabelei_bar
HONORARY MENTIONS
It was harder than expected to choose which bars made my top ten from last year – not only because I visited a lot of bars, but also just because they were all so good. America is the birthplace of iconic cocktails, sodas and liqueurs and that comes with some fantastic options to choose from in any city I visited. I’ll mention the other places that I would like to recommend below (again in chronological order):
- ART HAUS BAR, 999 W Main St Suite P101, Boise, ID 83702
- The Library at The Newbury Boston, 1 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
- Patent Pending, 49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
- The NoMad Bar, 3772 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Movida Lounge, 555 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Taco da Raposa, R. da Condessa 45, 1200-302 Lisboa, Portugal
- Agarbar Cocktail Bar, C. de la Fàbrica, 14, A, Poniente, 07013 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Cindy’s Rooftop at Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Cabra Cevicheria at The Hoxton Chicago, 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Cira at The Hoxton Chicago, 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Cloak & Dagger, 2399 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
- The Provocateur Bar at Provocateur Hotel, Brandenburgische Str. 21, 10707 Berlin, Germany
- Galandar Haifischbar, Arndtstraße 25, 10965 Berlin, Germany
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