Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, dine on a hearty meal, or enjoy a night of music and dancing, there’s no shortage of bars in the United States. Some are more under-the-radar than others, though, and offer welcoming atmospheres and intimate entertainment that’s hard to find at larger establishments.
In Idaho, the Bee’s Knees in Idaho Falls serves up delicious elevated pub food, including a burger with bacon, cheddar, and fried egg and a pizza called Bang the Dragon made with teriyaki peanut sauce, chicken, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese. Its beer list is equally impressive, with more than 30 on tap and another 100 available in bottles or cans.
The Irish Rover in Louisville is Kentucky’s best pub, according to Yelpers, serving up tasty comfort food like scotch eggs and fish and chips as well as ales, stouts, and Guinness. In Georgia, Daddy O’Brien’s Irish Ice Cream Pub in Sugar Hill is noted for its authentic feel and traditional dishes such as bangers and mash.
The Publican in Chicago is one of the most celebrated pubs in America, and the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. Its cookbook reveals gourmet versions of old European peasant dishes, which are perfectly paired with its remarkable beer list. In New Orleans, Ebenezer’s Pub is a holy land for Belgian beer with rare vintage bottles and Instagram-worthy small plates. It’s the type of bar where you’re likely to see artists, politicians, and everyday workers all mingling over an ice cold beer.