If you’re looking for the perfect pour, you probably don’t have to search too far. One thing all 50 states and the District of Columbia have in common is a love of whiskey.
In our quest to bring you good times and great whiskey, we’ve compiled a list of the best whiskey bar in every state.
Of course, this list is subjective. The whiskey bars on our list run the gamut. You’ll find sophisticated whiskey libraries, honky-tonk dive bars, barbecue joints, fancy steakhouses and lots of Prohibition-inspired speakeasies.
But hopefully, you’ll find a great whiskey bar that suits your tastes.
Best Whiskey Bar in Alabama: The Collins Bar
2125 Second Ave N., Birmingham, Alabama
The Collins Bar has an impressive whiskey selection but no cocktail menu. Just tell your bartender what you’re in the mood for, and they’ll make you a custom drink.
Check out the periodic table on the wall where the traditional elements are replaced with Birmingham characters, landmarks and references.
Best Whiskey Bar in Alaska: Whisky & Ramen
436 W. Fourth Ave., Anchorage, Alaska
This Japanese izakaya-style hotspot in downtown Anchorage serves small plate dishes and an extensive collection of Japanese whiskies.
Scotches, local Alaskan whiskies and international whiskies are also plentiful.
Best Arizona Whiskey Bar: Cask 53 Whiskey Bar & Lounge
20751 N. Pima Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cask 53 looks like a standard sports bar, but it has more than 600 fine and rare whiskies from all over the world, plus a huge cocktail list.
Learn more about the whiskey selections at the bar’s monthly whiskey tastings.
Best Arkansas Whiskey Bar: VAULT
112 W. Center St., Suite B001, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Located in an 1890s bank building in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas’s best whiskey bar is acclaimed for its bourbon selection.
VAULT’s design of the interior is meant to resemble the distilling process, with features like black oak slab tables and a charred white oak wood wall.
Best California Whiskey Bar: Old Lightning
2905 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey, California
This LA hotspot reopened in 2024 to great fanfare after a long closure due to the pandemic.
The speakeasy has a collection of over 1,000 rare and vintage whiskies, including a 25-year-old single-barrel Pappy Van Winkle. Cost? $2,000 a pour.
Best Colorado Whiskey Bar: J-Bar at Hotel Jerome
330 E. Main St., Aspen, Colorado
Cowboys and miners used to ride their horses through the J-Bar’s door. The late Hunter S. Thompson was a regular. Today, you’re more likely to clink glasses with ski bums at J-Bar, but it maintains its distinct Old West vibe.
The bar’s signature drink is the Aspen Crud, a mix of bourbon and ice cream.
Best Connecticut Whiskey Bar: The Owl Shop
68 College St., New Haven, Connecticut
This New Haven tobacconist and cigar shop features an impressive collection of ryes, bourbons and single-malt whiskies, including over two-dozen private barrel selections.
You can also warm up with a boozy coffee on a cold winter’s day.
Best Delaware Whiskey Bar: Farmer & the Cow
413 N. Market St., Wilmington, Delaware
This Wilmington restaurant is famous for its burgers and its 450-plus whiskies from around the world.
Joining the Farmer & the Cow’s whiskey club gets you access to exclusive bottle pours, private barrels and alerts about new bottles and final pours.
Best District of Columbia Whiskey Bar: The Alchemist
1334 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.
This premier DC speakeasy is famous for its artistic mixology and rare spirits, with over 150 whiskies and bourbons.
Drinks that feature fire and smoke, beverages that change color, and weird flavor infusions (think chocolate chip cookie dough and jalapeños) make for a lively celebration of cocktails.
Best Florida Whiskey Bar: Old Hickory Whiskey Bar
123 S. Palafox St., Pensacola, Florida
Tucked away in Florida’s Panhandle, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar gets its name from President Andrew Jackson, a man who liked his spirits and did a brief stint as Florida’s first territorial governor.
The bar has over 700 whiskies and is known for making a killer old-fashioned.
Best Georgia Whiskey Bar: The Southern Gentleman
3035 Peachtree Road NE, Suite A208, Atlanta, Georgia
This Atlanta eatery is popular for its Southern cuisine and selection of 120 whiskies, primarily ryes and bourbons.
Try one of the expertly curated bourbon flights or its “perfect” mint julep.
Best Hawaii Whiskey Bar: Gaslamp
26 Ho'olai St, Kailua, Big Island, Hawaii
This stylish speakeasy is hidden behind two wooden telephone booth doors at a local pub in Kailua-Kona.
The dark, intimate, Prohibition-throwback atmosphere is perfect for sipping a whiskey cocktail while taking in the nightly jazz music.
Best Idaho Whiskey Bar: The Bee’s Knees
324 W. Lancaster Road, Suite E, Hayden, Idaho
The Bee’s Knees has one of the largest collections of spirits in Northern Idaho, with about 200 bourbons and 75 whiskies on its ever-evolving list.
The bar gets high marks for its custom whiskey flights and rotating weekly cocktails list.
Best Illinois Whiskey Bar: The Untitled Supper Club
111 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, Illinois
This dazzling 18,000-square-foot Chicago Prohibition-style speakeasy is renowned for its live entertainment, including regular cabaret and burlesque shows.
But the true star is the Whiskey Library, which features over 500 whiskies and the largest collection of American whiskies in the world.
Best Indiana Whiskey Bar: The Exchange
301 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana
112 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana
The Exchange is another Prohibition-style cocktail bar with more than 450 whiskies.
Enjoy a twist on a classic cocktail, like the Executive Old-Fashioned, made with applewood smoked and served on a platter, or the Monday Morning, which features Tanner’s Creek Bourbon, coffee and pecan syrup.
Best Iowa Whiskey Bar: Alleged Lee’s
510 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa
Alleged Lee’s has over 200 ryes, bourbons and Scotches, including rare editions like WhistlePig Boss Hog and High West A Midwinter Night's Dram.
Check out the taxidermy mounts, the Prohibition-era photo of Des Moines, and the bar that dates back to 1890. Sip your whiskey at the ever-popular drag queen bingo night, or play pool and darts as you savor your pour.
Best Kansas Whiskey Bar: The Monarch
579 W. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas
The Monarch has over 200 whiskies and bourbons that pair well with the restaurant’s other main attraction: the famous house-smoked meats.
Check out the work by local artists that’s displayed throughout the restaurant and the chandelier that’s crafted from old bicycle parts.
Best Kentucky Whiskey Bar: The Silver Dollar
1761 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Kentucky
Choosing the best whiskey bar in the birthplace of bourbon is nearly impossible, but we picked The Silver Dollar for its authentic honky-tonk vibes, Southern cuisine and collection of 300 bourbons and whiskies, all from the Bluegrass State.
Located in a converted brick firehouse, The Silver Dollar is also popular for its live country music.
Best Louisiana Whiskey Bar: Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House
144 Bourbon St., New Orleans, Louisiana
A must-stop for bourbon lovers in the Big Easy, Dickie Brennan’s has over 250 bourbons and an acclaimed seafood menu. It’s home to the New Orleans Bourbon Society.
Membership is free and gets you access to events with master distillers. Members who taste every selection on the bourbon list get their names engraved on the restaurant’s Master Taster Recognition plaque.
Best Maine Whiskey Bar: Independent Ice Co.
50 Wharf St., Portland, Maine
This Independent Ice Co. has a long list of hard-to-find whiskies. If you’re splurging, try an ultra-premium heritage cocktails like the De La Luisiane (made from Lock, Stock & Barrel 20-year-old rye, Carpano Antica, Bénédictine, and French Absinthe) or the Remember the Maine (a blend of Kentucky Owl Rye, Carpano Antica, Cherry Herring and Absinthe).
Best Maryland Whiskey Bar: Dry 85
193 B Main St., Annapolis, Maryland
12 48th St., Ocean City, Maryland
The name is a nod to the 85 days in which Prohibition was repealed everywhere in the U.S. besides the District of Columbia. Both Dry 85 locations are designed to resemble back-alley speakeasy.
There are around 100 whiskies on the menu, including several private barrels and cask finishes. You can also try flights of extremely rare whiskies, like the Van Winkle Family Reserve bourbons and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
Best Massachusetts Whiskey Bar: The Quiet Few
331 Sumner St., East Boston, Massachusetts
This East Boston neighborhood dive bar has a large whiskey selection of mostly ryes and bourbons.
The whiskey-marinated smashburgers are a highlight of the food menu. Try a whiskey flight or two, then stick around for a game at the shuffleboard table.
Best Michigan Whiskey Bar: The Aladdin Sane
1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit, Michigan
In the bottom level of downtown Detroit’s historic Book Tower, you’ll find this tiny Japanese-inspired cocktail bar where drink names are inspired by David Bowie songs.
There’s a large collection of rare Japanese whiskies, including a Yamazaki 18 Mizunara 100th Anniversary Edition, plus Scotch single-malts, ryes and bourbons.
Best Minnesota Whiskey Bar: Matchstick Restaurant & Spirits
232 Main St. N., Stillwater, Minnesota
Farm-to-table restaurant Matchstick, located in the Hotel Crosby, has more than 2,000 rare and unique spirits, beers and wines.
It also hosts frequent cocktail classes and tasting events.
Best Mississippi Whiskey Bar: The Manship
1200 N. State St., Suite 100, Jackson, Mississippi
The Manship has the largest collection of whiskies and bourbons in the Magnolia State and serves up Prohibition-era cocktails, plus a large selection of craft beer.
The wood-fired pizzas are a favorite on the Mediterranean-inspired food menu.
Best Missouri Whiskey Bar: Small Batch
3001 Locust St., St. Louis, Missouri
This Midtown St. Louis whiskey lounge is located in an old Ford Model T Showroom. It has roughly 140 whiskies and bourbons, as well as many whiskey cocktails.
The food menu features seasonal vegan and vegetarian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Best Montana Whiskey Bar: Copper Restaurant and Whiskey Bar
101 E. Main St., Bozeman, Montana
Montana’s best whiskey bar has many locally made Montana selections, plus a large selection of bourbons and American and international whiskies.
The cocktail menu features several Montana-inspired options, like the Don’t Pet the Bison, made from George Dickel Rye, and the Snow at the Beach, crafted with house-infused cinnamon whiskey.
Best Nebraska Whiskey Bar: Proof Whiskey Bar
18940 Evans St. Omaha, Nebraska
This Prohibition-style speakeasy has hundreds of whiskies, bourbons and Scotches.
The Omaha whiskey bar is frequently praised for its solid cocktail menu and knowledgeable bartenders.
Best Nevada Whiskey Bar: Oak & Ivy
707 Fremont St., Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’re in Vegas, get away from the Strip to check out Oak & Ivy.
The whiskey-centered cocktail bar’s rooftop patio offers a dazzling view of downtown Vegas. Signature cocktails include the Apple Pie Harvest (a whiskey sour made with apple pie garnishes) and the Smoke & Spice & Nothing Nice (a barbecue-infused smoked old-fashioned).
Best New Hampshire Whiskey Bar: Coopershill
6 School St., Peterborough, New Hampshire
This welcoming Irish pub has the largest curated whiskey collection in New Hampshire, with over 200 selections and more than 30 beers.
It’s a popular spot for brunch, as well as live music.
Best New Jersey Whiskey Bar: The Local Lounge
64 High St., Mount Holly, New Jersey
The Local Lounge has over 300 American whiskies.
It’s a hidden speakeasy inside of the The Local Eatery & Pub, which is known for its pub fare and rotating menu of New Jersey craft beers.
Best New Mexico Whiskey Bar: Radish & Rye
505 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, New Mexico
In a land of tequila, Santa Fe’s Radish & Rye features over 175 whiskey and bourbons, along with a locally sourced menu of Southern favorites.
The cocktail menu offers creative takes on classic whiskey cocktails. For a splurge, try the Blanton’s old-fashioned.
Best New York Whiskey Bar: The Flatiron Room
37 W. 26th St., New York, New York
9 E. 37th St., New York, New York
With two Manhattan locations, The Flatiron Room has over 1,000 spirits and is best-known for its whiskies. The high-end establishment features whiskey classes for sippers of all levels.
There’s also a Bottle Keep program that lets you purchase an entire bottle if you discover a pour you love. They’ll tag it with your name, then you can continue to savor it on your next visit.
Best North Carolina Whiskey Bar: The Crunkleton Chapel Hill
320 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina
This Chapel Hill mainstay specializes in pre-Prohibition cocktails, with original takes on favorites like the Manhattan and Sazerac. I
t’s known for its gigantic library-esque liquor wall, as well as staffers who boast an encyclopedic knowledge of all things spirits.
Best North Dakota Whiskey Bar: The Rusty Nail Lounge at 40 Steak and Seafood
1401 Interchange Ave., Bismarck, North Dakota
This bar has over 100 whiskies and 40 Scotches, plus a giant fireplace to keep you warm from the frigid North Dakota winter.
The restaurant’s five dining rooms draw inspiration from North Dakota’s history, with names like Women of the Prairie and the Cattleman’s room.
Best Ohio Whiskey Bar: Mabel’s BBQ
2050 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, Ohio
Mabel’s BBQ has a massive list of whiskies and bourbons, with an impressive assortment of cask-strength whiskies and locally bottled editions.
The ambiance is inspired by Cleveland’s West Side Market. The food menu features Cleveland’s distinct barbecue style that reflects the city’s rich Eastern European heritage.
Best Oklahoma Whiskey Bar: The Daley on Paseo
500 NW 28th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This speakeasy lounge in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Art District has a whiskey library with over 450 selections.
There’s also a solid agave collection and a food menu that features many Southwestern-inspired dishes.
Best Oregon Whiskey Bar: Multnomah Whiskey Library
1124 SW Alder St., Portland, Oregon
The Multnomah Whiskey Library features a collection of over 2,000 spirits, with a focus on whiskey.
Membership isn’t required, but if you purchase one, you’ll get access to a private members-only lounge, plus exclusive offerings, tastings, excursions and more. Underneath the library, you’ll find The Green Room, a more casual cocktail lounge.
Best Pennsylvania Whiskey Bar: Lloyd Whisky Bar
529 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lloyd Whiskey Bar has a huge selection of ryes, bourbons, Scotches and Japanese whiskies, including several locally made varieties.
The cocktail menu features several types of old-fashioneds, as well as signature takes on the classics, like the Lloyd Manhattan with Rittenhouse Bonded Rye
Best Rhode Island Whiskey Bar: The East End
244 Wickenden St., Providence, Rhode Island
This Providence restaurant and bar’s spirit list features 15 pages of whiskies and bourbons.
General manager Hannah Weaver was a contestant on Season 13 of FOX’s MasterChef. The food menu offers high-end burgers and small plates, charcuterie boards and oysters.
Best South Carolina Whiskey Bar: Bourbon
1214 Main St., Columbia, South Carolina
Bourbon serves up Cajun and Creole foods and has South Carolina’s largest whiskey collection, with over 600 offerings.
Most are bourbons, ryes and Tennessee whiskies, but there’s a growing number of international whiskies.
Best South Dakota Whiskey Bar: Windsor Block Bar
627 St Joseph St., Rapid City, South Dakota
Windsor Block Bar has more than 1,300 spirits, with an especially large bourbon and whiskey selection.
Try one of the rotating in-house barrel-aged old-fashioneds as you scope out the collection of historic photographs showcasing Rapid City’s past.
Best Tennessee Whiskey Bar: The Whiskey River Saloon
111 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee
The Whiskey River Saloon calls itself Nashville’s premier honky-tonk on Broadway. There’s an elevated whiskey bar with an extensive collection of premium whiskies and bourbons, and a food menu with Signature Whiskey Bites.
The rooftop offers spectacular views of Music City’s main drag. You’ll find everything you’d want in a Nashville honky-tonk, including nonstop live music, beer pong and a mechanical bull.
Best Texas Whiskey Bar: Permission Whiskey & Service Co.
2920 White Oak Drive, Houston, Texas
Permission Whiskey has over 700 whiskies in addition to an impressive cocktail list.
There are five varieties of old-fashioneds, including smoked and flaming versions, along with one that’s crafted from tequila and mezcal.
Best Utah Whiskey Bar: Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining
323 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, Utah
Whiskey Street boasts an impressive selection of international whiskies, with a large number of Japanese whiskies and others from places like France and Israel that aren’t widely known for whiskey.
The restaurant offers several whiskey series for enthusiasts, like the Last Drop Series that features forgotten and hidden casks.
Best Vermont Whiskey Bar: Devil Takes a Holiday
111 St. Paul St., Burlington, Vermont
This quirky Burlington cocktail lounge offers a menu with devilishly clever names and descriptions, like the Call Your Mom (features a cardamom-infused Speyburn 10-year-old Scotch) and a seasonal I’m Eggnostic cocktail.
The bar also showcases the work of over 20 local artists, all of which is for sale.
Best Virginia Whiskey Bar: The Vault & Cellar
7843 Main St., Middletown, Virginia
This Appalachian restaurant is housed in a 19th century bank building and has more than 300 bourbon selections.
Its owner, Kari Rushing, is a Shenandoah Valley native and a Stave & Thief Society certified bourbon steward who trained at the L’Academie de Cuisine.
Best Washington Whiskey Bar: Radiator Whiskey
94 Pike St., Suite 30, Seattle, Washington
This Pike Place Market gem features a long list of whiskies, including a few from up-and-coming liquid gold producers like Taiwan and Australia.
You can even order about a half-dozen whiskies on tap from the big barrel on its back patio.
Best West Virginia Whiskey Bar: Sip Downtown Brasserie
311 Ninth St., Huntington, West Virginia
Though it’s best known for its wine offerings, Sip Downtown Brasserie offers a respectable assortment of whiskies, with about 30 varieties.
You can learn more about whiskey with the restaurant’s Whiskey 101 classes.
Best Wisconsin Whiskey Bar: Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. Ninth St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bryant’s got its start as a Miller Brewing tied house, then became a cocktail lounge in 1938.
The bar says it has over 450 cocktails. But there’s no official cocktail list because original owner Bryant Sharp didn’t want patrons to be steered into just a handful of options.
Best Wyoming Whiskey Bar: Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
25 N. Cache St., Jackson, Wyoming
Grab a seat in one of the famed saddle barstools at this Jackson landmark since 1937. It’s a legendary hotspot for country music, having drawn superstars like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. and Clint Black over the years.
You’ll find a huge selection of whiskey and bourbon, both locally made and from around the U.S., plus a few Scotches and international whiskies.