Valentine’s Day or Black Saturday is just around the corner. And for those looking to celebrate Saturday night like it’s Saturday night, try these Valentine’s Day-free drinkeries from coast to coast.
Read More21 Bars Where You Can Forget It's Valentine's Day
Here's a list of great bars with zero Valentine's Day festivities planned.
ABV
This is what happens when a trio of bartenders from the best places in town get together and create their own bar: Straightforward and expertly made cocktails plus a low-key vibe. “We do the same thing Saturday that we always do... Serve food til 1 a.m. and drinks til 1:30 a.m. No DJ or anything like that,” promises co-owner Ryan Fitzgerald.
Analogue
Settle into this low-key bar helmed by two Violet Hour vets for not only the best Cajun food in town, but excellent cocktails. Just knock back some Malort to forget it's Valentine's Day.
Black Swan Saloon
Since it’s a small space, get here early for a spot at the bar. The skilled bartender, most likely Gabe the owner, will create the perfect tasty cure for what ails the lovesick and the bored.
Boilermaker
Every night’s a party at this East Village bar what with a drink menu consisting of inventive beer-and-shot pairings and cocktails on tap with smirky names like Group Sex on the Beach. Even though bottle service here is a six-pack of Miller High Life and whiskey shots, there are also crafted cocktails created by Erick Castro (The Rickhouse SF and Polite Provisions San Diego).
Eastern Standard
Cozy up to Boston’s longest marble bar and order up one of the many well-made cocktails. They may take some time to make, but taking in the diverse mix of clientele consisting of sports fans, musicians, and corporate types will keep things interesting. Walk-ins are welcome but those staying for dinner should make a reservation.
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Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.
This “best bars” list regular operates on a 50/50 basis with half reservations and half walk-ins. Either way, it’s where to go for carefully crafted cocktails made by confident bartenders who care.
Grand Prize Bar
Drinkers can pass the time at this two-story bar finding their happy song on the kickass jukebox, chain smoking on the roof with new friends, or going back and forth from shots to craft cocktails and back. Or do it all.
Half Step
It’s a rare and beautiful thing to see a bar that showcases both ping pong tables and fine cocktail making. This destination spot for cocktail aficionados offers a swanky interior for contemplative sipping and tables out back for relaxing with buddies.
Harvard & Stone
With an R&D bar in the back serving one-off craft cocktails plus a front bar showcasing a live band, a DJ, and burlesque dancers climbing on the walls, this is the perfect spot to meet like-minded souls who are into adventure and culture.
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Herbs & Rye
This Old Vegas-style cocktail bar is the go-to spot for nearly every Sin City bartender. With velvet walls and black leather booths, it’s suited for late-night lounging while sipping on classic cocktails from every era, the Gothic Age to the present.
Proof and Provision
Take cover at this basement bar located in the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel and pass the time with a game of shuffleboard while sipping on barrel-aged cocktails.
Rum Club
Even though there’s no V Day plans set, owner Michael Shea says his bar is a hotspot for Tinder and Internet dates. “Cozy bar, approachable and not stuffy, singular experience, quality cocktails, very public and safe: Rum club has never been a pick up bar, there's nowhere to hide if you get shot down.”
Slippery Slope
Get down on the dance floor with bottled cocktail in hand at this Logan Square anti-nightclub. Valentine night is “No Frills” resident party with DJs mixing hip-hop and ’80s music.
Sycamore Den
With lava rock and banjos abound, this funky 1970s-style cocktail lounge is one of those places that folks go to make new friends. The ambiance may be light and fun but the cocktails here, despite names like Genever Lopez and Sext on the Beach, are serious, created by celebrated local barman Eric Johnson. Most importantly, they have a s’mores platter.
Teardrop Lounge
Ground zero for the craft cocktail scene in Portland, this serious cocktail bar is where a lot of the top bartenders in the area got their start. Drinkers can immerse themselves in classics dating as far back as 1891 and modern classics by bartender friends from around the country.
The Bearded Lady's Jewel Box
Jovial host and owner Nathaniel Meiklejohn sets the mood for his Kickstarter-funded bar, an unpretentious spot with an eclectic crowd and inventive cocktails.
The Belmont
An attraction for a swell mix of locals, cocktail enthusiasts, and in-the-know tourists make this bar an excellent spot to meet someone new. Or, those who want to be alone can watch the old black and white movies on the back wall and order up a cookie dough pop tart which is said to taste like love.
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The Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar
It’s business as usual at this Midtown barestaurant. And it offers so many ways to enjoy booze: signature cocktails, classic cocktails, shots, by the flight, and punch. Take a seat on the patio out front for people watching or out back for something cozy.
The Sugar House
With over 100 cocktails, a menu that changes seasonally, and a huge spirits selection, Sugar House offers plenty of opportunity for swanky sippers to imbibe. There’s even a punch service to split a half bowl (three to four drinkers) or a full bowl (six servings) with new and old friends.
Twelve Mile Limit
Forget Valentine’s Day, this slightly divey cocktail-serious bar will be throwing a huge Endymion party which celebrates a Mardi Gras parade that rolls near the bar. Food trucks, drinks, and live music.
Zig Zag Cafe
An eclectic crowd, a friendly and attentive staff, and well-crafted drinks make this intimate anti-Valentine watering hole at Pike Place Market worth seeking out.