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If you’ve been a follower of mine for a while, you already know that I’m quite an imbiber! I come from a family of restaurateurs, which also means I spring from a family of epic drinkers! What do I like? Well, my passion for classic cocktails is just as strong as my love of unique mixologist concoctions. See, it’s only after years of knocking ‘em back that you learn your likes and dislikes. Then add your mood at any given moment, the weather outside and mercury possibly being in retrograde, you’ve got some serious decisions to make and some “signature” cocktail might not cut it!

Which is why I love restaurants and bars that recognize a cocktail menu stifles creativity! What’s on the menu? Nothing! Any bartender that’s worth anything understands that his (or her!) role as artist-mystic-therapist-pal includes being able to see what chakras are blocked and decide exactly the libation you need! (I’m kind of like that too! But with parties and events. Right now I sense you could also do with checking out my Super Secret Party Tips Guide!)

Here is a list of establishments where the bartenders will create a unique just-for-you cocktail based on your vibe, a conversation, or the vibrations you’re giving off! Maybe they’ll ask you what your favorite movie is, or the last song you listened to, or your astrological sign, or just sum you up based on the Riverdale t-shirt you’re wearing! No matter! These are the renegades that don’t have cocktails printed on a bar menu (or at least don’t want to!). They do things the old fashioned way. They talk to you! And then custom blend! Is that VIP service, or what?!

Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge

Established in 1938, Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge is Milwaukee’s oldest bar. Fashioned after a speakeasy, it’s kept its vintage looks with velvet walls and dark sultry booths. From Day One, they’ve never had a menu. The owner opened the bar because he loved talking to people and making something special for them. They don’t accept reservations so you might have to wait for a table at this libationary legend, but they are all about the cocktails! In addition to one of the largest stores of unique liquors from around the world, they use small-batch bitters, proprietary ingredients they won’t even talk about (!), and sodas and mixers only from a can or bottle rather than those spray hose fountains that most bars have. With over 450 libations they’ve created, there is something for even the fussiest drinker.

Redbird

Redbird, in my beautiful hometown of LA LA Land, is a restaurant and bar that does an artful job with fresh local ingredients. Famed food critic Jonathan Gold (who sadly just passed away) even praised their tofu! You know they’ve got to be doing something right if THAT’S getting fanfare! Well, they’re doing something right at the bar also. While they do have an actual cocktail menu, I can’t say one wrong thing about it, because the drinks are exquisite. But anyone will tell you, the bartenders LOVE for you to order off-menu here! The folks they have mixing libations are top-notch artists who can create something that speaks to you and only you.

Attaboy

Located in an unassuming warehouse building in Nashville (there’s also their flagship bar in New York), Attaboy is entirely menu-less! Eat before you go, because there is no kitchen either. Cocktails and liquor are the sole focus of these gentlemen. They won’t pack the place either. That would be counterintuitive to the personalized service they specialize in. Once the bar is full, newcomers must wait until a space opens up. But this nitpicky-ness is worth the wait to receive intimate conversation and award-winning cocktails that are practically unrivaled!

Angel Face

At Angel Face in Portland, you know you’re about to get personalized service the moment you walk through the door and see the vintage decor. In addition to a well-curated wine list that’s exclusively French, the bartenders of this lovely establishment only do custom cocktails! Seriously, you’ll think they are mind readers, or soul mates, or something like that, after you taste the drinks they put together!

Drink

Next time you’re in Bean Town, check out Drink, the Boston bar that’s dedicated entirely to cocktails and lovers thereof! The vibe is a cross between urban warehouse and Soviet-era laboratory! And, YES, the alligator is included!! #score! Here, bartenders pride themselves in being able to create a cocktail that even a non-cocktail drinker will love, someone who say, only drinks beer or wine. #losers! At Drink, it’s all about breaking down the flavor components. Bartenders chat you up, ask about the kind of things you enjoy most, flavors, textures, scents… then they work their magic and present you with some of the finest cocktails you’ve ever experienced!

Colt & Gray

Colt & Gray in Denver, Colorado makes charcuterie in-house, offers seasonal menus, a highly curated wine list that features Calabrian Rosé and Italian Pinot Noir (don’t see those everyday!). They do have signature cocktails printed on a menu, but the locals know them as THE place to go for a “bartender’s choice” cocktail made specially for you based on your favorite flavors and aromatics.

So… with all of this talk, I’m gonna finish up here, text some friends, and head out for a drink. Isn’t it magical! For all of your at home cocktail parties, you’re going to want all the tips and tricks included in our Super Secret Party Tips Guide! It’s a FREE gift for my readers for being so fabulous, so grab yourself one today!