Iconic Bars: A Look at the 22 Most Famous Bars in the World

Key Takeaways

• Bars as Cultural Hubs: Bars are social hubs, cultural touchstones, and living museums of history, integral to community identity.

• Global Bar Scene Diversity: The world's best bars range from historic (La Floridita in Cuba, McSorley's in New York) to innovative (Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, Paradiso in Barcelona).

• Mixology Innovation: Many push mixology boundaries with molecular techniques, unique ingredients, and sustainability (Handshake, Paradiso, Benfiddich in Tokyo).

• Ambiance is Key: Atmosphere is crucial, from Prohibition-era (Handshake) to classic elegance (Ritz in Paris) to theatrical (Maybe Sammy in Sydney).

• Signature Drinks & Experiences: Many are known for signature drinks (Singapore Sling, Daiquiri) or unique experiences (Carousel's rotating bar, Benfiddich's no-menu).

• Awards & Recognition: Several have received prestigious awards (Handshake, Zest in Seoul), highlighting their excellence.

• Global Appeal: These bars attract worldwide visitors, becoming cultural landmarks.

Bars have been a staple of social life for centuries, serving as gathering places for friends, colleagues, and strangers alike. Some bars, however, have achieved a level of fame that goes beyond their local community and into the annals of history. These famous bars have become cultural landmarks, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to experience the unique atmosphere and history of these iconic establishments. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most famous bars in the world and what makes them so special.

1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City

Located in Mexico City's affluent Colonia Juárez neighborhood, this iconic bar is renowned for its blend of Prohibition-era ambiance and innovative mixology, earning it the title of the world's best bar in 2024. The bar, which operates with an intimate setting and Art Deco design, offers cocktails that are crafted using molecular mixology techniques. Their drinks, such as the Fig Martini and the Salt N Pepper (which features mezcal, strawberries, and green peppers), highlight unexpected flavors and textures. Handshake Speakeasy also stands out for its focus on mezcal, tequila, and other spirits.

2. La Floridita, Havana

La Floridita in Havana, Cuba, is known as the birthplace of the daiquiri cocktail and is one of the most famous bars in the world. The bar was opened in 1817 and has been a favorite of writers, artists, and politicians throughout its history. The bar's most famous patron was Ernest Hemingway, who was known to drink his daiquiris "doble" (double). La Floridita has been restored to its original 1950s decor and continues to attract visitors from all over the world who want to experience the history and culture of Havana.

3. The Ritz Bar, Paris

The Ritz Bar in Paris is an iconic drinking establishment that has been a fixture of the city's social scene since it opened in 1898. The cocktail bar has hosted some of the most famous names in history, including Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Ritz Bar is known for its classic cocktail menu and elegant atmosphere, which has been preserved through the years despite a recent renovation of the hotel.

4. The Old Absinthe House, New Orleans

The Old Absinthe House in New Orleans is a legendary drinking establishment that has been a fixture of the city's social scene since it opened in 1806. The bar is named after the famous absinthe drink, which was banned in the United States in 1912. The Old Absinthe House has played host to some of the most famous names in history, including Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and P.T. Barnum. The bar's historic atmosphere and classic cocktails have made it a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

5. The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore

The Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore is known for its signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling. The bar was opened in 1915 and has been a favorite of writers, artists, and politicians throughout its history. The Long Bar's colonial decor and elegant atmosphere have made it a cultural landmark of Singapore.

6. The Bar Hemingway, Ritz Paris

The Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris is a legendary drinking establishment that has been a favorite of writers, artists, and celebrities since it opened in 1921. The bar is named after Ernest Hemingway, who was a regular patron and even has a signature cocktail named after him. The Bar Hemingway has been restored to its original 1920s decor and continues to attract visitors who want to experience the history and culture of Paris.

7. The Carousel Bar, New Orleans

The Carousel Bar in New Orleans is a unique drinking establishment that features a rotating bar that makes a complete revolution every 15 minutes. The bar has been a fixture of the New Orleans social scene since it opened in 1949 and has played host to some of the most famous names in history, including Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. The Carousel Bar's unique design and classic cocktails have made it a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

8. The Connaught Bar, London

The Connaught Bar in London is one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail bars, known for its refined elegance, impeccable service, and award-winning mixology. The bar blends classic craftsmanship with innovative techniques, offering signature drinks like its famous martini, prepared tableside with custom bitters. Its sophisticated Art Deco design and warm hospitality create an intimate yet luxurious atmosphere, making it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts and a staple in global bar rankings.

9. McSorley's Old Ale House, New York City

McSorley's Old Ale House, established in 1854, is NYC's oldest Irish bar, and even one of North America’s oldest Irish bars. Known for its unique history, bartenders here serve only two types of beer, light and dark, and offer a simple menu of classic pub food. Once a male-only establishment, it famously resisted change until a 1970 lawsuit forced it to allow women. The bar's walls are lined with historical memorabilia, including items related to Abraham Lincoln and Harry Houdini. Notable patrons included Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and even Abraham Lincoln, cementing its place as a beloved New York institution.

10. Paradiso, Barcelona

Paradiso is a unique, hidden bar in Barcelona, located in the El Born neighborhood of the city. Guests enter through a refrigerator door and are greeted by an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, with a curved marble bar and Gaudí-inspired wooden ceilings. Known for its innovative cocktails, Paradiso combines creativity and sustainability, using biodegradable materials and introducing a "Zero Waste Lab" to repurpose bar waste. Its drink menu changes annually, with extravagant creations like "The Tesla," "The Fleming," and "On Fire," which feature avant-garde ingredients and presentation.

11. Bar Leone, Hong Kong

A standout bar in Hong Kong, Bar Leone quickly earned top recognition in Asia for its unique cocktail offerings and atmosphere. Located in a vibrant area of the city, it has become known for its ever-evolving seasonal cocktail menu, highlighting drinks like the Negroni Fig Leaf and a selection of high-quality spirits. The bar also offers a food menu, including the highly praised Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich. In 2024, it was honored as one of Asia's 50 Best Bars, securing its place as one of the region's top destinations for cocktail enthusiasts. Even surpassing bars in Bangkok and Singapore.

12. Caretakers Cottage, Melbourne

Caretaker's Cottage in Melbourne, a charming bar located in a historic caretaker's residence, opened in 2022. The bar is a cozy space that blends traditional pub warmth with innovative cocktails. They emphasize hospitality and a personal touch, with a community-centered vibe with a mix of Guinness, martinis, and music from vinyl records. Known for its changing monthly cocktail menus and the intimate atmosphere (with space for just 50 people), it has quickly gained recognition, including a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024.

13. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo

Bar Benfiddich in Tokyo is an intimate, no-menu cocktail bar where world-famous bartender Hiroyasu Kayama crafts drinks using house-made spirits, fresh herbs from his family farm, and old-world techniques. Hidden in a high-rise in West Shinjuku, the bar blends antique charm with experimental mixology, offering cocktails based on absinthe, gin, whisky, or amaro. With its candlelit ambiance, Benfiddich is a must-visit for those seeking a truly unique drinking experience in Tokyo.

14. Baba au Rum, Athens

Baba Au Rum in Athens is a world-renowned cocktail bar, ranked among The World's 50 Best Bars. Known for its impressive rum selection and inventive cocktails, it blends 19th-century classics with modern tiki-style drinks, often using homemade Greek liqueurs and bitters. The vintage decor and lively atmosphere, especially in summer, make it a favorite for locals and visitors. While service can be slow on busy nights, its expertly crafted cocktails, like the signature Baba Au Rum daiquiri, make the experience worthwhile.

15. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires

Tres Monos in Buenos Aires is a rebellious and neon-lit cocktail bar in the affluent Palermo neighborhood, ranked among the world’s top 10. Run by Charly Aguinsky, Sebastián Atienza, and Gus Vocke, it champions sustainability with house-made liquors like bourbon-style whiskey and sake. Known for bold, locally inspired flavors, its standout Argentinian drink, "Vuelta Nah Manzana," blends house whiskey, loquat liqueur, and green apple juice for a refreshing twist​.

16. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai

Mimi Kakushi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Dubai’s Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach. It combines traditional techniques with modern flair, offering standout dishes like baked bone marrow with beef tartare and Hokkaido scallops with pollock roe. The restaurant is also known for its innovative bar program, which has earned global recognition, ranking No. 40 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. It’s part of the Rikas Group, which operates several high-end dining spots in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

17. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland is a renowned cocktail bar known for its innovative approach to mixology. The bar’s owner, Iain McPherson, was recently honored with the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award for 2024. This award recognizes his contributions to the global bar industry, particularly his creativity and commitment to Scottish hospitality. McPherson's leadership has made Panda & Sons a standout venue, not just in Edinburgh’s vibrant bar scene, but for all of Europe’s.

18. Nottingham Forest, Milan

Nottingham Forest is a renowned cocktail bar in Milan, Italy located near the Porta Venezia and Palestro metro stations. It’s famous for its creative and experimental cocktails, often incorporating molecular mixology techniques. Drinks are presented in unique ways, such as in miniature bathtubs or glasses within glasses. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of flavors inspired by global influences. Due to its popularity and small size, it’s recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.

19. Zest, Seoul

Zest in Seoul has been named the best bar in Korea and ranked #2 in Asia on the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. Known for its low-waste, innovative cocktail program, Zest has gained international recognition for its commitment to sustainability and creativity. Additionally, Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim, one of Zest's key figures, received the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, highlighting his influence in the industry.

20. Maybe Sammy, Sydney

Maybe Sammy is a high-end cocktail bar in Sydney, Australia inspired by the glamour of 1950s and 1960s Hollywood. Located near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the bar combines old-school hospitality with modern drinks, featuring Art Deco interiors, velvet banquettes, and a vibrant, theatrical atmosphere. Known for its coffee cocktails, including a signature Espresso Martini. The venue's success led to the opening of Sammy Junior, a more relaxed aperitivo café focusing on coffee and cocktails throughout the day.

21. Salmon Guru, Madrid

Salmon Guru in Madrid, Spain is a vibrant cocktail bar known for its bold neon decor, quirky furniture, and inventive drinks. Founded by Diego Cabrera, one of Spain’s top mixologists, it attracts a mix of trendy locals and in-the-know tourists. The cocktail menu is categorized into refreshing, fruity, crazy, sour, and intense, featuring unique creations like the yerba mate-infused "Mate" and the rum-based "¿Por qué te ríes?" with red tea kombucha and ginger beer. The bar also serves gourmet tapas, including roasted quail drumsticks and spicy prawn crudo.

22. Carnaval, Lima

Carnaval is an upscale cocktail bar in Lima’s upscale San Isidro district, founded by renowned bartender Aaron Diaz. It offers a meticulously curated drinking experience, featuring a ‘Gran Carnaval’ tasting menu with seven signature cocktails. One standout drink, the Alegria, alegoria, blends gin, elderberry liqueur, cucumber, lime, and mint, served in a playful ceramic cup. The bar has gained international recognition, ranking No. 43 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023. The venue’s stylish ambiance includes a dedicated Chartreuse collection, reflecting Diaz’s role as a brand ambassador.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, these famous bars have become cultural landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world who want to experience the unique atmosphere and history of these iconic establishments. From the classic elegance of The American Bar at The Savoy to the futuristic design of The Blue Bar at The Berkeley, these bars offer something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a cocktail connoisseur, or just looking for a memorable night out, these famous bars are sure to leave a lasting impression.

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