18 Beautiful Bars Across America

Why sit at a table when you can sit at the bar

Looking to explore your favorite restaurant from a new vantage point, or maybe ease your way into a spot you’d like to try? Pull up a bar stool and experience all the atmosphere has to offer with a delicious drink in hand. Whether you’re ordering cocktails, snacks or going all out with a full meal, these beautiful bars are a great spot to take a seat and enjoy.

 

GLR partner Reserve (now Resi), the country’s premier hospitality technology platform, curated a list of 28 exceptionally beautiful restaurant bars—from New York to LA and in between—that serve first rate food and drinks. We have modified the list down to 18 restaurants due to many closures during the pandemic.

 

Here are 18 beautiful bars to explore:

 

1. THE DUCK INN (Chicago)

Chicago - The Duck Inn - American - Interior - chandelier - lighting - orange - Bar

Photo provided by The Duck Inn.

 

Bringing vintage vibe to its bar with bright light fixtures and art deco-inspired details, The Duck Inn is great for enjoying cocktails, local beers or bar snacks.

 

 

2. THE CHEF’S COUNTER AT SOUTH (Philadelphia)

chef's counter 1 (1)

Photo provided by Chef’s Counter at SOUTH.

 

Inside a luxurious Southern kitchen setting, The Chef’s Counter at SOUTH is the ideal marble, tile and leather spot to settle in with a strong whiskey and watch the live action kitchen at work.

 

3. BAR BOLONAT(New York City)

NYC - Bar Bolonat - Israeli - Interior - Bar Seating, Countertops

Photo provided by Bar Bolonat.

 

Pull up an inventive, geometric chair at Israeli-Middle Eastern eatery Bar Bolonat’s bar, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a full (and delicious) menu.

 

4. WALLFLOWER(Los Angeles)

LA - Wallflower - Credit Art Gray

Photo provided by Wallflower. Photo by Art Gray.

 

Warehouse windows and high ceilings surround the dimly lit bar area of wallflower, offering a chic, industrial vibe perfect for sipping on creative, Southeast Asian-inspired cocktails.

5. SPORTELLO(Boston)

Boston - Sportello - Italian - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Sportello.

 

A modern, Italian-inspired interpretation of a classic American diner, Sportello creates a fun and unique environment with two sleek, U-shaped counters that surround an open kitchen.

6. IL BUCO(New York City)

il buco

Photo provided by Il Buco. Photo by Bill Milne.

 

Take a seat at Il Buco’s elegant, L-shaped bar for a glass of wine and assorted cheeses. The Mediterranean-Italian eatery — inspired by a Tuscan farmhouse — provides an intimate vibe to relax in with friends or family.

 

7. CELESTE (Chicago)

Chicago - Celeste - Contemporary American - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Celeste.

 

A classic cocktail lounge and supper club easily fit for a fun night out, American restaurant Celeste features a long, silver-hued bar lined with tall, comfortable chairs.

 

8. MOURAD (San Francisco)

SF - MOURAD - CONTEMPORARY MORROCAN - BAR AT LENGTH- CREDIT TO Credit to Dale K.M

Photo provided by Mourad. Photo by Dale K.M. Tan & Ryan Hughes.

 

Located inside a newly renovated Art Deco tower, Moroccan Mourad is home to a long, L-shaped marble bar with floating shelves, backlit by gorgeous oversized windows.

 

9. OSTERIA MORINI(New York City)

NYC - Osteria Morini- Italian -Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Osteria Morini.

 

The wide, white marble bar at Italian eatery Osteria Morini creates a beautiful setting for exploring their extensive wine list and delicious pastas.

 

10. LULA CAFE(Chicago)

Chicago - Lula Cafe - American - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Lula Cafe.

 

The glossy, marble-topped bar at American eatery Lula Cafe feels modern yet rustic, complete with an approachable chalkboard menu of draft beers and extra-wide mirror.

 

11. PABU(San Francisco)

SF - Pabu - Japanese - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Pabu.

 

Combining rustic, old-world Japanese charm with urban sophistication, Pabu is home to a chic black bar, surrounded by modern couches and giant windows.

 

12. SALERO(Chicago)

Chicago - Salero - Spanish - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Salero.

 

The stylish, softly lit bar at Spanish restaurant Salero offers a wide array of creative cocktails, making it easy to sink into the industrial and rustic-chic vibe.

 

13. KAPNOS TAVERNA(Washington D.C.)

DC - Kapnos Taverna - bar interior -Photo by Greg Powers

Photo provided by Kapnos Taverna. Photo by Greg Powers.

 

Beautifully decorated with dark hues, Kapnos Taverna’s long bar has an elegant and exotic vibe, perfect for ordering up a signature cocktail infused with Mediterranean spices or something from the Greek-focused wine list.

 

14. HINOKI & THE BIRD(Los Angeles)

LA - Hinoki _ the Bird - Contemporary American - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by Hinoki & the Bird.

 

Adorned with gold accents, Hinoki & the Bird’s chic space and minimal bar setup provides a stylish spot to snag a handcrafted cocktail.

 

 

15. STK DOWNTOWN(New York City)

NYC - STK Downtown - Interior - bar

Photo provided by STK.

 

STK’s bar, with its an artistic display of horns and sleek high seats, makes for an intriguing spot to dive into the extensive wine list and array of cocktails.

 

16. LITTLE SISTER(Los Angeles)

LA - Little Sister - Asian - Interior - Bar (1)

Photo provided by Little Sister.

 

Experience the unique blend of cultures at British, Dutch and South Asian-inspired Little Sister, where the long wooden bar with wood-and-steel stools offers a great place to sip a drink.

 

 

17. TRAVELLE KITCHEN + BAR(Chicago)

Chicago - Restaurant - Bar - Travelle Kitchen + Bar

Photo provided by Travelle Kitchen + Bar.

 

Located in the Langham Hotel, Travelle Kitchen + Bar offers a sophisticated setting for sipping craft cocktails, regional beers and wines while taking in the stunning river views.

 

18. THE DAWSON(Chicago)

Chicago - The Dawson - Contemporary American - Interior - Bar

Photo provided by The Dawson.

 

With modern lighting and graphic, textile floor, The Dawson’s stylish bar is an ideal spot for taking in their handcrafted cocktails, international wines and beers. [Temporarily closed]