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Wolfie’s Carousel in San Diego, California

Let your inner child shine at Wolfie’s, a San Diego bar that transports you straight to a French carnival of yesteryear. With a functioning carousel at its center (it completes a full rotation every 14.5 minutes), the bar is exquisitely decorated with pastel hues and French-inspired artwork, perfect for sipping your whiskey with a side of whimsy.

Read House in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Revert back an entire century at Read House, a Tennessee hotel plucked straight out of the Roaring 20s. The Bar and Billiards Room onsite takes the speakeasy trend to the next level with staff donning their best Flapper style and a menu of time-honored classic cocktails.

The Wreck Bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Get shipwrecked at Fort Lauderdale’s Wreck Bar, a nautical-themed watering hole that feels like it’s actually underwater. The immersive decor, seafood dishes, and tiki-inspired cocktails are worth a visit on their own, but be sure to stick around to catch a glimpse of the mermaids that swim past the portholes peering into the hotel’s pool. Specialty shows include a “mermaids and mimosas” brunch and an Aquaman Boylesque show for the 21+ crowd.

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White Limozeen in Nashville, Tennessee

Towering above Music City is a hot pink-clad rooftop deck trimmed in fringe: White Limozeen. The bar borrows its moniker from Dolly Parton’s album and song of the same name, then takes the tributes one step further with a giant pink statue of Dolly herself. For fans of Barbiecore, 1980s stylings, or country music legends, this place is a must-visit in Nashville.

Oga’s Cantina at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Become one with the force at the Star Wars-themed Oga’s Cantina, situated inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The bar is as immersive as they come with themed decor covering the entire space and a cast of in-character servers enhancing the experience. Refuel with inspired cocktails like the Jedi Mind Trick or the alcohol-free Jabba Juice.

Trailer Park Lounge in New York, New York

One step inside Trailer Park Lounge will transport you from the big city to a rural trailer park thanks to its throwback Americana decor, vintage vibes and cheeky touches sprinkled throughout. The food menu is packed with burgers and Tex-Mex mains, with fun drink options ranging from the Dog and Pony Show to the unfussy Pabst Blue Ribbon.

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Century Grand in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix’s Century Grand is actually three themed bars wrapped up in one entertainment district. There’s Platform 18, a swanky spot resembling a Pullman train car; Grey Hen Rx, a New Orleans-inspired apothecary; and a nautical option, UnderTow. Each immersive experience nods to the prohibition era through its decor, so first pick your theme and then pick your poison.

Cheers in Boston, Massachusetts

One of the most beloved 1980s sitcoms comes to life in the heart of Boston at the spot that actually served as the inspiration for the show. Grab a round at Cheers, the place where “everybody knows your name,” then enjoy shareables like flatbread pizza and potato skins.

Aft Cocktail Deck in Las Vegas, Nevada

No one has to know you aren’t actually lounging on a yacht, because the vibes at Aft Cocktail Deck recreate the experience perfectly. The bar can be found at the Wynn in Las Vegas, where scenes of sailing in style unfold through appropriate furniture and nautical decor, paired with cocktails named for noteworthy coastal cities.

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Unicorn in Seattle, Washington

Step right up—this carnival-themed bar in Seattle ups the ante on childhood fun and games. Unicorn and its sibling bar, Narwhal, are each packed with whimsical decor, arcade games, and themed food and drinks like funnel cakes and a snow cone shot.

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium in Atlanta, Georgia

It’s hard to pin down the precise theme of Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium—it’s part art gallery and part bar that calls its patrons “parishioners.” Join the weekly ping pong tournament on Mondays, tarot readings on Tuesdays, and belt alongside a church organ for karaoke on Wednesdays.

Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco, California

Rum lovers, make sure this one is on your list. Smuggler’s Cove is a nautical-inspired bar in San Francisco with the largest rum selection in the entire country. Sip an exotic, rum-flavored cocktail amid a plethora of tiki decor.

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Treehouse Lounge in Huntington Beach, California

You’ll find a treehouse-inspired bar on the rooftop of Huntington Beach’s Paséa Hotel, marked by an enormous tree sculpture with hanging lanterns above bar goers. While a cocktail under the foliage at Treehouse Lounge is sure to be memorable, the panoramic ocean views are equally as beautiful.

The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs’ Airplane Restaurant puts a new spin on in-flight food: it’s centered around a Boeing KC-97 tanker that diners can actually sit inside. The restaurant also boasts hundreds of artifacts and nods to aviation history throughout its decor, perfect for browsing with some boozy “jet fuel” in hand.

Minus5 Ice Bar in Las Vegas, Nevada

With three locations in Las Vegas, Minus5 Ice Bar is the coolest bar in the city, literally. Everything from the walls to the drinking glasses is made entirely of ice, but don’t worry, your package includes gloves and a parka to keep you comfortable while you chill.

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Camp in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Enjoy adult summer camp all year long at Milwaukee’s lodge-inspired chain of watering holes with four rustic Camp outposts throughout the city. Each features woodsy decor (taxidermy animals included) and menus packed with pizzas, brews, and simple cocktails. Lean into the theme further by ordering the Campfire cocktail made with Travis Hasse Cow Pie liqueur, vanilla vodka, and a hint of marshmallow.

Lala’s Little Nugget in Austin, Texas

Santa Claus stays in town at Lala’s LIttle Nugget, a Christmas-themed dive bar in Austin. From the reindeer-drawn sleigh perched on the rooftop to the permanently decked halls, Lala’s has been serving plenty of holiday cheer since 1972.

Muriel’s Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is famous for its residents both living and not, and rumor has it, some of the latter have made Muriel’s their permanent haunt. The building dates back to the 1700s, and with a string of unexplainable happenings taking place through the years, the restaurant and bar leans into its paranormal activity by leaving a table set for a former owner and having a dedicated seance lounge. Spooky.

Kellie Walton is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee. When she’s not eating and adventuring her way around the world, she’s busy telling stories related to all things travel – including city guides, hotel and restaurant recommendations, travel hacks and tales of her own adventures (and misadventures).

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