♫ From sea to shining sea. ♫
We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about the coolest bar they’ve ever been to. Here are their responses:
1. The Tunnel Bar — Northampton, Massachusetts
“The Tunnel Bar is built underground in an old pedestrian tunnel. The arched stone walls, sleek bar, and big, comfy chairs make it the ideal place for a classy evening out. I’d kill to go back there.”
—submitted by Bergin Smith, Facebook
2. The Carousel Bar & Lounge — New Orleans
The Carousel Bar & Lounge in Hotel Monteleone is a French Quarter staple, having been in business for 65 years. Inside, visitors can enjoy a cocktail while going for a spin on the gorgeous merry-go-round.
—submitted by Trina Bazzell, Facebook
“When you drive up to the house, it looks like there’s a garage sale going on. You tell the attendant sitting in the lawn chair that you’re there to party. You then walk into the garage and enter the bar through a refrigerator. You’re suddenly in the living room, where it’s basically the 1970s!”
—submitted by carvajaldiez
4. The View Lounge — San Francisco
The View Lounge, perched atop the Marriott Marquis hotel, offers enchanting views of the San Francisco Bay area, a whole 39 floors above the hubbub of the streets below. The lounge just reopened in January 2015 after extensive renovations.
—submitted by Sarah J. Morris, Facebook
5. Please Don’t Tell — New York City
“To enter this East Village speakeasy, you actually go through a secret door inside a phone booth after giving them a ring. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere, awesome eats, and amazing drinks (the bacon-infused bourbon Old-Fashioned is a favorite). It’s reservations only.”
—submitted by True Burns, Facebook
6. Minus5 Ice Bar — Las Vegas
“Everything inside is made of ice, and before you go inside they give you huge coats to wear. It’s a pretty cool place.” There are two locations in Las Vegas, at Mandalay Bay and Monte Carlo, plus one location each in New York, Orlando, and Grand Cayman.
—submitted by Haleigh Rice, Facebook
7. The Signature Lounge — Chicago
“On the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, the Signature Lounge overlooks the heart of the Loop, providing amazing views of the city during the day or night. Drinks are a little pricey, but well worth it.”
—submitted by Kyle Johnson, Facebook
“No Vacancy features a speakeasy theme, burlesque dancers, and a live band!”
—submitted by Mary Kay O’Connor, Facebook
9. Percy’s & Co. — Seattle
“Percy’s in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle has an old-timey feel, with wood and brick throughout. They serve up the most amazing drinks, made with herbs and produce they grow themselves.”
—submitted by melaniec4322cface
10. Clockwork — Raleigh, North Carolina
“The decor and the patterns on the walls at Clockwork are absolutely stunning, and the huge gold statues and retro furniture are icing on the cake. Plus, they make phenomenal cocktails with ’70s-inspired names like The Pussy Galore and Who Loves You Baby.”
—submitted by monicac4216b8e75
11. The Laundry Room — Las Vegas
“The Laundry Room is a hole-in-the-wall speakeasy tucked inside Commonwealth Bar. You need a secret code to get in — it’s texted to you with your reservation. They make amazing custom drinks and give you something unique if you don’t see anything you like from the menu.”
—submitted by maryfs2
12. The Way Station — Brooklyn, New York
“At this Doctor Who-themed bar, the bathroom is in a TARDIS, there’s a ton of Doctor Who decor, and there are even Whovian-themed drinks!”
—submitted by desireep4f89dab91
13. Punch Bowl Social — Denver
So you want to play arcade games, but you also want to go bowling, and you also want to have a drink? You can do all three at Punch Bowl Social, which also has locations in Austin, Portland, and Detroit.
—submitted by abbeyvandez
14. Seacrets — Ocean City, Maryland
“Seacrets is very low-key, but it’s a super cool place. You sit in tubes and tables that are actually in the water, and drinks are brought out to you.”
—submitted by Lauren Danielle Morales, Facebook
15. Noble Experiment — San Diego
The wall of this East Village speakeasy may be lined with golden skulls, but Noble Experiment is anything but dead when night falls. It’s a must-see in San Diego, but make sure you make a reservation: The bar seats only 35 people at a time.
—submitted by mckennak4541b8779
16. The Unicorn Bar — Seattle
The Unicorn Bar, an aptly named carnival-themed bar in Seattle, features an arcade, a claw machine, and a photo booth. One thing’s for sure: You’ll definitely never be bored here.
—submitted by alicek4d4b3c09b
17. Manifesto — Kansas City, Missouri
“Manifesto is a speakeasy in the basement of the Reiger Hotel. Their cocktails are perfectly balanced and crafted, and they’re incredibly delicious. They’ve got an extensive menu with seasonal selections and Kansas City-inspired cocktails. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time.”
—submitted by Lynn Driscoll, Facebook
18. The Safe House — Milwaukee
We’re about to tell you a secret, so listen up: If you’re in Milwaukee, make sure you check out this spy-themed bar, which operates under the guise of International Exports Ltd. And if you’re hungry, check out its “Cloak & Dagger Spycialties.”
—submitted by Jennifer Klumpp, Facebook
19. Founding Fathers Pub — Buffalo
“The entire bar is decorated with flags and pictures of presidents. Don’t be surprised if the bartender asks you some trivia questions when you walk into the bar.”
—submitted by rachels43751e1cd
Read more: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jonmichaelpoff/bars-in-america-you-should-drink-at-before-you-die