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Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What are the best bars in the South? See USA TODAY's 2025 Bars of the Year
Retro vibes and au courant status come together at Mary Lou's with its combination of mixed cocktails and caviar-loaded bar bites. Chic decor attracts the celebrities of Palm Beach, Florida, with the Chainsmokers setting the tone on opening night. This is just one of the outstanding cocktail bars to make this list of best bars across the country. If you're a cocktail lover, you've also come to the right place: This list is a don't-miss read and includes cool bars you must visit. These 13 bars — the swankiest, most creative, coolest in the nation — are among the selections in our second USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. The USA TODAY Best Bars in America: The 29 best bars in America in 2025: See USA TODAY's top picks More: Best Bars in America: How USA TODAY picked the 2025 finalists Selected by our network of food writers across the nation — from The Arizona Republic to the Palm Beach Post — these bars represent the best neighborhood taverns, the coziest wine bars and the beachiest beach bars. But for lovers of cocktails, and the bars that serve them, we've created a special sublist here. Here they are, the USA TODAY Bars of the Year in the South. See last year's list The best bars in America in 2024: See USA TODAY's 27 favorite spots Druid City Brewing Company Taproom | Tuscaloosa, Alabama Details: 700 14th St.; 205-342-0051, With its Leland Lanes bowling alley, Tuscaloosa Drug Co. salvaged furnishings, and chalk art honoring Crimson Tide legends, Druid City Brewing Company bucks the "I can't believe this is Tuscaloosa" upscale trend and emblazons crimson heart on rolled-up sleeves. Tuscaloosa's first brewpub, opening after Alabama passed a 2009 gourmet beer law, spotlights musicians, writers and other artists in its Moon Room, serves stylized pub food with indoor-outdoor dining and offers classic pinball, video and board games inside. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has said he hopes to be DCBC owner/raconteur Bo Hicks when he grows up. — Mark Hughes Cobb, Tuscaloosa News Read a full review of Druid City Brewing on The Old Salty Dog | Sarasota, Florida Details: 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway; 941-388-4311, Perched on Sarasota's City Island, The Old Salty Dog has been a beloved waterfront hangout since 1991, offering a brilliant blend of British pub and Florida beach bar. The open-air bar lets patrons belly up to the hull of a boat while overlooking dolphin-dotted waters and sipping a Boddingtons with some of the best fish and chips around. Three seats down, a group who just stepped off their boat at the next-door marina might be dining Jimmy Buffett-style – cheeseburgers and margaritas. And really, no day of drinking at The Old Salty Dog is complete without surrendering to its legendary deep-fried hot dog, featured on a classic episode of "Man v. Food." Laid-back, lively and loaded with charm, it's pure Gulf Coast. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune Read a full review of The Old Salty Dog on Mary Lou's | West Palm Beach, Florida Details: 250 Southern Blvd.; Can a bar simultaneously channel retro vibes and au courant status? At Mary Lou's – the new-ish glam spot where expertly mixed cocktails and caviar-loaded bar bites are par for the course – absolutely yes. If Apple TV+'s "Palm Royale" or FX's "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans" transported its characters into today's world, this is where they'd go. Setting the tone: opening night's crowd included Bettina Anderson (Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend) and fashion designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia. Add The Chainsmokers as collaborators on live entertainment. The name honors the late Mary Lou Curtis, whose chic Worth Avenue boutique once attracted the likes of Jackie Onassis – and whose grandson is a co-owner of the bar. — Diana Biederman, The Palm Beach Post Read a full review of Mary Lou's on Darling's | Louisville, Kentucky Details: 1765 Bardstown Road; In one of Louisville's buzziest neighborhoods, an unassuming corner bar welcomes locals and tourists with a rusty neon sign for 'cocktails.' Once inside the dimly lit Darling's, the vintage-looking floral wallpaper, long bar, green leather seating and murals of fairylike ladies create a romantic, cozy vibe perfect for drinks before dinner or talking for hours. In a town where bourbon booms, this neighborhood joint stands out for its gin-forward menu, inventive craft cocktails and weekly tiki nights. It's the kind of place you might pop in for happy hour gin and tonics, regarded as the best of their kind in the city, and stay until the free late-night pizza arrives. — Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal Read a full review of Darling's on Tasting Room of Louisiana | Alexandria, Louisiana Details: 812 Third St.; 318-623-1935, The interior of this whiskey bar is reminiscent of a classic European pub, and the large, ornate wooden bar is the first thing that catches your eye as you walk in. Owner Melissa Scarborough, the only certified whiskey sommelier in Louisiana, has a refined palate that allows her to guide customers through the complex flavors of different whiskeys. It was while working as head bartender — back when it was known as Finnegan's Wake — that she developed her appreciation for the distilled spirit. The Tasting Room boasts the largest selection of whiskey in central Louisiana, along with a variety of beer, wine and craft cocktails. For those who've worked up an appetite, food is available from TROLA's kitchen. — Melinda Martinez, Alexandria Town Talk Read a full review of Tasting Room of Louisiana at Little Jumbo | Asheville, North Carolina Details: 241 Broadway St.; 828-417-4783, Little Jumbo, a craft cocktail bar housed in a former 1920s grocery store, stands out in Asheville's historic Montford and Five Points neighborhoods. Its original structure and accent details, like tin ceiling panels and entryway floor tiles spelling "Jenkins," pay homage to the grocer and the mountain city's history. Since 2017, Little Jumbo has become the quirky home of jazz nights, deejayed dance parties and literary soirees in a cozy space reminiscent of a Victorian parlor. In the winter, it transforms into the "Tropilachia Club" tiki-style pop-up bar. Little Jumbo's bartenders impress with their cocktail- and mocktail-making skills, ingenuity and in-depth training of a custom cocktail database, which stores nearly a thousand signature and classic recipes. — Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen-Times Read a full review of Little Jumbo at The Blind Elephant | Wilmington, North Carolina Details: 21 N. Front St., Unit F; 910-833-7175, Before opening The Blind Elephant in 2013, owner Ashley Tipper decided to make the most of the alleyway entrance among the historic buildings in downtown Wilmington. She worked with local film set designers to create a dark and cozy 1920s-style speakeasy where black-and-white movies are projected onto exposed brick walls. Entry is for members only but available for a nominal fee. Since then, Tipper has been growing the whiskey collection and her series of retro-themed annual events. Each season, the bartenders draw a spirit and spend weeks creating an of-the-moment cocktail around it. The Blind Elephant was also an early adopter of the cocktails on tap trend and offering a selection of imaginative mocktails. — Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews Read a full review of The Blind Elephant at Good for a Few | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Details: 1705 NW 16th St., Suite B; For some bars, a car crashing through your front door the morning before an event that's been months in the planning might cause people to rethink their plans. But for the team at Good for a Few, a little humor, a lot of positivity and the sheer willpower to keep the plan alive, showed the community what they were really all about. This neighborhood bar, hidden like a speakeasy but 'not a speakeasy,' as they warn on their social media, is consistently elevating their game with inventive cocktails. Whether it's taking unconventional ingredients and turning them into something spectacular, or redefining 'last call' for their patrons, Good for a Few delivers something truly unique in OKC's bar scene. — JaNae Williams, The Oklahoman Read a full review of Good For a Few at The Rabbit Hole | West Greenville, South Carolina Details: 1268 Pendleton St.; 864-214-1797, Storybook charm, mythical ambiance and a food and beverage menu shaped by its interior design, The Rabbit Hole is a bar in West Greenville that delights the five senses. Its design is inspired by a fairytale and is furnished with mossy interior walls, an upside-down two-top on the ceiling and award-winning bathrooms, among many other details. The Rabbit Hole has an elevated yet playful and whimsical approach to food and beverage and is complemented by the seasons and moods set inside of this unique bar. It also boasts a whimsical tapas bar, creative design and elevated themes in small plate food and beverages that are crafted to complement its decor. — A.J. Jackson, The Greenville News Read a full review of The Rabbit Hole on Brother Wolf | Knoxville, Tennessee Details: 108 W. Jackson Ave.; 865-247-4729, Brother Wolf brings Italian aperitivo culture to the Old City in downtown Knoxville with low-proof cocktails, from the Il Professore to the Il Dottore, along with a selection of small plates. Not that you can't also enjoy one of 200+ bottles of wine on the menu, curated by sommelier Aaron Thompson, who owns the bar with his seasoned partner, Jessica 'Rabbit' King. Together, Thompson and King have expanded Knoxville's palate at Brother Wolf while crafting an atmosphere that matches the intricacy of their beverages. Gold accents and marble tabletops complement the alabaster and exposed brick walls of Brother Wolf, which attaches to the partners' Italian restaurant, Osteria Stella. — Ryan Wilusz, Knox News Sentinel Fat Charlie's Speakeasy | Memphis, Tennessee Details: 107 Harbor Town Square; 901-896-5484, Tucked away in Memphis' idyllic Harbor Town neighborhood, Fat Charlie's Speakeasy is an intimate cigar bar where everyone can easily learn your name. Bar owners Will and LaTonia Richardson curate revelatory conversations and live musical performances in the cozy bar, where you may run into a neighbor, elected officials or celebrities. The Richardsons opened the bar as a community haven during the height of the COVID pandemic and, five years later, the community continues to grow. In addition to the charming teacups and mugs bartenders use for service, a nod to the Prohibition origins of the American speakeasy, the bar sells hearty snacks and bites of the gourmet variety. It's a laid-back space to escape the fast pace of the world. — Ellen Chamberlain, Memphis Commercial Appeal Read a full review of Fat Charlie's Speakeasy at Robert's Western World | Nashville, Tennessee Details: 416 Broadway #B; 615-244-9552, Robert's Western World is an icon among icons. Among the noise on Nashville's bright, boisterous Broadway, it stands alone. And it does so with a (relatively) quiet reverence for Nashville's spirit, the one that existed before the crowds. It's a shotgun shack of a place in a street full of multistory bars named after famed country music makers. At its barrel is a tiny stage where musicians play beneath the visages of long-gone country stars, while the masses whirl and two-step in front of them. Robert's is neon beer signs and crooked tile. It's fried bologna sandwiches and ice-cold PBRs. It's an Old Fashioned and a twang of real country music in the air. If the Ryman Auditorium is the Mother Church of Country Music, Robert's Western World, just a stone's throw from its back door, is the Holy Ghost. — Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean Read a full review of Robert's Western World at This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Best bars in the South: 12 spots you need to visit in 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
West Palm Beach retro chic bar with celebrity shine named among America's best
In what was formerly the nondescript Corner Store aka Bertos Bait and Tackle shop in a drab West Palm Beach commercial neighborhood, the new Mary Lou's has become Florida's buzziest spot for booze, bar bites and dancing, drawing lines of locals, visitors and celebrities alike with its unique blend of style, story and spirits. It's also making national news as a tastemaker of the highest order. According to USA Today's 2025 Bars of the Year list, this rising bar is one of the top 29 places to drink in America. Food writers across the country nominated bars that excited them, bars they would recommend to friends and family, bars they'd return to again and again. A big deal indeed for a space that accommodates only 125 yet feels larger than life. 'To be named one of USA Today's Bars of the Year, and the best in Florida, is deeply personal. It's a tribute to the vision, soul and community that brought Mary Lou's to life, and our muse — my incredible grandmother, Mary Lou Curtis — whose brilliant mind and vibrant spirit continue to inspire everything we do,' said co-founder Alex Melillo. The 29 best bars in America in 2025: See USA TODAY's top picks The buzz factor To be fair, while Mary Lou's neighbors are rather pedestrian, the establishment does sit within sight of the bridge that deposits Palm Beach-bound drivers next to Donald Trump's backyard. And without giving away too many surprises for those who want to go, Mary Lou's is more than just a luxe cocktail lounge. Blending history, hospitality and high design, it pays homage to a bygone era of glamour, nostalgia and the art of celebration that evokes a trip back in time yet feels very au courant. The concept was created by Melillo with business partners Joe Cervasio and Topher Grubb, who all spent time working in New York City. Their collective inspiration was sparked by that city's golden era of nightlife when iconic venues like Studio 54 and Peppermint Lounge shaped the social landscape — a pre-cellphone time defined by uninhibited fun. Grubb, a Palm Beach native, said the area "has always known how to party, we just gave it a new room to dance in.' Celebrities of every order Opening night's guest list with Bettina Anderson (widely known as Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend) and fashion designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia fame were early indications this tres chic gin joint would be different from other bars opening in town. It's played host to Michael Jordan twice: A TikTok video of him dancing with his wife Yvette Prieto went viral. Insiders spotted the GOAT a second time with Jalen Hurts, quarterback of the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles. Other sightings of note include Venus Williams, Lorraine Bracco, Ramona Singer, pro-golfer Dustin Johnson and wife Paulina Gretsky, the daughter of another GOAT. Even some of its collaborating consultants are famous. Grammy Award winners The Chainsmokers and two-time nominee Sofi Tukker, an e-music duo comprising Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, shape the venue's entertainment programming. More: The best bars in America in 2024: See USA TODAY's 27 favorite spots Tribute to a trailblazer Mary Lou's is named for Mary Lou Curtis, Palm Beach's fashion-forward entrepreneur, whose Le Shack boutique on Worth Avenue counted Jackie Onassis as a shopper. She was also known for her flair for entertaining. Her legacy lives on through the venue's eclectically chic design and playful energy. Melillo describes Mary Lou as a woman who lived by the mantra, 'always have a sense of ridiculousness.' From floor to ceiling, that ethos is woven into every tactile decor detail. Best sips, nibbles Drinking and dining at Mary Lou's is anything but traditional. In addition to the breathtaking bar, the space is peppered with sexy velvet booths that shimmer under seductive lighting in a room that feeds off the collective, almost communal, energy of other people. The first order of business was choosing between classic craft cocktails and designer drinks. We settled the matter by ordering a round of each. In a town where $28 cocktails abound, potent potables on Mary Lou's list average $20. Swellegant martinis and margaritas in fancy glasses felt very sophisticated. The 'Daddy's Girl' vodka concoction and tres playful 'Back Zip' with rum were almost too gorgeous to drink. The only thing missing was a grasshopper riff, Curtis's cocktail of choice, to get us in the mood for season two of 'Palm Royale' on Apple TV+. Wines by the glass are priced from $15 for prosecco to $24 for a Rioja selection. A coconut mocktail for the teetotaler in our group was a bit sweet for my pal but gently priced at $10. Not that Mary Lou's is a cheap date as you'll discover if feeling peckish and order from the elevated bar bites menu. Favorites included a delectable crispy octopus which was perfectly cooked (impressive because it's a dish that's hard to get right.) The $50 A5 waygu burger takes a few cues from McDonald's Big Mac. It's decadent and served inside an elegant emerald jewel box emblazoned with Mary Lou's motto outside; inside, a gorgeous palm motif. Earning oohs and aahs from my pals, we couldn't stop playing with the box in appreciation of its beauty. After decimating the fries, for the name alone we couldn't resist diving into a 'Millionaire's Baked Potato' topped with caviar for $32. The pièce de résistance: a luscious banana creme brulee brilliantly plated a la Art Basel's famous duct taped banana, whose official title is "Comedian" by absurdist artist Maurizio Cattelan. Instead of selling for $6.2 million at auction, dessert was $20. Ridiculous and genius. Mary Lou's: What to know if you go Address: 250 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach Web: Reservations email: gatorrides@ Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to the wee hours. The later it gets, the more fun you'll have. Etc.: Reservations are strongly advised; the intimate space has limited seating at the bar and surrounding tables. After 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, a mininum spend applies; pricing depends on the entertainment and party size. Complimentary valet parking. There is no official dress code but looking expensive is de rigueur with the see-and-be-seen crowd Mary Lou's attracts. Think smart casual and leave the sweats, shorts and flip flops at home. Coming soon: June marked the debut of a spinoff in Montauk, New York. On May 27, Shivana Vora for Forbes reported that Palm Tree Crew, co-founded by global DJ Kygo and longtime manager Myles Shear, is making a strategic investment in Mary Lou's. Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Mary Lou's in West Palm Beach named one of best in the US by USA TODAY Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Kygo's Palm Tree Crew Invests In Nightlife Hotspot Mary Lou's As It Plots National Expansion
A rendering of Mary Lou's Montauk. Palm Tree Crew is turning up the volume on its hospitality game - this time by backing one of the buzziest names in nightlife. The brand, co-founded by global DJ Kygo and longtime manager Myles Shear, is making a strategic investment in Mary Lou's, the high-energy dining-meets-nightlife concept from Mama Hospitality. Mary Lou's made a splash with its debut in Palm Beach earlier this year, earning a rep for combining great food, inventive cocktails, and a party atmosphere that doesn't take itself too seriously. Now, it's heading to Montauk just in time for summer—and Palm Tree Crew is helping power the expansion. The partnership is more than just a financial boost. Palm Tree Crew and Mama Hospitality are launching a joint holding company to guide Mary Lou's as it grows into new markets across the U.S. and evolves the concept even further. It's a big step for Palm Tree Crew, which has been steadily growing beyond its music festival roots into a broader lifestyle and hospitality brand. 'Mary Lou's is exactly the kind of bold, culturally attuned concept we look for as we continue to build the Palm Tree Crew hospitality portfolio,' said Myles Shear, co-founder of Palm Tree Crew. 'It's more than a restaurant or a club—it's a fully immersive experience that speaks to a new generation of consumers looking for something memorable, social, and story-worthy. We're excited to help bring this to more consumers around the country.' A rendering of Mary Lou's Montauk. The Montauk opening is a big next step and a test for the concept's ability to scale while keeping its signature vibe intact. But with the weight of Palm Tree Crew behind it, Mary Lou's is better positioned than ever to bring its playful, immersive take on nightlife to other culturally rich destinations across the country. For Palm Tree Crew, the investment builds on a broader strategy to turn its brand into a full-fledged hospitality powerhouse. The company has recently launched or announced several destination venues in cities including Las Vegas, Miami, and Orlando, alongside its growing slate of global music festivals. On the venture side, Palm Tree Crew has made notable investments in culturally relevant, celebrity-adjacent brands, including Jake Paul's men's body care label W; social music discovery app Hook; and canned cocktail brand SIPMARGS, where Palm Tree Crew also helped bring in influencer Alix Earle as a lead investor. According to Mary Lou's co-founders Alex Melillo, Joe Cervasio, and Topher Grubb, the partnership represents a natural evolution of both companies' missions to create memorable, culturally resonant experiences. 'From day one, partnering with Kygo, Myles, and Palm Tree Crew felt like a natural progression for our brand,' said Melillo. 'We're all driven by the same passion to create unforgettable moments and world-class experiences that resonate deeply with people. This collaboration brings together a powerhouse team that truly understands how to shape culture on a global scale.' With the addition of Mary Lou's, the company is positioning itself to extend its influence from daytime events into nightlife and late-night culture. Mary Lou's Montauk is set to open its doors this summer and will serve as a litmus test for the concept's ability to scale while keeping its signature vibe intact. But with the weight of Palm Tree Crew behind it. As nightlife, music, and dining continue to merge into hybrid experiences, this move signals Palm Tree Crew's intent to lead the charge.
