We take our bars seriously in the Midwest (just not ourselves!). From a candy-themed cocktail lounge to an extraterrestrial-inspired drinkery, the Midwest is chockfull of bars that are sure to delight. Some are eclectic, others are bizarre but all are sure to provide a night to remember! Here are 15 of the Midwest’s wildly unique bars:
Located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, Pink Squirrel is a retro-style cocktail bar that pays homage to the Wisconsin supper club tradition, which is probably why this one appeals to me so much! Well, that and the delicious-looking dessert drinks and the fun, feminine vibe.
Speaking of a great vibe, The Pink Squirrel also boasts duckpin boring, trophies and houseplants. And pro tip: The bar’s namesake cocktail is a creamy, pink-colored drink made with ice cream, brandy, and creme de noyaux.
2. The Mercury Room | Kansas City, MO
Right after Eric and I got engaged, he took me to the oh-so-swanky Mercury Room in Kansas City to celebrate with friends. So, this sophisticated cocktail lounge now has a special place in my forever heart!
Located in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, the bar features a rotating selection of craft cocktails made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients.
3. Up-Down | Multiple Locations
With locations in Kansas City, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, and Nashville, Up-Down is a vintage arcade bar that offers an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as classic arcade games.
If you’re nostalgic for the 80s and 90s, you’re going to love the retro ambience at Up-Down!
Sacred Palm is a tiki bar located in the historic Olde Towne East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. The bar features an extensive menu of tropical cocktails made with fresh juices and house-made syrups, as well as a rotating selection of craft beers.
5. Le Tigre Lounge | Madison, WI
When you arrive at a strip mall off the belt line in Madison, you may think you’ve arrived at the wrong spot. You haven’t. Walk on in: The unassuming-on-the-outside, but mesmerizing-on-the-inside Le Tigre Lounge is a cozy, dimly lit bar in Madison that specializes in craft cocktails made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. The bar’s signature drink is the Tiger’s Milk, a creamy, frothy cocktail made with rum, coconut milk, and spices.
6. The Ghostbar at the Whitney | Detroit, MI
Located on the top floor of the historic Whitney mansion in Detroit, The Ghostbar is a sophisticated cocktail lounge that offers stunning views of the city skyline. The bar’s menu features a rotating selection of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as a selection of small plates.
7. Three Dots and a Dash | Chicago, IL
Named after a drink invented during World War II, Three Dots and a Dash is a tiki bar hidden below the bustling streets of Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The bar features an extensive menu of tropical cocktails made with high-quality rums and fresh juices, as well as an impressive selection of tiki mugs.
8. Cleo’s Brown Beam Cocktail Lounge | Appleton, WI
Cleo’s Brown Beam Cocktail Lounge is a cozy neighborhood tavern located on College Ave. in Appleton that has been serving up classic cocktails since 1969. The bar’s signature drink is the Brown Beam, a potent mixture of bourbon, brandy, and bitters.
9. Upstairs Circus MPLS | Minneapolis, MN
Upstairs Circus MPLS is a unique bar that offers a fun and interactive drinking experience. Customers can choose from a variety of DIY craft projects while enjoying cocktails and craft beer.
Wicked Rabbit is a stylish cocktail lounge located in the historic Old Market district of Omaha. The bar features a rotating selection of craft cocktails made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients, as well as a small selection of charcuterie and cheese plates.
11. The Overlook Lodge | Cincinnati, OH
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Shining, the Overlook Ridge is a sophisticated cocktail lounge that offers stunning views of the city skyline. The bar is located on the rooftop of the Symphony Hotel in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and the menu features a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as a small selection of light bites.
If you’re looking for a whimsical and playful bar experience, you will love Candy Bar in Detroit! This colorful and quirky bar is filled with candy-themed decor, from the candy-covered walls to the candy-filled cocktails. Sip on a “Sour Patch” or “Cotton Candy” cocktail while playing board games or taking pictures in the photo booth.
13. The Inferno Room | Indianapolis, IN
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at The Inferno Room in Indianapolis. This tiki bar is filled with bamboo walls, thatched roofs, and a giant volcano centerpiece. Sip on a Mai Tai or a Scorpion Bowl while listening to surf rock and enjoying the kitschy atmosphere.
14. Tom’s Burned Down Cafe | Madeline Island, WI
Tom’s Burned Down Cafe on Madeline Island is a one-of-a-kind bar experience. The original building burned down in 1993, and the owner decided to turn the remains into a unique outdoor bar. The bar is built entirely from salvaged materials, and features a collection of oddities and curiosities. Sip on a cold beer while enjoying the island views and quirky atmosphere.
15. Space Aliens | Bismarck, ND
If you’re looking for a bar with a sci-fi twist, pop in at Space Aliens in Bismarck. This extraterrestrial-themed bar is filled with alien-themed decor, from the spaceship-shaped booths to the UFO-shaped bar. Sip on a “Black Hole” or a “Galactic Grog” while playing arcade games or watching the big game on one of the many TVs.
