Best bars in America 2026: See the top 38 picks from USA TODAY

Burger-infused bourbon. A refreshing mix of limoncello and cucumber – herbal and a tiny bit sweet. Hand-poured cask ales, brewed in a 400-year-old tradition.

Creative or traditional, innovative or tried-and-true, these drinks – and the camaraderie, stories and good times behind them – are among the reasons our food writers from across the country chose the USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2026.

From dive bars to beach bars, swanky cocktail speakeasies to retro-throwback lounges, the best bars tell a story – and often serve up something tasty to go with your drink.

USA TODAY celebrates the standout spots across the country that do more than just pour a stiff one. These are the places where locals and visitors alike gather for good conversation, warm vibes and a little slice of the city’s character – whether that means sipping a club-friendly mixed drink with orange vodka, club soda, 7-Up, and cranberry and orange juice while dancing at D'Jais in Belmar, New Jersey, or settling in to a hi-fi listening lounge and savoring an aperitivo at Potential New Boyfriend in Asheville, North Carolina.

We love them all. And they are, the 2026 USA TODAY Bars of the Year.

Leroy, Alabama ・Sunny's Lounge, Arizona ・Yucca Tap Room, Arizona ・The Reef, California ・Social, Colorado ・Bottle & Cork, Delaware ・Good Night John Boy, Florida ・Dolly's Wine Bar, Florida ・The Sandbar at Capt Hiram's Resort, Florida ・The Lone Wolf Lounge, Georgia ・The 33 Room, Illinois ・The Ball and Biscuit, Indiana ・El Bait Shop, Iowa ・Hell or High Water, Kentucky ・Green Room, Louisiana ・Fatty Arbuckle's Pub, Louisiana ・The Wig Shop, Massachusetts ・Shipwrecked, Massachusetts ・Femme Bar, Massachusetts ・Father Forgive Me, Michigan ・D'Jais, New Jersey ・Cloverleaf Tavern, New Jersey ・The Riverside Inn, New Jersey ・The Ambleside Pub, New York ・Goodnight Kenny, New York ・Jack's Extra Fancy, New York ・Potential New Boyfriend, North Carolina ・The Fortunate Glass, North Carolina ・Sully's Speakeasy, Ohio ・Northside Yacht Club, Ohio ・Land-Grant Brewing Co., Ohio ・Skinny Slim's, Oklahoma ・Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Pennsylvania ・The Smoking Mule, South Dakota ・Fly by Night, Tennessee ・Fox Bar and Cocktail Club, Tennessee ・Accordia Natural Wine Bar & Eatery, Virginia ・The Mothership, Wisconsin

Leroy | Montgomery, Alabama

Details: 2752 Boultier Ave.; 334-356-7127, leroylounge.com

Leroy is a hidden gem in a close-knit artistic community in Montgomery, and they like it that way. Since opening in 2012, the bar has been a place worth searching for, tucked away behind a community theater. Leroy has 18 craft beers on tap and a large selection of wine, but its signature cocktails are what keep neighbors coming back. That, and a variety of music, comedy and other activities. There’s also a story about a kidnapped champion race horse that’s in the mix. Ask your bartender about it. They’ll be glad to share the tale as you sip your drink. – Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser

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Sunny's Lounge | Phoenix, Arizona

Details: 2701 E. Indian School Road; 602-316-1117, drinkmoresayless.com

This little gem of a neighborhood watering hole is essentially a really good cocktail bar that cosplays as a dive. Sidle up to the bar at Sunny's to watch the action or snag a red leather booth. Either way, stick to cocktails, which range from straightforward and tasty to slightly unhinged, like the smashburger cocktail made with burger-infused bourbon, Corazon anejo tequila, celery bitters, brioche and dill pickle, served with a mini malt. Trust. If you don’t want a burger cocktail, there are plenty of other options, including a secret menu. As for food, they keep it simple with bar mix and a gourmet hot dog, served either plain or as a rotating "fancy pants glizzy," to help tame the alcohol. It's the kind of place that feels cozy but never boring, thanks to drinks that'll keep you on your toes. – Bahar Anooshahr, Arizona Republic

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Yucca Tap Room | Tempe, Arizona

Details: 29 W. Southern Ave.; 480-967-4777, yuccatap.com

There was a brief but brilliant moment in the early '90s when the Arizona music scene was being looked to as “the next Seattle” – a time when talk like that was all it took to spawn a major-label feeding frenzy. Yucca Tap Room is the last bar standing from that celebrated era. It’s where Roger Clyne and the Refreshments launched their career with a Sunday night residency. And it remains a cherished staple of the local music diet, expanding in recent years to include a pinball arcade and a satellite bar in northern Arizona. – Ed Masley, Arizona Republic

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The Reef | Palm Springs, California

Details: Caliente Tropics Resort, 411 E. Palm Canyon Drive; 760-656-3839, thereefpalmsprings.com

The massive A-frame that provides the entry to Palm Springs’ funky Caliente Tropics resort can feel like a passage between worlds. Outside are cactus, mountain views and the thrum of cars heading to the many motels that line the Coachella Valley’s busiest thoroughfare. But venture in and enter a (faux) tropical paradise of tiki heads and vibes that feel straight out of “Magnum, P.I.” That ambience reaches its zenith at The Reef, a nautical-themed watering hole that pays tribute to this town's tiki bar-obsessed past. The Reef serves mai tais and other boozy concoctions in classic tiki mugs, alongside burgers and fried shrimp, to a colorful crowd that includes motel guests, devoted regulars and maybe even Jimmy Buffett’s ghost (he’d sure love this spot). – Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun

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Social | Fort Collins, Colorado

Details: 1 Old Town Square, Suite 7; 970-449-5606, socialfortcollins.com

When looking to settle in for a night of conversation and something a little mysterious, Social never misses. The speakeasy is a classic that’s been around since 2013, offering specialty cocktails and charcuterie boards that are simply divine. The menu feels like a garden, with drinks that arrive looking as good as they taste, often topped with fresh fruit and bitters. Try the Sweet Li’l Thang, a dessert cocktail with coconut cream and bright citrus notes, or the Unencumbered, a refreshing mix of limoncello and cucumber that’s herbal and a tiny bit sweet. All drinks are presented with an elegant touch that makes the experience feel special every time. – Abigail Flores-Johnson, Fort Collins Coloradoan

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Bottle & Cork | Dewey Beach, Delaware

Details: 1807 Highway 1; 302-227-7272, bottleandcork.com

Summer simply doesn't count without a visit to the iconic, 90-year-old Bottle & Cork. The indoor-outdoor music venue with a roadhouse-at-the-beach feel is as much of a tradition as sandy beaches and ice cream cones. Half of the bar is open air, with an elevated area along the wall for lucky bar-goers looking for a perch to take in the wild scene. The other half is indoors with a Texas roadhouse-at-the-beach feel. There's a limited drink menu, no food and an overall feel that's more frat party than classy cocktail bar. The nightlife hot spot draws major crowds with its stacked lineup of national acts and its legendary Jam Session on Saturdays, which start at 5 p.m. sharp with the blare of a vintage rooftop air raid siren. They're a marathon of eight hours of rotating performances by four local cover bands. You can party for three hours, leave for a 2-hour dinner, take a 2-hour nap, and still make it for the finale. But beware: The floor will be littered with crushed beer cans, another time-honored Cork custom. –Ryan Cormier, Delaware News Journal

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Good Night John Boy l Delray Beach, Florida

Details: 33 SE Third Ave.; goodnightjb.com/delraybeach

For those of a certain age, the phrase “Good Night John Boy” lands with familiarity, a sign-off from “The Waltons” that closed out a quieter era of TV. In Delray Beach, Good Night John Boy is also the name of a bar, one that now signals something else entirely: a high-energy disco fever dream where sequins, basslines and glittering cocktails carry the night long past last call. Inside, the room feels less like a set piece and more like a lived-in fantasy, as if Carol Brady were given a blank check and told to design the ultimate party basement. At the center is the dance floor, a glowing “Saturday Night Fever”-esque grid that doubles as a magnet. Mirrored disco balls scatter light across the room, and DJs move easily between decades, mixing Donna Summer into Bruno Mars without breaking the rhythm. The music uses the 1970s as a foundation, then builds forward. – Diana Biederman, Palm Beach Post

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Dolly’s Wine Bar | Melbourne, Florida

Details: 1431 Highland Ave.; dollyswinebar.com

Locals flock to Dolly’s Wine Bar, a cozy neighborhood spot in the heart of Eau Gallie Arts District that has quickly become one of Melbourne’s go-to places for wine lovers and casual nights out. This favorite has become a standout in the local bar scene for its relaxed, thoughtfully crafted experience, with an extensive wine list and thoughtful food pairings. Dolly's is in the middle of a neighborhood known for its galleries, events and walkable streets, making the wine bar an easy stop during a night out. It draws guests in with cutesy umbrellas, outdoor seating and a fun neon sign that blends seamlessly into Eau Gallie’s eclectic, artsy vibe. And while relatively new compared to long-standing establishments, Dolly’s quickly built a loyal following of locals, from young professionals to longtime residents looking for a laid-back alternative to traditional bars. – Amber Olesen, Florida Today

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Sandbar Beach Club at Capt Hirams Resort | Sebastian, Florida

Details: 1580 U.S. Highway 1; hirams.com

Hear the reggae music and feel the sand on your feet. Capt Hirams Resort began as a raw bar on a small boat ramp in 1987 with only 28 seats. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest private employers in the city and includes the Sandbar, an inn, marina, museum, stage and multiple restaurants for a beachy bite. The outdoor island-style tiki bar features beer, wine and specialty cocktails such as the Hurricane Hiram, a "category 3, 4, or 5" concoction of rum, amaretto, pineapple, passionfruit and grenadine topped with a 151 floater. Capt Hirams Resort is now a hot spot for multiple events, such as live music, crab boils, shows, game nights, mystery nights, fishing tournaments and conferences about real treasure hunts off the nearby shores. – Valeria Bartra, Treasure Coast Newspapers

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Lone Wolf Lounge | Savannah, Georgia

Details: 2429 Lincoln St.; lonewolfsav.com

The vision for Lone Wolf was always that it should retain its slightly worn feel. It opened in a former insurance offce, where co-owner Andrew Ripley wanted to share the “nostalgia of my background in Wisconsin’s neighborhood bars where the lighting’s good and the music’s good.” While the vibe may be Midwest, the cocktails feature Caribbean flavors in reference to the Savannah-Caribbean trade routes established in the 1700s. The resulting menu features a twist on all the classics: shots, wines, beers and eight reasonably priced house cocktails described in witty but never pretentious terms. – Beth Logan, For Savannah Morning News

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The 33 Room | Peoria Heights, Illinois

Details: 4541 N. Prospect Road, Suite 33; the33room.com

History mixes well with contemporary creativity here. The area once boasted brewing operations for Pabst, with the original taproom dedicated in 1949. Its name offered a nod to a popular Pabst slogan of the 1940s: “33 Fine Brews Blended Into One Great Beer.” Brewing operations ended in The Heights 33 years later. Revived in 2022, The 33 Room does not aim to “stamp out the past,” co-owner Dustin Crawford said. An original backbar boasts the Pabst Blue Ribbon logo while a black-and-white photo collage, neon signs and wood-paneled walls further add to the nostalgia. Creative ever-changing cocktails are now a central tenet of the menu, but customers can still crack open a can of PBR. – Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star

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The Ball and Biscuit | Indianapolis, Indiana

Details: 311 Massachusetts Ave.; 317-636-0539, ballandbiscuit.com

The brick-walled venue, named for the style of microphone used by BBC radio presenters during the mid-20th century, commendably balances a classic atmosphere with boundary-pushing drinks. Few restaurateurs permit their staff as much creative freedom as owner-operator Kendall Lockwood; each drink on Ball and Biscuit’s signature cocktail menu is attributed to its creator, usually with a theme drawn from movies or TV. Food-wise, the kitchen keeps things simple with nuts, pickles, charcuterie and a quietly excellent artichoke dip. It’s hard not to feel ritzy at Ball and Biscuit. More importantly, it’s even harder not to have fun. – Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star

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El Bait Shop | Des Moines, Iowa

Details: 200 S.W. Second St.; 515-284-1970, elbaitshop.com

Long before craft beer was ubiquitous, El Bait Shop normalized educated bartenders, detailed tasting notes, brewery takeovers and limited releases in central Iowa. Since it opened in 2006, the bar has been a game changer for Des Moines, helping establish downtown as a serious dining-and-drinking destination when options were still limited. The space is filled with maximalist Americana and fishing-cabin kitsch, including taxidermy fish and woodland animals and vintage beer signs. With more than 250 taps, El Bait Shop remains one of the largest draft programs in the country, pouring Iowa brews alongside national icons, rare releases and classic imports. Knowledgeable bartenders guide novices and obsessives alike, making an overwhelming list feel approachable rather than intimidating. – Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register

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Hell or High Water | Louisville, Kentucky

Details: 112 W. Washington St.; 502-587-3057, hellorhighwaterbar.com

The entrance at 112 Washington St. in downtown Louisville comes with mystery and without flash, except for a little globe-like lamp that lights up at night. Once patrons find the light, open the door under it and are met with a small, starkly red room with a large map of 1921 Louisville on the wall. The map doesn't provide any helpful directions for this situation, but on another red wall is this message: "When this door opens, join us below." A set of steps and a couple of hallways eventually lead to the magical unveiling of Hell or High Water. And the bar, which seats about 100 people across multiple, whimsical rooms, has more surprises in store. Among 600 beautiful books lining one of the rooms dubbed The Library, a stunningly tall room filled with leather chairs and colorful rugs. At least a couple of books don't actually contain pages when perched open; others might hold notes left by previous patrons. Along with a couple of balcony-like rooms, there's a lounge filled with red velvet seating and the chandelier-lit Gaga Room. – Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal

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The Greenroom l Lafayette, Louisiana

Details: 229 Jefferson St.

For more than two decades, The Greenroom has quietly built a reputation as one of downtown Lafayette’s most beloved gathering places. Known as a laid-back, art-filled bar where tattoo artists, attorneys, musicians, skateboarders and tourists all end up sharing drinks and conversations under the same roof, there’s an unmistakable sense of community the moment you enter. It's popular for its massive craft beer selection, and for creating what regulars affectionately describe as a “Cheers” atmosphere. What truly sets The Greenroom apart, though, is the crowd itself. On any given night, judges, farmers, college students, bartenders, musicians and travelers might all find themselves sharing conversations at the same bar. – Aaron Gonsoulin, Lafayette Daily Advertiser

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Fatty Arbuckle’s Pub | Shreveport, Louisiana

Details: 205 Wall St.; 318-459-1448, fattyarbuckles.pub

Behind the walls of an unsuspecting metal building on the cusp of downtown Shreveport, you are greeted with a warm, inviting pub known for its array of rare bourbons and collection of scotches. Fatty Arbuckle’s Pub, established in 2003, is home to over 200 different whiskeys and fine spirits. A sprawling outside patio features local food trucks and live music every weekend. Back inside, you can sip on Pappy Van Winkle while you play pool. Fatty Arbuckle’s rotates a variety of craft cocktails throughout the year, consisting of classic cocktail recipes and custom mixologist creations. Mondays are steak nights. – Makenzie Boucher, Shreveport Times

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The Wig Shop | Boston, Massachusetts

Details: 27 Temple Place; 617-338-6333, wigshopboston.com

From the outside, it appears to be a wig shop, complete with a neon “WIGS” sign. Mannequin heads stare at you through the storefront window, each topped with a wildly unique hairpiece – one with long, curly, bubblegum pink locks; another with a bright orange bob. Step inside, behind the big steel exterior door, and enter a theater-like cocktail lounge with seating areas of plush navy and maroon couches and chairs, glass gold-edged coffee tables and sheer glittery-gold drapery dividers. Welcome to The Wig Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing, where you’ll feel like you’re onstage. Sit back, relax and peruse a playful catalog like menu with 30 cocktail choices created by Wig merchants (bartenders). Shareable bites include lobster pancakes and sliders. – Joanna Tzouvelis, Wicked Local

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Shipwrecked | Falmouth, Massachusetts

Details: 263 Grand Ave.; 508-540-9600, shipwreckedfalmouth.com

If you were a drone, your video of Shipwrecked would start over the Atlantic Ocean, pan across Falmouth Heights Beach and a crosswalk, and land on a scene of happy diners and drinkers. In winter, Shipwrecked draws locals looking to eat dinner, socialize or watch the game on large screens. In summer, the bar and restaurant extend into the courtyard like a scene from a '50s beach blanket movie. There is always a full menu served in the bar, and the signature cocktail, Shipwrecked Juice, is an all-weather choice with a fragrant layer of vanilla-scented Kraken Rum floating on top. Runners, take note: The bar is the finish line for the Falmouth Road Race and its competitors from around the world. Bar owner Alex Khan, once a lifeguard across the street, says Shipwrecked is exactly what he always felt the beachfront needed. – Gwenn Friss, Cape Cod Times

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Femme Bar | Worcester, Massachusetts

Details: 62 Green St.; 508-304-7622, femmebarworcester.com

Femme Bar hits all the marks: a friendly, welcoming space; a mouth-watering menu; drag shows and music; and, perhaps most importantly, colorfully named drinks such as the Bad Idea, the Pink Pony Club and the Girl of My Dreams. It's no wonder that Femme Bar has developed a reputation not just as an LBGTQ+ epicenter, but as one of the all-around best bars in the region. – Meg Trogolo, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

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Father Forgive Me | Detroit, Michigan

Details: 1265 Parkview St.; fatherforgiveme.com

Located on the grounds of Detroit’s Little Village, Father Forgive Me prays for the sins its customers may or may not commit as they imbibe in the shadow of The Shepherd, the century-old Romanesque-style church turned cultural center. Inside, the former church garage is moody. It’s dimly lit by oil lamps with polished wooden tables and a sturdy oak bar that runs along the back. Bartenders serve a small selection of wine in short glasses emblazoned with white lambs, and a cocktail list features beverages that range from light and herbaceous to sweet and heady. In contrast, the outside seating area is laid back. Gravel crunches underfoot and you’ll rest your glass on wooden stumps or toast to a special occasion over a fire pit. The open-air feel and verdant overstory that shades Father Forgive Me creates the sense that you’re at a serene monastery a million miles from the city – a stone’s throw from Belle Isle. – Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press

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D'Jais | Belmar, New Jersey

Details: 1801 Ocean Ave.; 732-681-5055, djais.com

The dance floor here is bustling on weekends – packing them in just as D'Jais has done since it opened in 1959. The energy is high and smiles abound. No wonder. It's a rite of passage to dance the night away at this beach bar where sea breezes blow in from the beach across the street and customers can view the ocean from the outdoor deck or inside bars. The club draws a multigenerational crowd and its share of politicians, too. Former Gov. Phil Murphy visited D'Jais when he was in office, and Gov. Mikie Sherrill, then a member of Congress, got behind the bar during a campaign stop last summer. And when you're taking a break from the dance party, sip on the bar's famous cocktail: The Grail. Made with orange vodka, club soda, 7-Up, and cranberry and orange juice, it was already a staple, and then became internet-famous after an influencer shared it with millions of followers. Part of the fun is each of the 18 bartenders at D'Jais has their own version. – Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press

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Cloverleaf Tavern | Caldwell, New Jersey

Details: 395 Bloomfield Ave.; 973-226-9812, cloverleaftavern.com

A rich history, fresh craft beers and a convivial atmosphere conspire to make the Cloverleaf Tavern one of the best bars in the country. Since receiving the first liquor license in town after Prohibition in 1933, the Cloverleaf has transformed from a bake shop to a men’s only pub to a 200-seat, indoor-outdoor, family-friendly bar with the best craft beer selection in the region. It’s one of the few bars to put New Jersey craft beers on tap, and its total beer list includes over 100 rotating domestic and imported labels. Add to that a meticulous barrel-aged cocktail program and a varied menu of globally inspired, elevated pub grub (including Jersey classics like a bar pie, disco fries and a killer burger). – Matt Cortina, NorthJersey.com

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The Riverside Inn | Cranford, New Jersey

Details: 56 N. Ave. E; 908-709-9449,instagram.com/thedivecranford

Born as a speakeasy more than 120 years ago, The Riverside Inn is affectionately known as “The Dive.” Famous for its “always happy hour” prices, the sticker-covered institution has a casual, cool, come-as-you-are vibe. There’s an eclectic, generous menu of bar food – all displayed on delightfully hand-illustrated paper plates. Burgers, wings, cheesesteaks and soups are top picks, with Thursday’s “Meat Night” a popular draw. The owner and chef-manager are ever-present, easygoing, homegrown guys, and long-time staff are devoted locals. The dive bar’s interior is cozy, but seating is ample, with an all-season tent out back. – Cheryl Makin, MyCentralJersey.com

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The Ambleside Pub | Mount Kisco, New York

Details: 23 E. Main St.; 914-733-6008, theamblesidepub.com

Hand-poured cask ales brewed the same way they were 400 years ago are a big reason people love The Ambleside Pub in Mount Kisco – but the real draw might be how genuinely British the place feels. Owned by English-born Drew Hodgson and his American wife, Leigh, the pub, named after a village in the Lake District that Drew grew up visiting, feels like the kind of spot you’d stumble into on a rainy U.K. afternoon. Inside, there's a warm, lived-in vibe thanks to cozy nooks, a faux fireplace, dartboard, board games and shelves packed with knickknacks, including a few from Drew’s family. The menu sticks to pub favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a Sunday Roast that regularly sells out, plus Ambleside’s Best Bitter, brewed by fellow British-owned Old Glenham Brewery. (True to tradition, you can order a half pint.) British sports add to the pub’s popularity – but only when games are on. During the evenings, TVs are turned off to encourage a family atmosphere. – Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News

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Goodnight Kenny | Poughkeepsie, New York

Details: 27 Academy St.; goodnightkenny.com

It’s the bar you wouldn’t expect in Poughkeepsie, a city working toward its better days. The coveted corner booth adorned with a disco ball overhead is the hot seat over the weekends, but you’ll be lucky to find any seating at the high-top tables – it’s always packed. The self-proclaimed neighborhood bar is adoringly named after the owner’s father, Kenny, who apparently had a habit of frequently dozing off. Expect a Kenny’s Classics craft cocktail at $13 each to suit each palate and a long line because of them. The Good Enough for Eleanor – a vodka cocktail with lemon, honey, grapefruit cordial and lillet blanc, topped with sparkling wine – is a mainstay. Tip well enough, and they might just ring the bell for you. – Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal

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Jack's Extra Fancy | Rochester, New York

Details: 825 Atlantic Ave.; 585-270-8915, jacksextrafancy.com

The building was once home to Jack Ryan's, a divey Irish bar that some called a “grumpy old man’s bar.” Now, Jack’s Extra Fancy pays tribute to that legacy and adds a cheeky spirit. The cozy, colorfully decorated bar offers imaginative craft cocktails and a rotating assortment of craft beers, but you can always get the local Genesee on a side pull. A beer-and-a-shot combo of Malort and Utica Club will run you 7 bucks. The menu for its scratch-made bar fare changes twice a year, and there are fun specials for nearly every food holiday. A constant is one of the best smashburgers in town, which can be ordered extra fancy, with egg, bone butter and thick-cut house-smoked bacon. There's a pleasant outdoor patio. Look for the yellow building painted with a Kelly green jack (you know, the toy you bounce a ball and scoop up). — Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

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Potential New Boyfriend | Asheville, North Carolina

Details: 647 Haywood Road; 828-203-0043, potentialnewbf.com

Potential New Boyfriend is a West Asheville hi-fi listening lounge. The dessert and wine bar sets the tone of an at-home kickback, with warm lighting, eclectic art and cozy sections. Tunes across genres rotate on the vinyl record player, from uninterrupted plays of '90s R&B icons to contemporary house beats. The grid menu guides imbibers to their next taste of its classic and aromatic wines, noting characteristics ranging from rich to funky and from herbal to fruity. The seasonal snack and dessert program is the cherry on top, with a savory aperitivo spread of burrata, olives and other nibbles to share, and sweet treats, such as scratch-made artisanal ice cream scoops you'll want to keep all to yourself. – Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen-Times

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The Fortunate Glass | Wilmington, North Carolina

Details: 29 S. Front St.; 910-399-4292, fortunateglass.com

In a vibrant, historic downtown, The Fortunate Glass stands out for its award-winning wine list and intimate setting. For 16 years, people have gathered at the copper-topped bar or a sidewalk table for cheese, charcuterie and varietals. But when accomplished pianist Tom Noonan became owner in 2018, he added a laid-back vibe and skills with the keys. Twice a month, he brings the classics to life for a room full of regulars. He and his staff also offer more than 400 bottles, 70 or so by-the-glass wines, and several craft beers. A tapas menu includes popular weekly soup and flatbread specials, which come with wine pairing suggestions. – Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews

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Sully's Speakeasy | Canal Fulton, Ohio

Details: 129 N. Canal St.; 330-408-7131, barrelroomwinebar.com/sullysspeakeasy

Inspired by the intrigue of the Prohibition era, the bar combines vintage character with a relaxed lounge setting where conversation takes center stage. Its carefully curated menu features handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, fine wines and classic favorites, all served with an emphasis on quality and detail. Bartender Tyler Lewis said the drink program is built around both creativity and tradition. "I like to create specialty cocktails with elegance and complex flavors," Lewis said, adding, "I also enjoy crafting old-school classics that transport you back in time." – Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository

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Northside Yacht Club | Cincinnati, Ohio

Details: 4231 Spring Grove Ave.; 513-541-0528, northsideyachtclub.com

The bar theme was inspired by the Ohio River flood of 1937, and there are nautical decor and knickknacks to discover throughout the multilevel, indoor-outdoor layout. The drink menu boasts beach-inspired cocktails, including a seasonal slushy and the Caprise & Desist Son of Anarchy, an adult version of the Capri Sun. The food menu highlights house-smoked meats and hand-cut fries, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Northside Yacht Club even has a deep-fried cheese coney filled with Cincinnati-style chili – one the restaurant's most popular rotating dishes. – Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer

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Land-Grant Brewing Co. | Columbus, Ohio

Details: 424 W. Town St.; 614-427-3946, landgrantbrewing.com

Land-Grant Brewing Co. is like a playground – with beer! – for grown-ups. On 1.5 acres surrounding its production facility in Columbus' oldest neighborhood, the craft brewer operates a taproom and outdoor beer garden, hosts five food trucks, offers pickleball and basketball courts in the summer, and sponsors curling with mini-kegs and putt-putt with hockey sticks in the winter. Land-Grant is a go-to for watch parties: Ohio State football, the Columbus Crew, World Cup soccer, the Oscars, "Survivor" and just about anything worth gathering to watch. Its full activities calendar also includes trivia and karaoke nights, yoga sessions and crafts lessons. – Bob Vitale, Columbus Dispatch

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Skinny Slim's | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Details: 201 E. Main St.; 405-673-7917, facebook.com/SkinnySlimsOkc/

Draped from the eaves of the 803-square-foot former railroad worker's bunking shack, soccer scarves from around the world welcome guests to this small dog-friendly sports bar, fueled by a deep love of all things soccer. Inside and on the patio, TVs are tuned to whatever game is currently on – from soccer to basketball to softball and beyond. The bar is a quintessential neighborhood dive, its red brick exterior and patio a simple welcome to a space packed with character inside. – JaNae Williams, The Oklahoman

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Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company | Croydon, Pennsylvania (and other locations)

Details: 909 Ray Ave.; 215-458-7081, neshaminycreekbrewing.com

The flagship taproom in Croydon offers the feel of an old-school hangout with friends made even better with arcade games. The Dublin spot is located in a food hall where you can pair your drink with anything from woodfired pizza to waffles topped with ice cream. The Harleysville taproom captures the history and charm of the former 1929 bank building it calls home. True to its tagline, “Brewed for Misfits,” Neshaminy Creek’s beers push the envelope with bold styles, quirky names and unique can designs from J.A.W.N. American Pale Ale and Shape of Haze to Come to its exclusive line of Rita’s Italian Ice-inspired beers. But what really sets the brewery apart is its spirit of community, which draws people of all ages, including non-beer lovers, through weekly and seasonal events, like Star Wars Weekend and Creek-i-Tiki Luau. – Michele Haddon, Bucks County Courier Times

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The Smoking Mule | Chamberlain, South Dakota

Details: 309 E. Glen Ave.; 605-234-6853, thesmokingmule.com

The Smoking Mule is a second-generation, family-owned smokehouse right off the scenic Missouri River with a boat dock for a parking lot, two bar dogs named Dak and Daisy and a chipper staff that makes you feel like you’ve just come down the stairs for breakfast at Mom’s. Patrons are either in Wranglers or cutoff shorts and smell like moss and bait. A day of fishing on “The Mighty Mo” is nice but be sure to park your pontoon for a Lobster and Shrimp Po’Boy, a citrusy lemon wheat ale, a spicy margarita or the best recipe you’ve had of baked beans.  – Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

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Fly by Night | Knoxville, Tennessee

Details: 906 Sevier Ave., Suite 126; 865-247-5022, flybynightknox.com

If you're longing to return to the good vibes and great style of the 1970s, or to experience the iconic decade for the first time, the answer is Fly by Night, a '70s cocktail bar. Whether you're dropping in after a hike at nearby Ijams Nature Center or dressing up for date night, the atmosphere is for everyone. The bar hosts a variety of events, including karaoke nights, DJ sets and trivia. Fly by Night’s signature cocktails include the Godfather Part II that includes two types of Scotch, Fernet Branca and cherry wood smoke, and the Nite Lite with bourbon, fruit and vanilla flavors. Every Tuesday, Fly by Night offers 40-ounce Miller High Life bottles for $4 and fried bologna sandwiches for the same price. How '70s is that? – Joanna Hayes, Knoxville News Sentinel

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The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club | Nashville, Tennessee

Details: 2905B Gallatin Pike; thefoxnashville.com

The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club feels equal parts neighborhood hideaway and polished cocktail destination. The moody space leans vintage without feeling gimmicky, with velvet seating and dark woods, and it has one of the city’s strongest cocktail programs and a deeply stocked whiskey list. Drinks balance precision with approachability, spanning spirit-forward classics and inventive seasonal drinks that stop you in your tracks. The compact food menu is equally thoughtful, with Wagyu hot dogs, shrimp cocktail and oysters sharing space with vegan cheese plates and some of the most addictive French fries around. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret hideaway, though the secret is very much out in Nashville these days. Reservations are strongly recommended. – Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean

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Accordia Natural Wine Bar & Eatery | Staunton, Virginia

Details: 114 E. Beverly St.; 540-712-0224, facebook.com/AccordiaWineBar

At Accordia, wine leads to stories, food sparks curiosity, and a single evening can feel like a brief vacation abroad. The menu offers low-intervention wines with minimal manipulation in the vineyard and cellar. The wines themselves are carefully chosen – organic, biodynamic and natural selections that reflect not only quality but integrity. Inside the bar, shelves are lined with bottles from around the world. While Virginia wines have a place, the collection stretches far beyond, introducing guests to regions like Lebanon, Japan and Ukraine – places rarely represented in local wine programs. Each bottle, owners Angela and Robert Higgs say, is chosen not just for quality but for the story it tells. – Monique Calello, Staunton News Leader

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The Mothership | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Details: 2301 S. Logan Ave.; themothershipmke.com

From the outside, The Mothership looks like any of the hundreds of corner taverns tucked into sleepy Milwaukee neighborhoods. But inside, it comes alive. Aesthetically, it teeters between funky dive bar and good-time tiki tavern. But behind the bar, laid-back, tatted-up bartenders mix chef-driven cocktails with a Latin American bent. There’s the Boricua Martini, a spot-on flavor doppelganger of Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas. And the Chapina en Oaxaca, like if Guatemalan platanos en mole hooked up with a tequila Old Fashioned. That inventiveness scored them a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Outstanding Bar earlier this year, but it’s the blend of highfalutin drinks, free-flowing pitchers of Hamm’s and refreshingly irreverent attitude that makes cocktail snobs and simple beer lovers feel like The Mothership is their home planet. – Rachel Bernhard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel