While many people don't need a particular reason to grab a pint after work, there are plenty of experiential bars that fuse an activity with casual libations. Whether you are looking to work on your ping pong skills while sipping a beer or enjoying a martini while getting a manicure, clever business owners are realizing the potential in creating an experience that appeals to all senses.
The progression toward experiential bars can be compared to the movement toward experiential retail. As consumers can enjoy their alcoholic beverage of choice at home just as consumers can do the majority of their shopping online, the retail industry and hospitality and entertainment in particular are tasked with finding unique ways to draw people in.
28 Experiential Bars
From Poolside Champagne Bars to Detective-Themed Speakeasies:
Rebecca Byers — May 7, 2015 — Lifestyle
28
Password-Protected Bars
Bourbon & Branch is an Unmarked San Francisco Bar Serving Craft Cocktails
27
Automotive Martini Bars
Grey Goose's Bar on Wheels Will Take a Mixologist Across the Country
26
Shoe Department Portable Bars
Selfridges Put a Portable Bar in One of Its Shoe Departments
25
Industrial Hidden Bars
The Victoria Brown Coffee Shop Features a Hidden Bar
24
Self-Serve Wine Bars
This Machine at Park 112 Automatically Serves Wine to Patrons
23
Rustic Dockside Bars
The Dockyard Bar's Reclaimed Materials Design Uses Authentic Finishes
22
Hidden Speakeasy Bars
Flask is a Lounge Found Behind a Vintage Coke Vending Machine
21
Antiquated Alleyway Bars
This Shanghai Punch Bar Resembles an Old World Establishment
20
Experimental Cocktail Bars
This Unique Cocktail Bar in Dallas Serves Unconventional Drinks
19
Gun Range Bars
Wilshire Gun Range was Granted a Liquor License
18
Lawn Bowling Bars
Toronto's Track & Field Venue Fuses Lawn Sports and Liquor
17
Rustic Atmospheric Bars
Donny's New York Style Loft Style is Dark and Deliciously Grungy
16
Poolside Champagne Bars
Moët & Chandon Designed a Luxurious Mobile Champagne Bar
15
Styling Cocktail Bars
Her Majesty's Pleasure is a Three-in-One Hotspot for Ladies
14
Floating Oyster Bars
The Grand Banks Oyster Bar is Located on a Boat
13
Chilly Ice-Made Bars
The Minus5 Ice Bar is Made Entirely of Imported Canadian Ice
12
Folksy Pop-Up Bars
The Mumford & Sons Pop-Up Bar Launches a New Album and an Exclusive Beer
11
Portable Irish Pubs
The Shebeen is a Nifty Pub On Wheels
10
Drinking Pinball Events
Toronto's First-Ever Beer & Ball Festival Will be Held at Handlebar
9
Southern Festival Bars
The Snake and Jakes Christmas Club Barn at Bonnaroo is a Tribute to NOLA
8
Exotic Pirate-Themed Bars
San Francisco's Smuggler's Cove Channels Caribbean Bootlegging Culture
7
Detective-Themed Speakeasies
Wilson and Wilson is a San Francisco Bar Hidden Within Another Bar
6
Multi-Sensory Scented Cocktails
The Ritz-Carlton Berlin Will Serve Perfume Themed Alcholic Drinks
5
Elegant Jailhouse Eateries
The 'Poczekalnia' Conceptual Restaurant Design Comes From Karina Wiciak
4
Interactive Theater-Bars
Play/Date is a Theater Bar Experience Where Actors Interact with Patrons
3
Video Game Bars
Battle and Brew is a Video Game-Themed Bar in Atlanta
2
Relaxing Ping Pong Bars
SPiN Toronto Creates an Engaging Place for People to Compete and to Relax
1
Mechanized Wine Bars
The Hostile Grape Wine Cellar Offers 160 Wines By the Glass
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Work-Friendly Beers
Creative Juice is a Low-Strength "Desk Beer" for Creative Problem-Solving
Mixologist-Crafted Beverage Creations
PepsiCo will Host a 'DRIPS by Pepsi' Pop-Up in New York
Next-Gen Whiskey Bars
The Bulleit Limitless Lounge Changes Its Look with Projection Mapping Tech
Themed Celebrity Activations
Sheraton Centre Toronto will Host Numerous Taylor Swift Experiences
Uniquely Themed Chocolate Bars
Compartés Launches Summer Chocolate Bar Capsules
Spontaneous Summer Picnics
Absolut Vodka & Sprite's HANGOUT-OF-HOME Inspires Unplanned Gatherings
Vibrant All-Pink Cocktail Bars
Le Tigre is Located in the Upscale Rosedale Neighborhood in Toronto
Modernized West Hollywood Hotels
Short Stories Hotel Blends Californian and European Elements
Beer Enthusiast Campaigns
Yard House Searches for its Chief Beer Officer Amongst Fans
Beer-Pouring Party Billboards
JUBEL Made a Billboard That Pours Pints Invites People in to Party
Christimas-Themed Pop-Ups
The Miracle Bar is Returning to Toronto This Festive Season
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Immersive Whiskey Brand Activations
The Johnnie Walker Blue Room is a Pop-Up at Yorkdale Mall
AI-Powered Bartenders
BarGPT is an AI Bartender That Creates Drinks Based on Text Prompts
Chic Ballroom Interiors
The Ballroom Bowl Has Made Its Mark in Toronto's Entertainment Landscape
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
One Golden Thread Opens Its Innovative Space
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Romantic Drinking Accessories
Hendrick’s & Wiederhoeft Crafted a Line of Unusual "Gintimates"
Water-Themed Cocktail Bars
The Civil Works Cocktail Bar Debuts at the Waterworks Food Hall
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Bubbly Low-Calorie Mocktails
Maison Perrier Chic is a Luxe Alternative to Alcoholic Beverages
Retro Nightlife-Inspired Hotels
Necchi Architecture Designs the Hôtel Château d'Eau
Edgy Futuristic Activations
The Oakley Exoplanetary Bunker in Paris is Otherworldly
Experiential Chocolate Events
Ghirardelli's Sampling Experience in Toronto Offers Indulgent Treats
Film-Inspired Cocktail Experiences
Absolut Vodka Hosted a Wicked Cocktail Event in NYC
Ready-to-Serve Canned Mocktails
Mocktails Uniquely Crafted Makes Convenient Cocktail Alternatives
Espresso Martini Festivals
The Mr Black Espresso Martini Festival Shares One-Off Serves
Hydrating Outdoor Billboards
Gatorade's BPM Pay Panels Replenish Urban Athletees on the Go
Immersive Entertainment Venues
Netflix Houses Feature Eateries, Experiential Activities & More
Immersive Scotch Whisky Journeys
The Macallan Celebrated 200 Years with a Multisensory Experience
Nostalgia-Inspired Experiences
Bubble Planet Creates a Sensory Journey with Distinct Bubble Rooms
Expansive Contemporary Bars
Method Co. Debuts Vessel, a Vintage Maritime Aesthetic Bar
Beer-Infused Hot Sauces
Miller High Life and Hot N Saucy Collabored on Dive Bar Hot Sauce
Holiday-Ready Beverage Menus
Peet's Coffee Debuts a Creative Bar Menu for the Festive Season
Scandinavian-Inspired Yurt Pop-Ups
ABSOLUT will Host NORDIC by BarChef in Toronto
Sober Open-Air Establishments
Munich, Germany is Set to Open a Non-Alcoholic Beer Garden
Personalized Tequila Bottles
InBarrel Helps Customers Create One-of-a-Kind Bottles
Recycled Mini Golf Courses
Lab La Bla Made a Miniature Golf Course with Denim & Wine Corks
Secret Salon Campaigns
Salon X Lets Consumers Experience a Secret Product Line
Cheeky Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Events
Mindful Drinking Fest Boasts the NO FUN Cocktail Competition
Influencer-Crafted Gin Cocktails
These Tanqueray Gin Holiday Drinks Celebrate Canadian Traditions
Cozy Neighborhood Bar Designs
Jac's On Bond is a Bar by Gachot Studios in a NoHo Townhouse
Timeless Mixology Collections
Waterford Crystal’s Mixology Collection Offers a Refined Experience
Espresso Martini Bars
NYC's Rose Room is Dedicated to a Beloved Coffee Cocktail
Experiential Lip Color Services
Lip Lab Toronto's Lipstick-Creation Experience is Customizable
Unconventional RTD Cocktails
Barcelona's Las Jelly's is Creating a New Drinking Experience
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Indoor Surfing Bars
Groundswell is a Newly Opened Destination to Eat, Drink, and Surf
Shoppable Travel Storefronts
Expedia Travel Shops Make It Easy to Book Recommended Getaways
Dim Sum-Inspired Dining Experiences
Mott 32 Toronto Elevates with the Dim Sum & Sip Feature
Multisensory Cocktail Menus
Synaesthesia Inspired the Spectrum Cocktail Menu at Fitz’s
Festive Hotel Experiences
W Toronto's Festive Events Offer Elegance and Indulgence
Singer-Songwriter-Inspired Hotel Lounges
1 Hotel Toronto Introduces the 'Folklore Lounge'
Espresso Martini Infusion Kits
This Espresso Martini Gift Set Supports Explorations with Flavor
Celebrity-Inspired Cocktail Menus
The Quote Book by Velvet Bar Shares Drinks Based on Icons
Alcohol Alternative Campaigns
Free AF's Campaign Normalizes Choosing Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Culturally Inspired Canned Cocktails
Phreshly Targets Consumers Who are Tired of Hard Seltzers
European Wine Stores
Thatcher’s Wine Recently Launched Its First Store in Los Angeles
Artisanal High-ABV Cocktails
Art & Rev Canned Craft Cocktails Pack a Punch in Every Serving
Coffee-Wine Bar Hybrids
'Equal Parts' Opens Down the Road From its Sister Restaurant
Party-Ready Mini Cocktails
The Drinks Bureau Makes Fun, Playful 10% ABV Cocktails in 150ml Cans
Stackable Bottled Cocktails
BLOC's Experimental Cocktails are Packaged in a Convenient Size
One-Brand Vodka Martini Bars
The First-Ever Grey Goose Martini Bar is Opening in Melbourne
Pop Culture Bars
Basic is Building a Sports Bar for Pop Culture Fans
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Spooky Seasonal Libation Campaigns
The Heineken Meet the Chillers Campaign is Character-Driven
Spiked Electrolyte Canned Beverages
Postgame Beverages Focuses on Mindfulness When Drinking
Swimming Pool-Inspired Venues
Swim Club in Austin, Texas Features Submarine Views
Early Retirement Communities
The Cantinas by Taco Bell Invites Young Adults to Live Like Retirees
Bakery Champagne Bars
Greggs Champagne Bar Pairs Savory Baked Goods with Glasses of Bubbly
Pop-Up Dining Experiences
Japanese Ski Resort Welcomes Alpine Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
Month-Long Martini Events
Tanqueray's Fancy Hour Spotlights Martinis as the Perfect Summer Sipper
Edible Cocktail Bites
Bombay Sapphire Teamed Up with UK Bars to Create Gin-Infused Jelly Cubes
Soft-Pink Wellness Bars
Yorkville Village’s BetterBar Offers Healthy Dining in Toronto
Festive Hotel Pop-Ups
IHG Hotels & Resorts Presents Chalet Programming and Holiday Activations
Mindful Cocktail Menus
Free Spirited by Loews Hotels Shares Curated No- and Low-Alcohol Beverages
High-ABV Tailgate Drinks
Big Sipz's Tailgate Tour Shares a Taste of New Ready-to-Drink Flavors
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Espresso Martini Flights
Starbucks Reserve Offers Unique Coffee Cocktail Experiences
Artistic Libation Campaigns
The Madrí Excepcional 'Paint Your Pint' Competition Challenges Fans
Non-Alcoholic Beer Cocktails
Talon & Tinnie Reinvents the Traditional Boilermaker for Dry January
Bar-Strength Gourmet Cocktails
Gather Gourmet Cocktails Put an Indulgent Twist on Classic Serves
Elevated Pool Tools
Ledge Introduces the Groundbreaking Ledge PartyPad™
Customized Dirty Drinks
Cool Sips Makes Specialized Beverages of Any Kind at NYC Event
Bathing-Inspired Pop-Ups Bars
The #DoveDeluxeBar Shares Sensorial Cocktails & Mocktails
Non-Alcoholic Discovery Apps
The NA Drink Locator App Maps Alcohol-Free Options
Automated Beverage Dispensing Solutions
Backbar Offers Automated Dispenser for Multiple Beverages
Spring-Ready RTD Cocktails
Greenbar Distillery Offers Up Non-Alcoholic and Alcoholic Cocktails
Canned Booze-Free Cocktails
IMPROV is a Non-Alcoholic Beverage Revolutionizing Social Drinking
Sporty Solo Travel Platforms
SurfYogaBeer is a New York City-based Active & Social Travel Company
Bee-Themed Afternoon Teas
SocialBee at the Hilton Palm Jumeirah Offers a Uniquely Sweet Experience
Sensorial Cocktail Menus
Silverleaf's Texture Is Everything Collection Explores the Feel of Drinks
Miami-Themed Anniversary Celebrations
Alchemysts Inc. Recently Marked Its Five-Year Milestone
Collaborative Curated Party Guides
Total Wine & More Partners with Alix Klineman
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Crafted Holiday Activations
Loews Hotels & Co will Offer Festive Pop-Ups and Seasonal Sips
Dual-Floor Cocktail Bars
New York's Sip & Guzzle Offers a Unique Environment on Each Floor
Bar-Quality Canned Martinis
Crystal Head is Sharing Its Own Take on Classic Cocktails
Summer Patio Pop-Ups
The Sol Patio+ Provides a Comfortable Place to Wait for a Table
Social Connection Campaigns
Beavertown Brewery's Is This Seat Taken? Campaign Unites Strangers
Italian Rooftop Restaurants
Public Gardens in Toronto Offers a NYC-Inspired Oasis
Savory Cocktail Dips
An Elegant Bar Order Inspired Chelsea Living Room's Dirty Martini Dip
Fantastical Brewing Experiences
The Cauldron NYC Hosts a Wizard Afternoon Tea Experience
Outdoor Wine Experience Bundles
Josh Cellars Debuts a Limited-Edition Summer Sipper Bundle
Zero-Proof Catering Companies
Split Offers Alcohol-Free Catering, Education and Menu Consulting
Extra Indulgent Ice Cream Bars
Perry's Ice Cream Makes Super-Premium, Portion-Controlled Treats
Real-Time Night Life Maps
Bardar Provides Real-Time Information on Venues and Nightlife in Sydney
At-Home Cocktail Campaigns
Gordon's Many Evenings In Campaign Spotlights At-Home Drinking
Whimsical Booze-Free Beverages
Everything But The Booze Sells Non-Alcoholic Mocktails in Cans
Non-Alcoholic Spritzers
Weekday Vibes Uses Dealcoholized Wine as a Base for Its Beverages
Imaginative Cocktail Menus
Dean & Nancy on 22's World of Dreams Menu Evokes Wonder & Exploration
Festive Cocktail Concierges
The Cutwater Holiday Concierge Supports Seamless Seasonal Entertaining
Whimsical Chocolate-Inspired Experiences
Hershey's Chocolate World is Rolling Out Summer Offerings
Ready-to-Pour Cocktail Gifts
The Deko Cocktails Gift Box Pairs Signature Serves with Garnishes
Laid-Back Australian-Inspired Bars
Electric Bill Recently Opened Its Doors on Toronto's Bloor St.
Stylish Low-Alcohol LA Bars
STAY. Offers a Chic Night Out Without the Hangover
Whiskey Barrel-Decorated Bars
RooMoo Designs the New Laizhou Bar in the Xuhui District
Juxtaposing Finnish Design-Themed Cafes
Yatofu Taps Local Craftspeople to Design the El Fant Café
Refined Italian Bars
Toronto's Bar Prima Boasts Dark Ambiance and Italian-American Dishes
Zero-Proof Subscription Boxes
Raising the Bar's Boxes Boast Alcohol-Free Spirits, Mixers, and More
Job-Themed Obstacle Courses
Mike's Jobstacle Course Challenges People to Experience "Easy" Work
Bar Cart Mascots
Tito's New Ad Series Features an Anthropomorphic Bar Cart with Mixology Skills
Immersive Spring-Themed Exhibits
Colors in Bloom Features 12 Immersive Rooms
Youthful Vintage-Inspired Hotels
Standard International is Set to Launch New Hotel Brand
Aromatic Alcohol-Free Aperitifs
iessi's Bittersweet L'aperitivo is Unapologetically Alcohol-Free
Overlooked Wine Bottle Experiences
Bocca Di Lupo Introduces 'An a to Z Di Vini Divini'
Curated Alcohol-free Wine Lists
Six Ivy Collection Restaurants Offer a Low-to-No Alcohol Wine List
Home Relaxation Beer Promotions
This Abbot Ale Promotion Encourages Cozy Nights at Home
Retro-Tinged Montreal Restaurants
Ivy Studio Blends Vintage Details to Buvette Daphnée Restaurant
High-Value Restaurant Menus
Eddie Merlot's Happy Hour and Lounge Menu is Arriving Now
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Opulent Traveler Rewards
Bank Of America Rewards Program Adds Experiential Perks for its Customers
Transportive Cocktail Bars
Prequel & Co. Apothecary is an Immersive and Experimental Bar
BBQ-Themed Bar Menus
The Fox & Hound Bar & Grill Summer Backyard Party Menu is Flavorful
On-Demand Distilleries
Diistil Empowers Bartenders to Create Bespoke Distillates
Multi-Sensory Fondue Experiences
Melting Pot's Ultimate 5-Course Experience Activates Five Senses
Miniature Martini Pairings
NYC’s The Tusk Bar Serves a Trio of Smaller Martinis with Oysters
Unique Urban Event Hires
London is Renting Tube Stations, Cable Cars, and Piers for Private Hire
Experiential Workplace Rewards
Bondly Has Over 300 Experiences for Employers to Reward the Team
Snackable Martini Cocktails
Bar Valentina Serves The Snack Size Happy Hour with a “Teeny ‘Tini”