USA TODAY Unveils 2024's Top Bars, From Nashville to Phoenix
USA TODAY has announced its Bars of the Year for 2024, recognizing establishments across the country for their unique offerings and community impact. Among the honored bars is Edna's in Oklahoma City, known for its distinctive decor featuring dollar bills stapled to the walls. The bar gained additional recognition thanks to contributions from Devin Clark, Kate Kezbers, and Jonas Stockton, who showcased the venue's popular drink, the Lunchbox.
Phoenix's Boycott Bar, the longest-running lesbian bar in the city, also made the list. Owner Audrey Corley and her partner Lydia Burton have been active in the community, notably holding a vigil in 2022 to honor victims of the Club Q nightclub shooting in Colorado Springs. Another Phoenix establishment, Barcoa Agaveria, was recognized for its specialization in Mexican spirits and its current expansion into a larger cantina.
Hello, Marjorie in Des Moines, Iowa, was celebrated for its inviting interior, which includes a notable Jack Kerouac quote and personal touches from owner Nick Tillinghast. The bar's atmosphere is further enhanced by customer Polaroids and the signature Marjoria drink. In Louisville, Kentucky, Neat Bourbon Bar + Bottle Shop, co-owned by Danie and Owen Powell, received acclaim for its rare bourbon collection and vintage-inspired decor, aiming to boost interest in the local bourbon industry.
Additional bars on the 2024 list include Longfellow in Cincinnati, noted for its eclectic decor and working-class menu, and Bloomsday in Philadelphia, praised for its unique cocktails and strong community focus. The Lipstick Lounge in Nashville was also highlighted by the National Association of Bar Ownership for its inclusive environment, serving as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community.
