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Bar Review: Travel Bar, Brooklyn, New York

In the hospitality world, there’s often tension between being the best and being accessible. (It’s not so different in the spirits world.) A bar can be superlative in one category — renowned for their cocktails, or perhaps a nearly-unparalleled whiskey selection — or it can be beloved by neighborhood locals, offering great pours without the lavish trappings that push prices to the “for special occasions” range. But occasionally, and all too rarely, we come across the establishment that has its feet planted squarely in both worlds: It’s got the best you can expect in a city, with a community that’s dominated by passionate regulars instead of traveling crowds searching for the latest trend.

Serving the Carroll Gardens neighborhood in Brooklyn, Travel Bar is that rare place, a neighborhood institution that ranks among New York City’s very best whiskey bars. Serving up over 450 whiskeys from around the globe — including nearly 200 bourbons — Travel Bar is even better known locally for their barrel-aged cocktails, a program that traces its origins to a happy accident involving rhubarb and an excess of unused bourbon. (More on that later.)

During a recent visit and half-hour interview with head bartender and owner Mike Vacheresse (pictured below), the conversation was politely interrupted half a dozen times by regulars passing by. Some asked about the weekend’s upcoming cocktails. One man had a great beer recommendation. Another made a beeline from a local coffee shop just to say hello, steaming latte still in hand. Still another came by to check on the bar’s new outdoor seating dividers, which a group of regulars had helped construct. It was a revolving door of friendliness that felt like a slice of Midwestern charm with a Brooklyn twist.

First, some context. Travel Bar was founded in 2014 by Vacheresse and business partner Joe Sweigart. The choice of location was happenstance, the name even more so. After more than a year of searching for a prime spot,  Vacheresse and Sweigart came across the current Carroll Gardens property and decided to lock in the lease. Unfortunately, they hadn’t spent any of their search time narrowing down a name. That’s when Vacheresse — a Columbus, Ohio native with a 30-year career in bartending and hospitality — found inspiration in his suitcase.

“I’ve had travel bars, the actual little suitcases, since the eighties,” says Vacheresse. “They were just part of my culture of drinking with friends and going out and camping. I liked it, so that’s what we went with.”

Early on, Vacheresse and his team focused on the whiskey, and their initial selection included about 50 favorite brands. From opening night through today, Travel Bar has focused on one-ounce pours for both individual orders and flights. They want customers to bounce from one bottle to the next, or as Vacheresse told us, “travel through the whiskey.”

“I like selling everything one ounce at a time. I like smaller brands,” says Vacheresse. “I like it when people in the industry walk in and say, I don’t recognize half the bottles on that wall. I also like turning people on to the smaller brands, and that’s what keeps interesting.”

But don’t be fooled: A love for small brands doesn’t mean Travel Bar isn’t packing some traditional heat. On a previous visit, I enjoyed their 15 Year Bourbon Flight, priced at $80 and featuring Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 15 Year , Barrell Craft Spirits 15 Year  (2018 release), and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year (2019 release). While not at bonafide bargain prices, it’s a flight that would almost certainly go for north of $100 elsewhere in New York City.

If Travel Bar newbies come for the flights or a hard-to-find, bottle, it seems like they stay for the barrel-aged cocktails. The program started when Vacheresse set out to buy a limited edition bourbon. In order to do so, he had to make a large minimum order for a more common release. (Vacheresse wouldn’t reveal the brand.)

“And I said, what am I going to do? What am I going to do with that? And they said, we’ll give you barrels. And I said, OK, sure, I’ll try barrel aging cocktails,” says Vacheresse. “The first one I made was a rhubarb Manhattan. And it was delicious. I was blown away and I’d never experimented with barrel aged cocktails.”

Of course, not every barrel-aged cocktail is a runaway hit, but it’s clear Vacheresse and his team enjoy the crafting as much as the sampling. One prototype I tried was a light rye-meets-blueberry concoction that I’d be thrilled to order as-is. But in sampling a first pour, Vacheresse simply smirked and commented it needed a few more weeks in the barrel.

While the barrel cocktails have grown in popularity, it wasn’t until COVID-19 forced a shutdown that Travel Bar’s team realized the financial impact they could have. With bars and restaurants closed starting in March 2020, regulars and new customers alike flocked to Travel Bar’s doorstep looking for takeaway libations.

“It is not an exaggeration to say selling the barrel aged cocktails is how we survived,” says Vacheresse.

In addition to takeaway cocktails, Travel Bar also began offering an ever-expanding list of to-go flights, usually packaged in 100ml glass flasks. Their bottle retail business also thrived, with Vacheresse alerting regulars to chase expressions he was able to secure by the case; often, the cases sold out just hours after email notifications went out. At his customers’ request, Vacheresse also set up a GoFundMe for the bar’s staff. While the bar has lost some staff members to relocation, Travel Bar successfully weathered the worst of the COVID era thanks to their passionate regulars.

If there’s one knock against Travel Bar, it’s that the regular-friendly atmosphere can seem a little too insular, almost like the bar’s wide-open door is just the false barrier to entry. But as with many good things in life, a little patience goes a long way. Ask questions, inquire eagerly, and even the greenest customer will be embraced, especially if they’re willing to try something new. Proximity helps, too; learning a bar’s dynamic is a dance that gets easier once indoor drinking is back up and running in full capacity.

Travel Bar is already planning for that gradual return to normalcy. Sometime during the summer of 2021, they’ll combine two years’ worth of anniversary parties into what Vacheresse calls “a ridiculously large, great anniversary party.”

The drink of choice?

“Once a year, I make a punch with Stagg Jr. bourbon ,” says Vacheresse. “I know everyone is already looking forward to that.”

Visit Travel Bar Brooklyn .

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David Tao is a writer for Drinkhacker.

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The 20 best speakeasy-inspired bars in NYC

Drink in Jazz Age interiors, tell secrets in a phone booth and sip throwback cocktails at NYC's best speakeasy-inspired bars.

Although last year wrought quite the resurgence , the last of New York City’s real-deal speakeasies ceased operation in 1933. That’s when prohibition ended, and once that odd bit of wise legislation managed to pass, in spite of hidden entrances , decoys, and hooch-obscuring levers and pulleys, wowie-zowie, all those gin joints turned into bars! 

Some of those bars, like now-shuttered  21 Club , remained open in various forms for many more years. Any place popping up in the interim is simply speakeasy-inspired. These newcomers aim to approximate Jazz Age style absent its inconvenient trappings. See, just like we wouldn’t take a suborbital flight and call it space travel, we can’t really say we fully comprehend the sights, smells, tastes and heartbeat of erstwhile speakeasies. 

But we do go to a lot of bars , and plenty of those are rather convincingly fashioned after speakeasies, but with better booze (fewer errant pest particles), improved air quality (no smoking), and modern conveniences like online reservation platforms, air conditioning and mobile payments to follow up with the moochers in the group. Some have circa (19)20s details for days and others would make a dramaturg’s stomach turn, but their semi-hidden entrances, Old New York decor and appearance of exclusivity are almost enough to make us feel like we’re about to light up a Chesterfield, sip some cold clear liquor and–what?–oh, we’ll Venmo you later.  

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in NYC

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best speakeasies in NYC

1.  pdt.

• East Village
• price 4 of 4

Ironically famed the world over for its concealed location down a few stairs, inside a hotdog shop and through a telephone booth, PDT is a genre classic that first opened in 2007 ahead of NYC’s last speakeasy-style bar revival. Although, as proprietor Jeff Bell points out, many newly minted drinkers may have never actually used a telephone booth, all the bells and whistles are a reminder of a time when this city really committed to a bit. It's also cozy and comfortable as a rich guy’s hunting lodge, and the are drinks best in class, so prepare to wait for entry. Most nights, it seems like a job for Superman. 

2.  Attaboy

• Cocktail bars
• Lower East Side
• price 2 of 4

Occupying the former Milk and Honey space (which opened on New Years Eve in 1999), there’s now a whole generation of drinkers who could be forgiven for thinking Attaboy has been here forever. Its narrow interior, anchored by a brushed steel bar, is chicly worn, and plenty of old-timey tipples are available. Some still say it’s a little hard to find, so here’s a tip: The address is 134 Eldridge Street, and it reads “AB” on the door. 

3.  Little Branch

• West Village

The late ​​ Sasha Petraske’s imprint is all over NYC cocktail culture, and particularly deep in the speakeasy bracket. Attaboy ancestor Milk and Honey, Time Out New York Best of the City award winner Dutch Kills and Little Branch are among his most famed operations. Little Branch first opened beyond a barely there, nondescript (except for the line that often forms outside!) doorway and down a staircase in 2005, and it’s still got top-notch classic and bespoke drinks today. 

4.  Saint Tuesday

This is the best of all those self-described speakeasies that opened post-pandemic. Its Cortlandt Alley address is genuinely hard to find the first time you try, you must buzz for entry and even then it’s still a few levels below ground. Downstairs, it feels like a private lair with the pulse-quickening promise of intrigue. And, like any proper hideout, it’s almost impossible to get in, but the recent addition of reservations makes planning a little easier, at least. 

5.  The Little Shop

The best of these bars have the potential to transform otherwise humdrum activities—grabbing a hot dog, shopping for a doll, a quick stop at the bodega—into a more whimsical affair. Although that is still a highly unlikely occurrence, and your visit to most of the places on this list will come after even a bit of planning, The Little Shop has tons of potential in this regard. Peruse the provision-lined aisles up front if there’s a wait for the eclectically-appointed space in the back where the drinks are better than most in the "speakeasy" column. 

6.  Nothing Really Matters

• Midtown West

Only incidentally one of NYC’s latest speakeasy concepts , Nothing Really Matters aims only to be “the best cocktail bar in the universe,” rather than a late-arriving throwback. But it still fits the bill better than many of its contemporaries by virtue of its recessed entrance in a midtown subway station alone. Find your way downtown-bound to see whether the style tracks. 

7.  The Back Room

In theory, you and a companion–yet to be determined friend or foe–will turn up Norfolk street just as a cloud of steam rises from a subway grate, and your eyes will land on a sign: THE LOWER EAST SIDE TOY COMPANY. This must be the place, you’ll say, pulling your trench coat tighter, no longer sure whether you’re nervous or excited, or if this is really the place at all. In practice, there will probably already be people milling around outside The Back Room, and you may have to wait for your cocktail-in-a-teacup, but the environs are just transportive enough to make it seem, for a minute, like you’re back in the original roaring 20s. 

8.  Bathtub Gin

If you’re really thirsty for the whole hide-and-seek conceit, or simply tolerating someone who is, this is the place to be. Up front, it’s a functional coffee shop. In the back after dark, it’s Jazz Age cosplay, baby. Not that most people come wearing costumes, but they certainly could and blend right in with the copper bathtub in the center of the room. Go ahead: Take a little social media dip.

9.  The Garret

This one ranks high on the calculated seclusion spectrum, too. Situated above a Five Guys, the path up a back staircase leading to tin ceilings, banquet hall-esque chandeliers and cozy tufted booths is pretty neat if you just sort of happen upon it, so grab a pal prone to whimsy and try to orchestrate that very experience without mentioning the place is already all over Yelp, Instagram, and TikTok.

10.  La Noxe

La Noxe is, like a lot of spots, literally underground . Like fewer, with the sole exception of Nothing Really Matters, its unexpected location just off the 1 train in the 28th Street subway station gives it an edge. It has more of an element of surprise than most of its peers, better capturing that slightly clandestine quality other venues in this category aspire to. Take a date here for boudoir decor and the quickest possible exit. 

11.  Employees Only

Another one of the earlier entrants to NYC's last speakeasy boom, Employees Only was built by industry pros in 2004. The lovely illuminated Art Deco lines and excellent cocktails have enabled it to endure and even grow in popularity for nearly two decades. The multi-award-winning bar also has a dinner menu and a handsome dining room.

12.  Le Boudoir

• Brooklyn Heights

Presently open only on Friday and Saturday nights, Le Boudoir’s status as occasionally operational gets it closer to speakeasies of yore than any other, no matter how many twists, turns and fakeouts its peers employ. But of course, it does have one of its own:  See if you can’t spot the entrance upstairs at sister restaurant Chez Moi . 

13.  Banzarbar

• price 3 of 4

To explore Antarctica, Sir Ernest Shackleton had to navigate the frozen seas after his ship was trapped and eventually crushed by nature's translucent killer/cocktail cooler: Ice. To get to Banzarbar, which is inspired by those 20th-century expeditions, you must take the MTA. Six of one, half dozen of the other. The olive-green paneling, seafaring paintings and candlelight in the intimate space above Freemans restaurant amount to a nautical adventure on land. 

14.  Karasu

• Fort Greene

This Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar is hidden beyond Walter’s restaurant on DeKalb Avenue. Pass through to reach the intimate, low-lit space and pair your old-timey imbibing with menu items like oysters, sashimi and karaage. 

15.  Keys & Heels

• Upper East Side

Like Bathtub Gin before it, Keys & Heels digs into the biz-within-a-biz motif. This time, the bar’s behind the facade of an old fashioned key-cutting shoe repair shop. But before you decide to split the rent with your date and scuff your stiletto in a dash out the door to start your new life of romance, remember that the entrance is but a decoy. Only the drinks and snacks in the back are the real deal. 

16.  Peachy’s

The space beneath Chinese Tuxedo makes this a singular destination for a full, fun, photogenic night out, all at one address. Dine updoors before you slink down for terrific cocktails and pretty floral 'gram-ops illuminated by neon lights.  

17.  J.Bespoke

Mingling sports bar and speakeasy themes is incredibly clever, and J. Bespoke is the only game in town successfully executing both at once. Here, you’ll view games from velvet banquettes and sip seamlessly between $18 cocktails and $7 draft beers. 

18.  Dear Irving

Dear Irving is practically hidden in plain sight, with double doors that could pass as the entrance to some tech millionaire’s pied-à-terre. It also has a bit of moneyed eccentricity inside, divided into period themes skewing vaguely Victorain in one spot, a little Mad Men -esque in the next. Pick your period and sip drinks that’d be just as tasty in any era. 

19.  The Bar Downstairs & Kitchen

• Midtown East

The Bar Downstairs & Kitchen at  the  Andaz Hotel follows the expected modern-day speakeasy format, down a staircase and through an unmarked door. But, once you pass through its discreet entrance there’s a surprise inside: tons of space! Unlike many of its bite-sized contemporaries, this subterranean spot has a long bar and rows of tables where you can imbibe with all of your secret sipping friends.

20.  UES.

Similar to Bathtub Gin, UES. has an ice cream shop front, but when you ask whether they have this or that in the back, you get an intoxicating surprise. And it’s alcohol! Make like a soda jerk and pass the frozen treats for Upper East Side-themed cocktails like the 1040 Fifth Avenue and Here’s Looking at You, Bradshaw, in what is colloquially known as UES.’s “storage room.”

Looking for a really good wine bar?

Check out the 18 best wine bars in nyc.

From educational vin studios to natural-wine–focused neo-bistros, find the best wine bar NYC has to offer

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An Immersive 'Alice in Wonderland' Bar Is Coming to New York City

Don't be late!

Well, Alice in Wonderland may have not had the best luck when she tried to mix her cocktails, attendees of the "The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience," may fare better.

For lifelong fans of the beloved Lewis Carroll classic, or for those who are just "curiouser and curiouser," the experience, filled with fantastical decor and on-theme drinks, has already been a hit in cities including Denver, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia — and is making its way to New York.

Hosted by experience company Explore Hidden at restaurant and event space Pekarna NYC on Manhattan's Upper West Side all queens, kings, and talking cats are invited. The experience, starting Sept. 23, is timed for 90 minutes with two different evening time slots to choose from.

For $50 per person, guests can take a trip down the rabbit hole and into the Alice garden filled with "enchanted" teapot cocktails and "Eat Me" cakes (but will you grow or shrink?!), as the Mad Hatter acts as the master of ceremonies at this whirling dervish of an event.

Tickets include two cockails.

"Explore Hidden is about creating unique and immersive events and 'Alice in Wonderland' happens to fit in really well with what we do! It is a brand that is known globally and loved by many so it made sense!" a representative for Explore Hidden told Travel + Leisure. "Also, we love to create events that are extremely visually aesthetic and the Alice garden is definitely that!"

Essentially, Alice may have been desperate to leave Wonderland, but you won't.

The experience is currently planned to run for eight weeks in New York City but will likely be extended due to demand. Currently, the experience is running in nine cities globally with more planned for 2022.

For more information or to reserve a ticket, visit The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience listing on Explore Hidden. (This event has passed, and tickets are no longer available.)

Related Articles

A Prohibition Bar Crawl Through NYC

I love the 1920s — a lot. Midnight in Paris is one of my favorite movies. I had a Prohibition-era-themed birthday party for three years in a row. I own vintage clothes. I listen to a lot of jazz. I swing dance. If I could live in any other time, I would pick 1920s NYC or Paris. The Jazz Age and I are besties.

And that’s one of the reasons I love NYC so much: there are a lot of other people here who love that period. There are events like the massive Jazz Age Lawn Party , as well as swing dance clubs, Facebook groups, and lots and lots of Prohibition-style bars serving classic drinks while pumping out live jazz and swing music.

While the fancy cocktails they serve are not cheap (around $18 USD), I’m hooked on the atmosphere. Stepping into these bars with the music playing, people dancing, and everyone dressed the part transports me back in time to an era when things were classy, carefree, and fun. (Note: There’s some great cocktail books that can teach you how to make these in your house too!)

And, while you can find a million lists online of all the speakeasies in NYC, today I want to give you my perfect Prohibition bar-crawl itinerary so you can channel your inner Fitzgerald or Louis Long, drown in delicious drinks, and Charleston the night away.

30 Water St, +1 646-422-7906, deadrabbitnyc.com . The Taproom is open 11am-4am daily. The Parlor is open 5pm-2am (Mon-Sat), and 5pm-midnight (Sun).

9 Doyers St, +1 212-406-0400, apothekenyc.com . Open 6:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat), and 8pm-2am (Sun).

131 Chrystie St, figurenineteen.com . Open 6pm-2am (Tues-Wed, Sun) and 8pm-4am (Thurs-Sat). Closed Mondays.

134 Eldridge St, attaboy.us/nyc . Open 6pm-4am daily.

Raines Law Room In 1896, the New York State legislature passed the Raines Law, which prohibited the sale of alcohol on Sunday except in hotels. Hotels were allowed to serve liquor during a meal or in the guest rooms. So bars put up curtains to create “rooms,” had a sandwich that was passed around during “lunch,” and became hotels overnight. Now the law is immortalized in the ever-popular Raines Law Room. Here you arrive at an unmarked black door and ring a bell. Someone asks, “How big is your party?” and you’re told to wait before you enter the swanky hotel-style lounge, where you ring a bell on the wall every time you need a drink. If they’re full, they’ll let you wait at the bar until a seat’s available.

48 W. 17th St., raineslawroom.com . Open 5pm-2am (Mon-Thurs), 5pm-3am (Fri-Sat), and 5pm-1am (Sun).

102 Norfolk St, +1 212-228-5098, backroomnyc.com . Open 7:30pm-3am (Mon-Thurs, Sun), and 7:30am-4am (Fri-Sat).

433 E. Sixth St., +1 212-388-0882, deathandcompany.com . Open 6pm-2am (Sun-Thurs), and 6pm-3am (Fri-Sat).

Little Branch Heading into the West Village, you’re probably feeling all those strong drinks by now, which is fine, because you’ll sober up as you wait in line for this place. Seating only 12 and taking no reservations, there can be a long wait here, but once inside, you’re treated to live jazz music, an intimate setting, and creative and classic cocktails. Cash only.

22 Seventh Ave. S, +1 212-929-4360. Open 7pm-2:30am (Sun-Tues) and 7pm-3am (Wed-Sat).

132 Ninth Ave, +1 646-559-1671, bathtubginnyc.com . Open 5pm-2am (Sun-Thurs), 5pm-4am (Fri), and 4pm-4am (Sat).

Honorary mentions for other great Prohibition-style bars go to:

• Dutch Kills
• The Richardson
• Angel Share
• Dear Irving

What about….? Some of you might be wondering why I didn’t include the famous PDT (Please Don’t Tell). Because I think it’s overrated. Sure, the drinks are good, but so are drinks everywhere else. PDT is cool because you have to pick up a secret phone in a hot dog shop to get in, but once inside, the atmosphere and drinks aren’t anything really special.

Remember the following:

• Dress nicely: These places have semi-strict dress codes, so guys should go with pants, dress shoes, and a nice shirt. Some places won’t accept you if you’re wearing sneakers.
• Be prepared to wait: All these places are small and don’t take reservations.
• Don’t attempt this on a weekend — the crowds get too big!
• Go with a small group: If you come with a big group, you reduce the chance you’ll get a table.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!

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Book Your Trip to New York City: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as it has the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• HI NYC Hostel
• Pod Times Square

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is my complete list of favorite hostels the city.

Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.

Want More Information on New York City? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New York City  for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Expand your horizons by exploring ours. find what you love., ultimate summer guide.

Here's a round up of everything for your most adventurous and memorable summer to-do list. more

Romantic Summer Getaways

Find romance throughout New York State at these resorts and attractions. more

Best Ways to Beat the Heat

From a refreshing dip to uncovering underground caves, here's how to keep cool this summer. more

Top Things to Do in August

Celebrate antique boats, Spiedies, comedy, and everything NY this August! more

NY's Hidden Gem Art Destinations

From historic theaters to charming small town galleries, experience art in every corner of NY! more

Path Through History

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Accessibility in New York

Hundreds of attractions in New York State offer accessibility features for travelers.  more

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Enjoy boundless activities amid six million acres of forever wild landscape. Hike the High Peaks, kayak in pristine lakes, and explore picturesque villages from Lake George to Lake Placid. Discover unique museums from the Adirondack Experience to the Wild Center with its Wild Walk trail through the treetops, and find one-of-a-kind thrills like summer bobsled runs at the Olympic Sports Complex.

Explore culture, architecture, and nature in a region rich with an eclectic mix of attractions including Albany's magnificent Capitol building, craft breweries, distilleries and cideries, and unique performance venues from vintage to modern. Saratoga Springs features bubbling mineral springs, America's oldest sporting venue, a historic spa, and an open-air performing arts venue that's the summer home of the NYC Ballet.

Cast a line in a trout stream in the region where fly fishing was invented, raft or tube down the Delaware River, experience the world's largest kaleidoscope and take a scenic skyride for a sightseeing trip of the Catskills. Relive the 1960s at the site of the original Woodstock Festival at Bethel Woods. 

Experience a unique mix of small town charm and world-class attractions as country roads lead to the wondrous Howe Caverns and Cooperstown's internationally famous Baseball Hall of Fame and Glimmerglass Festival of opera and musical theater. Discover classic Americana from the Route 20 antique shops, to cruising the Erie Canal, to Binghamton's hand-carved carousels. Tastings and tours await at this craft brew destination.

Discover great outdoor adventures, from trophy fishing on Lake Erie, to camping and biking in Allegany State Park, to mountain coaster rides at Holiday Valley. Scenic trails meander through nature preserves, towering rock formations, Amish Country farmland, and Lake Erie Wine Country. Celebrate Lucille Ball in her hometown of Jamestown at the National Comedy Center and find world-class arts and entertainment at the Chautauqua Institution. 

Follow trails to award-winning wineries, explore the gorges near Ithaca, or marvel at the waterfalls of Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen. Seneca Falls commemorates the first Women's Rights Convention at the Women's Rights National Historical Park, and more whimsical history at the It's a Wonderful Life Museum. Cultural treasures sparkle in Rochester, Syracuse, and Corning, home of the world's best collection of glass art.

Take in breathtaking vistas, from the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tours at Niagara Falls State Park to Letchworth State Park's "Grand Canyon of the East." Lake Erie and Lake Ontario offer world-class fishing and boating. Hike amid the vast Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge or take a wild ride at Six Flags Darien Lake. Follow the Niagara Wine Trail, taste Buffalo wings in the city where they were born, and discover Buffalo's revitalized waterfront.

Explore magnificent landscapes and historic homes, stroll the world's longest pedestrian bridge 212 feet above the Hudson River, and see art in unique settings, from spectacular outdoor sculpture gardens to a converted cereal box factory. Legendary chefs create masterpieces at the renowned Culinary Institute of America.

Beach lover's paradise full of white-sand beaches, deep sea fishing, world-class wineries, farm-fresh cuisine and fabulous shopping. Discover the Gold Coast mansions that inspired  The Great Gatsby , championship golf courses, and historic lighthouses from Fire Island to Montauk.

World-famous museums, shopping, shows and sports dazzle visitors while celebrity restaurants, food courts, trucks, and festivals present delicious diversity. All five boroughs offer thrills, from Broadway to the Brooklyn Bridge to the Bronx Zoo.

One of America's most majestic settings, with scenic shoreline villages and lighthouses, and eclectic attractions like the Antique Boat Museum, historic Fort Ontario and fairy-tale island castles. Enjoy sandy fresh-water beaches, scenic boat rides, trophy fishing and scuba diving in the crystal clear St. Lawrence River, or sit back and watch the grand oceangoing ships and glorious sunsets on Great Lake Ontario.

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Oklahoma college students suspect they were drugged after ordering water and experiencing ‘jerking movements’ during cancun vacation: ‘could happen to anyone’.

Two Oklahoma college students’ dream vacation to Mexico quickly shifted into a nightmare when they fell violently ill from water at a resort bar as doctors feared it may have been laced with a dangerous substance.

Kaylie Pitze and Zara Hull arrived in Cancun last Thursday to enjoy a vacation they had planned with a group of friends, according to  KOCO .

Their trip started out smoothly until they went to the resort’s pool bar on Friday with their boyfriends and each ordered a glass of water.

The two Oklahoma Christian University students suddenly started to slump over in a daze, according to the outlet.

“The last thing they remember is they had asked for a glass of water,” Hull’s boyfriend’s mother, Stephanie Snider, told the outlet. “Their heads went down. They slumped over on the bar.”

Snider claimed that Hull began experiencing “jerking movements” soon after drinking the water.

Unable to walk, the two college students were taken back to their room in wheelchairs.

“We were out, couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk, couldn’t do anything,” Pitze told News 9.  

Pitze recalled it “hurt” to open her eyes and that she “was very nauseous” and “couldn’t move” the next morning.

Meanwhile, Hull suffered stomach convulsions and was rushed to a Mexican hospital.

“I started having convulsions in my stomach, so they called 911,” Hull told News 9. 

The ordeal went from bad to worse when the hospital she was taken to demanded she dish out a $10,000 deposit to begin her treatment.

With her seizures continuing, the young college student had no choice but to lay out the money, she said.

“It’s so scary because, there’s times, I am like, ‘Am I going to make it out of this?’” Hull shared.

Mexican doctors intubated Hull, and she then received a CT scan and was placed in the ICU, according to a GoFundMe set up for her medical expenses. 

At the same time, her boyfriend, Jake Snider, paid $200 to stay overnight in a hospital room.

“The hospital was NOT treating her; they were pumping her full of so many drugs to keep her sedated,” Snider  claimed  in a Facebook post on Monday.

“They intubated her and told Jake it was ‘sedation’ for the MRI. There was no reason to sedate her, let alone intubate her. We knew we needed to get her out and back to the US.”

The foreign hospital then demanded another $25,000 “by Sunday morning to continue treatment or $5,000 to release” the Oklahoma college student.

Hull’s family and friends contacted the US Embassy, advising them to get her back to the US immediately to receive proper care.

“We contacted the US Embassy and were told they couldn’t do anything to help as long as she was in the hospital, so they gave us contacts of people to help with transporting her out of the hospital and Medical Flight people to contact,” Snider  wrote .

Hull’s family was forced to shell out a $26,000 deposit for her medical evacuation back to the US.

“The evacuation number is about $60,000, at this point,” Hull’s mother, Rilee Works, told News 9. 

Fortunately, a generous family friend of the Hulls picked up the tab, and the young college student was med-flighted to a hospital in Dallas Saturday night.

Pitze and her boyfriend arrived in Dallas on Monday and immediately rushed to check on her best friend in the hospital.

Though they are both safely back in the US, how the two girls became so ill remains a mystery to doctors.

“We don’t have a lot of answers, we don’t know a lot, we don’t know what she was given in their hospital down there, we don’t know what she was given at the resort,” Hull’s mother told the outlet.

Doctors in the US suspect Hull’s and Pitze’s water may have been spiked with synthetic fentanyl, according to News 9.

“There’s no other explanation for this. Two girls don’t just drop at the same time,” Pitze told the outlet.

Hull shared that she was “beyond blessed” for all the love and support she received during her unexplained illness abroad.

She is recovering in the hospital but still has “no memory of what happened since she had that drink at the resort,” Snider  wrote in an update Tuesday.

As they search for answers, Pitze has warned others to be careful while traveling.

“This could happen to anyone,” she told the outlet.

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A ‘John Wick’-Themed Bar Is Opening This Month in NYC — And It’s Tied With the Highly-Anticipated ‘The Continental’ Series

The bar is located in the same building used for the exterior of the hotel in the franchise.

Fans in New York City will have the chance to be transported into the world of “John Wick” later this month as a new bar based on the universe is opening ahead of the highly anticipated prequel series.

“Welcome to the Continental: The Hotel Bar Experience” is set to open Sept. 21 at 82 Beaver St. in the city’s Financial District — the same building that served as the hotel exterior for the franchise.

The bar's interior will be all decked out to resemble NYC in the 1970s, where the prequel series “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” is set, as reported by Time Out New York .

The series, which will be available for streaming on Peacock starting Sept. 22, aims to tell the story of how the hotel-for-assassins came to be, and how it came under the ownership of Winston Scott.

Guests in the bar will enjoy live music, participate in different photo ops, and investigate to find hidden easter eggs and interactive storylines, per the event’s description .

There will also be different tiers to the experience based on the bar’s currency: gold coins. Visitors can pay $10 to receive one gold coin, which gives them access to beer, mocktails, and light bites, while paying $20 for two gold coins can get access to wine, cocktails, and elevated bites.

The Continental will be open for three weekends, Sept. 21 to 24, Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, and Oct. 4 to 8. Guests can make reservations online , which will give them access to the experience for about two hours. All guests must be 21 and older.

New York City after dark

Aug 9, 2024 • 7 min read

East Williamsburg is full of warehouse-style spaces converted into late-night music venues, like Elsewhere. Bloomberg/Getty Images

If New  York' s  nightlife scene were a keg, it'd never get kicked. NYC overflows with options no matter the day: dance the night away inside a Brooklyn warehouse, slide into a speakeasy-style cocktail joint or applaud burlesque performers who bare it all for rowdy crowds. Beer buffs sample flights at local breweries, socialites sip Manhattans in swanky surrounds , and there are so many venues with exceptional live performances it's hard to know where to begin. 

As a hops-loving, cocktail-drinking, music-obsessed Brooklynite who writes NYC travel guides and zips around town with rave-ready ear plugs (a lifesaver, I swear), I'm regularly reassessing which local venues offer the most fun – be it a historic dive, queer club or classy collared-shirt establishment.

Here's a list of the current best-of-the-best to get you started on an NYC adventure once the sun goes down. 

Best for craft cocktails and speakeasy-style  Lower East Side $$$

Don't get thrown off by the "Tailors and Alterations" sign in front of this hallowed Lower East Side hall. The metal door, simply marked "AB," doesn't open up to a sewing salon – it leads to a slender pseudo-speakeasy where expert mixologists whip up bespoke cocktails. There isn't a menu – just let the bartenders know what flavors you like and watch them work their magic. It's arguably NYC's best spot for intoxicating concoctions – and due to their no-reservations policy and limited seating, there's often a substantial wait unless you arrive early. Luckily, you can bide your time at Attaboy's sister bar, Good Guy's , a neighboring spot with summery spritzes and snacks. 

Best for fruit-forward beer flights  Williamsburg $$

The beer industry might be male-dominated, but good brews aren't only for bros, particularly at the original outpost of Talea – NYC's first (and currently only) women-owned brewery. Since opening in 2021, the company has opened three additional locations, but the spacious Williamsburg flagship location remains its best. Stop in for flights of juicy, wine-style sours and sip each concoction like a dignified cicerone (beer sommelier). Don't worry if funky flavors aren't your preference – there's plenty of standard fare, like the Al Dente pilsner with a sweet honey finish. For more sips of local brews, join hopheads at Beer Street (a 5-minute walk away), pouring artisanal ales from NYC, the Hudson Valley and beyond. 

Best for outdoor dancing and audiophiles  Ridgewood $$

No need to wait until sundown for dancing – just head to the seasonal Mister Sunday party at Nowadays (3pm-11pm, May-October), where serious BPM connoisseurs step-touch to the transcendental sounds of house music on an outdoor dance floor beneath a glittering disco ball. This indoor-outdoor club – located on the industrial border of Ridgewood, Queens and Bushwick , Brooklyn – sprawls over a 16,000-square-foot backyard packed with picnic tables and swinging hammocks where dancers take breaks to enjoy grilled Mexican fare while sipping spiked Yerba Mates. Purchase tickets via the Resident Advisor app to avoid waiting in line (queues peak between 5pm and 6:30pm). There's also a 5,000-square-foot indoor space, which hosts "Nonstop" Saturday parties –  one of the few places in NYC where you can get down as the sun rises. Ensure you follow the house rules: there's zero tolerance for discrimination and non-consensual touching – and no phones on the dance floor. 

Bemelmans Bar

Best for old-school sophistication Upper East Side $$$

Affluent Upper East Siders started sipping martinis beneath this bar's 24-karat gold-leaf ceiling in 1947 – a hidden bourgeois bastion tucked into the Carlyle Hotel . Then, around 2021, TikTok discovered its cinematic decadence: bartenders in red smoking jackets mixing Manhattans, jazz pianists playing standards on a Steinway and colorful murals by illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans (the man behind Madeleine) decorating the walls. The paintings, which depict nearby Central Park , occupy the liminal space between old elegance and youthful glee – a lot like Bemelmans' mishmash of visitors. Cocktails are expensive ($25 and up), and there's a $10 cover when pianists play (starting at 5:30pm) – but that's the cost of time travel . Dress smart or risk getting turned away. 

3 Dollar Bill 

Best for LGBTIQ+ events  East Williamsburg $$

When you're looking to party with the gals, gays and theys, head to the largest queer venue in Brooklyn . Events cater to nearly everyone under the LGBTIQ+ umbrella. Check the schedule for drag performances, comedy nights and party-boy sweat fetes that spill from the front bar to two indoor stage spaces and into a back lot, weather permitting. (The sprawling space was a brewery until the 1950s.) Pre-purchase tickets – some events sell out, especially those hosted by pop music impresario Ty Sunderland. For something more laid back, walk 20 minutes west to the Exley – epicenter of Williamsburg's gay bar empire; skip to Mary's Bar for something sapphic-centric. 

The Slipper Room 

Best for titillating variety acts  Lower East Side $$

Burlesque performers, aerial dancers, magicians, comedians, sultry singers and drag artists: you might see them all on this snug stage for everything bawdy and blue. Grab a seat on the main floor for up-close action; opt for the balcony if you blush at the sight of pasties. Pre-purchase tickets for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances – Friday and Saturday are general admission. If you're raring for a raucous Monday, set your clock for Stage Time – a monthly variety show hosted by PJ Adzima (Broadway's The Book of Mormon) featuring a line-up of plucky theater kids and avant-garde entertainers. Once the show ends, skip down Orchard St for a slice at Scarr's Pizza and a nightcap in Dimes Square, epicenter of downtown's cool-kid scene (try French wine bar Le Dive ).

Best for indie jams and rooftop breezes East Williamsburg $$

Post-industrial Brooklyn is replete with warehouse-style spaces converted into late-night music venues. Indie artists serenade crowds at Brooklyn Steel ; EDM ravers pack into Avant Gardner . Elsewhere stands out thanks to its versatility. This former furniture assembly factory features a labyrinth of hallways connecting a series of rooms, each with its own sonic landscape. Dance all night in the main hall, grab light bites from the tiny second-floor Loft or sway to tunes on the 5,000-square-foot rooftop throughout summer. Most performers come from indie and underground worlds, with a mix of DJs and live instrumentalists. On any given night, you might hear house, disco, hip-hop, rock and punk. Check the schedule to see what's on; pre-purchase tickets through the Dice app.  

Best for local history and divey decor  SoHo $

Unlike so much of trendsetting SoHo, this cozy, affordable bar on the neighborhood's western fringes hasn't changed much since it started slinging drinks in 1817. Ephemera from generations past cling to the walls; ghosts of 19th-century sailors who once imbibed here hide in cramped corners. The Federal-style building, slightly askew, has been around since 1770 – when it was allegedly constructed for James Brown, an African aid to George Washington during the American Revolution. These days, it welcomes a democratic cross-hatch of New Yorkers: wizened bar flies, off-duty cops, urban fashionistas, office workers from nearby buildings and the Earregulars – a jazz band that swings through on Sunday nights.

Lincoln Center 

Best for world-class performing arts  Upper West Side $$$

Lincoln Center is the Upper West Side's culture Acropolis, its 16.3-acre white travertine complex housing internationally recognized demigods with superior skills in music and dance. Dress up for a night at the Metropolitan Opera , its lobby graced with Marc Chagall murals, or hear the New York Philharmonic in David Geffen Hall – recently revamped for a cool $550 million. You could choose ballet, theater or arthouse films instead – plus there are free outdoor concerts in summer and the Big Apple Circus's daredevil acts in winter. The perfect prelude to a performance? Dinner at Tatiana – David Geffen Hall's beloved Afro-Caribbean restaurant where scoring reservations is nearly impossible as singing Mozart's Queen of the Night aria.   

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Not Too Hot, Not Too Crowded: 6 Spots for a Late Summer Trip

Let others fight the lines and the heat while you relax on a secluded beach or bike a trail through the mountains.

By Shannon Sims

This summer has been tough for vacationing travelers, with overcrowding, heat, hurricanes, fires, you name it. But if you’re still looking to get away, there are places where the weather right now is great, the crowds palatable and the destination itself is at its best. Here, six off-the-beaten-track spots around the world for an end-of-summer vacation.

Right now — the Southern Hemisphere’s winter — is a fantastic time to visit Rio de Janeiro. From December to February, the city is packed and in party mode with New Year’s and Carnival celebrations. But now is when a savvy traveler can see the city at its best: not too hot, not too busy, and an accurate depiction of its nickname, a Cidade Maravilhosa, the Marvelous City. On a bright August day in Rio, the sky is often clearer and the ocean bluer than almost any other time of year.

For Americans, a weak Brazilian real means the dollar is about as strong as it’s been in five years. Seize the moment by booking reservations at some of the best fine dining restaurants in South America, like the 10-person chef’s table at Michelin-starred Lasai or the more casual Oteque in the Botafogo neighborhood.

Beach lovers will enjoy the breathing room on Copacabana’s crowded beaches. Surfers can take advantage of the winter surf season, which runs roughly through September, and catch a wave at the Arpoador break between Copacabana and Ipanema.

Don’t worry if you fear you’ll miss out on the city’s festive spirit: You can always find a party in Rio, whether it’s bar hopping through the Lapa neighborhood or enjoying a samba jam session at a bohemian corner bar. The organized samba schools that compete during Carnival are already practicing for next year’s celebration; many of the rehearsals are open to the public (check out Mangueira or Salgueiro , two of the biggest schools with Saturday night rehearsals). Or see big names, like Mariah Carey, Imagine Dragons and Katy Perry, perform alongside Brazil’s best musicians at the Rock in Rio music festival, which kicks off Sept. 13.

… Or northwest

Many families flock to the West’s most famous national parks during the summer, from Yellowstone to Yosemite to the Grand Canyon. But in the northwest, at Olympic National Park , in Washington, you can find a less popular park with just as much natural beauty to explore.

“If you love nature, Olympic National Park is a must-visit spot,” said Joyce Chan, a 40-year-old tech executive from San Francisco who visited the park last August.

The park spreads across nearly a million acres on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. “You get everything from beautiful mountains to ocean views to moss-covered forests, and there are glacial lakes everywhere you go,” said Ms. Chan.

Some of the park’s offerings aren’t available during the colder months, but in July and August it is running on all cylinders, which means you can go boating, fishing, hiking, camping: take your pick. It’s also a great time of year to spot wildlife, as animals like Roosevelt elk and Olympic marmots, endemic to the area, play in the sunshine. Humpback whale watching is also possible.

And if you’re concerned about a rainy Pacific Northwest experience, right now is your best chance for clear skies, with only a handful of days of precipitation in the park in July and August on average, the lowest of the year (versus around 18 days in November).

While less popular than places like Yosemite, Olympic National Park is by no means a secret, so park officials encourage visitors to take the bus to well-known places like Hurricane Ridge to help ease traffic. But 95 percent of the park is wilderness, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds, you can.

Try an island …

While there is good reason to be wary when booking a summer holiday in the Caribbean — Hurricane Beryl just reminded us why — Aruba sits outside of the traditional hurricane belt, which means the island usually dodges the worst of tropical turbulence.

In fact, the weather is relatively stable year round: warm, sunny and breezy. Aruba is known for its trade winds, what locals refer to as their “natural air conditioning,” and the breeze is so steady that the island’s classic postcard image usually includes a divi divi tree bent nearly horizontal by the wind.

That consistency means visitors won’t find better weather at any one time of the year. But there is a cost benefit to visiting now.

This is low season, and room prices are as cheap as they’ll be all year. At the upper end, a one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Aruba between August and September runs around $800. During high season, the same room costs more than $1,100.

Getting there has gotten easier as well. Over the past year, airlines have been bulking up the number of direct flights, with Delta Air Lines adding flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul and Southwest Airlines increasing the frequency of flights from Baltimore and Orlando .

This is the time of year to experience Eagle Beach — considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean — at its best, with few people and two beautiful miles of sand.

… Or the mountains.

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is an overlooked, rural part of the state near the border with Quebec. That means in the winter it is bitterly cold. But in the summer? Gorgeous.

Most of the region is forested, and the largest towns, St. Johnsbury and Lyndon, both have fewer than 8,000 residents. There are dozens of one-stoplight towns that recall an America of the past.

The area is generally affordable for visitors, and the summer is no exception: You can find two-person cabins to rent for around $110 per night.

Make the most of the weather by checking out the countless trails that run through the surrounding woods. Hikers will enjoy the Kingdom Heritage Trail System , which opened in 2019, providing new access to some of the best of the area’s backcountry. Beginning bikers can try the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail , an A.D.A.-compliant crushed stone path that is the longest rail trail in New England. Mountain bikers can celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Kingdom Trails Association , a nonprofit organization that has built a popular network of biking paths using private land . Or, on July 27, dive in for Kingdom Swim , a big open water swimming event on a lake in Newport.

This is farm country, and at the little general stores, like Willey’s Store in Greensboro, you can expect to find everything from award-winning local beers and maple syrup to local, cult-status cheeses, like Jasper Hill’s Harbison .

Don’t miss the local farmers’ markets happening every week in most towns. And from Aug. 4 to 11, take advantage of Vermont Open Farm Week to visit the farms and try your hand at what it takes to be a farmer; kids will love the chance to climb onto a tractor or milk a cow, and every farm offers something different.

Smell the flowers …

Medellín, Colombia, is called the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its temperate weather, and in August, its sunniest month, balconies and parks are awash in brilliant pinks and yellows as the city’s lush vegetation gets punctuated by blooming flowers.

The city celebrates its biggest festival of the year, the Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival, for about 10 days starting Aug. 2. The streets are alive with block parties featuring food vendors and artisans weaving flowers into straw hats. The showcase event is the parade of the silleteros, where flower vendors from the rural areas around Medellín create detailed petal mosaics on huge, table-sized plates that they carry on their backs.

Two years ago, Peter Little, 70, a nonprofit consultant from Connecticut, visited the city during August. “I’ve traveled extensively around the world, and Medellín at that time of year was a refreshing oasis, like an emerald green valley. ”

Even if you miss the festival, the city’s countless stylish boutique hotels and exciting restaurant scene will keep you engaged. The El Poblado neighborhood, which was on the 52 Places to Go list in 2023, is a walkable grid of shops, bars and cafes, and a great place to get lost amid the greenery.

… Or join the parade

A visit to Laguna Beach, in California’s Orange County, between Los Angeles and San Diego, feels like walking onto the set of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” with its endless parade of convertibles driven by beautiful people wearing high-end sunglasses. But even in California, some months are better for a visit than others.

“May gray” and “June gloom” is how locals describe the conditions during those months, when a cloudy marine layer leaves the sky white and dreary for a good chunk of the day. To see Laguna at its best, late summer and early fall are the times to go, when it’s California sunny again and the school vacation crowds start thinning out.

“Plus, it’s the beginning of peak sunset season,” says Sarah Hutnick, 41, an entrepreneur and Laguna resident, who said she loves this time of year because “you’re almost guaranteed the signature Southern California neon reds and pinks dropping right into the ocean.”

Spend the day in the sand exploring the area’s beach coves and tide pools, and then kick back for an evening around one of the first-come-first-served beach fire pits on Aliso Beach. If you’re not a beach bunny, lace up for a hike along the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park , check out Laguna’s many art galleries, or play a game of hoops at what is perhaps the most scenic basketball court in the world, right on Main Beach in the center of town.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .

Southern Sardinia:  This overlooked island region of Italy, with its idyllic beaches and buzzing capital , is ready to share its essence.

Adirondacks :  New York’s Adirondack Park draws more than 12 million visitors each year. Here’s where to go to avoid the crowds .

Los Angeles:  The California city has one of the most diverse urban forests in the world and each neighborhood has its own characteristic plantings .

Nighttime Activities :  Travel adventures, from goat hikes to snorkeling , get even better when they’re done under the stars.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Tails will wag at the 10 best dog bars in the US

Best Dog Bar (2024) July 3, 2024

Dog bars have become popular spots for pet owners who want to socialize without leaving their furry friends behind. These unique establishments offer a space where dogs can mingle and play, while their owners relax and enjoy a drink.

These 10 dog bars — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — cater to pooches with off-leash play areas, and they often feature dedicated menus for your pup.

No. 10: Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar - Sarasota, Florida

Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar is a spacious facility with indoor and outdoor dog parks, where humans and dogs can grab a bite to eat. There's plenty of room for pups to mix and mingle off-leash in this former ice house.

No. 9: Omaha Dog Bar - Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha Dog Bar's spacious 17,000-square-foot facility is a fantastic place for both you and your best friend. There's an indoor and outdoor play area for your pup, along with a doggy daycare. You can grab a pizza for yourself and order your furry pal a doggurt.

No. 8: Fetch Park - Georgia

Hugely popular with locals and tourists alike, Fetch Park has five locations in Georgia. Open 365 days a year, they offer a huge off-leash dog park for your four-legged buddy to romp and play. Check out their events page for live music, fundraisers, and other fun happenings.

No. 7: The Dog Bar - St. Petersburg, Florida

If you're with your pup in St. Petersburg, The Dog Bar is where you want to be. This membership-only sports bar and off-leash dog park features a huge selection of 31 draft beers and many food truck options. There are several areas for you and your dog to hang out, along with plenty of TVs for watching sports.

No. 6: Unleashed Hounds and Hops - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Unleashed Hounds and Hops is an indoor and outdoor dog park, serving up drinks and delicious pub fare. Grab a beer, order one of their mouthwatering sandwiches, and watch your pup engage in some serious play in the spacious facility.

No. 5: Dogwood Play Park - Seattle, Washington

Located in the Evergreen State, Dogwood Play Park offers an indoor/outdoor off-leash play area for your pup. Human visitors can enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine as they watch the jubilant interactions.

No. 4: Pub Dog Colorado - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pub Dog Colorado features a restaurant and bar, as well as an indoor/outdoor dog park that welcomes your furry friend with open arms. It's the only restaurant in Colorado that allows people to dine indoors with their pups, so it's hugely popular. You'll want to arrive early because they don't take reservations.

No. 3: The Boozy Mutt - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hailed as Pennsylvania's very first indoor/outdoor off-leash dog bar, The Boozy Mutt offers doggy goodies on their menu for your best friend. Let your pup burn off some of that play energy and order a burger for yourself and some well-deserved homemade biscuits for them.

No. 2: Bark Social Bethesda - North Bethesda, Maryland

Visitors to Bark Social in Bethesda love the chill vibes and pub fare, but above all, it's a super cool place for your best friend to play and socialize. The large off-leash dog park is a great space for your pup to release play energy, and they can cool off with a pupsicle or puppy ice cream afterwards.

No. 1: Bar K - Missouri and Oklahoma

Bar K has three locations (Kansas City, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City) and offers a spacious dog park alongside a full-service restaurant and bar. Your pup can socialize and even enjoy their own plate from the pup menu.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Jean chen smith.

Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has...   Read More

Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Expert and Award Eligibility...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Expert and Award Eligibility Coordinator for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, has a special interest in health and wellness, family travel, women's solo travel and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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