Because a good interior design does wonders for an eatery, as much as the food and the drink served, it was important to reward establishments that put extra attention into their looks.
The world’s only Restaurant & Bar Design Award recognizes the best food and drink places in the world. They recently announced the shortlist for the 2015 awards featuring, among other design gems, the 5 American bars below.
So, if you have an eye for good design doubled with a palate that can appreciate fine cocktails, you must make time to visit these 5 marvels of the American upscale bar scene.
1. Dirty Habit – San Francisco
12 4th St
Perched 5 floors high above the eclectic SOMA district of San Francisco, this high-design bar, with its luxe restaurant and heated patio will become your personal dirty habit.
Dirty Habit’s dramatic film-noir-inspired decor, perfectly brought to life by Dawson Design Associates, adds a dramatic touch to the drink atmosphere, even more enhanced by the inventive brown-spirit-based cocktails on the menu.
2. Parq – San Diego
615 Broadway
At the same time upscale restaurant and vibrant nightclub, Parq offers an unmatched nightlife experience in the Gaslamp district of San Diego, with an out-of-this-world interior design, signed Davis Ink.
Step through the garage door at the entrance will take you down the rabbit hole straight into a bar-centric interior of grass walls, hanging teacups, and vertical gardens straight out of Alice in Wonderland.
3. P.O.V. Lounge – Washington DC
515 15th Street NW
For a top point of view of DC’s historic monuments and iconic landmarks such as the White House, you will love the soaring vista from this upscale rooftop terrace at the 11th floor of the W Hotel.
Nemaworkshop designed POV to smoothly transition from casual daytime brunch venue to a vibrant nightlife top spot. The disposition of seating zones create the perfect environment for mingling while enjoying the craft cocktail culture promoted here.
4. Sekend Sun – NYC
32-11 Broadway
You can only expect the best from a bar located on Broadway. Luckily, Emporium Design’s modern take on the classic American bar is a visual success of great taste inside out.
Outfitted with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, brushed metals, and art-deco fixtures, Sekend Sun is a laid-back cocktail bar which delivers stunning mixes and small plates in a most friendly, upscale but not overpriced atmosphere.
5. Sisters – NYC
900 Fulton St.
Clinton Hill was a calm residential part of Brooklyn until this lively hangout reopens as the cool, design-centric restaurant, lounge bar it is now.
hOmE Studio, the design agency behind the redecoration, harmoniously combined marble tiles, wood finishing, and beech ceilings to create an ultra modern look.
With a 30-foot skylight and a vinyl-focused DJ booth in the backroom, Sisters can transition from lunch and coffeehouse by day to lively nightlife hotspot past sunset.
According to you, what is the most beautiful bar in the U.S.? Tell us in the comments.