# The Best Bars in America: do they know YOUR name at any of these? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 6, 2008, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296 "2008-09-06T04:20:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/21 "2008-09-07T02:42:06Z")
I’ve been to the River Ranch in Tahoe City a number of times. It’s conveniently located at the point where people rafting (to use the term loosely - maybe “floating” would be more accurate) the Truckee River generally get off, and they run regular shuttles from River Ranch back to the put-in point. Get off the river, have a beer, and have someone else drive you back to your car - what’s not to like? Their recommendation (a hefeweizen) isn’t what the locals are drinking, though - anyone who lives around there probably has at Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I used to go to the Brewer’s Art occasionally when I lived in Baltimore, but it was too far for me to be a regular. I considered moving closer once or twice, though. ---
**Author:** ![vintageloveletter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@vintageloveletter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vintageloveletter)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/22 "2008-09-07T02:47:23Z")
> [@delphica](#): > > Freddy’s Bar and Backroom: They know my BEST FRIEND’S name. I posted about this bar in a thread a few years ago about “best bathroom graffiti” or something along those lines – in the ladies’ room, someone drew that Revolutionary War snake around the toilet seat and it says “Don’t Pee On Me.” This is my friend’s neighborhood bar, and I lived one neighborhood over so I had a different one (Frank’s, which often gets a lot of similar hype). (what I’m wearing: comfortable weekend clothes, maybe a jean skirt and soft cardigan sweater.) I went to Freddy’s a few weeks ago for my friends’ gig. Cool little bar, but I can’t really see why it made the list. I much prefer Fourth Avenue Pub a few blocks over. Free popcorn! ---
**Author:** ![Darryl\_Lict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7cd45c/32.png) [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/23 "2008-09-07T03:01:32Z")
No, none of the bars at which I’m a regular hit the list. However, I love old bars and dive bars and old dive bars, so I’ve been to a few on the list. I’ve been to Zeitgeist, Toronado and Vesuvio. The next time I’m in the city, I’m going to the 21 Club. Sounds like a great dive bar, in the Tenderloin no less. I’ve been to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans and Brit’s Pub (where they serve Guiness and Foster’s) in Minneapolis. I’be been to Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood. I’ve been to The Bar at Keens Steakhouse and the Minetta Tavern in New York City. IIRC, Teddy Roosevelt’s pipe is at the Keens Steakhouse and they have about a million different whiskeys. I’ve walked by the El Chapultepec in Denver, but there was no music going on, so I didn’t go in. I’ll go in next time regardless. I’ve probably been to Beach Ball in Newport Beach (I’ve crawled through all those bars) and I’m almost 100% sure that I’ve been to Sam’s Anchor Café in Tiburon. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/24 "2008-09-07T03:09:20Z")
If I had a nickel for every time I got drunk at Charlie B’s in Missoula Montana during college, I’d have . . . well, at least a dollar. But it’s all so subjective. It’s not like you walk into Charlie B’s and think _This is an AMAZING bar! They should put this bar on a list of the best bars in the country!_ It’s a pretty good watering hole, but I’ve been to many others just as good. The other bar listed from Montana (the Little Cowboy in Fromberg, which is more of a wide spot in the road, than a town) is pretty much a tourist trap on the way to Yellowstone Park, in the middle of BFE. So that adds to my sense of --\> :dubious: about the list. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/25 "2008-09-07T03:16:13Z")
I have to say, that as a _veteran_ bachelor (who has since happily settled down into married life), that that Esquire list is a crock of s\*\*t. I don’t know who did the work or how they compiled this list, but there is no way that list is a _true reflection_ of great American bars. I mean, how could it not list the [Sip & Dip](http://www.ohairemotorinn.com/?p=sipanddip) with Pat on the cheezy organ with a mermaid behind the bar? I’m sorry, I have to scoff at this Esquire list. John Wayne wouldn’t be caught dead in some of those bars. Tripler :: scoff scoff, scoff scoff :: ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/26 "2008-09-07T03:22:27Z")
I’ve been to four of the Illinois bars. One of the funniest, laugh at **MBG** moments ever was there. We were with friends, and I made what I thought was quite the witty retort to something my friend asked me about my wife (long story, trust me, it WAS funny, even if it wasn’t all that nice, and I love her madly, and this is the end of the disclaimer), and when I laughed I rocked back on my chair and the two back legs went right through the floor. Green Mill and B.L.U.E.S have seen me on several occasions. But the Payton Roundhouse is one I think there’s actually people working there that know me. We’ve been there several times - in fact, the Wife is there every day to catch the BNSF commuter into the city. It’s not entirely uncommon for us to just meet her at the train when she comes home, and grab dinner & a couple drinks. Cool place. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/27 "2008-09-07T03:39:23Z")
I have drunk at several of the LA area bars, but most of them are out of my price range for regular nights out. At one point in time though, they would have known my name at Birds in Hollywood. My best friend lived practically across the street and when I moved out of my first apartment I more or less gave it to one of the waitresses there. And, yes, it is an awesome bar. During the day they are also a great lunch spot. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/28 "2008-09-07T03:46:11Z")
Agreed on the Roundhouse being cool, plus they’re a brewpub/restaurant and have a great selection of their own beer, brewed on the premises. I love the Hopleaf since I’m a huge Belgian beer fan and their beer menu just overflows with them. Plus their (typically Belgian-style) food is seriously yummy. I’m kind of disappointed that [The Map Room](http://www.maproom.com/) isn’t on the Illinois list. Small place but another one with a **giant** beer menu. Maps posted everywhere, and they encourage you to create your own map of Chicago landmarks and contribute it; you ask the bartender for a blank map and can fill it out. Maine: The omission of the [Great Lost Bear](http://www.greatlostbear.com/) (Portland) is disappointing. Again, a large beer selection, plus good bar-type food. Massachusetts: Omission - [Sunset Grille and Tap](http://www.allstonsfinest.com/) in Boston is another huge beer selection-type bar, with good bar/grill food as well. I have been to Doyle’s, and they’re a decent place. Trivia: It’s the first bar to have carried Samuel Adams beer, and has been featured in TV shows, like Boston Public. Wisconsin: The Essen Haus is a fun place - I’d consider it more of a restaurant than a bar, but they do feature their beer strongly. They’re the home of the infamous “beer boot”, a huge beer glass shaped like a boot. So that makes 4 - 2 in Illinois (Round House, Hopleaf), 1 in Massachusetts (Doyle’s), 1 in Wisconsin (Essen Haus). However, none of these are “regular” bars for me. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/29 "2008-09-07T03:52:57Z")
I’ll also add that it’s a bit of a crime that Sous La Terre, in Montgomery, AL is not on the list. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/30 "2008-09-07T03:54:08Z")
Been to both the **Inwood Lounge** (cheesy)and **Lakewood Landing (a dump).** There are better bars in Dallas, by far. Try the Gingerman, Idle Rich, Old Monk or the Dubliner (which gets high marks from Brits & Irish folks), for better, IMO bars. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/31 "2008-09-07T03:59:54Z")
This list is so full of shit it’s amazing. If it doesn’t list [Mr. Whitekeys Fly-By-Nightclub](http://www.flybynightclub.com/hist_keys.html), it’s meaningless. Ditto [Doat Hill Tavern](http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=218). ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/32 "2008-09-07T04:21:34Z")
> [@Jodi](#): > > But it’s all so subjective. It’s not like you walk into Charlie B’s and think _This is an AMAZING bar! They should put this bar on a list of the best bars in the country!_ It’s a pretty good watering hole, but I’ve been to many others just as good. Yeah, that’s my reaction to a few of the bars on the list. I’ve been to a couple of the NYC bars, a couple of the San Francisco bars, and both the Baltimore, Maryland bars. While they’re all perfectly decent places, i don’t think i’ve walked out of any of them thinking “Wow, that’s one of the best places i’ve ever been.” But for me, the amount of enjoyment i get from a bar is generally more dependent on the people i’m with than the bar itself. I’ve had unbelievable evenings in pretty crappy places, and crappy evenings in places that everyone says are amazing. ---
**Author:** ![Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7993a0/32.png) [@Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamaika_a_jamaikaiake)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/33 "2008-09-07T05:31:09Z")
I’m going to **Barcade** in Brooklyn tomorrow night! ---
**Author:** ![shellofmyformerself](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@shellofmyformerself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shellofmyformerself)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/34 "2008-09-07T17:34:36Z")
I was going to mention the Sip-n-Dip but I see **Tripler** beat me to it. Best farewell party I ever had…err…from what I can remember. Also, **Ogre** the FloraBama was mostly wiped out by Hurricane Ivan. Not sure if they’ve rebuilt yet. I know they were trying to get a building variance last October do they could just add on to the existing structure (what was left, anyway) but I haven’t heard anything since. ---
**Author:** ![WarmNPrickly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/35 "2008-09-07T19:14:48Z")
I must admit, I’m a bit suprised to find **Sam Bond’s Garage** on that list. It’s a pretty small bar with a pretty ecclectic crowd. I hae to admot the best show I ever saw in Eugene was at **Sam Bonds** , but it was a pretty ecclectic show anyway. Robyn Hitchcock just doesn’t show up on most peoples radar and only the extremely infrormed knew that Peter Buck was the lead guitar at the time. Quite honestly, I suspect this bar was so average that they loved it. If I remember correctly, Sam Bond was at one point the mayor of Eugene and I sang in the concert choir with his nephew or something like that. I can’t find a cite though so the old man could have been full of shit. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/36 "2008-09-07T19:40:48Z")
There’s only one bar where the bartender knows my name, and that’s only because it’s my sister. And it’s not on the list. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/37 "2008-09-07T20:02:17Z")
Not as many as I thought I might have. I’ve had **gimlets** at the **Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills** , as a nod to Chandler and _The Long Goodbye_. **The Griswold Inn in Essex, Conn** , was only a half-hour drive from my alma mater, so I had many meals and drinks there during my long ago college days. **Martinis** as an aperitif and **wine or beer** with the food. In **Chicago** , I’ve had **beer** several times at the **Red Lion** (my wife grew up in Lincoln Park and my sister-in-law is friends with the owners). And I’ve been to the \*\*Green Mill \*\*many times to hear jazz, and god-knows-what I drank. I’ve had **tequila with beer chasers** at the **49er Lounge in Gallup, New Mexico**. Finally, in hometown **Noo Yawk** , I can only claim **Keenan’s Steakhouse** (Hah. I can remember when it was **Keenan’s _Chop_house** ), the **Bemelmans Bar** , and the **Minetta Tavern** for **cocktails or highballs**. And the **Grassroots Tavern** for longneck brewskis. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2008, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/38 "2008-09-07T21:12:49Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Massachusetts: Omission - [Sunset Grille and Tap](http://www.allstonsfinest.com/) in Boston is another huge beer selection-type bar, with good bar/grill food as well. > > I have been to Doyle’s, and they’re a decent place. Trivia: It’s the first bar to have carried Samuel Adams beer, and has been featured in TV shows, like Boston Public. I’ve been to the Sunset once. I used to order out from them a lot, but I’ve only been drinking there once. I met **Autolycus** and a couple of his friends there. Not our first meeting, but he called and said to come on over.) I’ve been to Doyle’s a lot, but considering that a lived about 4 blocks from there for 15 years, surprisingly little. I can count on one hand how many drinks I’ve had there. I’ve had far more meals than drinks. Their German plate is pretty decent. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Carter_of_Mars)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/39 "2008-09-08T01:43:39Z")
> [@Ogre](#): > > Been to all of the ones listed for Alabama, but it’s kind of a crime that the Flora-Bama isn’t on there. Agreed! The Flora-Bama is not only one of Alabama’s best, I’ve heard it described as one of America’s last great roadhouses. Anyhow, where else can the patrons throw dead fish? (Flora-Bama’s annual mullet toss, for the uninformed) Also, if they were going to list some bars from Utah, I don’t see how Salt Lake City’s “The Dead Goat” didn’t make their list. Oh well, I had fun there even if the _Esquire_ guys didn’t… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2008, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296/40 "2008-09-08T02:35:49Z")
Four of the Atlanta bars are within easy walking distance of my house. (Moe’s and Joe’s, The Local, The Clairmont Lounge, and Manuel’s Tavern.) These are all institutions, but [Manuel’s](http://www.manuelstavern.com/) is the ultimate. (Locals will be able to pronounce it correctly and identify the original owner.) Manuel’s is a block from my house. The list of Alabama bars is seriously deficient for failing to include [The Peerless Saloon](http://www.peerlesssaloon.com/) in Anniston. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-bars-in-america-do-they-know-your-name-at-any-of-these/462296.md?page=3)