Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - The Best Rooftop Bars with Spectacular City Views
For travelers seeking stunning vistas to accompany their cocktails, rooftop bars are a can't-miss experience. Perched high above the hustle and bustle of the streets below, these trendy watering holes offer some of the most jaw-dropping panoramas around. From glittering skylines to sweeping cityscapes, a rooftop bar instantly transports you to an exclusive world filled with incredible sights.
One shining example is Sugar in East London. This stylish haunt sits on the 40th floor of The Hilton London Docklands Riverside, treating guests to sweeping views of iconic landmarks like Canary Wharf, The O2, and Greenwich. Sip innovative cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned as you soak in the sights from their terraced deck. Or head to Mr. Purple in Manhattan's Lower East Side, where the 15th floor rooftop overlooks the Williamsburg Bridge and East River. Funky decor and tropical cocktails like the Mr. Plantain transport you to an urban oasis.
Elsewhere in New York City, The Heights commands some of the most stunning vistas around from its perch on the Arlo Hotel's rooftop. Gaze at unobstructed views of Manhattan's epic skyline shimmering across the Hudson as you nibble Mediterranean small plates. Or cross the bridge to Brooklyn for Westlight at The William Vale. From 23 stories up, you'll feel on top of the world as the Manhattan skyline unfolds before you.
Over in Chicago, head to Cindy's for panoramic views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and the cityscape. The swanky decor and craft cocktails are the cherry on top of their sought-after vista. Or hop over to Three Dots and a Dash, where private lanai huts and treetop surroundings make you forget you're in Chicago's bustling Loop neighborhood.
Further west, Denver's 54Thirty Rooftop brings the Mile High City to new heights. Sitting on the 27th floor of the Le Méridien hotel, their floor-to-ceiling windows showcase unbeatable mountain ranges and city views. Or head south to Dallas for the largest rooftop pool in Texas at The Rooftop at The Joule. This posh oasis overlooks downtown's glittering skyline.
Overseas in London, head to Radio Rooftop Bar overlooking Oxford Circus. Its sleek woods, lush greenery, and 360-degree panoramas are an urban escape with a killer city view. In Paris, stop by Le Perchoir for stunning vistas of the Eiffel Tower and Parisian rooftops. And in Singapore, 1-Altitude offers breathtaking 360-degree views from 282 meters up – the world's highest rooftop bar.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Cozy Up at Coveted Speakeasies and Hidden Hangouts
For an intimate, exclusive vibe, covert speakeasies and clandestine cocktail dens beckon. These hidden havens conceal themselves in unassuming locales, requiring passwords or reservations just to gain entry into their mysterious worlds. Once inside, relish the illicit ambiance as expert mixologists craft cocktails stowed away from prying eyes.
In Paris, candescent La Mezcaleria transports you to a sultry Mexican cantina. After wandering through their deli upfront, give the secret password in the freezer to enter the Belle Époque-style speakeasy hidden behind. Savor smoky mezcal cocktails and tequila flights while soaking in the vintage vibes and flamenco performances.
New York City excels at concealed cocktail lounges. Attaboy channels the Roaring Twenties with rustic chic decor and legendary mixology in its secret location. Nibble gourmet bites like sea urchin toast between impeccable concoctions. Or head to Angel's Share on 9th Avenue - a discreet stairway above a Japanese restaurant leads to their moody two-floor hideaway. Let award-winning bartenders work their magic mixing Asian-inspired libations.
Vegas has cornered the market on covert cocktail dens - start at the swanky Commonwealth hidden behind a Queen's Park Swizzle ice machine. Its dim lighting, live music, and Prohibition-era charm up the intrigue. Or visitguerrilla cocktail hub Herbs & Rye. Ring an unmarked doorbell to enter an apothecary-themed lair overflowing with herbs and bitters for one-of-a-kind potions.
Over in Hollywood, break into the Varnish through an unmarked door in Cole's PE Buffet. This refined 1920s speakeasy pairs craft libations with gourmet pub grub and hidden alcoves perfect for intimate conversations. Or try sneaking into the Walker Inn behind a retro phone booth. Low lights, plush booths and smooth jazz playlists set the mood at this clandestine Chicago lounge.
Of course, a password isn't always required. Other establishments conceal themselves in basements, attics, or behind false entrances. Stop by Revelry in Charleston, hidden upstairs behind a retro fridge door. Or enter Boston's hip Drink through a vault in a package store. Its award-winning mixology merits the hunt.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Savor Japanese Whisky and Gin Palaces Around the Globe
Japanese whisky and gin bars are transporting imbibers around the world to the Far East without leaving their bar stools. As two quintessentially Japanese libations surge in popularity globally, exclusive overseas dens are popping up to ceremoniously serve these coveted spirits. For aficionados, a pilgrimage to these overseas outposts offers a passport to Japanese drinking culture alongside top-notch cuisine.
Ginza Onodera in Paris is one whispered name on the lips of whisky fans in the know. Slip behind an unmarked black door near the Palais Garnier for a contemporary homage to Tokyo’s bustling Ginza district. Rare Japanese whiskies and sakes can cost over 1,000 euros here, but provide a flavor journey through Japan’s distilling traditions. Their expertly trained staff will guide you through premium pairings, like 30-year Yamazaki whisky with sashimi and truffle.
New York City’s Angel’s Share whisky bar will make you feel teleported to the neon-lit alleys of Shinjuku. A tiny stairwell above a ramen shop leads to this East Village haven filled with over 100 Japanese whiskies, including rare single malts. Their extensive list pairs nicely with creative sushi rolls and yakitori chicken in the moody, candlelit interior.
Elsewhere in Manhattan, The Flatiron Room’s entire backbar is dedicated to Japanese whisky, making it a prime spot for tasting flights. You can sample a spectrum from light and floral Suntory Toki to rich, complex Yamazaki 18 as jazz bands play. Scoop up the knowledgeable staff’s pairing tips - think seafood towers with coastal Hibiki Harmony or fatty Gyu Kaku short ribs with caramel Hakushu 12.
Overseas connoisseurs also have a new wave of Japanese gin rooms to frequent. Tokyo may be known for whisky, but it houses over 100 gin distilleries supplying spots like London's Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour Covent Garden. This carnival-themed bar offers over 300 gins, including harder-to-find Japanese brands like the floral Roku. Botanical-focused cocktails like the cherry blossom Sakura Martini pair well with sharing plates of sushi and gyoza.
Geneva’s recently opened GOOD Gin Bar also provides a portal for aficionados seeking Japanese gins. Alongside 200+ global gins, they carry small-batch Japanese gins like the citrusy Ki No Bi. Try it in cocktails like the cucumber-infused GOOD 47, complemented by GOOD Gin’s Asian fusion bites like duck tacos and pineapple fried rice. The beverage director is even a World Gin Award judge, offering expertise on these exclusive Japanese imports.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Toast with Bubbles at Champagne and Wine Bars Galore
For oenophiles seeking expertly curated vino, wine bars provide an unparalleled opportunity to expand your palate. At these establishments, globally sourced bottles accompany small plates for a gourmet experience that awakens the senses. From funky natural wine haunts to elegant champagne lounges, wine bars cover the full spectrum for connoisseurs at every level.
One element tying many together is a focus on bubbly. Champagne’s effervescence and acidity create a light, refreshing experience ideal for celebration and connection. For this, head straight to Vesper Bar in Portland, Oregon. Their extensive champagne list pairs perfectly with West Coast oysters and caviar service. Or visit Honey Moon Spirit Lounge in Brooklyn. This cozy, romantic champagne bar's DIY spirit lets you mix-and-match flavors – say, passionfruit La Marca Prosecco with orange liqueur.
Traveling further afield, London’s Bubbledogs puts a gourmet hot dog twist on grower champagnes. Their rare vintage bottles accompany sidewalk-stand-inspired bites like kimchi dogs and hand-cut fries. Pop next door to their Champagne Room for bottle service and rotating art exhibitions. Or cross the Channel to Paris’s Candelaria. Inspired by Mexico City taquerias, they conceal a chilled champagne cellar behind their takeaway taco counter – just whisper “Sésame, ouvre-toi!” (“Open sesame!” in French) to enter.
Besides champagne, wine bars also provide prime destinations for expanding your education across varietals and regions. San Francisco's Shotwells can school anyone in biodynamic wines from small Italian and French producers. Their happening atmosphere with daily tastings and seasonal small plates makes learning fun. Chicago's City Winery offers an urban wine country escape with glasses produced on-site complementing wood-fired pizza and shareboards. Or Barcelona's Monvinic houses a jaw-dropping library of over 30,000 bottles. Let their renowned sommeliers guide you through pairings as your knowledge blossoms.
Traveling Down Under, checkout Sydney's Love, Tilly Devine spotlighting eclectic Australian vintages. Their courtyard candlelit tables encourage lingering for hours over brisket tacos and rare finds from ace Aussie winemakers. Up in Vancouver, jumpstart your education on natural wines at Popina Canteen. Their fresh pasta dishes pair perfectly with funky organic pours made with minimal intervention.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Imbibe Tropical Libations at Beachside Havens
For travelers craving some vitamin sea alongside their cocktails, beach bars are the ultimate destination. These oceanside oases combine sand, surf, and sun with innovative mixology using fresh, local ingredients. Imbibing with your toes in the sand delivers a one-of-a-kind tropical experience that reconnects you to nature's beauty.
A shining example is Papaya Playa Project Tulum in Mexico's Riviera Maya. This boho-chic beach resort conceals a thatched-roof bar directly in the sand, mere steps from the lapping waves. Sip spicy Mezcal Mules garnished with tajín chili powder as your feet sink into the soft white sand. Take in the salty sea breeze blowing through the palm-filled grounds, transporting you to island life.
Or head up the Mexican coast to Los Cabos, where The Cape evokes 1960s Palm Springs glamour. Their swim-up bar lets you float with an expertly mixed margarita in hand as the Sea of Cortez dazzles in the distance. Cabana service brings guacamole and ceviche right to your towels or daybeds. Over in Barbados, sip rum cocktails on Mullins Beach at Mullins Restaurant & Rum Bar. BNP Paribas recognized their jaw-dropping seaside location as the world’s best beach bar. Ocean views through breezy palm fronds pair perfectly with Barbadian rum punches and local fare like flying fish sandwiches. Or try Bermuda’s Coco Reef Resort, where two tropical pools flow into the sea. Their Rum Point beach bar serves Goombay Smashes and Dark ‘n Stormys as reggae plays and waves lap ashore.
The Florida Keys also excel at beachside imbibing with places like Sunset Grille on Key Haven. Dig your feet into the sand as you savor grilled shrimp tacos and Key lime cocktails on their oceanfront deck. Up in Fort Lauderdale, Beachcraft Bar & Kitchen combines sand, surf, and drinks on a prime stretch of oceanfront. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to snag a coveted table or padded lounger right on the beach.
Of course, tales of beachside revelry originated in the Caribbean. Visitors still flock to places like Hemingway's Caribbean Bar at The Reef Atlantis in the Bahamas. Strong rum drinks like their Papa Doble Daiquiri (supposedly invented by Ernst Hemingway here) pair perfectly with conch fritters and jerk chicken as the ocean dazzles beyond.
Or head to Negril, Jamaica and sip island vibes at Rick's Cafe cliff diving bar. Their signature Rum Punch and Reggae Rhythms pool parties accompany unbeatable sunset views. Patrons can even jump off the cliffs themselves or watch professional divers leap from great heights into the sea below. The laidback, anything-goes atmosphere embodies true Caribbean freedom.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Sip Craft Cocktails at Award-Winning Mixology Dens
For cocktail connoisseurs, mixology dens are meccas offering some of the most innovative and masterfully crafted libations around. At these temples to the art of mixology, award-winning bartenders scrupulously source ultra-premium liquors and fresh, seasonal ingredients to concoct the most exquisite elixirs for your taste buds. The experience transports you into their uncommon worlds, where each sip tells a story crafted with precision and passion.
New York City always brings the magic in mixology, especially at Employees Only. This West Village speakeasy has racked up Tales of the Cocktails, James Beard, and Top 50 Bars awards, dazzling with wild experiments like the smoky bacon-infused Bacon Old Fashioned. Their mixologists forage local greenmarkets seeking peak produce for one-of-a-kind libations - after all, the "Employees Only" mantra means accepting nothing but the best. Over in the East Village, head to award-winning Death & Co for stunning artisanal additions like house vanilla-bean infused Buffalo Trace bourbon in cocktails like the Brown Derby. With a menu exceeding 500 drinks, even repeat visits can't exhaust their creativity.
Meanwhile in San Francisco, Trick Dog circumvents mixology norms by basing their menus around avant themes. Past muses range from virtual bands to horoscopes to French cinema - expect drinks like the Jean Dujardin with gin, sherry, and black lemon. LA's The Normandie Club is another creative hub led by the inventor of the Espresso Martini. Sip their foie-gras washed cognac as you soak in the noir vibes and white-jacketed bartenders - perfection lies in every detail.
Of course, storied mixology temples span the globe. Stop by Mount Gay Distilleries on Barbados, birthplace of rum, where a visit to their on-site cocktail bar lets you taste heritage in drinks like the 1703 Daiquiri with house Eclipse Black rum. Or head to Barcelona's legendary Bobby Gin bar, where Guinness World Records recognizes owner Bobby as crafting the world's best gin and tonics. Sip his olive oil-washed martinis alongside inspired Mediterranean small bites.
Over in Singapore, Operation Dagger's theatrical mixology combines liquid nitrogen, rotary evaporation, and more to craft science-driven cocktails like My Blue Hawaii with rum, pineapple, and lime caviar. While Tokyo's Gen Yamamoto - led by the eponymous owner - delights with avant-garde bites like corn tempura with bourbon butter to pair with their precise Japanese-inspired mixology using house shochu liqueurs. From clarified milk punch to tableside preparations, their cutting-edge techniques show why Bon Appétit crowned them the world's most imaginative cocktail bar.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Relax with a Pint at Beloved Local Pubs and Taverns
For many travelers seeking authentic local immersion, neighborhood pubs and taverns are treasured community hubs offering laidback camaraderie over pints. These unpretentious watering holes embody the spirit of their city, providing a homey atmosphere where locals gather to unwind after work or on weekends. Bellied up to the bar chatting with regulars or cheering for the hometown team delivers an slice-of-life experience.
One shining example is McSorley's Old Ale House in Manhattan, the city’s oldest continuously operated pub. Steeped in history, McSorley’s only serves their house ale – light or dark – just as they have since 1854. Sawdust-covered floors, vintage photos lining the walls, and communal tables encourage meeting fellow revelers as New Yorkers have done here for over 160 years.
Meanwhile in Dublin, Ireland, Gravediggers Pub sits next to Glasnevin Cemetery, attracting both lively locals and cemetery tour groups. Sip Guinness or Irish whiskey while admiring the Victorian interior filled with historical paraphernalia like antique snuffboxes. The pub’s charismatic owner Paddy often greets guests weaving local tales, encapsulating Dublin’s convivial spirit.
Elsewhere in Europe, make a pilgrimage to one of Munich’s famed beer halls like Augustiner-Keller for a true Bavarian experience. Their communal benches foster a lively atmosphere where locals hoist steins of Augustiner beer sharing massive pretzels and pork knuckles. Oompah bands get the crowd singing along to Prosit! while servers sweep through carrying armfuls of frothy brews.
In Britain, The Canterbury Tales Pub in Cambridge transports you to medieval England with its creaky wood interior modeled after Canterbury’s actual Pilgrim’s Inn. Sip ale in a private wooden booth as costumed staff in period garb serve up shepherd’s pie, meat pies, and bread bowls alongside spirited Chaucer tales.
Further afield in Cape Town, brewery and pub Devil’s Peak Taproom is a popular neighborhood nightlife hub. Locals flock for their craft brews and live music, mingling at picnic tables spread across the beer garden and mezzanine under corrugated iron roofs. Food trucks supply tasty pairings like boerie rolls and peri peri chicken livers.
Of course, the warmth of a local pub transcends continents. In Australia, travelers rave about Pelican Hut Tavern in Port Douglas for its laidback Aussie hospitality. Kick back after exploring the Great Barrier Reef and order a cold VB beer with massive Moreton Bay bug prawns.
Sip Around the World: Discover the Top 50 Bars for 2022 with Mighty Travels Premium - Enjoy Delicious Bites with Your Drinks at Gastro Bars
For many imbibers, pairing intriguing craft cocktails with gourmet bites elevates the bar experience to new heights. Enter gastro bars, where talented chefs work side-by-side with top-tier mixologists to create a holistic eating and drinking adventure that engages all the senses. These destinations reimagine the typical pub grub into culinary masterpieces as considered as their drink menus.
One shining example hails from Portland, Oregon – recipe-turned-restaurant Ox. Their eastern Mediterranean small plates earned chef Gregory Gourdet a James Beard nomination, while the bar concocts botanical-based cocktails like the Cynar Julep. Food and drink intertwine on progressive plates like fluke crudo with blood orange and fennel accompanied by a Kyoto Sour made with plum-infused gin. Masterful pairings awaken new dimensions.
Travel north to Vancouver for the nostalgic Chinese-Canadian sharing plates at cocktail bar Bao Down. Squid-ink sausage fried rice, General Tao Brussels sprouts with black vinegar caramel, and other inventive plates complement Asian-inspired drinks like the Yin & Yum with umeshu plum liqueur. The fiercely local ethos shines through in their food and drink.
New York City always brings inventive gastro bar concepts, like existing producer Mace building a custom five-story space for natural wine and handmade pasta outfit Misi. Balls & Pins fuses bocce courts with Detroit-style pizza and tiki cocktails. While Tokyo Record Bar feeds vinyl lovers with hip hop playlists and cheeky Japanese comfort fare like foie gras donuts with strawberry and balsamic jam.
Across the country in LA, Melody bar mixes Vietnamese drinking fare with local California wines – snack on Imperial rolls in lettuce cups and sugar cane shrimp as you sip Santa Barbara Grenache blanc. Or try the new Middle Eastern mezze small plates at sleek cocktail lounge The Eye, like tuna crudo with za’atar crackers, accompanying exotic concoctions like their Turkish Coffee Martini.
Further south in Austin, Asian smokehouse and late night bar Half Step combines smoked brisket egg rolls and Szechuan beef tartare with smoked pear Negronis and other punches in their easygoing courtyard. Cocktails become an extension of the kitchen’s imagination.
Overseas in London, Swift's Old Tom bar excels at recreating Victorian-era drinking fare, serving savory pies and cheese plates alongside historic cocktails like Sherry Cobblers. While in Melbourne, Supernormal Canteen & Bar pairs chef Andrew McConnell’s hawker-style Pan-Asian plates with local craft beers and natural wines. Share hot and sour eggplant with pork floss or betel leaf mackerel as you bond over drinks at communal tables.