Bon Appétit Unveils the Best New Bars in America for 2025

Are you craving a cocktail this weekend? You’re in luck! Bon Appétit has just revealed its 2025 list of the best new bars across the United States, filled with creative concoctions and unique atmospheres.

A Year of Searching for the Best

The anticipation surrounding Bon Appétit’s list of the best new bars is palpable, and this year is no exception. Editor-in-chief Jamila Robinson shared that the team dedicated a full year to exploring the drinking scene across the country, scouting for bars that not only serve drinks but tell a story through cocktails.

The research process is extensive; it involves a team led by drinks editor Joseph Hernandez and scouts traveling from coast to coast. They assess everything from cocktail craftsmanship to ambiance and look for new trends and expressions in mixology. Each visit includes tastings, interviews with bartenders, and an evaluation of how a venue’s design and service contribute to the overall experience.

“Every bar on our list has character, showcasing the creativity and ambition within the world of cocktails,” Robinson stated.

Whether it’s a tucked-away speakeasy or a bright, botanist-inspired lounge, the bars selected reflect a commitment to artistry and narrative in every glass.

Best Bars from Coast to Coast

Among the nine bars featured on this year's list are several standouts that illustrate the diversity of America’s cocktail culture. From the heartland to the coast, these venues push the boundaries of flavor and presentation. Highlights include:

• Gus Sip and Dip in Chicago, IL—where ice is the star actor.
• Prelude in San Francisco, CA—a reimagined hotel bar focused on intimacy.
• Almanac in Philadelphia, PA—offering micro-seasonal menus inspired by Japanese traditions.
• Tatlo in New Orleans, LA—bringing Southern storytelling into every sip. [verify]
• A bold twist in Houston, TX—challenging conventional notions of classic cocktails. [verify]

Each bar not only serves a drink but elevates the cocktail experience, turning an evening out into a curated journey through taste and creativity.

Highlights from Gus Sip and Dip

In Chicago, Gus Sip and Dip redefines traditional cocktail presentation. The bar is celebrated for bringing theatrics to the cocktail scene, using ice shavings that resemble delicate snowflakes—what the team affectionately calls “the paid actor”—in their drink presentations. These artistic touches elevate the taste and experience of a simple cocktail, granting it a memorable twist.

Robinson explained, “This is a great bar where cocktails are meticulous and the most theatrical.” With such a commitment to enhancing drink presentation, it’s no wonder Gus Sip and Dip caught the attention of Bon Appétit’s expert team.

The Charm of Prelude

Offering a unique take on the classic hotel bar, Prelude in San Francisco creates an intimate environment that contrasts with the cavernous lobbies of yesteryear. The bar serves 11 carefully curated cocktails, including four inventive non-alcoholic options, reflecting the growing trend toward zero-proof drinking.

Imagine sipping a martini infused with buttermilk and a hint of spice, perfectly echoing the essence of Southern comfort food. Prelude’s innovative offerings showcase how a hotel bar can be both cozy and cutting-edge, welcoming both cocktail aficionados and those seeking a sophisticated non-alcoholic experience.

Discovering Almanac’s Flavors

Almanac in Philadelphia is an exceptional entry onto the list, showcasing the nuances of Japanese micro-seasons in its cocktails. Bartenders Danny and Rob introduced the Jubon District Manhattan and a “matcha martini” of sorts called the Sodini, prepared meticulously for an unforgettable experience.

Danny shared, “The Manhattan is built with Japanese and Scotch whiskies, with a touch of cocoa sweetened with Okinawa sugar.” The bar even sources some ingredients through foraging, as many of the bartender’s flavors come from what he grows in his own cocktail garden. This dedication to local and seasonal ingredients turns each drink into a story of culture, time, and place, transporting patrons on a flavorful journey.

A Bold Twist in Houston

Down in Houston, a bar on the list is rewriting the rules of classic cocktails by posing questions like, “Does a Manhattan have to be brown?” Their answer comes in the form of a compact, 2-ounce “90s-era appleteini” riff that fuses nostalgic flavors with modern restraint. Bold color palettes and clever ingredient pairings—such as tart green apple, citrus bitters, and a whisper of aromatic smoke—demonstrate that even the most familiar recipes can be reimagined for today’s drinker. [verify]

By challenging the expected, this Houston bar proves that innovation often lies in the subtlest of details, inviting guests to reconsider everything they thought they knew about a standard cocktail.

Spotlight on Tatlo in New Orleans

In the heart of New Orleans, Tatlo captures the city’s vibrant spirit by blending local ingredients with global influences. Their signature cocktail menu features house-made syrups from Gulf Coast citrus, barrel-aged rum concoctions, and spicy, effervescent twists on classic tiki drinks. Bartenders at Tatlo weave narratives of Creole heritage and contemporary flair into every glass, making each sip a celebration of Big Easy culture. [verify] Their lively atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for discovering why New Orleans remains a cornerstone of America’s drinking landscape.

The Final Sip: Celebrating Trends and Innovations

Beyond highlighting individual bars, Bon Appétit’s list reveals broader trends shaping the cocktail scene. The rise of non-alcoholic offerings at places like Prelude signals a more inclusive approach to social drinking, while the theatrical presentations at Gus Sip and Dip emphasize that cocktails are performance art as much as they are beverages. Farmers’ markets, foraging, and house gardens factor heavily into menus at empirical bars like Almanac, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and hyper-local sourcing.

These trends collectively underscore a simple truth: cocktails are evolving. They’re becoming more imaginative, accessible, and reflective of their surroundings, making a night out at a new bar an opportunity for discovery and delight.

Takeaway: Step Out and Explore

• Plan your next weekend getaway around Bon Appétit’s 2025 list—each bar promises an immersive cocktail experience you won’t soon forget.

What’s your favorite cocktail or bar discovery? Share your go-to spots and stories, and you might just uncover your next hidden gem.

For more insights, don’t forget to check out the full list of Bon Appétit’s best bars in its June/July issue and start mapping out your cocktail adventure today.