The 25 bars everyone should visit in their lifetime
Finding hidden gem bars and restaurants is one of the best parts of travelling — but it can be hard not to fall into the tourist traps.
Jurgen Lijcops, who has 28 years of experience working in food and drink, put together "150 Bars You Need To Visit Before You Die" for that exact reason.
Starting as a waiter in a small pub before falling into the world of wine, Lijcops worked in a number of Michelin-starred restaurants before starting his own cocktail bar in Antwerp, Bar Burbure, in 2015.
A master sommelier with a second passion is for spirits, he told INSIDER: "I couldn't find a guide/book about beautiful bars, so I thought I could make it myself."
Visiting 40 of the bars himself, he spent a year using his own experience and recommendations from friends and colleagues around the world to produce a "guide to local watering holes located across the globe," from the US and South America to Europe, the UK, North Africa, Asia, and Australia.
He said that each bar on the list gives you a "special feeling" when you visit.
"Each and every bar I selected has a story to tell, which is certainly not always about the drinks," Lijcops writes in the book's intro. "Often this story is told by the owners and the staff, or by the location."
Scroll down to see the 25 bars everyone should visit before they die, ranked in alphabetical order — and why they're worth the trip, according to Lijcops' book.
1. The Alchemist, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The bartenders boldly mix what no one has mixed before: molecularly inspired mixology."
2. American Bar, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The classics are outrageously high-quality. The senior bartender, World Champion barista Martin Hudak, makes coffee cocktails that you really must try."
3. Atlas Bar, Singapore.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The magnificent collection of spirits, which includes all of Jacques Selosse's cru champagnes, is truly unique."
4. Aqua Shard, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "You will remember the lavatory forever."
5. Bamboo Bar, Bangkok.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The chef's taster — Oscietra caviar with sea urchins, potatoes and champagne sauce — is heaven on earth."
6. Bar Trench, Tokyo.
Why should you visit before you die?: "Talking to the manager/bartender with the Zorro moustache and the Portugese roots in Portuguese immediately breaks the ice. Another tip: ask for a cocktail based on Nikka whisky."
7. Baxter Inn, Sydney.
Why should you visit before you die?: "They have an eye for detail, serving top-notch whiskies in brandy glasses."
8. Beta Bar, Sydney.
Why should you visit before you die?: "They serve delicious martinis in white-marble martini glasses."
9. Blacktail Bar, New York City.
Why should you visit before you die?: "This bar specialises in cocktails from the Prohibition era."
10. Canon Bar, Seattle.
Why should you visit before you die?: "Nothing is too outlandish or far-fetched at the Canon Bar. Have you ever had a drink served to you in a plasma bag? Ask for a 'Transfusion 4.'"
11. The Connaught Bar, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "One of the star cocktails is the Fleurissimo, a tribute to Princess Grace of Monaco."
12. Dandelyan, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The interior, designed by Tom Dixon, is extraordinary."
13. Dante, New York City.
Why should you visit before you die?: "You feel right away that this is a great place to be, especially when the weather is fine and you can sit on the small terrace, enjoying some bruschetta and sipping a negroni."
14. Dead Rabbit, New York City.
Why should you visit before you die?: "What Petrus is to wine lovers, the Death Rabbit is to bar fans. Creations and ideas are hatched here that have a profound influence on the whole international bar scene."
15. Employees Only, New York City.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The bar undergoes a transformation when the sun goes down. The ambience and vibe are simply unique."
16. Jiggers, Belgium.
Why should you visit before you die?: "Olivier Jacobs was the first Belgian bartender to attain international fame."
17. Le Parfum, Montpellier.
Why should you visit before you die?: "Both the sophistication and presentation of the drinks will have you thinking you are in Japan."
18. Little Red Door, Paris.
Why should you visit before you die?: "This bar became famous under the flamboyant Remy Savage, who is now in charge at the renowned Artesian in London."
19. Manhattan Bar, Singapore.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The bar serves a barrel-aged Michter's 'Manhattan.' Order one and, if you are lucky, the bartender will let you accompany him to the glass supply room."
20. Milk & Honey, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The bartenders say they even count the number of times they shake or stir cocktails to ensure the perfect mix."
21. Oriole, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "Oriole offers the perfect combination of beguiling decor, exciting drinks and bites, and glowing hospitality."
22. Please Don't Tell, Hong Kong.
Why should you visit before you die?: "Ask the head bartender a question about a spirit or trendy bar bite and he will immediately entertain you with a story."
23. Scarfes Bar, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The finger food is well worth sampling. Be sure to order the delicious pata negra. And sometimes there is a theme bar set up in the courtyard, like a Hendrick's Gin bar in winter, for example."
24. Stockton, Hong Kong.
Why should you visit before you die?: "The roast-beef sandwich is truly delicious."
25. 69 Colebrooke Row, London.
Why should you visit before you die?: "There is a seasonal menu and many of the ingredients are developed in a real research-and-development laboratory."
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