2024 Best Craft Cocktail Bars in the U.S.A.

Dapper bartenders use boutique spirits, seasonal fruit and house-made syrups at The Patterson House, one of GAYOT's Top 10 Craft Cocktail Bars in the U.S.

Top 10 Cocktail Bars in America

With therecent craft cocktail revival, many bars andrestaurants are putting as much thought and effortinto what goes in your glass as what goes on yourplate. They take pride in sourcing boutique spirits,creating house-made cordials and devising new drinks to dazzle their patrons. Check out GAYOT's selectionsfor the Top 10 Craft Cocktail Bars inAmerica, presented in alphabeticalorder.

> Get help with mixing the perfect cocktail with GAYOT's list of the Best Cocktail Recipes.

 
The Broken Shaker
QB

The Broken Shaker is a mixology mecca set in a funky garden paradise far from the madness of Miami's South Beach clubs. On-site edible gardens supply herbs and produce for the seasonal, hand-crafted cocktails. Drinks rotate often, but you might encounter a Spiced Strawberry Old Fashioned. Bar bites include hummus, beef jerky and a double bacon cheeseburger. See More

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2/

Cure

Bar, Lounge, Gourmet Bar Food
Cure
11/20

Cure in New Orleans takes craft cocktails seriously, and the same is true for its inspired small plates. See More

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Lounge, Bar, Gourmet Bar Food
The Dead Rabbit
13/20

Skilled bartenders mix up potent concoctions at The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, a multi-level cocktail bar and eatery in lower Manhattan that draws inspiration from "the conviviality of Old New York and the Irish-American tradition." See More

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minibar by José Andrés
16/20

D.C.'s barmini is the libation-focused counterpoint to minibar by José Andrés. Explore their innovative techniques through a progression of beverages in the cocktail flight. See More

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The Patterson House
12/20

The Patterson House in Nashville is named for Malcolm R. Patterson, governor of the Volunteer State in 1909, who vetoed the bill that brought Prohibition to Tennessee. Dapper bartenders use boutique spirits, seasonal fruit and house-made cordials, bitters and syrups to create classic cocktails and more modern libations, such as Don Lee's Bacon Old Fashioned. Nibbles range from chicken liver mousse and shrimp corn dogs to s'mores for dessert. See More

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Smuggler's Cove
No Rating

Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco is an immersive tropical escape with tiki cocktails and an extensive selection of rums. See More

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The Varnish
QB

Since 2009, The Varnish has been a pioneer of the craft cocktail scene in Los Angeles. This speakeasy-style bar is tucked away inside Cole's, the historic downtown restaurant famous for their French dip sandwiches. See More

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Velveteen Rabbit
No Rating

Inspired by the children's novel of the same name, the eclectic décor at Velveteen Rabbit in Las Vegas features a neon rabbit, upholstered love seats, hanging industrial-style light bulbs, textured wallpaper and a long wood bar. Artisanal spirits are used to craft signature cocktails, which have included the Sacred Pine, combining mezcal, Zirbenz (pine liqueur from the Alps), pear honey, meringue and nutmeg. No dishes are served here, but food trucks occasionally park outside. See More

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Bar, Contemporary, Small Plates
The Violet Hour
14/20

With its hidden entrance, floor-to-ceiling curtains, leather high-backed chairs and crystal chandeliers, The Violet Hour in Chicago is just the kind of place where you'd expect to find an unusual cocktail. The innovative concoctions might include the Fretted Strings, made with Jim Beam Rye, Sandeman Ruby Port, Averna, coffee-brown sugar syrup and tobacco bitters. Small shared plates, such as truffled ricotta tartine, are a treat for the taste buds. See More

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Williams & Graham
14/20

Arrive early (or, better yet, make a reservation) if you want to avoid a long wait for Denver speakeasy Williams & Graham, where the entrance is tucked behind a faux bookcase. Interesting ingredients are featured in concoctions, such as the Chai Express, made with Woody Creek vodka, Avuá Amburana cachaça, chai rooibos tamarind syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitters and egg white. Meanwhile, the menu of American fare offers deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, and a signature burger. See More

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