Famous writers, politicians, celebrities, war heroes, travelers, out-of-towners and regular Joes—lots of people like to throw a couple back every now and again. Here are 10 world-famous bars waiting to quench your thirst.
The Broken Shaker, Miami Beach, Florida
The best bar in the world doesn’t mandate a formal dress code. The Broken Shaker—located inside the Freehand Miami Hotel—is a backyard you'll want to kick back in. The tropical atmosphere reminds you that you’re mere steps from the beach, while the lounge chair-lined pool entices you to stay and play. Although the vibe is chill, the refreshing cocktails are expertly crafted, the ethnically inspired decor has been carefully selected and the clientele is a spunky mix of young locals and curious travelers.
Bell in Hand Tavern, Boston, Massachusetts
If you like to combine history and drinking, get yourself to Bell in Hand Tavern, the oldest watering hole in the nation, at least according to the proprietors. Claiming the first pour was in 1795, the likes of Paul Revere, Daniel Webster and other prominent politicians used to hang out here in the early 19th century. These days, the former ale-only bar has modernized its menu, but the warm and welcoming vibe remains. Plus, there’s live music on the weekends to spice things up. When you toast a cold one here, you can just imagine clinking glasses with the some of the country’s most legendary figures.
El Floridita, Havana, Cuba
Want to cheers Ernest Hemingway before knocking back the best daiquiri you’ve ever tasted? Head to El Floridita, rumored to be the preferred haunt of Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. A legendary drinker, Hemingway reportedly requested his grapefruit flavored daiquiri be spiked with two shots. There are tales that he finished 13 double daiquiris in one sitting, a feat which eventually earned him a cocktail christened in his honor, the “Papa Daiquiri.” For those traveling through Havana, a snap with the life-size Hemingway statue, drink in hand, of course, is bucket list worthy.
Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Th Long Bar is the home of the Singapore Sling, a fruity drink created for a specific purpose. In 20th-century Singapore, it was not condoned for women to publicly consume alcohol, so a crafty bartender created the ‘Sling—a gin-infused cocktail disguised as fruit juice. Genius. And an immediate hit with the ladies. Nowadays, this watering hole is one of the island nation’s most popular. Packed with patrons every night, the cozy interior is reminiscent of the olden days, paying homage to its roots. While the bar is certainly iconic and exudes a sort of old-world elegance, don’t get it twisted—this is not a stuck-up place. Drinks are served with a side of peanuts, the shells of which you’re fully encouraged to toss on the floor.
Al Brindisi, Ferrara, Italy
Calling all winos—don’t miss your chance to sip some of the good stuff at this age-old wine bar. Established in 1435, this drinker’s den was said to be frequented by renowned Renaissance painter Titian, as well as Copernicus, Benvenuto Cellini and—centuries later—even the soon-to-be Pope John Paul II. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that the Guinness Book of World Records crowned Al Brindisi the oldest osteria (wine bar) in the world. Settle in for the evening with a hearty pasta dish and a few glasses of wine poured from a dust-encrusted bottle.
Black Pearl, Melbourne, Australia
This neighborhood bar is far from ordinary. Despite boasting some of the city’s best bartenders, this Fitzroy locale is unpretentious and welcoming. Broken-in couches, homey decor and warm lighting make it inviting, although the cocktails spun by the experts behind the bar are far from basic. Black Pearl is the place to see, but the folks who come here don’t care about being seen. They care about the lengthy craft beer list, creatively mixed spirits and tasty pub food served late. Make scoring a table in the tucked away upstairs “Attic” a priority.
The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog, New York City, U.S.A.
Topping the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2015 and 2016, The Dead Rabbit glows brighter than the rest in New York’s financial district. Founded by two Irish guys with a dream, this three-floor bar took years to perfect—but perfect it they have. With a serious affection for cocktails and innovative combinations, the revered “Cocktail Manual” has snagged this bar multiple awards. The hospitable atmosphere makes it easy to post up on one of the barstools for hours while chatting it up with some truly passionate bartenders. Want the place to yourself? Rent out the top floor for a private party.
Harry’s Bar, Venice, Italy
Tucked away on a canal just off the stunning San Marcos Square, this joint has a laundry-list of rich and famous patrons who posted up here on the regular. If it’s good enough for the likes of Charlie Chaplin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Alfred Hitchcock, Peggy Guggenheim and Ernest Hemingway (yes, Hemingway again), then it’s definitely good enough for the rest of us.
While Harry’s is technically more of a restaurant than a bar, the luxurious-yet-simple, societal-like atmosphere draws people in for hours of lounging, chit-chatting, and—you guessed it—drinking. Since being established in 1931, Harry’s claims to have invented both the Bellini cocktail (Prosecco and white peach juice) and carpaccio. Combined with the incredible hospitality, service and lengthy history, the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs declared Harry’s a national landmark in 2001.
High Five, Tokyo, Japan
If you’re looking for a raucous night out, High Five is not the place for you. This bar comes with its own set of rules and you’d better behave yourself or you’ll be asked to leave. If you’re looking for bartenders capable of tailoring their impeccable skills to your personal description of what tastes good, don’t miss it.
High Five is the classiest bar in the Ginza district and, get this—there’s no menu. You are at the mercy of the bartenders, but you should trust them. Describe your preferred taste and they’ll whip you up a personalized cocktail on the spot. With the dark wood paneling, soft jazz playing and an original cocktail in hand, you’ll easily drift off to another land.
American Bar at The Savoy Hotel, London, England
Elegance hangs in the air like smoke at the American Bar. As the oldest cocktail bar in Britain, the live piano jazz immediately transports guests back to the 20th century. Cocktails inspired by timeless celebrity photographs displayed on the walls, served by bartenders dressed in white suits, will have you feeling like a VIP. This could be the most magical bar to sip the world’s most classic aperitif.