Bar names can confuse anyone – wine bars, sports bars, dive bars, and more fill our cities.
When you’re planning a night out, knowing what to expect at each spot helps you pick the right place for your mood and occasion.
We’ve put together a complete guide to 40 different types of bars, giving you the exact details about what makes each one special.
From casual neighborhood spots to upscale wine venues, you’ll learn what sets each bar apart and which ones match your style.
In this guide, you’ll find clear descriptions of every bar type, their typical features, and what kind of experience to expect at each one. Let’s help you find your perfect spot.
Popular Bar Types and Their Features
1. Cocktail Bar
These refined venues emphasize expert drink preparation and presentation. The setting invites conversation with its warm lighting and comfortable seating.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between professional and welcoming, with careful attention to cleanliness and service.
- Price Range: $12-25 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Premium spirits, house-made mixers, craft bitters, infused liquors
- Known For: Hand-crafted drinks, expert mixing techniques, unique glassware
2. Sports Bar
These social spots bring fans together to celebrate their favorite teams. Multiple screens ensure you won’t miss any action from different games happening at once.
The environment buzzes with energy during big matches, creating a community feeling among supporters. Staff members often know game schedules and can chat about sports statistics.
- Price Range: $5-15 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Draft beers, bottled beverages, simple mixed drinks
- Known For: Game-day specials, multiple TV viewing angles, rowdy celebration spots
3. Wine Bar
These establishments create an environment perfect for wine appreciation and learning. Proper temperature control and storage systems maintain each wine’s quality.
The venues often host tasting events and educational sessions. Careful attention goes into glass selection and proper serving temperatures. Most wine bars maintain relationships with specific vineyards and importers to offer unique selections.
- Price Range: $8-20 per glass, $30-200+ per bottle
- Beverage Selection: Reds, whites, sparkling options, dessert wines, wine flights
- Known For: Regional wine selections, proper serving techniques, expert pairing advice
4. Pub
Traditional pubs offer a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. These establishments focus on creating a neighborhood gathering spot where regulars and newcomers alike can enjoy good company.
The walls often feature local photos and memorabilia, adding to their community feel. Most pubs maintain steady business throughout the day, with workers stopping by for lunch and friends meeting up after work.
- Price Range: $4-12 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Local draft beers, basic spirits, traditional ales
- Known For: Comfort food, friendly service, regular customer base
5. Dive Bar
‘These no-frills establishments pride themselves on keeping things simple and straightforward. The lighting stays dim, the music comes from well-worn jukeboxes, and the furniture shows its age proudly.
Cash often works better than cards here, and the prices reflect the basic nature of the place. These spots attract an interesting mix of people from all walks of life, creating an authentic social experience.
- Price Range: $3-8 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Canned beers, basic well drinks, simple shots
- Known For: Low prices, minimal decoration, casual atmosphere
6. Lounge Bar
These bars emphasize comfort and style in their setup. Guests can sink into plush seating while enjoying their drinks. The lighting creates a mellow mood, and the music stays at a level that allows easy conversation.
These venues often feature distinct seating areas that let small groups have their own space while still feeling part of the larger environment. The staff maintains a professional yet approachable presence.
- Price Range: $10-20 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Quality spirits, signature drinks, champagne options
- Known For: Comfortable seating, mood lighting, upscale atmosphere
7. Tiki Bar
These tropical-themed spots transport visitors to an island setting with bamboo decor, carved wooden statues, and palm fronds.
The mood stays fun and playful, with drinks served in themed glasses shaped like shells, tribal masks, or volcanoes. Many tiki bars create an indoor-outdoor feel with open walls or patios.
- Price Range: $12-18 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Rum-based drinks, fruit juices, island-inspired cocktails
- Known For: Themed decor, large shared drinks, tropical experience
8. Cigar Bar
These sophisticated venues combine quality drinks with fine tobacco in specially ventilated spaces. They feature walk-in humidors to keep cigars in perfect condition and provide proper cutting and lighting tools.
The decor often includes leather chairs, wood paneling, and soft lighting. These bars require specific air-handling systems to maintain comfort for all guests.
- Price Range: $15-25 per drink, $10-100+ per cigar
- Beverage Selection: Premium whiskeys, cognacs, aged spirits
- Known For: Cigar expertise, smoke-friendly environment, high-end spirits
9. Karaoke Bar
These lively venues center around guest performances with quality sound systems and updated song lists. They typically offer both main stage areas and private rooms for group singing.
The atmosphere stays upbeat and supportive, with crowds often joining in on popular songs. These bars work well for celebrations and group outings.
- Price Range: $6-15 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Beer, basic cocktails, shot specials
- Known For: Song selection technology, private singing rooms, group entertainment
10. Martini Bar
These refined establishments focus on variations of the classic martini and similar cocktails. They maintain high standards in drink preparation, using quality spirits and fresh ingredients.
The setting tends toward modern and sleek, with skilled staff who understand the subtle differences in preparation methods. Many offer olive and garnish selections to customize each drink.
- Price Range: $12-22 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Gin, vodka, vermouth variations, garnish options
- Known For: Multiple martini styles, precise preparation, upscale presentation
11. Rum Bar
These bars celebrate the variety of rum styles from different regions worldwide. The staff provides details about each rum’s origin, production methods, and flavor notes.
Many offer sampling options to help guests learn about different styles, from light Caribbean rums to rich, aged varieties. The atmosphere often includes subtle nods to rum’s heritage without going overboard on the theme.
- Price Range: $10-25 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Light, dark, aged rums, spiced varieties
- Known For: Global rum collection, educational tastings, island-inspired drinks
12. Tequila Bar
These venues highlight Mexico’s famous spirit in its many forms. Staff members understand the differences between various tequila types and production regions.
The bars often pair drinks with Mexican small plates to enhance the experience. Most maintain proper storage and serving methods to bring out each tequila’s best qualities.
- Price Range: $8-30 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Blanco, reposado, añejo tequilas, mezcal options
- Known For: Mexican spirits knowledge, proper serving methods, regional varieties
13. Whiskey Bar
These establishments stock an extensive range of whiskeys from around the world. The staff can explain the differences between regions, aging processes, and grain types.
Many offer tasting flights that let guests compare different styles. The setting usually features wood and leather elements that complement the spirits’ character.
- Price Range: $10-50+ per drink
- Beverage Selection: Scotch, bourbon, rye, international whiskeys
- Known For: Rare bottles, expert recommendations, flight options
14. Champagne Bar
These upscale venues focus on sparkling wines from various regions. They use specific glasses and serving techniques to maintain proper bubbles and temperature.
Many offer small food items that pair well with sparkling wines. The atmosphere stays bright and lively, with careful attention to presentation details.
- Price Range: $12-40+ per glass, $80-300+ per bottle
- Beverage Selection: French champagne, global sparkling wines, champagne cocktails
- Known For: Proper glassware, temperature control, celebratory atmosphere
15. Beer Garden
These outdoor drinking spots offer open-air seating with long communal tables that bring people together. Trees, plants, and string lights create a pleasant outdoor setting that’s perfect for sunny days and mild evenings.
Many beer gardens serve food that pairs well with their drinks, often including traditional German-style snacks. The casual, social atmosphere makes these places ideal for group gatherings.
- Price Range: $5-12 per beer
- Beverage Selection: German beers, local brews, large-format bottles
- Known For: Outdoor seating, communal tables, casual social setting
16. Farm-to-Table Bar
These bars emphasize fresh, local ingredients in both drinks and food. The menu changes with the seasons, using what local farms provide.
Many preserve extra ingredients to use year-round. Staff members know the source of each ingredient and can explain how they’re used in different drinks.
- Price Range: $12-20 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Seasonal cocktails, local beers, regional wines
- Known For: Fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, local partnerships
17. Brewpub
These establishments make their own beer on-site while serving food and drinks to customers. You can often see the brewing equipment through glass walls or open brewing areas.
The menu typically features foods chosen to match their house-made beers. Staff members can explain the brewing process and help customers understand different beer styles.
- Price Range: $6-10 per beer, $15-25 per meal
- Beverage Selection: House-brewed beers, seasonal specials, beer flights
- Known For: Fresh beer, visible brewing process, beer-focused food pairings
18. Jazz Bar
These music-focused venues combine quality drinks with live jazz performances. The setup includes a proper stage or performance area with good acoustics.
Seating arrangements consider sight lines to the musicians, and the sound system balances music and conversation well. These spots often have a rich history in their local music scene.
- Price Range: $12-20 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Classic cocktails, wine list, premium spirits
- Known For: Live music schedule, quality sound system, musician relationships
19. Piano Bar
These music-centered venues feature a prominent piano where musicians perform popular songs and take requests. The seating often circles the piano, creating an intimate connection between performers and the audience.
Many encourage sing-alongs and guest participation. The atmosphere combines musical entertainment with social drinking in a welcoming setting.
- Price Range: $10-18 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Mixed drinks, wine options, standard spirits
- Known For: Live piano music, song requests, audience participation
20. Rooftop Bar
These bars offer drinks with city views from high locations. Their outdoor spaces include weather protection and heating options for year-round comfort.
Most feature a mix of standing areas and seated sections, with some offering private spots for small groups. The layout makes the most of the location, with clear sight lines to notable landmarks or sunset views.
- Price Range: $14-25 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Signature cocktails, wine, premium spirits
- Known For: City views, outdoor seating, photo opportunities
21. Speakeasy
These bars create an old-time feeling with hidden entrances and subtle signage. Many require passwords or special instructions to enter, adding to their secret nature.
The inside usually features vintage decor and lighting that matches the prohibition-era theme. Staff members wear period-appropriate clothing and serve classic drinks using traditional methods.
- Price Range: $12-20 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Pre-prohibition cocktails, rare spirits, period-specific drinks
- Known For: Hidden entrance, vintage atmosphere, classic service style
22. Biker Bar
These establishments cater to motorcycle enthusiasts with plenty of parking for bikes. The decor often includes motorcycle memorabilia and photos.
The atmosphere stays casual and straightforward, with simple drink options and hearty food choices. Music tends toward rock and country, played at a volume that allows conversation.
- Price Range: $4-10 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Beer bottles, basic spirits, simple mixed drinks
- Known For: Motorcycle parking, casual rules, basic drink options
23. Gentlemen’s Club
These venues combine adult entertainment with beverage service. They maintain strict age verification and security measures.
The layout includes both main entertainment areas and quieter spaces for conversation. Lighting and sound systems support the entertainment while allowing comfortable drinking and dining.
- Price Range: $10-25 per drink, cover charge may apply
- Beverage Selection: Standard spirits, champagne service, beer options
- Known For: Adult entertainment, private seating areas, security measures
24. Bistro Bar
These bars blend French-style casual dining with quality drinks. The setting combines cafe comfort with bar services, creating a spot that works well from afternoon to evening.
Small tables and a welcoming counter area make up the typical layout. The food menu features French-inspired dishes that pair well with wines and other beverages.
- Price Range: $10-18 per drink, $15-30 per dish
- Beverage Selection: French wines, aperitifs, classic cocktails
- Known For: Food and drink pairings, cafe-style service, French influence
25. Craft Cocktail Bar
These establishments focus on making drinks using fresh ingredients and careful techniques. Bartenders often create their own syrups and infusions in-house.
The menu might change based on seasonal ingredients and new creations. Staff members take time with each drink, paying attention to small details like ice type and garnish placement.
- Price Range: $14-25 per drink
- Beverage Selection: House-made ingredients, quality spirits, fresh mixers
- Known For: Original recipes, careful preparation, ingredient quality
26. Gastro Pub
These spots combine quality food with good drinks in a casual setting. The menu goes beyond typical bar food, offering well-prepared dishes that match the drink selection.
Chefs and bartenders work together to create food and drink combinations that complement each other. The atmosphere keeps the social nature of a pub while adding attention to food quality and presentation.
- Price Range: $8-15 per drink, $15-35 per dish
- Beverage Selection: Craft beers, wine list, food-friendly cocktails
- Known For: Quality food menu, drink pairing suggestions, casual fine dining
27. Meadery
These spots specialize in honey-based wines, offering visitors a taste of this ancient beverage. Most meaderies make their products on-site and offer tastings to help people learn about different mead styles.
The settings often include rustic elements that highlight mead’s historical roots. Staff members explain the brewing process and the various honey types used in production.
- Price Range: $8-15 per glass, $20-50 per bottle
- Beverage Selection: Traditional meads, fruit meads, spiced varieties
- Known For: Honey wine varieties, tasting flights, production tours
28. Café Bar
These venues mix coffee service with alcohol offerings, changing their focus from day to night. Morning brings coffee and light foods, while evenings add alcoholic drinks to the menu.
The setting works for both laptop users during the day and social groups at night. Comfortable seating and good lighting make the space useful for various purposes.
- Price Range: $5-15 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Coffee drinks, wine, basic cocktails, beer
- Known For: Day-to-night service, coffee options, light foods
29. Hookah Bar
These establishments combine tobacco pipe service with beverages. They feature special ventilation systems and outdoor spaces for smoke management.
The seating includes low tables and comfortable cushions suited for long visits. Staff members can guide guests through tobacco options and proper smoking methods.
- Price Range: $8-15 per drink, $15-30 per hookah
- Beverage Selection: Tea service, cocktails, non-alcoholic options
- Known For: Tobacco varieties, comfortable seating, group-friendly setup
30. Beverage Cart Bar
These mobile bars serve drinks on golf courses or at outdoor events. They stock a basic selection of drinks that can be served quickly.
The setup includes cooling systems to keep drinks at proper temperatures despite outdoor conditions. These bars focus on speed and convenience while maintaining drink quality.
- Price Range: $5-12 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Canned beers, simple mixed drinks, soft drinks
- Known For: Mobile service, quick preparation, outdoor convenience
31. Hotel Bar
These bars provide convenient drinks and light meals for hotel guests and visitors. The setting offers a mix of counter seating and small tables, often with comfortable chairs for extended stays.
Staff members know the local area well and can offer suggestions to travelers. Many hotel bars maintain longer hours than standard bars to serve guests from different time zones and late arrivals.
- Price Range: $12-25 per drink
- Beverage Selection: International spirits, wines, standard cocktails
- Known For: Extended hours, traveler-friendly service, comfortable spots
32. Lobby Bar
These bars are located in the main hotel entrance areas, offering guests an easy meeting spot. The layout includes both open seating and semi-private areas for business meetings or quiet conversations.
The noise level stays low to match the professional setting. Many serve coffee and snacks during the day before switching to alcohol service in the afternoon.
- Price Range: $14-22 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Coffee service, cocktails, wine list
- Known For: Meeting spaces, quiet atmosphere, all-day service
33. Nightclub Bar
These high-volume bars serve a dancing crowd in club settings. Multiple service stations help handle large groups of customers quickly. The setup often includes several bars throughout the space to reduce wait times.
Bartenders focus on quick service and simple drinks that work well in a fast-paced setting. Bottle service areas offer more personal attention for groups.
- Price Range: $10-18 per drink, bottle service $200-500+
- Beverage Selection: Basic cocktails, shots, bottle service options
- Known For: Fast service, bottle service, high-energy setting
34. Casino Bar
These bars keep drinks flowing for gaming guests 24 hours a day. Servers move among the gaming tables, offering complimentary drinks to active players.
The main bar areas feature TV screens showing sports and news. The setting aims to keep guests comfortable for long sessions, with well-trained staff who understand both drink service and basic gaming etiquette.
- Price Range: $8-20 per drink (often complimentary with gaming)
- Beverage Selection: Mixed drinks, beers, basic cocktails
- Known For: 24-hour service, comp drinks for players, quick service
35. Beach Bar
These casual spots sit right by the water, offering refreshments to beach visitors. The dress code stays simple – swimwear and cover-ups are standard.
Most feature open-air designs that catch sea breezes and give clear water views. The drink menu focuses on cool, refreshing options that work well in warm weather.
- Price Range: $7-15 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Frozen drinks, light beers, tropical mixers
- Known For: Ocean views, casual atmosphere, cooling drinks
36. Sky Bar
These high-altitude bars pair drinks with views from tall buildings. Glass walls or windows provide clear sightlines to surrounding areas.
Many include outdoor sections with safety measures for open-air drinking. The settings tend toward upscale, with carefully chosen furniture and lighting that works from day to night.
- Price Range: $15-30 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Premium spirits, fine wines, signature cocktails
- Known For: Height views, photo spots, upscale service
37. Tavern
These historical-style drinking spots focus on creating a cozy, welcoming feel. Wood features heavily in the decor, from the bar top to wall panels.
Many occupy older buildings and maintain original features. The drink menu typically focuses on traditional options, and food offerings include classic pub dishes served in filling portions.
- Price Range: $5-12 per drink
- Beverage Selection: Draft beers, basic spirits, wine options
- Known For: Historical feel, filling food, comfortable setting
38. Wine Cellar Bar
These underground bars store and serve wines in temperature-controlled spaces. Stone walls and proper humidity levels create the right setting for wine preservation.
The intimate spaces often feature small tables tucked into former storage nooks. Staff members know wine storage methods and can explain how different conditions affect wine quality.
- Price Range: $12-40 per glass, $50-500+ per bottle
- Beverage Selection: Aged wines, rare vintages, cellar-stored bottles
- Known For: Wine storage expertise, temperature control, vertical tastings
39. Absinthe Bar
These specialty bars focus on serving traditional absinthe and related spirits. Each serving follows historical methods, using proper water fountains and special glasses.
Staff members explain the ritual and history behind the absinthe service. The setting often includes French or Swiss influences, reflecting the spirit’s origins.
- Price Range: $12-25 per serving
- Beverage Selection: Various absinthes, related spirits, traditional preparations
- Known For: Traditional service methods, proper equipment, historical knowledge
40. Brewery Taproom
These spaces serve beer directly from the brewing facility. Guests can see the brewing equipment while enjoying fresh beer. Many offer samples of experimental batches before a wider release.
The staff includes brewing team members who can explain the beer-making process and ingredients used.
- Price Range: $5-10 per beer, $8-15 per flight
- Beverage Selection: Fresh beer, limited releases, test batches
- Known For: Direct-from-tank beer, brewer interactions, beer education
Conclusion
Picking the right bar for your evening makes a big difference in your experience.
From the quiet comfort of wine cellar bars to the lively setting of sports bars, each spot offers its own special atmosphere and drinks.
Look at what matters to you – whether it’s trying new drinks, enjoying good music, or finding a quiet spot to chat.
Now that you know about these 40 different bars, you can choose spots that match your mood and occasion.
Want to learn more about bars and drinks? Leave a comment about your favorite bar type or share a unique bar experience you’ve had.
You can also sign up for our newsletter to get weekly updates about the best drinking spots in your area.
