The F.E.D. Fifty, Drinks, Where to drink, Cocktails, Cocktail Bars, Wine Bars, Washington, DC, District Of Columbia, Chicago, IL, Illinois, Boston, MA, Massachusetts, New Haven Connecticut, CT, New York, New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Red Hook, Queens, Williamsburg, Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania, Portland, OR, Oregon, Seattle, WA, Washington, Atlanta, GA, Georgia, Charleston, SC, South Carolina, Miami, FL, Florida, Louisville, KY, Kentucky, Houston, TX, Texas, Tucson, AZ, Arizona, Los Angeles, CA, California, San Francisco, Oakland, Mixologist, Bartender, Wine, Sommelier, Wine Director, Insiders Recommendations
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
“Drink is the feast of reason and the flow of soul.”
--Alexander Pope
The good news is that it’s getting easier and easier to find a well-made cocktail and a decent glass of wine around the country. To help navigate the liquid landscape, we asked the drink experts to tell us their favorite imbibing spots around the US.
Here are 50 bars and lounges worth going out of your way to grab a drink at, all recommended from the top-tier bartenders and sommeliers in the country.
Note: the numbering scheme does not represent a rank and is purely there for a reference.
Where to Drink in 2012
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“It’s like the high priest of libations. They put in so much thought, craft and art.”
- Ron Cooper (founder of Del Maguey Mezcal)
Also recommended by mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY)
Waterfront | Lounge
348 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02228
T: 617.695.1806
Northeast | Boston, MA
“Our go-to bar: amazing staff, great drinks and fantastic hospitality.”
- Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters)
“It’s a neat place to hang out.”
- Ron Cooper (founder of Del Maguey Mezcal)
Also recommended by chef Amanda Freitag
Kenmore Square | American
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
T: 617.532.9100
“My favorite wine bar.”
- Sommelier Levi Dalton (Boulud Sud in New York)
Shawmut | Wine Bar
552 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118
T : 617.423.4800
“They use Jack Rudy in their Jack Rudy Margarita.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
New Haven | Tapas Bar / Cocktail Lounge
116 Crown Street, New Haven, CT 06510
T: 203.777.3116
The Butcher Shop | Cocktails at Eastern Standard
Photographs courtesy of: Butcher Shop | walknboston [flickr]
Northeast | New Haven, CT
“Sensational. They are kind of nerdy the way they make their drinks. They are obsessed with what they do. They make their own vermouth. For a chef, it’s fascinating to see all the different flavor profiles.”
- Chef David Kinch (Manresa in Los Gatos)
East Village | Cocktails / Bitters
443 East 6th Street
New York, NY 10006
“Owner / sommelier Joe Campanale is choosing the producers that mean the most to him, giving them a full page bio in the list, and showcasing their wines. It’s a beautiful way to organize a wine list and he’s continuing to build it out.”
- Wine Writer Talia Baiocchi (Wine Columnist Eater.com)
West Village | Wine Bar
34 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10014
T: 212.518.2722
“Great drinks, great folks and no pretension.”
- Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters)
“One of my favorite newcomers to the scene. Look for Nicholas Jarrett - mad vagabond on a constant vision quest and the kind of bartender every bar across America wishes they had.”
- Bartender Ciaran Wiese (Scott and Co. in Tucson)
“All you need to do is tell them what type of alcohol you’d like and if you want it shaken or stirred. They do the rest and man do they do it well.”
- Anton Nocito (P & H Soda Co)
Williamsburg | Cocktails
177 S. 4th Street,Brooklyn, NY 11211
T: 718.486.3726
“Kickass ice program, good vibes, unexpected great times in Queens.”
- Bartender Maxwell Britten (Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, NY)
Also recommended by chef Johnny Iuzzini.
Long Island City | Cocktail Bar
27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
T: 718.383.2724
Owner / bartender and food writer St. John Frizell manned the bar at the Pegu Club and The Good Fork before opening Fort Defiance.
- Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters)
Red Hook | American
365 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
T: 347.453.6672
“Best Manhattan in… wait… well, that’s just how things are. The best Manhattans have officially forded the East River.”
- Bitters Purveyor Mark Bitterman (The Meadow in New York & Portland)
Williamsburg | Cocktail Bar
82 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
T: 718.387.1945
“Go see Maxwell Britten, the bartender at Maison Premiere.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
“Run by my very best friend, Maxwell Britten.”
- Bartender Ciaran Wiese (Scott and Co. in Tucson)
Williamsburg | Seafood / Cocktail Bar
298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
T: 347.335.0446
“When it comes to ambiance, drink menus and hospitality, one of my favorite bars is PDT.”
- Bartender Jamie Boudreau (Canon in Seattle)
“I like Jim Meehan’s humble approach, his infinite knowledge, and I think he’s done amazing things within the industry to elevate the service and quality of cocktails.”
- Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer
Also recommended by bar manager Erik Adkins, mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini.
East Village | Speakeasy / Cocktail Bar
113 Saint Marks Place, New York, NY 10009
T: 212.614.0386
“For inexpensive wines and good for wine geeks.”
- Sommelier John Slover (Ciano in New York, NY)
“Ten Bells is very cool and super authentic. The whole scene can get a little gritty... there’s no pretense. There is none of the snottiness that can come with wine sometimes.”
- Sommelier / Winemaker / Mezcal Producer Richard Betts (CC: Wine | Betts & Scholl | Sombre Mezcal)
Also recommended by sommelier Levi Dalton, winemaker Jean-Francois Bourdy, wine store owner Scott Pactor (Appellation Wine & Spirits, Gabrio Tosti di Valminuta (De-Vino Wine Boutique).
Lower East Side | Wine Bar
247 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002
T: 212.228.4450
“Look for Al Sotack. Without Al, Philly just wouldn't be the drinking city it is today. Al resides at the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. in Philadelphia.”
- Bartender Ciaran Wiese (Scott and Co. in Tucson)
“Some serious cocktails by Philly’s finest. Highly recommend.”
- Bartender Maxwell Britten (Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, NY)
Rittenhouse Square | Cocktail Bar
112 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
T: 267.467.3277
“The DC Corridor is really one of the most vibrant cocktail communities in the country right now and Derek Brown is probably at the center of that.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
Northwest| American / Cocktails
1021 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
T: 202.393.0336
Reservations Required
“Todd Thrasher is really contributing to the vibrant cocktail scene.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
Old Town | Speakeasy Lounge at Eamonn’s A Dublin Chipper
728 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
T: 703.299.8384
South | Atlanta, GA
“Our nation's capital has got to have some good cocktails and this is where you'll find ‘em.”
- Bartender Maxwell Britten (Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, NY)
U Street Corridor | Cocktail Lounge
2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
T: 202.232.2156
“They have a great wine, beer and cocktail program. They also have something called the Ten O’Clock Burger. Every night at ten o’clock they offer 24 burgers. It’s a rockin’ burger.”
- Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer
Buckhead | American
2277 Peachtree Road, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30309
T: 404.948.1175
“I would end the night at the newly opened Cocktail Club. They did a great job with the space and the patio is a welcome piece of calm on the busiest stretch of nightlife in Charleston. I’d be drinking a Carpano Antica Formula over ice, or one of their house specialty cocktails - the selection is vast, and I haven't had the chance to make my way through it yet!”
- Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. founder and FIG bartender Brooks Reitz
Charleston | Cocktail Lounge
479 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
“I’ve never had better cocktails anywhere. They know what they’re doing and they’re really passionate about it. They’ve got great palates, since they are chefs. They look at cocktails like dishes and you taste that and it’s just so good.”
- Chef Sean Brock (Husk and McCrady’s in Charleston, SC)
Charleston | Cocktails
182 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.577.6111
South | Louisville, KY
“Jennifer Pittman and the bar staff at Proof on Main are doing some of the best cocktails in Louisville.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
Also recommended by cookbook author Ted Lee.
Louisville | Contemporary American / Gastro Pub
702 W Main St. Louisville, KY 40202
T: 502.217.6360 (make a reservation)
South | Miami, FL
“John Lermayer is somebody working with fresh ingredients nightly and doing stuff that I haven’t seen done. He works with a lot of spices, a lot of fresh fruit. Lenny Kravitz designed The Florida Room. They do quite a bit of live music and after midnight it gives way to a DJ.”
- Bartender Ryan Goodspeed (Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in Miami, FL)
Also recommended by mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY).
Miami Beach | Bar/Lounge
The Delano Hotel
1685 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL 33139
T: 305.674.6152
“Bartender Chris Hannah is one of the most celebrated bartenders in America. It’s a beautiful bar; there’s a feel in those types of rooms that you don’t get if you walk into just any old neighborhood place.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
“Chris Hannah is one of the sweetest and historically knowledgeable and talented bartenders I have ever met. A real treat to talk to about almost anything and, most of the time before you realize it, he has a smirk on his face with a give-this-drink-a-try vibe going on. If you are ever in New Orleans, I highly recommend a visit.”
- Bartender Maxwell Britten (Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, NY)
Also recommended by mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC).
French Quarter | Cocktail Lounge
13 Rue Bienville, New Orleans, LA 70112
T: 504.523.5433
“It’s still the destination in New Orleans and the best bar to wear a costume to for no reason, they welcome costumes.”
- Bartender Chris Hannah (Arnaud’s French 75 in New Orleans, LA)
“It’s our first stand-alone cocktail destination, located in a renovated 19th Century firehouse. It’s a very beautiful, lovely space. Just the most talented group of young bartenders in the city, each very different with their own personal style. It’s certainly a fun place to go if you want to experience the cutting-edge of the craft cocktail community in New Orleans.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
“Look for Kirk Estopinal -- head barman at Cure, THE craft bar in Uptown New Orleans. Without Kirk and Maksym Pazuniak's book ‘Rogue Cocktails’ taking chances would have taken me a lot longer.”
- Bartender Ciaran Wiese (Scott and Co. in Tucson)
Also recommended by mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY), Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters)
Uptown | Cocktail Bar
905 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
T: 504.302.2357
“I’m dying to get to Chicago to try their drinks.”
- Mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY)
“I'm blown away by what I've seen/read/heard about Aviary.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
Fulton Market | Cocktail Lounge
953-955 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
“Great liquor selection, great drinks, great music.”
- Bartender Mike Ryan (Sable Kitchen and Bar in Chicago)
West Town / Ukrainian Village | Cocktails
701 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612
T: 312.929.2349
South | New Orleans, LA
“For bartenders Mike Ryan and Freddy Sarkis.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
River North | American / Cocktails
505 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
T: 312.755.9704
“Charles Joly was chosen as Best Bartender in America.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
Near North Side | Cocktail Lounge
937 N. Rush Street, Chicago IL 60611
T: 312.255.0022
“Opened by Toby Maloney, who worked at both Pegu Club and Milk & Honey.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
“These guys are top notch, they have incredible cocktails, serious bartenders, and a beautiful room.”
- Master Sommelier Fred Dexheimer
Also recommended by mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim and mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY).
Wicker Park | Cocktail Bar
1520 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
T: 773.252.1500
Southwest | Houston, TX
“I had a young man who came to the bar when I was working at the Ritz Carlton and he was so inspired he went back to Houston and opened Anvil, which is now an internationally recognized bar... and I got to inspire somebody.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
“I've never set foot inside the bar, but every time I look at the menu I see something I like.”
- Bartender Ciaran Wiese (Scott and Co. in Tucson)
Also recommended by Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters).
Houston | Bar
1424 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
T: 713-523-1622
West | Los Angeles, CA
“Ciaran Wiese is a madman and an uber-talented bartender.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
Downtown Tucson | Bar
9 N Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701
T: 520.624.4747
Midwest | Chicago, IL
“It’s all tequila, mezcal and Mexican beer.”
- Bartender Ryan Goodspeed (Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in Miami, FL)
Also recommended by Ron Cooper (Del Maguey Mezcal).
Downtown | Mexican / Bar
107 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
T: 213.988.8355
Cocktails at The Varnish Bar: The Aviation, Collins, Pisco Sour
Photographs courtesy of The Varnish Bar
“Their wine list is focused on natural wines.”
- Wine Importer Kevin McKenna (Louis/Dressner Selections)
Downtown | Eclectic / Wine Bar
724 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038
T: 323.962.6369
To get to The Varnish, you walk through another bar called Cole’s Originators of the French Dip. Look for the door with a picture of a cocktail on it.
Recommended by Mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY).
Downtown
Lounge
118 E 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
T: 213.622.9999
West | San Francisco, CA
“One of my favorite bars.”
- Mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY)
Hayes Valley | Cocktail Bar / Brasserie
398 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-4421
T: 415.551.1590
“Besides having the most talented bar crew in San Francisco, they have fantastic farm to table food. Bar Agricole is already a San Francisco classic. Try a Ti Punch.”
- Bar Manager Erik Adkins (Slanted Door and Heaven’s Dog in San Francisco, CA)
“Nine times out of ten I want to drink something fresh, simple, approachable, so I really like what Thad Vogler does at Bar Agricole.”
- Mixologist Brooks Reitz (Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and FIG in Charleston, SC)
SOMA | New American
355 Eleventh Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
T: 415.355.9400 (make a reservation)
“For a Pisco Punch.”
- Bar Manager Erik Adkins (Slanted Door and Heaven’s Dog in San Francisco, CA)
Also recommended by mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY).
Financial District | Cocktail Bar
155 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
T: 415.617.0073
“They do an amazing job with the drinks.”
- Bartender Ryan Goodspeed (Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in Miami, FL)
Also recommended by bartender Jamie Boudreau (Canon in Seattle) and Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters).
Financial District / Union Square | Cocktails
246 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
T: 415.398.2827
“Erik Adkins is the best bartender in San Francisco, maybe the country. You need to sit at his bar at Slanted Door. He is a great technician, as well as a historian, but most importantly he is sincere and gracious.”
- Bartender /Restaurateur Thad Vogler (Bar Agricole in San Francisco, CA)
“I love the way the food and the wine there combined. And you are right at the heart of wine country and there is no California wine on the list, only Austria, Germany, Loire Valley, Champagne and it is unbelievable with those Vietnamese flavors.”
- Wine Director Cat Silirie (Barbara Lynch Gruppo in Boston)
Also recommended by mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY).
Financial District | Modern Vietnamese
1 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
T: 415.861.8032 (make a reservation)
“No other bar has such a clear and well-articulated concept. Those guys are really passionate and focused. Try anything on that list. It is such a thoughtful and well developed list.”
- Bartender /Restaurateur Thad Vogler (Bar Agricole in San Francisco, CA)
Also recommended by Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters).
NOPA | Bar
650 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
T: 415.869.1900
“One of my favorite places to drink natural wines is Terroir.”
- Winemaker Arianna Occhipinti
“I get a huge kick out of Terroir. It is all natural wine, run by two French characters who definitely have a very French aspect to their service.”
- Wine Director Cat Silirie (Barbara Lynch Gruppo in Boston)
SoMa | Wine Bar
1116 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
T: 415.558.9946
“For a margarita.”
- Bar Manager Erik Adkins (Slanted Door and Heaven’s Dog in San Francisco, CA)
“It’s mecca.”
- Philip Ward (Mayahuel in New York)
“Julio Bermejo from Tommy’s came down to Oxaca with a group to try mezcal and had his mind blown.”
- Ron Cooper (Del Maguey Mezcal)
Outer Richmond | Mexican
5929 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94121
T: 415.387.4747
“The Drinks at Camino in Oakland are the most under-appreciated in the Bay Area. They use awesome ingredients and are refreshingly unpretentious solid drinks. Best food in the Bay, too. Perfect example of the cutting edge of the tradition Bar Agricole works to be a part of.”
- Bartender /Restaurateur Thad Vogler (Bar Agricole in San Francisco, CA)
Lower Hills / Oakland | New American
3917 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610
T: 510.547.5035
West | Oakland, CA
“Known for their cocktail The Last Word.”
- Bartender Chris McMillian (Bar UnCommon in New Orleans)
“Zig Zag would have to be my favorite spot. The service and hospitality are always spot on and the spirit collection is insane.”
- Bartender Jamie Boudreau (Canon in Seattle)
Also recommended by Avery and Janet Glasser (Bittermens Bitters).
Downtown | Classic Cocktail Bar
1501 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
T: 206.625.1146
[* Bartender Murray Stenson has just left Zig Zag and can now be found at Canon in Seattle]
Northwest | Seattle, WA
“If I am in Portland, I love Clyde Common.”
- Bar Manager Erik Adkins (Slanted Door and Heaven’s Dog in San Francisco, CA)
Southwest Portland / Downtown | American
1014 SW Stark Street, Portland, OR 97205
T: 503.228.3333
Northwest | Portland, OR
Bitters & Tinctures at Tear Drop Lounge | Jiggers at Clyde Common
Photographs courtesy of Tear Drop Lounge | Clyde Common
“Man about town bartender David Shenaut has worked at just about every noteworthy cocktail bar in the city and now the newly opened KASK.”
- Bartender Ciaran Wiese (Scott and Co. in Tucson)
Southwest Portland | Cocktails
1215 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR 97205
T: 503.241.7163
“Daniel Shoemaker is the hardest working bartender that I know. Daniel takes DIY to a ridiculous level. Add loads of talent to tireless drive and you have the recipe for the Teardrop Lounge.”
- Bar Manager Erik Adkins (Slanted Door and Heaven’s Dog in San Francisco, CA)
Pearl District | Cocktails
1015 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR 97209
T: 503.445.8109
“You go there and drink Occhipinti (super honest stuff). It’s so unassuming, but so cool and basic and perfect.”
- Sommelier / Winemaker / Mezcal Producer Richard Betts (CC: Wine | Betts & Scholl | Sombre Mezcal)
Capitol Hill | Wine Bar
1531 Melrose Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
T: 206.623.5882
The menu lists classic and original cocktails, all rotate seasonally.
Recommended by mixologist Jim Meehan (PDT in New York, NY)
Belltown | Cocktail Bar
2332 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
T: 206.956.8423
“BBQ and cocktails, brilliant. Cole Newton is doing a good job in Mid-City.”
- Bartender Chris Hannah (Arnaud’s French 75 in New Orleans, LA)
Mid-City | Lounge
500 Telemachus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
T: 504.488.8114
The F.E.D. Fifty | Cocktail & Wine Bars
January 6, 2012
Cocktail at 116 Crown
Photograph courtesy of 116 Crown
Northeast | New York City
The Bar at Fort Defiance | Wine at Anfora
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink. LLC
Mixologist / Partner Jim Meehan of PDT | Ten Bells
Photo Credit: David Engelhardt for Find. Eat. Drink.| Find. Eat. Drink. LLC
Northeast | Philadelphia, PA
Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
Photograph courtesy of Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
Mid-Atlantic | Washington, DC
Cocktails at PX | Pouring a cocktail at The Gibson
Photographs courtesy of PX | Fitsum Belay [flickr]
South | Charleston, SC
The Gin Club Glasses and Cocktail | The Cocktail Club
Photographs courtesy of The Gin Joint | The Cocktail Club
Pouring cocktails and the Sazerac at Cure | Arnaud’s French 75
Photographs courtesy of Cure | Find. Eat. Drink. LLC
Aviary | The Violet Hour | The Drawing Room
Photographs courtesy of Aviary | star5112 [flickr] | The Drawing Room
Southwest | Tucson, AZ
Cocktails at Comstock Saloon | Erik Adkin’s Cocktails at The Slanted Door | Thad Vogler’s Bar Agricole
Photographs courtesy of Comstock Saloon | Erik Adkins | Thad Vogler
Three Cocktails At Rob Roy | The McCoy from Zig Zag Cafe
Photographs courtesy of Rob Roy (c) Chad Pryor | Zig Zag Cafe
