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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What are the best bars in the Midwest? See USA TODAY's 2025 Bars of the Year
If it's history and a gun fight you like, South Dakota has the bar for you. Saloon 10 in Deadwood, South Dakota, not only serves killer drinks, but dishes on the history of the gold mining town where Wild Bill Hickok played his aces over eights — known as the "dead man's hand" — poker hand before he was shot. And if you're a cocktail lover, you've also come to the right place: This list is a don't-miss read. These six cocktail 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 Midwest. See last year's list The best bars in America in 2024: See USA TODAY's 27 favorite spots The Bartender's Handshake | Des Moines, Iowa Details: 3615 Ingersoll Ave.; 515-630-3008, Midcentury modern decor comes together with a neighborhood bar at The Bartender's Handshake, with its stellar lineup of elevated craft cocktails and three renditions of its namesake drink. Dave Murrin-von Ebers opened this gem in 2019 in a former stained-glass store, adding a curved banquet, two booths for seating and a long bar for slinging modern renditions of classic drinks. Step outside for a patio open year-round with fire pits for the cooler months and apres ski parties, and shade and bocce ball for the sunny days. Order the Prairie Rose – with gin, Campari and raspberry syrup, topped with egg whites – for a nod to the bar's logo and Iowa state flower, or try the Karate Kick – a vodka drink with Ancho Reyes, carrot and ginger – for something that feels healthy with a kick. — Susan Stapleton, The Des Moines Register Read a full review of The Bartender's Handshake on Gabe's | Iowa City, Iowa Details: 330 E. Washington St.; Fifty years of history hangs on the wall at Gabe's. The two-story Iowa City institution pulses with strong pours, cold beer and the gasp of raspy vocals and distorted riffs that rattle the floorboards. Gabe's is a lighthouse of nostalgia, and band posters tell the story, from Nirvana to Danny Brown. Stay downstairs for a no-frills dive bar experience made for a sitcom, with eccentric characters spilling stories of their memories that leak into the urban beer garden in the back. Upstairs, audience members crowd the edge of the stage to see their underground favorites from EDM DJs to hardcore punks. A night at Gabe's is a night of rock 'n' roll history. — Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen Read a full review of Gabe's on Ghost Baby | Cincinnati, Ohio Details: 1314 Republic St.; 513-381-5333, It's four stories underground. It occupies a 19th-century lagering tunnel. And it's rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a toddler. Welcome to Ghost Baby, Cincinnati's very subterranean cocktail bar. Opened in 2019 by former nightclub promoter Josh Heuser, the bar makes imaginative use of the tunnels once used as storage for saloons and breweries before the days of refrigeration. The aesthetic is 1920s F. Scott Fitzgerald meets 1980s Bret Easton Ellis. There are disco balls and chandeliers, bistro tables and classic cocktails. The entertainment might be an out-of-town jazz band or the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Since it opened, Ghost Baby has received several accolades from national press. In 2022, Esquire included Ghost Baby on its list of the Best Bars in America, describing it as a 'Babylon Berlin-feeling nightclub.' — Keith Pandolfi, The Cincinnati Enquirer Read a full review of Ghost Baby on Threes Above High | Columbus OH Details: 2203 N. High St.; 614-732-4404, The off-campus area around Ohio State University has changed dramatically over the past decade. Modern high-rise apartment buildings and national retail and restaurant chains have replaced the old, quirky (and cheap!) local places that were a common thread in the memories of generations of college students at one of the nation's largest universities. Threes Above High is a survivor, though, along the High Street corridor that runs through Columbus' University District. When the wrecking ball came in 2017 for its predecessor, an equally divey place called Too's Spirits Under High, owner Scott Ellsworth opened Threes Above High a few blocks north. And not that anyone's counting, but he has since opened Fours on High and Fives Up High, too. — Bob Vitale, The Columbus Dispatch Read a full review of Threes Above Ground on Saloon No. 10 | Deadwood, South Dakota Details: 657 Main St.; 800-952-9398, Wild Bill Hickok leaned forward from his chair while playing poker at Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood. 'The old duffer, he broke me on the hand!' said the outlaw legend before he was shot in the back of the head by 'Crooked Nose' McCall on Aug. 2, 1876. The chair in which Hickok sat still hangs on the wall of the sawdusty 'ol watering hole on Main Street today. South Dakota's 150-year-old bar and social club in the rowdy valley of the Black Hills has been owned by the Lew and Marion Keehn family since 1963 and is famous for its award-winning whiskey collection, the Butcher's Block steak special and relics from the Old West that hang above the bar and all the way toward the dance floor in the back. Stick around for one more nip to deal your own hand at poker in the gambling hall – just keep your back to the corner. — Angela George, Argus Leader Read a review of Saloon 10 on Agency | Milwaukee, Wisconsin Details: 819 N. Marshall St.; 414-409-5399, Agency is a cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Milwaukee that lives up to its name: Every patron has the agency to choose whether they drink alcohol or not that night, no matter which cocktail on the menu catches their eye. Owner Ryan Castelaz opened Agency with the goal of providing an elevated drinking experience for both drinkers and nondrinkers, and every drink can be made in nonalcoholic and alcoholic form. Patrons can further customize their drinks with the bar's dealer's choice cards, which are used to custom-make a drink based on a patron's preference, including everything from spirit choice and flavor profile to alcohol content. Agency is a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for best new bar. — Jordyn Noennig, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Read a full review of Agency on This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Best bars in the Midwest: Six spots you need to visit in 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
USA TODAY named an Asheville bar one of America's best. We wish these spots made the cut
ASHEVILLE - USA TODAY's 2025 Bars of the Year list, released on July 30, features 29 bars that range from vibey dives to chic cocktail lounges to whimsical wine bars. USA TODAY Network food journalists from across the country shared their expertise to select the bars, which include the watering holes they know, love and recommend. Little Jumbo, located in the historic Montford neighborhood, made the list for its expertise in mixology and overall appeal as a place where locals and tourists alike want to spend time any night of the week, whether for a spirited jazz night or to find a quiet corner on a date night. This is the second consecutive year an Asheville bar has been recognized by USA TODAY as one of its Bars of the Year. For its inaugural year, the Crow & Quill was featured for its impressive cocktail program and cloak-and-dagger speakeasy ambiance ideal for anyone seeking a twirl around the bar to the sounds of a live quartet band, cozying up with a book, or planning a clandestine meeting. There are many other bars worth celebrating across Asheville, and though there can only be one No. 1, here are four more bars that we wish were on the Bars of the Year list. Antidote Cocktail Lounge at Chemist Spirits Go directly to the source of Chemist Spirits for a tour of the South Slope distillery's operations and then visit Antidote Cocktail Lounge next door to enjoy the products in a variety of refreshing craft cocktails. The turn-of-the-20th-century pharmacy-inspired bar features three levels: a main room with an enclosed front patio, an intimate mezzanine, and a rooftop deck with a speakeasy entrance and bar, where guests may enjoy Chemist Spirits' award-winning collection, including gin and American vodkas, single malt whiskeys and a chocolate orange liqueur. What we're ordering: A flight of Chemist Spirits is the way to sample the locally distilled libations. In addition to its menu of handcrafted cocktails, tonics and botanical spritzes, Antidote Cocktail Lounge is now open during the day, offering a coffee and tea program that includes coffee and tea mocktails. A few warm-weather libations to try are the Pink Pony Club made with Chemist's Biltmore Rose Gin, Italicus liqueur and an herbal tea blend from local tea shop, Dobra Tea. The Jasmine Strawberry Fizz is a flavorful take on a gin fizz that can be made zero-proof by substituting jasmine tea. Or start your day with a nonalcoholic Cold Brew Old Fashioned. See the full menu: Details: 151 Coxe Ave., downtown Asheville. or @ on Instagram. Asheville Sports Club Pickleball is sweeping the nation, and it's taken over downtown's South Slope district at Asheville Sports Club. Don't let the name deter you ― no membership is required to visit or play at the unassuming, upscale bar, which features two pickleball courts that can be converted into basketball or dodgeball courts and reserved by the hour. Open from morning to night, Asheville Sports Club operates as a coffee, craft beer and cocktail bar that could have anything from a pickleball tournament to a deejayed jam booked for entertainment. Don't miss the action on or off the courts with the dog-friendly patio and outdoor bar. The gilded framed widescreen televisions ensure viewers don't miss a single play on sporting events. What we're ordering: Espresso martini on draft for that extra pickleball pick-me-up. Beverages are allowed courtside. Details: 137 Coxe Ave., downtown Asheville. or @ashevillesportsclub on Instagram. DayTrip The ultimate comeback story, DayTrip's original location off Amboy Road was open for about a month before being devastated by floodwaters when the French Broad River rose to a record 24.67 feet during Tropical Storm Helene last fall. Earlier this year, DayTrip reopened, bigger and better than ever, at its new home in the Five Points neighborhood. The 1970s-inspired cocktail lounge is what we're dubbing "grandma chic," with nostalgic vintage accents in every nook and cranny. Local artists added their flair with bold, eclectic murals. What we're ordering: Local craft and domestic beer, boilermakers, shooters and mocktails are offered alongside a list of signature cocktails. The out-of-this-world 28 Moons of Uranus is made with Citadella gin, velvet falernum, orgeat, passion fruit and lemon. Or embrace your feminine side with the Death Becomes Her, made with Tito's Vodka, hibiscus, lemon and rose petals. Make it an even better night with the bar bites. Options include charcuterie boxes and "an ashtray full of stuffed olives." Details: 174 Broadway St., Asheville. Follow at @ on Instagram. Potential New Boyfriend A new contender on the bar scene with more than enough potential to win guests over, Potential New Boyfriend was an instant hit when it debuted last winter in West Asheville. The one-room Hi-Fi listening lounge and dessert and wine bar offers a homey living room feel, like hanging out with friends, spinning vinyl records and gossiping over great drinks. Potential New Boyfriend hosts themed music nights, such as BYOVinyl Tuesdays and Long Form Sundays, playing albums from start to finish. What we're ordering: The seasonal, in-house, chef-made savory aperitivos, charcuterie and dessert menu offer shareables (or keep it all to yourself). The scratch-made ice cream is the standout, with options including flavors by the scoop, signature sundaes, affogatos and more. Or indulge and buy a pint to take home. The flavors rotate regularly, with the season, and have included gourmet combinations like rosemary and candied lemons. Suggested wine pairings heighten the tasting experience. A wine flow chart also guides imbibers to their next glass, or ask the knowledgeable server for recommendations. Details: 647 Haywood Road, Asheville. and @potentialnewbf on Instagram. Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@ or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 4 Asheville bars we wished made the USA TODAY Bars of the Year list Solve the daily Crossword
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Telegraph
The best pubs and bars in Northern Ireland
Think of Northern Ireland, and thoughts of a good pub probably aren't too far behind. This is a place with an excellent pub scene, with hundreds of traditional boozers where you can enjoy a pint by the fireside, as music plays. But there's also a burgeoning cocktail scene, particularly in Belfast, and tiny old bars that are best to cosy up in with the paper for a few hours, when it's blowing a gale outside. Whatever you're after, here are some of the best places for a tipple in Northern Ireland. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, things to do, restaurants and beaches. Search nightlife by type: Best traditional pubs Crown Liquor Saloon The poster child for Northern Irish pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon is one of those rarities that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its elaborate Victorian exterior (preserved by the National Trust, no less) is matched by a darkly cosy space inside, with carved mahogany partitions, stained glass and gunmetal plates where patrons would strike matches. Nowadays, punters make do with pints of Cornish pale ale or a snifter of Bushmills whiskey. Blake's of the Hollow A traditional boozer, The Hollow feels like it hasn't changed a jot since it opened its doors in 1887. The front bar, with its tiled floors, marble bar top and lamppost style light fixtures, is perpetually cosy, and is at its best on a quiet afternoon, when you can sit with a pint and the paper. If you prefer something a little less low-key, there's live traditional music every Friday night. The Duke of York It may be one of the most popular pubs in Belfast, but walking down the cobbled alley to its entrance always feels special. That alleyway, with dozens of flower-filled hanging baskets and vintage Guinness signs, is cracking on a sunny day, but the interior is the epitome of cosiness, with a brick bar, low ceilings and weathered floor tiles. Nab a seat by the vintage printing press, to see if you can spot the dirty words hidden in the lettering. Sunflower Though the Sunflower name on the door is relatively new, this spot has been the home to a pub for over 100 years. The entrance is distinctive, with a bright green cage over the door (leftover from The Troubles) and the sign outside is one of the most photographed in Belfast: 'No topless sunbathing. Ulster has suffered enough'. There aren't any bells and whistles inside, but an excellent selection of craft beers like Yardsman stout and Kinnegar ales, and there's a beer garden, too. Best for live music Peadar O'Donnell's A minimalist's nightmare, this pub has paraphernalia hanging from every inch of space, from antique sewing machines to a proliferation of flags. As such, it feels like a quintessential Irish pub, particularly in the evening, with traditional musicians filling the room with song. Get a low table in the corner, order a well-poured pint of Guinness, and listen to the masters at work. House of McDonnell Owned by the same family for almost 300 years, this listed building is where you'll find some of the best traditional music in the country, with a session every Friday night, and other gigs throughout the week. It's on the Ballycastle Trad Music Trail, and it's even been name checked in some traditional Irish songs and poems. There's a charming little outdoor area, with weathered brick walls and wooden seats, and it's open until 1am. Best for chic cocktails The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant If you'd rather drink a negroni in style than step over a sticky, beer-stained floor, The Cocktail Bar in The Merchant Hotel is a great choice. This relatively small bar has a sophisticated, old-world sense of style, with plenty of dark wood, burgundy velvet armchairs and an antique fireplace. More importantly, the cocktails are impeccable, and you're served a little 'browsing drink' made with Jawbox gin, while you peruse the menu. Rattlebag Don't be put off by the fact that this cocktail bar is inside a hotel – this intimate spot has built up some serious kudos since it opened, with a menu that changes with the seasons and a series of pop-up collaborations with hip wine bars and musical folks. Expect to see quirky ingredients shaken up with classics, like pine distillate in a martini or cumin tincture in a gimlet. Best for cosy vibes The 1614 Bar Part of the historic, thatched Old Inn, this pub feels like a traditional carriage house, with low ceilings, thick wooden beams and roaring fires. It can get busy in the evening, when there's live sport on or a local band playing, but it's an ideal spot for a quiet Irish coffee if you've been out walking in the Crawfordsburn Country Park. They also serve food at lunchtime, with pub food like smoked haddock or fish and chips. Daft Eddy's Technically, this is more a seafood restaurant than a standalone pub, but the bar is lovely and cosy (and if it's sunny, the outdoor tables right on the water are perfect). Plus, if you're coming from Portaferry, you can take a 10-minute ferry journey to save you the drive, which adds to the novelty factor. Area: Strangford Lough Website: Price: £ How we choose Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kendall Jenner creates cocktails with a HUGE country singer as she asks him to 'write a song about me'
Kendall Jenner was seen drinking tequila with a huge country singer this week. And the pinup was playing cute as she asked him to 'write a song' about her which made him chuckle. 'I am nervous because I am a massive fan of this man right here,' she added. The 29-year-old reality TV star said she first met him during one of his shows in Nashville and 'danced my butt off.' The Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran looked sensational in a strapless ivory top and blue jeans with her long hair worn down. The supermodel from Calabasas, California was promoting her tequila line 818. The lucky crooner was 47-year-old Chris Stapleton from Kentucky whose hit songs include Tennessee Whiskey and White Horse. They were celebrating National Tequila Day which fell on Thursday. Together the cover girl and the Grammy winner were putting a spin on classic whiskey cocktail recipes while in a well-stocked bar. 'What better way to celebrate National Tequila Day than to make some classic tequila drinks with a twist,' said Jenner. 'We are here today with his whiskey, Traveller Whiskey, ohhhh, it's so good, it's like a hug in a glass,' she quipped. Jenner then poured her tequila for Stapleton which he liked: 'This is as good as can be. It's delicious.' He also said he had never had an Old Fashioned before, which stunned the cover girl. She whipped one up and he said it needed more whiskey before he sipped it from the bottle making her laugh. Stapleton then brought up her mom Kris Jenner and said he likes his cocktails with plenty of alcohol like the momager does. Next they made a Gold Rush with both whiskey and whiskey with tequila. They clinked glasses and she said, 'We're having a good time.' Then came a Calabasas Cowboy drink that had both whiskey and tequila as well as lemon and simple syrup. 'I really like this,' she said. 'Well, I think this was a success,' she said as she high fived Stapleton. 'If you want to write a song about me and 818 that would be fine,' said Jenner as she flipped her hair. Stapleton is a country singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He started his career in Nashville writing songs for other country artists. Stapleton's debut solo album, Traveller, was released in 2015 and went six-times platinum. It blends Southern rock with old-school country and includes the hit songs Nobody to Blame. Jenner launched her tequila brand 818 in 2021. On her website it says: 'We work closely with local, family-owned farms in Jalisco, Mexico to bring you the smoothest, most natural, and best tasting tequila possible. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in its creation. 'The area code 818 is home to me, but the earth is home to all of us. So, from the agaves we grow, to the production of the bottle, sustainability and transparency of our supply chain was our core focus. 'We feel a great sense of responsibility and pride to have a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. We've had so many magical nights drinking 818 and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.' Earlier this year Kendall's sister Kylie said she would love to have her own spin-off TV show. The 27-year-old make-up mogul stars on The Kardashians alongside her family, but Kylie is open to the idea of shooting a spin-off show with her sister, Kendall. Asked about having their own show on the latest episode of 'The Kardashians', Kylie replied: 'It would be fun. What if it was like a three-episode spin-off?' A producer on 'The Kardashians' suggested that the new show could follow 'the adventures of Kylie and Kendall'. In response, Kylie said: 'Yeah, I would do that.' Kendall, on the other hand, appeared to be much more skeptical about the idea. The 29-year-old model asked: 'What would we do?' And then, Kylie replied: 'Everything!'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kendall Jenner gets tipsy with a HUGE country singer as she asks him to 'write a song about me'
Kendall Jenner was seen drinking tequila with a huge country singer this week. And the pinup was playing cute as she asked him to 'write a song' about her which made him chuckle. 'I am nervous because I am a massive fan of this man right here,' she added. The 29-year-old reality TV star said she first met him during one of his shows in Nashville and 'danced my butt off.' The Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran looked sensational in a strapless ivory top and blue jeans with her long hair worn down. The supermodel from Calabasas, California was promoting her tequila line 818. The lucky crooner was 47-year-old Chris Stapleton from Kentucky whose hit songs include Tennessee Whiskey and White Horse. They were celebrating National Tequila Day which fell on Thursday. Together the cover girl and the Grammy winner were putting a spin on classic whiskey cocktail recipes while in a well-stocked bar. 'What better way to celebrate National Tequila Day than to make some classic tequila drinks with a twist,' said Jenner. 'We are here today with his whiskey, Traveller Whiskey, ohhhh, it's so good, it's like a hug in a glass,' she quipped. Jenner then poured her tequila for Stapleton which he liked: 'This is as good as can be. It's delicious.' He also said he had never had an Old Fashioned before, which stunned the cover girl. She whipped one up and he said it needed more whiskey before he sipped it from the bottle making her laugh. Stapleton then brought up her mom Kris Jenner and said he likes his cocktails with plenty of alcohol like the momager does. Next they made a Gold Rush with both whiskey and whiskey with tequila. They clinked glasses and she said, 'We're having a good time.' Then came a Calabasas Cowboy drink that had both whiskey and tequila as well as lemon and simple syrup. 'I really like this,' she said. 'Well, I think this was a success,' she said as she high fived Stapleton while giggling which seemed to indicate she was tipsy. 'If you want to write a song about me and 818 that would be fine,' said Jenner as she flipped her hair. Stapleton is a country singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He started his career in Nashville writing songs for other country artists. Stapleton's debut solo album, Traveller, was released in 2015 and went six-times platinum. It blends Southern rock with old-school country and includes the hit songs Nobody to Blame. Jenner launched her tequila brand 818 in 2021. On her website it says: 'We work closely with local, family-owned farms in Jalisco, Mexico to bring you the smoothest, most natural, and best tasting tequila possible. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in its creation. 'The area code 818 is home to me, but the earth is home to all of us. So, from the agaves we grow, to the production of the bottle, sustainability and transparency of our supply chain was our core focus. 'We feel a great sense of responsibility and pride to have a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. We've had so many magical nights drinking 818 and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.' Earlier this year Kendall's sister Kylie said she would love to have her own spin-off TV show. The 27-year-old make-up mogul stars on The Kardashians alongside her family, but Kylie is open to the idea of shooting a spin-off show with her sister, Kendall. Asked about having their own show on the latest episode of 'The Kardashians', Kylie replied: 'It would be fun. What if it was like a three-episode spin-off?' A producer on 'The Kardashians' suggested that the new show could follow 'the adventures of Kylie and Kendall'. In response, Kylie said: 'Yeah, I would do that.'
