The Best Bars of Destination Drinking Cities

There are too many great bars to count in this world, but some of our favorites can be found in three of America’s biggest drinking cities. From D.C. to Seattle with a stop in Chicago, here are a few of the best places to grab a drink.

Washington D.C.

In a vibrant city with a rich, patriotic history, it’s no surprise that more than a few joints stay true to theme. Franklin Hall is a sports bar located in the historic Manhattan Laundry building. The bar reflects its past by highlighting the original architectural elements, framing vintage photographs of American leaders, and displaying antique newspapers. With a cold beer in hand, there’s no better place to settle in and watch a game.

If you’re looking for a cocktail to sip on, Ben’s Upstairs is the place to be. The family has been serving the community for 60 years, though this latest venture opened its doors in 2015. The H Street bar offers an escape in the heart of the city with a roof top bar, a Southern cuisine menu with a tropical accent, and a full selection of signature drinks.

Known for its entertainment, Penn Social has something for everyone. With three bars, two stages, a patio, and vast selection of beer, this joint is perfectly situated only three blocks from Capital One Arena. Penn Social offers a happy hour every day, live music and trivia every week and you can always swing by after the Caps game.

Chicago

Brando’s Speakeasy is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. This karaoke lounge keeps the roaring 20s alive and well in the vintage atmosphere, an endless party, and crafted cocktails with names like “Pink Poodle” and “Dorothy Parker.” Located in the Historic Loop District, this city staple is one you do not want to miss.

This sports bar is all about bringing the Carolinas to the center of Chicago through an authentic food and drinks menu and a collegiate athletic conference affiliation – specifically, the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tobacco Road Taproom takes its name from the 1932 novel “Tobacco Road,” a term that eventually began to refer certain southern university athletic programs. Focused on bringing southern spirit to Chicago, this unique concept is one to see.

Inspired by European cafes and American coffee shops, Beermiscuous strives to provide a cool, casual environment for working, relaxing or hanging with friends. The draft selection is local and represents a broad range of styles and regularly features new releases and seasonal options. The weekly updated cooler selection offers 350 carefully selected beers with something for everyone. This concept bar also offers spaces available to rent making it the perfect place for your next event.

Seattle

The Hotel Theodore showcases the nature of the Pacific Northwest in a menu featuring elements of the ocean and the forest. The locally and sustainably sourced seafood, meats, vegetables and artisan cheeses are prepared on an open wood-fired grill, visible to diners. Happy hour is offered from three to six and ten to midnight every day with a wide selection of beers, spirits, wines, and crafted cocktails.

As part of the Seattle Bouldering Project, the West Wall Bar is designed to be a place for climbers to hang out and rejuvenate. With a rotating selection on tap and a menu promoting healthy eating, it’s the perfect place to gather after a long day outdoors and begin planning your next excursion. Be sure to pop in before you head out the next day to sample the expansive coffee selection.

The T12 Social House is a classic, upscale, American gastropub boasting 32 beers on tap, 21 HD TV’s, and a TV wall, the largest in the University District. With daily happy hour specials and a varied menu sure to please everyone, it’s the perfect spot to catch the next game. The drinks menu ranges to satisfy every taste, ensuring that everyone will have something to sip on while rooting for their favorite team.

Which of these cool concepts are you most eager to try?