Themed Bars That Are Also a Vibe
Swim Club Austin, Austin, TX. Photo: Swim Club Austin
Stepping into a bar should feel like entering another world—one designed to transport, delight, and immerse you in an experience that goes beyond just good drinks. The best themed bars blend concept, atmosphere, and craftsmanship to create spaces that are as visually stunning as they are memorable. Whether it’s sipping a cocktail in a historic pool-turned-social club or boarding a train-inspired lounge for an evening of luxury, these bars don’t just serve drinks—they serve a mood.
Carry On | Phoenix, AZ
Photo: Carry On
Designed to transport guests to the golden era of air travel, Carry On is a 70s airplane-inspired cocktail bar created by architectural design group PETERMAX where every detail feels curated for nostalgia. The retro interiors, featuring warm woods, plush leather seats, and aviation-inspired lighting, set the stage for an experience that’s equal parts transportive and intimate. Cocktails are crafted with precision, offering a mix of classics and innovative creations that pay homage to mid-century mixology. Whether you’re sipping an Old Fashioned while nestled into a first-class-style booth or watching the bartenders shake up something unexpected, Carry On makes every guest feel like a stylish jet-setter.
Captain’s Quarters | San Diego, CA
Photo: Captain’s Quarters
Step aboard Captain’s Quarters, a speakeasy designed to evoke the grandeur of a 17th-century ship captain’s private retreat. Dark woods, antique nautical artifacts, and candlelit nooks create an atmosphere that’s as moody as it is sophisticated. The drink menu leans into maritime history, featuring rum-forward cocktails, aged spirits, and inventive infusions inspired by the spice trade. Hidden behind an unassuming facade, this intimate space offers an escape into another time—one where sailors swapped stories over strong drinks and secret dealings unfolded beneath the glow of a lantern.
Platform 18 | Phoenix, AZ
Photo: Platform 18
A journey by train without ever leaving Phoenix, Platform 18 is a cocktail experience set inside a meticulously designed luxury railroad cabin. Windows project the illusion of a moving landscape, creating a fully immersive escape into the world of opulence and adventure. The bar program is equally transportive, with drinks inspired by historic railway routes and crafted with an emphasis on bold flavors and elegant presentation. Whether you’re settling in for a slow sip or indulging in a full evening of escapism, Platform 18 delivers an unmatched sense of time travel.
Quixote | San Diego, CA
Photo: Lafayette Hotel
Built inside a decommissioned Mexican Catholic church, Quixote is a study in reverence and reinvention. The vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and hand-carved wood accents create a breathtaking backdrop for a bar that feels both sacred and celebratory. The menu draws inspiration from regional Mexican spirits, featuring mezcal-forward cocktails, house-infused tequilas, and inventive drinks that highlight traditional flavors with modern technique. It’s a space that honors history while embracing the art of gathering, offering an experience that feels intimate, grand, and deeply rooted in cultural storytelling. Quixote is located within The Lafayette Hotel in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego.
Swim Club Austin | Austin, TX
Photo: Swim Club Austin
A historic pool turned into a social club, Swim Club in Austin embodies vintage charm with a modern twist. The space maintains elements of its past life, featuring crisp blue-and-white tilework, lounge chairs reminiscent of mid-century resort glamour, and a relaxed energy that feels effortlessly chic. The cocktail menu leans into playful poolside nostalgia—think spritzes, highballs, and frozen delights—all crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re taking in golden hour on the terrace or enjoying a late-night rendezvous, Swim Club offers an atmosphere that’s both lively and refined.
Adults Only | Hollywood, CA
Photo: Adults Only
A hidden speakeasy behind an adult video store, Adults Only is playful, provocative, and effortlessly cool. The space combines vintage cinema aesthetics with a touch of dive bar grit, resulting in a setting that feels like an insider’s secret. The drinks are bold and unpretentious, featuring a mix of timeless classics and inventive house specials. With low lighting, plush seating, and a soundtrack that leans into retro glam, this is the kind of bar that makes every night feel like an exclusive after-party.
Mothership | San Diego, CA
Photo: Mothership
A tropical space adventure awaits at Mothership, one of Consortium Holdings’ many creative endeavors, where the futuristic meets the fantastical. Think neon-lit rock formations, glowing orbs, and a cocktail list that reads like an intergalactic treasure map. The drinks are bold, often incorporating unexpected ingredients and theatrical presentation. Every element—from the glassware to the soundtrack—adds to the sensation of stepping into another world. Whether you’re a sci-fi fanatic or just in search of a truly unique cocktail experience, Mothership is an unforgettable stop in San Diego’s nightlife scene.
NoMad Library | Las Vegas, NV
Photo: Opulist
Few places feel as cinematic as the NoMad Library in Las Vegas, a restaurant and bar set inside a grand, book-lined space reminiscent of an old-world study in The NoMad Hotel. The towering shelves, rich wood tones, and dimly lit chandeliers create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The cocktail program is precise, focusing on elevated classics and rare spirits, while the dining experience offers refined yet approachable dishes. This is the kind of space where every detail contributes to a sense of occasion, making it one of the most striking bars in the city.
The Gutter | San Diego, CA
Photo: Lafayette Hotel
The Gutter redefines the arcade and bowling alley experience with a design-forward approach that caters to a grown-up crowd. Dark walls, ambient lighting, and sleek seating give the space an upscale lounge feel, while the arcade games and bowling lanes add a nostalgic energy. The cocktails lean craft-driven, offering an array of inventive, well-balanced options that feel miles away from your standard bowling alley fare. Whether you’re here to play or just to soak up the scene, The Gutter delivers on both fun and style.
The Chandelier Bar | Las Vegas, NV
Photo: Opulist
Set inside a massive, three-story crystal chandelier, The Chandelier Bar is an icon of Las Vegas luxury found in The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Each level offers a distinct experience, from intimate lounge seating to high-energy cocktail service. The drinks are as glamorous as the setting, featuring elaborate presentations and unexpected flavor combinations. With its shimmering backdrop, vibrant social scene, and impeccable attention to detail, The Chandelier Bar is a must-visit for those who appreciate nightlife at its most dazzling.
From hidden speakeasies to immersive fantasy worlds, these themed bars offer more than just drinks—they create an atmosphere that lingers long after the last sip. Each space is a testament to thoughtful design and creative storytelling, proving that the best bars are as much about experience as they are about cocktails. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia, escapism, or sheer indulgence, these destinations promise a night out that’s as unforgettable as it is aesthetically inspiring.
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