Grab a drink at these extraordinary watering holes and you'll leave with either a great story or a great picture. And maybe a ghost or two.

 

Starboard Tack Ready for a flashback? Starboard Tack opened in 1971 and still remains dressed in floral wallpaper and rattan furniture, and boasts a massive mural of a tropical Vegas. Rum takes center stage on the menu, as well as $1,000-per-bottle Black Tot Last Consignment Royal Naval Rum from the British Royal Navy’s remaining stock, in case you’re interested.

 

OddfellowsIt looks like any bar, situated on the corner of 6th and Ogden streets, but once you walk in, smell the incense, and then see the Ouija board players in booths along the back, you’ll quickly learn there is nothing like it. Check out the back room to see the video nightclub.

 

Velveteen Rabbit This bar doubles as a venue for live music and live art murals, and is known for its craft cocktails, all curated seasonally. It’s not where you’d assume a place of its kind to be, surrounded by more thrift shops than bars, making it even more of a must-see.  

Double Down SaloonThe Emo phase doesn’t have to end. This eccentric punk rock bar boasts its rebellion nature with live punk music, pool, pinball, and its title as the birthplace of the original bacon martini.

 

Frankie’s Tiki Room A local’s favorite and a never-gonna-quit ’50s tiki lounge, this unique spot has jukebox tunes and stiff drinks, and encourages your best Hawaiian shirt to be worn. The furniture is hand-carved by Bamboo Ben, the well-known tiki bar designer, so before you grab your rum drink and a seat, be sure to check out all the carefully crafted bamboo décor.

Herbs and Rye From the street, you’d never know that a sophisticated bar hides behind a brick cinderblock. The vibe, music, dim lights, and drinks by era (feeling Rat Pack or Golden Age?) make it a place to be.

The Sand Dollar Lounge An iconic blues bar in Chinatown, the center stage has been graced with Muddy Waters, BB King, and even Mick Jagger. If you’re craving a relaxed atmosphere, live music and craft cocktails, this is your spot.

 

Mob Museum Bar Where else are you going to have to venture down to the basement of a museum, grab a seat at the bar, and have a bartender slide you over an old-fashioned, hidden in a hollowed book, all while he presses his index finger to his lips? This Prohibition-inspired spot is like time-travel without all the restrictions.

Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails – Behind an inconspicuous janitor’s door (stay with us) is a posh hideaway bar that harkens back to the Prohibition-era. The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails takes on a throwback persona with live entertainment and an extensive whiskey selection, featuring modern takes on vintage favorites. If you’re feeling saucy, make an appointment for shave and a haircut.