Finding an exceptional bar, one that crafts a drink worth paying $20 or more for, is no easy task. From the theatrical, molecularly inspired mixology at The Alchemist in London to the Art Deco decadence of The Great Gatsby-inspired Atlas Bar in Singapore, extravagant bars worth your money, time and sobriety are waiting to be discovered. That’s why Master Sommelier, Jurgen Lijcops decided to research and write the ultimate guide to the best bars around the world.
In 2016, Lijcops opened up Bar Burbure in Antwerp. Known for its refined cocktails and an extensive selection of premium spirits, Bar Burbure has its own Forest line of specialty spirits, a seasonal wine list and a stylish, sleek atmosphere and decor. After struggling to find a book about noteworthy, aesthetically pleasing bars, he chose to make one himself. With 28 years of experience working as a Sommelier and spirits expert in some of the biggest names in the restaurant and bar industry, he put together 150 Bars You Need To Visit Before You Die.
Though his first passion is wine, his second passion is spirits.
“Not just spirits themselves, but everything surrounding and springing from them,” Lijcops explains in the book’s intro. “For instance, cocktails and the bars that make and serve them. Also, the unique settings that are often offered by these bars and that make you enjoy your drinks even more.”
For Lijcops, it’s not just about what you’re drinking that makes a bar stand out but also the vibes and overall experience. “This vibe is created by the people who work there, who attract other people with that same vibe who, in turn, enhance the vibe of the place.”
One of the things that impresses him the most when he first walks into a bar? When the staff “instantly greets me,” he said. Explaining that it shows that they are attentive and ready to make the night special.
“Each and every bar I selected has a story to tell, which is certainly not always about the drinks. Often this story is told by the owners and the staff, or by the location,” Lijcops writes in his intro.
In his book he takes readers on a boozy adventure to the most incredible bars around the world, taking into account things like luxurious décor, the employees, ambiance and, of course, quality cocktails.
In case you’re not a world traveler, here’s a list of his 20 favorite bars in the US and why they’re special, according to 150 Bars You Need To Visit Before You Die.
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Trick Dog, San Francisco
Trick Dog Bar Why should you visit before you die?: “The drinks are perfectly balanced and – very importantly – have little or no garnish.”
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Gianni Bar, Los Angeles
Gianni Bar Why should you visit before you die?: “This lobby bar is the kind of place you take a date to when you really want to impress them.”
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Mr. Purple, New York City
Mr. Purple Why should you visit before you die?: “This wonderful combination of roof bar and hotel bar has a very special personality of its own.”
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The Blond, New York City
The Blond
Why should you visit before you die?: “The atmosphere after work here is unique. Dress to impress!” -
Untitled Super Club, Chicago
Untitled Supper Club Why should you visit before you die?: “The whisky list is super-impressive.”
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The Dead Rabbit, New York City
The Dead Rabbit
Why should you visit before you die?: “What Petrus is to wine lovers, the Death Rabbit is to bar fans. Creations and ideas are hatched here that have a profound influence on the whole international bar scene.” -
The Spare Room, Los Angeles
(Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Invision for Made With Elastic/AP Images) Why should you visit before you die?: ”Where else can you throw some balls and sip a delicious coconut-infused vodka at the same time?”
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Employees Only, New York City
Employees Only
Why should you visit before you die?: “The bar undergoes a transformation when the sun goes down. The ambiance and vibe are simply unique.” -
Rumba, Seattle
Downtown Seattle behind, Washington State USA. Why should you visit before you die?: “Their empanadas are super-tasty.”
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Attaboy, New York City
Attaboy Why should you visit before you die?: “They serve a wonderfully refreshing evergreen cocktail, which you should try not to miss: the ‘Gold Rush’, made with whisky and honey.”
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The Bar Room, New York City
The Bar Room
Why should you visit before you die?: “This establishment knows what really matters: delicious drinks, great food, lavish hospitality and cozy, stylish surroundings.”
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Beachbum Berry’s, New Orleans
Why should you visit before you die?: “Its cocktail menu covers the entire history of tiki drinking.” -
NoMad Bar, New York City
The NoMad Bar
Why should you visit before you die?: “The pub food here is traditional yet slightly different.” -
Canon Bar, Seattle
Canon Bar Why should you visit before you die?: “Nothing is too outlandish or far-fetched at the Canon Bar. Have you ever had a drink served to you in a plasma bag? Ask for a ‘Transfusion 4’.”
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Dante, New York City
Dante Why should you visit before you die?: “You feel right away that this is a great place to be, especially when the weather is fine and you can sit on the small terrace, enjoying some bruschetta and sipping a Negroni.”
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Bordel, Chicago
Why should you visit before you die?: “In this place, you really, truly think you are the Great Gatsby.”
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Carousel Bar, New Orleans
Carousel Bar Why should you visit before you die?: “You need to have drunk their signature cocktail, the ‘Vieux Carré’, at least once in your life.”
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BlackTail Bar, New York City
BlackTail Bar Why should you visit before you die?: “This bar specializes in cocktails from the Prohibition era.”
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The Chandelier Lounge, Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Why should you visit before you die?: ”The combination of the bar’s unique interior and perfect cocktails is not to be missed.”
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Gallery Bar, Los Angeles
Gallery Bar Why should you visit before you die?: ”This bar lives within the legendary Biltmore Hotel, designed by Schultze & Weaver, probably two of the twentieth century’s most important hotel architects.”
You can buy 150 Bars You Need To Visit Before You Die from publisher Lannoo or on Amazon.
