The Final List of America's Top 10 Bars

There are literally thousands upon thousands of great bars in America that are worth pulling up a stool at. We do, however, have favorites.

The ones we remember make us feel warm and fuzzy not just because of the drinks, but also because of the general context. It could be a very good bartender, an innovative menu, a stunning feat of design, or simply a vibe that you can't get anyplace else. It goes without saying that missing several of these important sites for more than a year feels more like a decade. But, unfortunately, we're in the midst of the great reopening, and we're thirsty.

It's one thing to be a burgeoning establishment with an eye-catching new cocktail menu. It's quite another to go above and beyond the trends and provide not only exceptional beverages but also excellent service, ideally in a memorable setting.

Service Bar

Washington, D.C.

Too many DC bars cater to the many visitors who come to the city to lobby and make deals. Service Bar feels more like a neighborhood hangout where politics are left at the door. The atmosphere is immediately relaxing, and the fried chicken is delicious. Even better, the bar specializes in eye-catching cocktails like the Blood Orange Painkiller and the S.S.S., a concoction of shochu, strawberry, Thai basil, sesame soda, and clarified citrus.

Tulip Shop Tavern

Portland, Oregon

Tulip Shop Tavern, located in a relatively unremarkable neighborhood in North Portland, has all the elements of a superb tavern. The beer list is spot-on, the drinks are well handled (but not over-the-top), and the cuisine is delicious, including a superb burger and the finest taco salad we've had in a long time. It's a favorite among industry insiders, and it has not only one of the best bar names in the country, but also a near-perfect outside terrace.

Attaboy

Nashville

Second sites aren't always successful, but Attaboy's Nashville branch is one example of how it's done right. The bar has taken its acclaimed NYC cocktail menu on the road and effortlessly modified it. The atmosphere is welcoming, the beverages are inventive, and if you're feeling intimidated, the staff will lead you through the process, ensuring you find your new favorite beverage.

Decibel

NYC

Since 1993, this New York sake bar has been in business. It's a perfect spot for a whisky highball or, if you're feeling saucy, a pitcher of lychee martini, as well as delicious bar nibbles. It's a true original in an ever-changing metropolis, surviving by sticking to its niche and without trying to impress clients with the slickest tile pattern or the most trendy light fixture. Decibel is, in that way, as much a trip back in time as it is a place to find some excellent Japanese sakes.

Hunky Dory

NYC

Hunky Dory is a buzzing Brooklyn eatery with a bright and cheerful environment and a drinks menu that includes anything from pickled okra and Madeira to cucumber-whey tonic and brandy. There's also an amazing glass pour list for wine enthusiasts, as well as several strong beers on draft. And beneath the liquid, the Crown Heights spot has an evolved culture at work, as evidenced by a sustainable mindset and strong recent moves like eliminating tipping (and building it into the cost of the items) and creating a leadership team in the kitchen rather than the traditional top-down hierarchy.

Valkyrie

Tulsa

Valkyrie, located in downtown Tulsa's Arts District, has one of the best whiskey lists in the country. The bar has been wowing customers for almost a decade, having first opened in 2011. Visitors and bargoers alike can expect skilled service, seasonal cocktails, and a stunning bar to gaze at in between sips. If Oklahoma wasn't already on your drinking agenda, it should be.

Tonga Hut 

Los Angeles

From slick hotel bars to old Hollywood hangouts, Los Angeles has a plethora of drinking establishments. It also has some of the oldest tiki bars, like as this one. Tonga Hut has it all, from the obligatory kitsch and a large lanai to timeless booths and a classic curvy bar table. The hut has had enough of time to learn all of the typical tiki menu items, from a Mai Tai to a Navy Grog, with so many years under its belt. They even offer some killer house speciality drinks, such as the Nutty Chi Chi, a Macadamia-inspired take on the Pia Colada.

Wolf & Crane 

Los Angeles

Wolf & Crane, another Los Angeles watering place, has become a must-visit for anybody in Little Tokyo. It has blended in with its surroundings, offering a Japanese-inspired food and a fantastic late-night environment. It's a vintage pub not because it's very old, but because it attracts locals who want to unwind over some wonderful food and drink to the enticing sounds of a fantastic playlist or a good DJ.

Pappy and Harriet’s

Pioneertown, California

Most individuals would have little reason to visit Pioneertown, a speck on the map of southern California. The little western saloon attracts outstanding musicians and has carved out a real place in the renowned American West drinking culture. It's like a 19th-century saloon with all of the modern conveniences. Pappy & Harriet's does not remain open late, and it should not since it would be an insult to the Morongo Basin's resident starry skies.

The Sazerac Bar

New Orleans

It would be difficult to leave out this New Orleans landmark, the birthplace of the Sazerac. It's the pinnacle of what hotel bars have to offer, oozing with class and the legacy of crafting one of the most revered beverages in cocktail history. The architecture of the New Orleans bar has a quiet majesty to it, and you'll be treated like royalty the moment you step in. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the amenities will make it feel like a four-star vacation.