These days, every city in the country seems to have at least one whiskey bar, but there are a select few that really stand out. As you might have guessed, many of these establishments are concentrated in the most populous areas of the country—Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago. Also, as you might expect, Kentucky is home to more than a few bars that focus on bourbon, ranging from single barrel picks to rare vintage dusties. There are also a few bars worth checking out that can be found in smaller locales, like Pensacola, Florida. To help you navigate where to find good whiskey, wherever you live or might be traveling to, we’ve put together a list of the best whiskey bars in the U.S. This will be an evolving project with more picks added in the future, so check back in to see what has been added to this list.

New York City

Travel Bar (Brooklyn)

Travel Bar is located just far enough outside of Manhattan to not attract the worst of the city’s whiskey tourists. Then again, this Carroll Gardens gem has never focused on those sorts of customers (and the bottles they covet). Owner and head barman Mike Vacheresse worries less about household names (Pappy, Stagg, et al) than about serving his loyal regulars some of the world’s most interesting and delicious brown water pours, be it independent bottler scotch, craft whiskey from South Carolina, obscure Japanese single malt, or his own single barrel picks from brands like Nashville Barrel Co. No matter how knowledgeable you are, no matter how well-traveled your palate, there is without question a whiskey at this laid-back bar you’ve never tasted—or perhaps even heard of. Having created drinks lists for fine dining restaurants, Vacheresse’s cocktails are not to be missed either. Check out the Ambassador, a blend of cask-strength bourbon, amaretto, walnut liqueur, and French aperitif that is barrel-aged 75 days before serving.—Aaron Goldfarb

The Dead Rabbit

While the group behind this perennial “World’s Best Bar” has now expanded into new cities, spin-off bars, holiday pop-ups, and even curated whiskey-themed trips to Ireland, you’ll want to visit the original. Founded in 2013 and housed in a landmarked row house near the Seaport in Manhattan, The Dead Rabbit was named after the Irish gang that protected the downtown slums in the mid-18th century (to get the vibe, rewatch Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York). Thankfully expanded over the years—it gets crowded, particularly right after work—the tri-level space was originally crafted by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry to share their passion for Irish pubs and “challenge paddywhackery representations of Irish culture.” The spirits selection is superb, and the bar even has its own namesake Irish whiskey to compete against the likes of JJ Corry, Midleton, and Redbreast. Visit the second floor Parlour to try a few specialty cocktails; here, you’ll find everything from tropical whiskey drinks to riffs on classics, plus an Old Fashioned featuring Glendalough 7 Year Mizunara Cask as its base, and what might be the world’s best Irish Coffee.—Kirk Miller

Keens

New York City institution Keens is a steakhouse that has been around since 1885 and still packs in the crowds. The ceiling is lined with clay pipes that customers would keep there to smoke in years past, and some of the ones you might see hanging above you once belonged to celebrities and intellectuals like Babe Ruth, Teddy Roosevelt, and Albert Einstein. The steaks here are huge and tasty—don’t miss out on the famous head-sized mutton chop. The whiskey list is equally massive, with a selection of more than 250 bottles that is heavily focused on single malt scotch expressions both familiar and less so. That includes rare whiskies from the Blackadder Raw Cask collection and Hazelburn, and better-known distilleries like Balvenie 30, Macallan 30, and Port Askaig 45. You might want to start your dinner at Keens with a perfect ice-cold martini, but definitely peruse this list to uncover some true whisky gems.—Jonah Flicker

The Flatiron Room

The Flatiron Room’s cloistered vestibule hardly hints at what lies behind the velvet curtain. A soaring yet still intimate space is anchored by a stage at the back and a long, deep bar off to the side, its two-story shelves stacked with bottles and mirrored by even more on the opposite wall. Many are locked discreetly in the “bottle keep” reserved for individual owners, but the public list is no slouch, featuring 1,000-plus scotches, rare and everyday bourbons, and global whiskies. There’s also always a “dram of the moment” at a bargain price—think 15-year-old Glenrothes Speyside single malt scotch for $15. The food menu leans heavily on seafood, with an impressive selection of sushi and nigiri, alongside meatier fare like a tomahawk steak. World-class live music every night of the week, lush décor, and cozy seating make for a romantic date night, while the bustling bar provides space for more casual interactions. In addition to the original NoMad venue, The Flatiron Room has a sibling on Manhattan’s East Side (formerly called Fine & Rare) and a planned satellite location in Miami.—Susannah Skiver Barton

Copper and Oak

This cozy drinks den is for the hardcore whiskey heads. There are no cocktails (though technically they do offer highballs), no ice, and only one beer and two wines. But the draw is the more than 1,500 spirits, primarily whiskey from all corners of the globe along with plenty of brandy, tequila, rum, and more. Located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Copper and Oak is intimate, offering a single line of seating amidst a library of beautifully-lit bottles. With rare exception, everything is served neat in a half-ounce or one-ounce pour. There are also tasting flights if you’d like to discover something new.... or really, really old… through which you can learn about the likes of Calumet Farm, Orphan Barrel Muckety Muck, Nikka Taketsuru, or Naguelann French whisky. If you’re in the mood to splurge, there’s also a $594 Pappy tasting flight that some might consider to be a steal.—Kirk Miller

Brandy Library

Despite its extensive menu of cognac, armagnac, calvados, and other fruit-based spirits, Brandy Library has become best-known for whiskey since opening in 2004. Floor-to-ceiling shelves line the walls of the spacious Tribeca venue, with thousands of bottles glowing warmly in the golden light. The whiskey list runs to 14 pages, and the bourbon and rye section includes both accessible bottles and rare pours. Scotch lovers will find plenty to satisfy as well, including a robust selection from independent bottlers, and there are about 75 Japanese whiskies on offer, plus bottles from Ireland, Canada, and the rest of the world. Unsurprisingly, given owner Flavien Desoblin’s French heritage, Brandy Library has the most extensive list of French whiskies in the United States, including several rarities. Those who find it hard to choose can opt for one of the dozens of flights, which range from “Mind Blowing Scotch” to “Best of U.S. Craft.” A thoughtful food menu includes nibbles like cheesy gougères and puff pastry-wrapped merguez alongside larger entrées and desserts. And for those who fancy a cigar, Brandy Library has a small selection available to enjoy on the outdoor patio.—Susannah Skiver Barton

Bar Chimera

Bar Chimera is a relatively new member of the NYC whiskey bar scene, having only opened last summer as part of 550 Madison (which also includes the Korean steakhouse Cote and Sushi Yoshitake). A third of Bar Chimera is dedicated to martinis, a third to wine, and a third to whiskey—which is what we’re focusing on here. Grab a seat at the bar and take in the giant wall of bottles that rises up behind you, with the necessary ladders required for the bar staff to grab a particularly valuable scotch or Japanese single malt from the upper regions. This is a whiskey lover’s dream, with over 150 bottles of truly spectacular American, Japanese, and scotch whiskey, including some very rare releases. Looking for Japanese export pre-fire Heaven Hill? Director of Bars for GHM, Sondre Kasin, recommends trying an Elijah Craig 12 Year released in 1993 that is one of his favorite American whiskeys. There’s also E.H. Taylor Warehouse C "Tornado Surviving", Johnnie Walker Excelsior (“This blend contains whiskey from 1947,” he said, “so you are drinking history when you sip this delicate blend of whiskey that is probably older than you are”), and Glenfiddich "Snow Phoenix" to sample. The food is great too, so definitely try the 24 Karat Golden Nugget, a crispy chicken tender topped with caviar.—Jonah Flicker

Foolproof Whiskey Bar (Brooklyn)

Over the year and change that Foolproof has been open, it’s made a significant mark on the flourishing Williamsburg bar scene. This is a casual but modern space which attracts both regulars and whiskey nerds who are on the hunt for something rare and special. The spirits menu stretches out over 30 pages, and while most of it is whiskey there are some excellent agave spirits to be found as well. Independent bottlers like Nashville Barrel Co. and Dark Arts are well represented, as well as some Scotch Malt Whisky Society expressions that you might not find elsewhere. The bourbon list is wide-ranging, and covers pretty much every corner of Kentucky and beyond at relatively fair prices. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to order a pour of a private cask, cask-strength bottling of Bruichladdich that belonged to owner Andy Lock’s family.—Jonah Flicker

Chicago

Delilah's

Before there was a whiskey bar in every American city, there was Delilah's. When Mike Miller opened this punk-rock dive in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood in 1993, a bar that took American whiskey seriously was hardly a concept (established bars in New York City and LA mostly poured scotch). The whole idea seemed more like a death wish than a business plan, but Miller did it anyway. By 1995, Kentucky’s Louisville Courier-Journal had named Delilah's the best whiskey bar in the world, and credited it with sparking the urban bourbon movement. Nowadays, the back bar has more than 1,000 bottles, ranging from affordable pours to three-figure dusties. This list focuses on bourbon and rye, but also includes whiskeys from around the world, with no pretension and fair prices. More than three decades on, Delilah’s is still the house that Mike built, and the blueprint for so many others.—Andy Vasoyan

Dram Shop

It kinds of seems like Dram Shop doesn't really care whether you know about it at all. There's no website, no list to peruse, and the last post on its Instagram account was from 2017. The bar, a one-room dive about a 20-minute walk from Wrigley Field that opens daily at 7 a.m., has been around since 1967. So what keeps people coming? There’s the back bar, which punches way above the room's weight. Brad Glass, who's worked here for 17 years and declines any title grander than "just a guy," has watched the neighborhood's taste swing from wheated bourbons to high-rye and straight rye, and stocks accordingly—the bar has more than 100 whiskeys fighting for shelf space. Glass also keeps the vibe very Chicago—every Friday he infuses a bottle of malört (the city's notorious hometown liqueur) with flavors ranging from tomato basil to Thanksgiving dinner.—Andy Vasoyan

Houston

Reserve 101

Though downtown Houston can get quiet when the workday is over and night falls, this majestic bar is always buzzing with a raucous crowd of committed whiskey lovers. After employees Sean Fitzmaurice and Jace VanHoozer took over ownership of the longstanding spot, they reopened it post-Covid with a collection of about 1,000 whiskies from 16 different countries (at last count). These include some of the most allocated of the allocated (dubbed “oil money”) bottles out there, like Eagle Rare 25 Year. You can also find Texas’s first vintage booze program, which features dusty legends from the past like A.H. Hirsch 16 1974 Humidor Edition. But this is hardly a snobby place for muted whiskey discussion and baller bottle flexing. The lively crowd at this roomy bar space also favors whimsical cocktails like the Clarified New York Sour, a visual mindfuck of a transparent bourbon cocktail with Malbec floating on top.—Aaron Goldfarb

Seattle

The Doctor’s Office

The slithering serpent wrapped around the base of a coupe glass (instead of the Rod of Asclepius) unassumingly denotes the entrance to this one-of-a-kind Capital Hill bar. Opened a few weeks before the pandemic began in 2020 by Dr. Matthew Powell, a hospital medicine specialist and longtime cocktail nut, this 12-seat tasting room is designed like the alleyway bars he loves in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Golden Gai district. With so few customers at any given time, the bar is able to offer an incredibly intimate experience, walking you through a robust list of rare single malts, vintage Suntory from decades past, and even dusty whiskey once owned by Howard Hughes like a 1938 Canadian Club. The bar’s finely-tuned classic and original cocktails are pre-batched and pre-chilled, highlighted by a lit-on-fire Spanish Coffee made using locally-roasted African coffee. With a deep belief in helping those less fortunate, $2 from every cocktail purchased is earmarked to various charities chosen by the bar team.—Aaron Goldfarb

Canon

The first cocktail I ever ordered at Canon arrived in an E.T. metal lunchbox. I was hooked. While the mixed drinks here are superb, the bottle collection is the real reason to visit this Capitol Hill institution. Canon claims to have America’s largest spirits collection of more than 4,000 labels, which covers 180 pages of their menu with whiskeys in all categories taking up three-quarters of the list. The floor-to-ceiling spirits presentation can be daunting, so you may want to start with the Reference Series, a purposeful progression/flight of whiskeys, or perhaps one of several selections from the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society (which you rarely get to taste at an American bar). Three nights per week, they offer a second happy hour starting at 11 p.m., and you don’t need reservations.—Kirk Miller

Florida

Old Hickory Whiskey Bar (Pensacola)

Located on Palafox Street in a building that dates back to 1881, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar ties Pensacola’s history directly to its craft cocktail and spirits program. Founder Katie Garrett named the spot after Andrew Jackson (his nickname was "Old Hickory"), the president who accepted the territorial transfer of Florida to the United States in 1821 and lived nearby with his wife Rachel. During renovations of the former real estate office, Garrett uncovered original stamped tin walls with a fleur-de-lis pattern. She preserved one wall and repurposed additional panels for the bar, which displays an impressive 750-bottle collection. While the bar has earned buzz for private barrel picks from names like Willett Family Estate, Weller Antique 107, and Rare Character’s Brook Hill, Garrett’s everyday order remains grounded. "I'm a sucker for a good, reliable glass of Wild Turkey 101," she said, though she seeks out New Riff when craving a high rye or single malt. "I want every person that walks through the doors to feel like they’ve just gotten off work and sat down on the couch to relax, or they walked into a friend’s house ready to share stories and laughter."—Gina Pace

Kentucky

Revival Vintage Bottle Shop and Bar (Covington)

Situated just across the river from Cincinnati in Covington, Kentucky, Revival Vintage Bottle Shop and Bar is an essential northern gateway for those exploring the Bourbon Trail. Co-founder Brad Bonds operates what feels like an interactive whiskey museum, legally sourcing "dusty" bottles from private collections and estate sales to serve by the quarter-ounce. While rare unicorn finds like a 1941 Rittenhouse Rye or a ‘50s vintage bourbon might command four figures elsewhere, Revival prioritizes radical accessibility. You can taste a modern release side-by-side with a 1990 Old Rip Van Winkle for $80, or explore the $5 vintage shelf which recently featured a 1953 Seagrams Canadian decanter. "You can come here and spend five bucks and drink something older than your parents," said Bonds. Despite drawing a high-profile clientele that includes athletes and celebrities, he keeps the tasting bar entirely unpretentious. "Our goal is to make the most unaccessible accessible to everybody," he said.—Gina Pace

Doc Crow’s (Louisville)

Since opening in 2011, Doc Crow’s has become a cornerstone of Louisville’s bourbon tourism scene. Today, the bar has more than 2,500 individual whiskey expressions, and more than half of those are bourbon, ranging from everyday pours to highly allocated bottles like King of Kentucky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. In 2020, Doc’s Bourbon Room opened up right next door, expanding the bar’s capacity to serve bourbon fans, and in 2021 the space added Doc’s Biscuit House, one of the hottest places to get breakfast on Main Street. Add to this The Crow’s Nest, a hidden speakeasy and private event room, and it’s easy to see why tourists flock to Doc Crow’s to enjoy Kentucky’s native spirit. The company has also opened a location in Indianapolis, bringing Southern food and a massive whiskey selection to a brand-new market.—Maggie Kimberl

Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop (Louisville)

A favorite of industry insiders like Wild Turkey’s Bruce Russell, Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop bridges the gap between an upscale spirits boutique and a local watering hole. Retail manager Eddy Stieren believes that tasting vintage spirits side-by-side with modern releases regularly converts guests into "dusty chasers," convincing many to invest in vintage bottles rather than hunting modern allocated releases. To keep the selection accessible, Neat organizes its one-ounce pours into structured tiers. Standout options range from a 1991 Blanton's at $38 and a mid-tier 1992 Wild Turkey 1855 Reserve at $55, up to legendary grails like a 21-year Barrel #1 Rittenhouse Rye for $200. Despite its prime status on the Bourbon Trail, the bar remains resolutely unpretentious, offering fair cocktail pricing and a packed Tuesday service industry night. "We want to be a place that both locals and people from across the country and world want to come back to and not be stuffy or overly expensive," said Stieren.—Gina Pace

Newberry Brothers Coffee and Prohibition Bourbon Bar (Newport)

Peter and Kim Newberry opened Newberry Brothers Coffee in 2013 and added the Prohibition Bourbon Bar two years later. These days, the bar is the biggest draw, and the business is generally only open on Friday and Saturday. The whiskey list is constantly changing and features upwards of 6,000 bottles including Blanton’s, Weller Antique, and much more. Occasionally during the week the bar hosts special events with bourbon industry folks like Freddie Johnson, third-generation Buffalo Trace global brand ambassador, and Bernie Lubbers, also known as the Whiskey Professor. There are often raffles of special bottles to support the owners’ favorite cause, animal welfare, as well as bottle sales. The back bar features hundreds of whiskeys lining the wall, sometimes spilling over into the tiny speakeasy behind it. It’s the perfect place to try that unicorn you’ve been seeking.—Maggie Kimberl

Proof on Main

In the crowded field of great whiskey bars in bourbon country’s biggest city, Proof on Main stands out. Located within the 21c Hotel, it’s a stylish, modern space filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows facing Main Street. While the venue operates as a full restaurant with a seasonal menu highlighting classic Southern flavors, the whiskey list is what makes it a destination. Pretty much every distillery in Kentucky is represented among the hundreds of bourbons, ryes, and American whiskeys on the list. Want to compare batches of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Little Book, or Shenk’s across several years? You can do that. Looking for a half-dozen Old Carters to sample? That’s possible too. Proof on Main also has an extensive selection of well-priced private-barrel picks from the likes of Russell’s Reserve, Blue Run, Willett, Old Forester, and more. There’s also a respectable selection of scotch and other spirits, including rum, tequila, and mezcal, and a solid wine, beer, and cocktail list. The daily “Art & Aperitivo Hour” from 2 to 5 p.m. features a cocktail and small plate pairing for $14, among other offerings.—Susannah Skiver Barton

Watch Hill Proper (Louisville)

Louisville is known for its bourbon bars, but they were all clustered in the Downtown and Highlands areas until Watch Hill Proper opened in Prospect in 2022. Founders Jason Howes and Tommy Craggs set out to create a space dedicated entirely to whiskey, and while they do have a few beers and wines on the menu, this is not the place to order a martini. The duo wanted to create Louisville’s version of Jack Rose in D.C. or Delilah’s in Chicago, a place where whiskey takes the center stage and the industry’s heavy hitters might visit any night of the week. There are more than 1,700 American whiskeys on the list, which is heavy on bourbon and features Willett, Bomberger’s Declaration, and multiple bottlings of King of Kentucky. And there are often brand reps standing by to offer you a pour of something you’ve never heard of. Executive chef Michael Crouch, formerly of Bourbons Bistro, creates both a rotating dinner menu and special event menus for upscale whiskey pairings. This is the perfect place to see and be seen while enjoying a top-notch beverage and culinary experience.—Maggie Kimberl

Justins’ House of Bourbon (Louisville and Lexington)

There may be no better place on earth to taste rare bourbon than these modest storefronts in Louisville and Lexington. Justins’ House of Bourbon is first and foremost a dealer in vintage and hard-to-find whiskey, buying and selling secondary bottles under Kentucky’s vintage spirits law. It also curates a robust selection of contemporary releases, shelved in the open alongside secure glass cabinets housing the likes of Very Very Old Fitzgerald, pre-Prohibition Old Overholt, and just about every Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection release from the last decade. But it’s the in-store bar that attracts whiskey tourists and locals alike, where current releases are available by the pour, along with a rotating selection of vintage bottles. Come on the right day and you might get to taste pre-fire Heaven Hill or 1990s Japanese export Wild Turkey. Justins’ private barrel picks are a particular deal at just $5 a pour and, naturally, flights are available. There are cocktails too—some even made with other spirits, if you happen to have a non-bourbon drinker in your party. In addition to the drop-in bar, Justins’ also offers private tasting experiences in its speakeasy, including Grain to Glass, Icons of Bourbon, and Dusty Hunting flights (reserve in advance).—Susannah Skiver Barton

Mr. Tubs (Bardstown)

This former laundromat in the heart of bourbon country was converted into a cocktail and whiskey bar just a few years ago, making it a key destination in this charmingly sleepy town. There are some small bites and snacks to enjoy here, but the real reason to visit is the whiskey list, which includes rare and allocated bottles from distilleries around the state. Don't expect to find this list published at the bar’s very minimal website as it often changes, so the best thing to do is to stop by and peruse, or get a recommendation from the knowledgeable staff behind the bar.—Jonah Flicker

Washington, D.C.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Jack Rose Dining Saloon houses a staggering library of more than 2,700 whiskeys across its multi-level space, said to be the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Founder Bill Thomas—one of the country’s premier collectors—built the neighborhood staple into a living archive where guests can sip through house single-barrel picks, ultra-rare vintage dusties, and one-off bottlings. Jack Rose holds a distinct regulatory edge over bars in most other states. Thomas lobbied D.C. regulators to allow local venues to purchase vintage bottles directly from private estates and personal collections. Rather than being tied strictly to distributor catalogs, the bar legally sources rare discontinued bottles from private cellars nationwide, clears the paperwork, and puts them directly on the shelf. While the bar sells by the ounce, guests can also explore through curated preset flights which showcase specific maturation styles, rare distilleries, or international selections like Japanese whisky.—Gina Pace

Portland, Oregon

Multnomah Whiskey Library 

This Portland whiskey cathedral is called a “library” for a reason. The second-floor, membership-based bar features shelves stocked so high with bottles that the bartenders have to use ladders to grab rare top-tier expressions. The ambiance (soft lighting, leather couches) is studious, though certainly not stuffy. Multnomah’s ever-shifting 2,000-bottle collection includes plenty of rare finds and, occasionally, “break even bottles” (recent examples include Bruichladdich 1985 32 Year and Woodford Reserve Baccarat) offered without markup. Membership includes access to a private lounge, single barrel offerings, and members-only events (including trips), as well as a modicum of responsibility. As the bar notes, there’s a waitlist and candidates have a better chance if they “demonstrate commitment to their community through donation, volunteering, activism, and advocacy.” If you’re interested in checking it out but have not passed these membership markets, you can have a cocktail in The Green Room downstairs which is open to the public, or grab a $25 Hall Pass.—Kirk Miller