10 Best Themed Bars in America

Tired of the same old? There are plenty of whimsical watering holes in the U.S. that are anything but ordinary.

Austa Somvichian-Clausen Apr 20, 2023 2:57 PM EDT

At most bars, the focus naturally tends to land on the cocktails. Themed bars, on the other hand, are an entirely different story. They’re meant to grab (and hold) a potential patrons’ attention with kooky decor, off-the-wall concepts, eye-grabbing performances, and more.

They aren’t necessarily the places you head for top-notch cocktails (though some really deliver). They’re meant to create a fully immersive experience that takes you out of your day-to-day life and transports you into a fantastical universe, even if just for a few hours.

Walk through the doors of these unique bars, and you might just find yourself in the mind of your favorite director, witness mermaids dance while you sip on a piña colada, or watch magic happen right before your eyes. These are the best themed bars in the U.S.

10 Best Themed Bars in America

1. Camp

Milwaukee, WI

When Paul Hackbarth purchased property for his local DJ business, he wasn’t sure what to do with the extra space. A trip up to the family cabin provided inspiration, and Camp was born—a cheeky, cabin-themed bar that’s now expanded to four locations around the greater Milwaukee area. Leather, rustic wood, and taxidermy galore are staples of Camp bars, as well as roaring fireplaces, plaid, and Pabst Blue Ribbon signage. Shoot a game of pool at the OG Shorewood location, or catch a game in Third Ward with a beer in hand.

2. Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium

Atlanta, GA

There are several “church”-themed bars around the country, but this may be the only one that offers pipe organ karaoke. And it’s definitely the sole ping pong emporium. The absolute definition of camp, the decor here ranges from neon crosses to bowling trophies, but the main star is definitely the ping pong table, where you can watch (or participate in) heated tournaments. First, grab a glass of the bar’s signature Spiritual Sangria and pick a song on the jukebox on the lower level.

3. Unicorn

Seattle, WA

This color-drenched bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is a queer-friendly, carnival-themed wonderland. Occupying two floors, find an arcade on the main level and a stage downstairs, where you can catch brunch performances such as Mimosas cabaret, as well as drag shows. Try your hand at different pinball machines at the arcade, take pictures in the old-timey photobooth, and grab “magical” cocktails such as the mezcal-infused Wiggle Worm or fruity Passion Quest.

4. The Tunnel Bar

Northampton, MA

This swanky martini bar, found inside Northampton’s historic Union Station train passenger tunnel, has been in business for over 100 years. The cozy, subterranean spot features original stonework, ornate light fixtures, and stone columns. It’s the perfect backdrop for sipping on one of the bar’s signature martinis, from floral combinations like Bad Moon Rising with St. Germain and violet syrup to a classic espresso martini pick-me-up.

5. Wreck Bar

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Located inside the B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach, which was built to resemble an enormous ship, this bar has an attraction you probably won’t find anywhere else: burlesque mermaid performances. Walking into the bar feels like stepping inside a shipwreck, complete with giant aquarium “port holes” that look into the hotel’s pool. On Saturday nights, come for [Siren Seranade] burlesque shows that are put on underwater.

6. Connie Bar at the TWA Hotel

New York City, NY

This bar is located in a decommissioned 1958 Lockheed Constellation plane, which, at one point, served as an Alaskan bush plane and a marijuana dropper on the “tarmac” of TWA Hotel at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Inside, post-modern design meets cherry red upholstery and plaid airplane-style seating. Take a peek into the fully restored cockpit while sipping on the bar’s take on a martini, called Vodka Is My Co-Pilot.

7. The Performance Bar at the Chicago Magic Lounge

Chicago, IL

If drinks aren’t enough to hold your attention, how about a little slide of hand? If the idea of watching (and participating in) close-up magic while you enjoy an old fashioned piques your interest, make a beeline for this art deco-style bar in Chicago. It has a magician on-duty every night, who performs 20-minute magic sets with a side of comedy. You don’t even need a ticket for entry.

8. BeetleHouse

Los Angeles, CA

BeetleHouse’s moniker reads, “every day is Halloween,” and it takes that ideology to heart. Inspired by horror culture and iconic works by Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, and Edgar Allen Poe, it’s essentially a gothic dream world that hosts nightly dinner performances featuring characters such as Beetlejuice, Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more. Those on the East Coast can also visit its New York location, which is more of a true bar and doesn’t feature any theatrical performances.

9. The GreenHouse Nashville

Nashville, TN

As the name implies, this unique bar is located inside a giant greenhouse, aptly located in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville. Perhaps the most serenely aesthetic locale on this list, GreenHouse most likely lays claim to the cleanest air as well, thanks to a plethora of foliage in pots both big and small, growing up toward the ceiling or hanging from it. If you come for brunch, get a prickly pear margarita.

10. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

New Orleans, LA

This long-standing watering hole has graced New Orleans’ iconic Bourbon Street since the 1700s. The free-standing building is disheveled in a charming way and owns the superlative as being the oldest in the city. The bar is named after a local Renaissance man, Jean Lafitte, and features a cobblestoned interior that feels like a serious time warp. Come for the sugary-but-delicious hurricanes, and stay for piano performances that only add to the historic vibes.