Straight from our Facebook contest, here is your pick for best bars in the nation - see the full feature in Exec Digital's December issue!
1 . Club Firestone
Orlando, Florida
The energy is contagious at Orlando’s signature live music venue Club Firestone, one of the most talked-about entertainment hubs in Florida. Its state-of-the-art technologies lend itself to the best concerts in the country, while its trendsetting aesthetics – each level satisfies the city’s various taste buds – host indie-spotting musical influencers and trendy R&B soul seekers. Its location offers enough attraction to the out of town crowd, while still playing the city’s elite in a simple downtown vibe. Top-40 aside, Club Firestone is the place for bumpin’ and grindin’ – offering late-night revelers a place to turn any evening.
2. Howl at the Moon
Hollywood, California
Frank Sinatra would rock this place – Hollywood’s infamous dueling piano bar, this place isn’t stuffy like your niece’s recital; it’s got the vibe of a jazz club and the swank of a Los Angeles saloon. Entertaining bachelorettes, scantily clad bunnies and Eric Clapton groupies, Howl at the Moon knows how to throw a party – so throw a request on the black and whites.
3. The Lighthouse Café
Hermosa Beach, California
Part tourist trap; part total drive, The Lighthouse Café prides itself on forgetting about its location and simply focusing on the essentials – a strong drink, original entertainment and sensational eye-candy. Head straight to the bar and you won’t regret your decision one bit – especially once the band starts playing your favorite ‘80s cover.
4. Hennessey’s Tavern
La Jolla, California
An Irish pub might not be what first comes to mind when you think of the golden seaside town of La Jolla, but in its 11th location, Hennessey’s knows how to please the crowd. Signature dishes hail straight from the rolling hills of Ireland, and beers on tap are always frosty. Turning heads from noon ‘til night, the international crowd gets rowdy once the jukebox blares the classics.
5. Asiento
San Francisco, California
When it gets chilly in the city, Asiento is your answer – serving warm mixes in the Mission. All sorts of characters come in for the rustic wooden bar serving signature cocktails (and happy hour drink specials), local DJ performances, gritty board game competitions and an updated bar menu for late-night grubbing.
6. The Beacham
Orlando, Florida
Neon lights, pleather and string bikinis – The Beacham in Orlando caters to the “super VIP”. Clients are offered prime positions in the nightclub – a.k.a. security tables on stage – flanking the night’s live acts like Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto and even The Police.
7. Level 3 Nightclub
Hollywood, California
Hollywood and Highland’s boutique nightclub, Level 3 Hollywood entertains the elite in a city that’s obsessed with celebrity. White leather sofas, mood lighting and the City of Angel’s greatest résumé entice guests to exclusive events, celebrity live broadcast and KISS DJs. A popular stomping ground for some of your favorites, Level 3 Nightclub rallies anyone allured by Hollywood folklore.
8. The Chandelier
Las Vegas, Nevada
Everything that glitters is gold, or in the case of Las Vegas’ ritziest new hotel, diamonds. The Chandelier at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is just that – a bar encapsulated within a two-story grand chandelier. Crystals hang from within the center of the pristine palace, while drinks are served to faithful Sin City patrons eager to start their night.
9. Bond at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
With the same name as the world’s greatest international spy, Bond leaves little to the imagination. An alternative to the typical Vegas scene, Bond is an upscale lounge with the Vegas vibe – entertainment (go-go dancers are locked in glass cages), flashing lights and an amalgamation of residents. Hip and trendy just like its home, the Bond cues the senses into overdrive.
10. Clock Bar
San Francisco, California
The classic martini never goes out of style, and at San Francisco’s modern day lounge, the Clock Bar doesn’t either. In an approach that the cocktail is simply an extension of the menu, Clock Bar mixologists turn signatures into an alchemist’s dream – especially when fresh berries and exotic herbs are in season. It doesn’t hurt to have a name like Michael Mina attached, either.
