The World’s Best Cocktail Bars
In honor of our third birthday, we thought we’d share our picks for the best of the best. This week, we will take take a deep dive into the best bars around the world. These bars would earn the “Golden Pelican” for having the best cocktails mixed with the best atmosphere. So pull up a stool and let’s visit the World’s Best Cocktail Bars.
The American Bar – London, England
The American Bar has been at the top of several “Best Bar” lists over the years. Since we were in London, we felt it we should have “just one drink” there to see what the hype was about. (For those who don’t know “just one drink” is a lie we tell ourselves when heading to a bar.) We thought the American Bar, at the Savoy, would be too posh for our taste. Instead, we walked in to hear THE MOST talented singer and piano player. Weird thing was, most of the people were not even listening to him. We sang along and LOVED the entire experience. So one drink turned into hours. But why go anywhere else when everything we could possibly want was right here.
The Campbell – New York City, NY
We LOVE Grand Central Terminal. However, finding the secret bar within its walls makes it EVEN BETTER!! Once the 1923 office of John Campbell, who used it to host private parties, it’s now a super swanky cocktail bar.
You can CLEARLY see the sign for Campbell’s Apartment above the door but don’t believe it. If you take the steps that are directly ahead, you’ll end up on 42nd street. We must have walked in and out of Grand Central four times before someone pointed to the door way. Oh, and if you didn’t know, it’s featured in the tv show “Gotham”. #batman #awesomecocktailbar
The Dead Rabbit – New York City, NY
I was first drawn to the “Dead Rabbit” because of the movie, the Gangs of New York. If you haven’t seen it, in order to continue our association, I MUST insist you do!! Besides being named after a mid-nineteenth century band of brawlers, it was nominated the “World’s Best Bar” in 2016. Of course, this pales in comparison to the Golden Pelican, but still pretty good.
The Carousel Bar – New Orleans, LA
As you know, Stephen indulges me in my pursuit of seeing all the places Ernest Hemingway once visited. This is how we came across the amazing Carousel Bar at the historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.
Besides Hem, many other famous authors called this hotel home for a while like:
- Tennessee Williams – who used it for the setting of his play, “The Rose Tattoo”
- Truman Capote – who claimed he was born at the hotel. (Though records show he was actually born at a hospital near by.)
- William Faulkner – who wrote his first novel while living in the French quarter
The Ghost Bar – Detroit, MI
Reported to be haunted AND close to home? The Ghost Bar at the Whitney had to make our list. The bar is housed on the third floor of what once was the mansion of lumber baron David Whitney. The Ghost Bar was featured on Syfy networks “Ghost Hunters” show. The restaurant itself has a bit of an “old money” vibe. But the Ghost Bar is far more relaxed, with live music and fantastic cocktails.
Grand Banks – New York City, NY
Once upon a time, a wooden schooner was moored in the Hudson River. When you sit at their bar, you can see all of New York City. You can sip delicious cocktails and eat SO MANY oysters while you’re there, you’ll feel almost feel sorry. That is the Grand Banks experience – almost like a fairy tale – with oysters.
So that’s it for this week. Thanks for joining us for a peek at the Best Cocktail Bars in the World and the very first of our “Golden Pelican” awards. Let us know if you end up visiting one of these locations. We would LOVE to hear about your experiences!
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