30 Different Types of Bars to Try in 2023
North American bar culture is diverse, to say the least. A place known for its range of people and perspectives, there are many different types of bars to be found across the continent. That's especially true in 2023, as emerging bartop technology has combined with the endless creative influences of the internet to inspire an entirely new generation of gathering places. From theme-driven destinations to futuristic concepts, we love seeing it all.That's why we've put together an article to showcase the very best.Uncover what emerging trends and innovations are shaping the bar industry, with this rundown of the 30 most popular types in business today.
1. Dive Bars
How could we not start off our list of bar types with a quintessential classic?Characterized by an unpretentious and community-oriented atmosphere, dive bars are widely beloved for their authenticity. The average establishment offers a reasonable offering of basic beers and simple drinks, often within the context of classic bar decor, showcasing items like a pool table or Jukebox.Theme: Casual, unpretentiousMenu: Basic beers, simple drinksAmbience: Relaxed, worn-inAudience: Locals, budget-friendly crowdEntertainment: Jukebox, pool tablePrice: Low
2. Pubs (or Taverns)
Let's go back in time to the origins of drinking with friends. Traditional taverns have offered beer, pub food, and often live music or games to patrons for centuries. Of course today, there are many types of pubs and taverns to be found within the category. Across the U.S. and Canada, most have draft beers, pub grub, TV, and darts.Theme: Traditional, communalMenu: Draft beers, pub grubAmbience: Warm, friendlyAudience: Locals, familiesEntertainment: TV, dartsPrice: Moderate
3. Sports Bars
Forget exploring different types of bars - for the die-hard football fan, a sports bar is the only definition of what a great place to drink looks like. Athletic, team-centric, and of course fully equipped with big-screen TVs, these establishments are the perfect place to catch any kind of game. Both menu prices and offerings are usually pretty fair.Theme: Athletic, team-centricMenu: Beers, game-day snacksAmbience: Energetic, many TVsAudience: Sports fansEntertainment: Live sports, trivia nightsPrice: Moderate
4. Cocktail Bars
If classy, more expensive kinds of bars are more your thing, you can't go wrong with a traditional cocktail bar. These establishments emphasize high-quality mixed drinks, with skilled mixologists at the helm. Their elegant menus feature sophisticated delights like cocktails, premium spirits, and if they've given our resources a read, the best espresso martini recipe ever brought to life.Theme: Sophisticated, elegantMenu: Crafted cocktails, premium spiritsAmbience: Chic, upscaleAudience: Urbanites, professionalsEntertainment: Ambient musicPrice: High
5. Wine Bars
Although some people might not want to put them in the same league as craft beer and pub fare, wine bars are a notably popular type of bar across the U.S. and Canada. The differentiator is in the name - these places exclusively serve wine, sometimes alongside charcuterie boards. Count on them for a relaxing moderate to highly priced night out.Theme: Refined, sereneMenu: Wide wine selection, cheesesAmbience: Intimate, classyAudience: Wine lovers, couplesEntertainment: Soft background musicPrice: Moderate to high
6. Brewpubs
Rustic, industrial, and largely beer-focused, brewpubs offer patrons a uniquely broad selection of brewery drinks to choose from. They're set apart from other bar types by their niche market and unmistakable ambiance. Brewery tours, live bands, and hearty meals are commonplace among these social spots. North America has no shortage of brewpubs to its name. Take Boscos Squared for example.Theme: Brewery-focused, casualMenu: Craft beers, hearty mealsAmbience: Rustic, industrialAudience: Beer enthusiastsEntertainment: Brewery tours, live bandsPrice: Moderate
7. Speakeasies
#1 In our book of meaningful bar concepts, speakeasies originate from the United States' prohibition era. They were a secret hideaway for people to drink and socialize, often with little knowledge of who was inside and what went on behind closed doors. Today, they're just as great of a place to get vintage cocktails, minus the criminality.Theme: Prohibition-era, secretiveMenu: Vintage cocktails, refined snacksAmbience: Dim, classicAudience: Hipsters, history buffsEntertainment: Jazz, low-key performancesPrice: High
8. Rooftop Bars
One of the more popular kinds of bars today, rooftop bars can be found in virtually every North American city. The panoramic and open-air setting mixes well with the type of experience urban crowds want, complete with entertainment, DJs, and unique cocktails. The only caveat is that it all comes at a relatively high price compared to other venues.Theme: Panoramic, open-airMenu: Cocktails, light bitesAmbience: Breezy, city viewsAudience: Urban crowd, touristsEntertainment: DJs, sunset viewsPrice: High
9. Beach Bars
Although you'll find different types of bars in every city, those by the sea are almost always guaranteed to have at least one beach bar. Beach bars are great for kicking back and spending a day with friends or family while listening to live music and sipping on cold drinks. The Coast Guard House is a great example. Theme: Tropical, relaxed Menu: Cold beers, beach snacks Ambience: Sandy, sunlit Audience: Vacationers, beachgoers Entertainment: Live bands, beach games Price: Varies
10. Hotel Bars
Hotel bars blend sophistication and convenience in a way that no other type of bar can pull off. Usually situated within hotels, these establishments feature upscale menus complete with drinks from all four corners of the world. Popular places like Camellias at Hotel Bennett cater to a relatively posh audience made up mostly of travelers and business professionals.Theme: Upscale, transientMenu: International drinks, fine diningAmbience: Elegant, poshAudience: Travelers, business professionalsEntertainment: Pianist, soft musicPrice: High
11. Karaoke Bars
Karaoke bars are one of those kinds of bars that people either love or hate. You know them well - vocalists competing on stage for cheers and applause from patrons, mixed drinks flowing freely in neon-lit rooms, and karaoke machines renting out to anyone brave enough to take center stage. Great, if you’re looking for a good, moderately priced time.Theme: Vocal, participatoryMenu: Beers, mixed drinksAmbience: Energetic, neon lightsAudience: Singers, party-goersEntertainment: Karaoke machines, stagePrice: Moderate
12. Live Music Bars
Live music bars are like karaoke and different types of bars that play music, only they have stricter rules over who gets the mic. At a live music bar, patrons can always expect to see experienced musicians performing their own songs or covers. The atmosphere is lively and the drinks are affordable enough to keep everyone in the mood.Theme: Performance-focusedMenu: Variety drinks, casual bitesAmbience: Loud, stage-centricAudience: Music lovers, concert-goersEntertainment: Live bands, open-micPrice: Varies
13. Tiki Bars
Inspired by Polynesian culture, Tiki bars are a tropical escape from the mundanely similar different types of bars we've covered so far. Party-goers and vacationers alike love tiki-themed bars for their laid-back vibe and beachy island music. Usually moderately priced, the menu would be remiss to not include rum-based cocktails and fresh sea fare.Theme: Tropical, PolynesianMenu: Rum-based cocktails, island foodAmbience: Kitschy, colorfulAudience: Party-goers, vacationersEntertainment: Island music, dancePrice: Moderate
14. Themed Bars
This category encompasses any type of bar that revolves around a specific concept. Popular examples include 80s, sci-fi, and even horror movie-inspired spaces. The menu at a themed bar will usually follow the prevailing concept, with drinks and food that play into the tone. These places are hotspots for special events, quizzes, and seasonal parties.Theme: Varies (e.g., 80s, sci-fi)Menu: Themed drinks, related foodAmbience: Decor according to themeAudience: Enthusiasts, curious patronsEntertainment: Themed events, quizzesPrice: Varies
15. LGBTQ+ Bars
Sure, regular concept bars are cool. But what about a place that embraces the concept of inclusivity? That's exactly what an LGBTQ+ bar is. Flaunting a lively yet welcoming rainbow decor and a variety of drinks, snacks, and entertainment options like drag shows or dance events - these bars provide a safe space for the queer community to socialize.Theme: Inclusive, LGBTQ+ centricMenu: Variety drinks, snacksAmbience: Welcoming, rainbow decorAudience: LGBTQ+ community, alliesEntertainment: Drag shows, dancePrice: Varies
16. Sake Bars
The cool thing about North America's many kinds of bars is that not all of them reflect the local culture. Sake bars are a great example - they draw inspiration from the Japanese drinking scene, specializing in their name-sake beverage. Sushi is often served alongside sake, adding an element of traditional Japanese cuisine to the mix.Theme: Japanese, minimalistMenu: Sake varieties, sushiAmbience: Calm, wood-centricAudience: Sake enthusiasts, couplesEntertainment: Traditional Japanese musicPrice: Moderate to high
17. Nightclubs
Bar types and themes are generally intended to appeal to different audiences. Nightclubs, for instance, are tailored to the average young person looking for a loud and lively night out. Dance-centric layouts create an exciting atmosphere that encourages people to get on their feet and move, while cocktails and bottles service up the ante on the beverage selection.Theme: Dance-centric, livelyMenu: Cocktails, bottled serviceAmbience: Dark, strobe lightsAudience: Young adults, party-goersEntertainment: DJs, dance floorsPrice: High
18. Nostalgia Bars
The goal of a nostalgic concept bar is not just to serve drinks, but to transport guests back in time and provide them with an experience unlike any other. Nostalgic venues often feature classic cocktails from a certain era. Take, for example, The Sazerac Bar in New Orleans, Louisiana. This iconic spot is brimming with old-world, historic character.Theme: Retro, bygone erasMenu: Classic drinks, vintage snacksAmbience: Memory-evoking, historicAudience: Nostalgia lovers, older crowdsEntertainment: Old songs, vintage gamesPrice: Moderate
19. Country Bars
If only all kinds of bars let you stomp and cause as much of a ruckus as country bars do. The atmosphere at a country bar is one of fun, festivity, and toe-tapping tunes. The walls are often adorned with Western decor like cowboy hats, lassos, and memorabilia. Add beers and southern food in for a guaranteed great time.Theme: Western, rusticMenu: Beers, southern foodAmbience: Wooden, cowboy decorAudience: Country fans, localsEntertainment: Country music, line dancePrice: Moderate
20. Ice Bars
Back to the idea that some places are more likely to have different types of bars than others, Northern cities in the United States and Canada are perfectly suited to host a unique and chilly venue. An ‘Ice Bar’ is just that - a drinking establishment made entirely of ice! Very cool, but also very expensive to operate and maintain.Theme: Icy, sub-zeroMenu: Vodka, cold snacksAmbience: Frosty, LED lightsAudience: Adventurous, touristsEntertainment: Ice sculptures, themed eventsPrice: High
21. Martini Bars
Martini bars are one of the most recognizable bar types out there, famous in part for their consistent presence in James Bond movies. A martini bar is characterized by its dedication to the art of making the perfect cocktail - if you can decide on one from our list of 21 Best Espresso Cocktails.Theme: Modern, sleekMenu: Martinis, upscale snacksAmbience: Chic, sophisticatedAudience: Professionals, date nightsEntertainment: Soft lounge musicPrice: High
22. Cigar Bars
Although vapes might be more commonplace nowadays, cigar bars remain incredibly popular among North American drinkers. Similarly to other more sophisticated bar types, cigar bars offer patrons an opportunity to enjoy a classic and masculine atmosphere with their drinks. They're best characterized by dim lighting, leather seating, and, of course, a variety of cigars available for purchase.Theme: Classic, masculineMenu: Whiskeys, cigarsAmbience: Dim, leather seatingAudience: Cigar enthusiasts, business meetingsEntertainment: Jazz, discussionsPrice: High
23. Specialty Bars
Next in our compilation of the many kinds of bars out there today is the specialized variety. This type of bar is focused on a specific type of beverage, such as spirits or whiskey. The menu will often feature an array of expertly crafted drinks made with the selective ingredients, along with small bites to pair and enhance the experience.Theme: Unique focus (e.g., gin, whiskey)Menu: Specialized drinks, paired bitesAmbience: Expert-focused, detailedAudience: Connoisseurs, enthusiastsEntertainment: Tastings, masterclassesPrice: Moderate to high
24. Concept Bars
Broadly defined, concept bars are any kind of venue that aims to enrich visitors' experience with more than just drinks. Popular among trendsetters and adventurous individuals, their menus are creative and often include experimental drinks or novel foods. The ambiance is usually modern, edgy, and fashionable. Concept bars are known for unique attractions that add to the night's fun.Theme: Innovative, experientialMenu: Experimental drinks, novel foodsAmbience: Cutting-edge, trendyAudience: Trendsetters, adventurousEntertainment: Unique attractions, interactive experiencesPrice: Varies
25. Biker Bars
By now, we've established that pubs or bars can stand in many different places. Those who prefer locations peripheral to the open road turn to biker bars for a motor-infused getaway. The rugged décor of a biker bar often contains well-worn leather, vintage Harley Davidson signs, and pool tables. The menu comprises of standard beers paired with hearty meals.Theme: Rugged, motorcycle-themedMenu: Beers, hearty mealsAmbience: Raw, roadhouse styleAudience: Bikers, road trippersEntertainment: Rock music, bike eventsPrice: Moderate
26. Comedy Bars
The best kinds of bars are the ones you know you'll leave with a smile. Like comedy bars, which offer a unique, wise-cracking experience for their guests. These venues bring together comedic performers from all walks of life to entertain and make people laugh. Drinks and light snacks are served alongside live performances throughout the week.Theme: Humorous, stage-centricMenu: Drinks, light snacksAmbience: Laughter-filled, casualAudience: Comedy fans, groupsEntertainment: Stand-up acts, open micsPrice: Moderate
27. Dance Bars
Different types of bars have different types of music. But what if you're in the mood to really bust a move? Dance bars make it easy with a rhythmic and energetic scene headlined by DJs. Cocktails, quick bites, and a variety of beverages make up the standard fare, while music choices range from classic and modern to funk and hip-hop.Theme: Rhythmic, energeticMenu: Cocktails, quick bitesAmbience: Loud, colorful lightsAudience: Dancers, party-goersEntertainment: DJ, dance floorPrice: Moderate to high
28. Piano Bars
Piano bars are one of the more classy types of pubs on our list. As the name suggests, they are a venue solely devoted to the enjoyment of live piano music. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with dimly lit interiors that create a relaxed mood and ambiance perfect for couples or small groups looking for a unique evening out.Theme: Musical, intimateMenu: Cocktails, upscale bitesAmbience: Classy, soft litAudience: Music lovers, couplesEntertainment: Live piano, sing-a-longsPrice: Moderate to high
29. Pop-up Bars
Pop-up bars are temporary venues intended to serve crowds in a unique time and place. They often have a specific theme, such as a classic cocktail bar or an outdoor beer garden. These places tend to be more different types of bars, with unique menu items and entertainment options that align with the special occasion at hand.Theme: Temporary, event-drivenMenu: Limited edition itemsAmbience: Novel, changingAudience: Trend chasers, localsEntertainment: Special events, themed nightsPrice: Varies
30. Tapas/Small Plate Bars
If you've enjoyed reading through the many different types of bars on our list, then chances are you'll love tapas bars. They're defined by variety, with small dishes that can be shared between friends or family. Whether you want to share a bottle of wine or choose smaller servings of beers and cocktails, tapas bars are always a good time.Theme: Social, communal eatingMenu: Variety of small dishes, winesAmbience: Modern to rusticAudience: Foodies, social dinersEntertainment: Light musicPrice: Moderate to high
Elevating Bar Experiences with Brood's Innovative Machines
Now that you've been fully acquainted with the various kinds of bars that exist today, we want to take a minute to emphasize that the theme isn't the only thing that makes a drinking venue great. Beyond atmosphere and decor - which are always important - businesses are made successful by the quality of drinks they offer.The ever-evolving bar industry is extremely competitive, with only the most innovative and engaging places gaining the upper hand.This is where Brood comes in.Brood offers a lineup of cutting-edge machines that are designed to help businesses modernize their operations and create more memorable experiences for customers. Any type of bar can benefit from our diverse catalog of products.
DNRX: The Drink Dispensing Dynamo
The DNRX espresso martini machine offers unprecedented convenience and efficiency for traditional bar types and creative alike. Its automated drink dispensing eliminates wait times, ensuring consistent pours even during peak hours. This enables staff to focus on other customer interactions, freeing up time to provide a better and more personalized experience to everyone who walks through the door.Not only is the DNRX espresso martini machine efficient, but it also allows businesses to expand their menus with a greater range of cocktails and mixed drinks without increasing complexity. This system is an all-in-one solution, complete with everything needed to craft great beverages in less time.
DNRX Duo: The Portable Bar Companion
Different types of bars see varying levels of demand. If yours is on the higher side, DRNX DUO can help. This advanced machine expands upon the capabilities of DRNX with two taps that can dispense nitrogenic and flat output simultaneously. Its large capacity is more than enough to handle the needs of big crowds during special events or peak seasons.The portability of DNRX DUO makes it the ideal choice for bars looking to serve customers on the go, whether it’s a pop-up bar at outdoor festivals, beach parties, or rooftop venues. Setup is effortless hassle-free.
DRNX BRW: The Nitro Coffee Maestro
The DRNX BRW Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker tops off BROOD's catalog of game-changing beverage systems. We see many different types of bars use it to draw in new patrons who may not have considered a visit before. Nitro cold brew coffee has become an increasingly popular beverage choice because of its unique flavor profile and smooth texture when compared to traditional hot coffee. You can use this machine to serve not only cold brew coffee but also other nitro infusions such as beer or tea. Its multidisciplinary functionality makes it an incredibly versatile addition to any bar.
WRAPPING UP
The takeaway from all of this? North America is home to a litany of different types of bars. While the traditional bar scene still exists and is alive and well, the future looks to be even more vibrant. That's especially true considering BROOD's innovative lineup of machines, which hone the capacity to bring a new level of enjoyment to any venue. Explore what our groundbreaking nitro-cold brew machines can do for you today!