Best Bars for NYE Celebrations 2020

The 25 Best Bars For NYE Celebrations In The US

Even though statistics show that only 15% of Americans plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve out and about in the city, over 112 million people are going to travel away from home for the festive holiday.

And, with so many people away from their hometowns as they ring in the New Year, we figured you’d all be looking for some of the country’s best bars for NYE celebrations. Orlando, Anaheim, and Honolulu are the country’s top New Year’s Eve travel destinations, but we’ve covered more of America’s hottest spots in our guide to great bars.

Forget the fancy clubs and stuffy hotel parties. To rank the best bars, we took into consideration some of each city’s popularity as a New Year’s Eve travel destination while also looking for the absolute most exciting yet affordable evening events for both travellers and locals alike.

Pop the champagne and prepare to countdown to 2020, here are the 25 best bars for NYE celebrations in the United States.

Best Bars For NYE CelebrationsHow do these rankings work?

25th. Ground Zero Blues Club – Clarksdale, Mississippi

Dive right into the blues culture of the Southern United States by spending New Year’s Eve at one of the finest places for blues in Mississippi. Ground Zero Blues Club is just about the best place to indulge in a bit of hometown fun, and their New Year’s Eve bash is one epic event. Live music, drink specials, and friendly locals make this one of the best bars for NYE celebrations in the entire country.

24th. Brothers Bar – West Lafayette, Indiana

According to locals, and the bar itself, Brothers Bar & Grill throws one of the best glitzy, blitzy bashes around. Expect lots of dancing, drink specials, party favours and a champagne toast. As a college town, you’ll be able to enjoy ringing in the New Year with lots of local Purdue students. That’ll really add to the unique neighbourhood feel of the bar and the bash itself.

23rd. The Mule Tavern – Tacoma, Washington

If you’re looking to enjoy a super local side of Tacoma, check out the New Year’s Eve party at The Mule Tavern. This hometown bar serves up ice cold beer and laid-back vibes all night long, and on New Year’s Eve, they’ll be hosting a special karaoke night. Enjoy a true American dive bar atmosphere with tasty beer and great cocktails. You don’t have to sing your way into 2020, but you’ll definitely enjoy watching others do it.

Best NYE Bars in the US

22nd. Red Lion Pub – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The chance to enjoy a VIP open bar with selected spirits ranging from house wine and mixers with Smirnoff, Tangueray, Captain Morgan, and Crown Royal? Count us in. The Red Lion Pub is one of the best local bars in Milwaukee to enjoy a drink and some great pub food. On New Year’s Eve, however, a $15 cover gets you entry to a free dinner buffet, great music, and a free champagne toast at midnight. Let the countdown begin.

21st. The Corner Office – Denver, Colorado

What better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve than by indulging in a Mad Men-style celebration at Denver’s creative The Corner Office bar and restaurant? For just $50 you can access entry to one of the city’s most exclusive bar parties and enjoy a special champagne toast as you dance into 2020 to the tunes of Digital Pocket. Valet parking’s included, just to make you feel extra special. If you can make it out of bed, be sure to head back the following day for a special New Year’s Day brunch.

20th. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar – Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta seems to be one of the country’s hottest metropolitan cities for New Year’s Eve parties. But, if you’re looking to enjoy a truly elegant evening, head to The Blind Pig Parlour Bar. The 1920s speakeasy bar already embodies the roaring 20s theme. Here, you can avoid the massive NYE parties and enjoy a more intimate New Year’s Eve celebration. Journey back to the Prohibition Era this NYE, with tickets including hors d’oeuvres, party favours, and an open bar.

19th. Parlor – Kansas City, Missouri

They had us at “carefully crafted shots and a satellite martini bar.” However, there’s a lot more that makes Parlor one of the best bars for NYE celebrations. This modern food hall is a pretty great place for travellers to enjoy three levels of casual and creative dining options. On New Year’s Eve, though, you can truly indulge the Parlor way, which is to drink, eat and repeat. What more could you ask for when rining in the roaring 20s? Tickets start as low as $40, which is a steal for everything you’ll consume.

18th. Asbury Ale House – Asbury Park, New Jersey

All that glitters isn’t gold, but at the Asbury Ale House New Year’s Eve party it might be. At least for one night. End the decade at the decadent affair that includes everything from a midnight buffet and a live showing of the Times Square Ball Drop to rotating DJ sets. Raise your complimentary champagne toast high at midnight at one of the best bars for NYE celebrations in all of Jersey. The best is yet to come, and that’s something to celebrate.

17th. Bully Boy – Boston, Massachusetts

Bully Boy is one of Boston’s most popular distilleries. While they produce whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, and amaro, they’re also well-known for throwing some elegant parties. This New Year’s Eve, they’re hosting a roaring 20’s-themed bash that’s slated to be festive, fun, and stylish. Bartenders will be serving up specialty cocktails all night long. Or, you can indulge in some shots out of an ice luge. Why not?

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations in Boston

16th. SeaWitch Cafe’ & Tiki Bar – Carolina Beach, North Carolina

SeaWith is a local tiki bar known for its year-round live entertainment and beachfront views. The spacious location turns into one of the hottest spots for New Year’s Eve in North Carolina come December 31st. And, this year, they’ll be throwing a special bash complete with a red carpet, photo booths, and multiple dance floors. Jive to the best in blues, jazz, folk, and rock before toasting to 2020.

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations in United States

15th. Double Wide – Dallas, Texas

Disco does Dallas at Double Wide this New Year’s Eve (try to say that five times fast). The trendy, vintage, trailer park bar is perhaps one of the coolest bars in the States, and on New Year’s Eve, they blast live music from cover bands, host some outstanding drag shows, and even set up a fun photo wagon for guests to visit. Simply put, it’s going to be one of the hottest New Year’s Eve parties in all of the Lone Star State. Just be sure to snag a photo outside on their iconic toiles.

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations in Dallas

14th. Saucebox – Portland, Oregon

Saucebox offers guests a classy mixture of fine dining vibes and exotic cuisine. It’s one of Portland’s sexiest bars, and on December 31st it turns into one of the best bars for NYE celebrations in the United States. This year, their bash is expected to be bigger than ever, complete with thumping beats and even more well-crafted cocktails and drinks. Let the red hue of the bar’s light carry you away as you dance into the roaring 20s.

Best Bars for Celebrating NYE in Portland

13th. Pat O’s On the River – New Orleans, Louisiana

This year, as in previous years, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is going to be broadcast live from New Orleans. So, it’s safe to say that the Big Easy is going to be brimming with festive fun and things to do. However, if you’re not interested in heading down to the riverfront for the party, you can enjoy river views at Pat O’s on the River. Snap NYE photos inside of photo booths and indulge in a premium open bar before relishing in the city’s fireworks from the comfort of the bar’s elegant lounge.

12th. Angel City Brewing – Los Angeles, California

While bar-hopping in Los Angeles tends to be an expensive activity any day of the year, there are actually numerous dive bars where you can enjoy tasty drinks without breaking the bank. The trendy Angel City Brewery holds an annual No Cover New Year’s Ever party in the iconic Arts District that’s perfect for both travellers and locals. Live music and free-flowing beer set the tone for an evening of laid-back, casual fun. Hungry? Dive into food from Downtown Taco Co. and Bison Burger.

11th. Jack Rose Dining Saloon – Washington, DC

The Washingtonian recently ranked this whiskey-centric saloon as one of the best places to party for free in Washington, DC on New Year’s Eve. And, while we think this trendy saloon is hot year-round, their NYE bash is particularly cool. A $50 ticket gains you entry to the covered terrace party, but if you’re on a budget, spend the evening in the saloon. Opt for the $40 bottomless Moet bubbles and ring in the New Year amidst the fantastic array of scotch and whiskey bottles that line the walls.

Best NYE Bars in Washington DC

10th. Calypso Bar & Grill – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Calypso Bar & Grill is one of the best bars for NYE celebrations as they’re known for treating everybody like locals. This laidback beachfront bar is equal parts upscale and relaxing, serving up stunning vibes for an NYE bash. For just $25 a person you can enjoy sweeping seaside views, two drink tickets, party favours, and a fantastic glass of bubbly for a delightful midnight toast. Live music adds the perfect festive touch you need to really roll into the roaring 20s in style.

9th. Celeste – Chicago, Illinois

Interested in an indulgent, elegant New Year’s Eve affair? Check out NYE 2020 at Celeste, River North’s sexiest craft cocktail bar and lounge. While tickets to the luxurious event start at $75, they’ll earn you entry to a decadent evening filled with entertainment and some of the best cocktails in Chicago. Have a ball inside of the architecturally innovative lounge as you indulge in a bubbles and dessert station that’s sure to help you kick things off before the midnight toast.

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations

8th. The Sail Plaza – Tampa, Florida

The Sail Plaza is Tampa’s only 360-degree waterfront restaurant and bar, making it a pretty great spot for some New Year’s Eve libations and fireworks. And, because the event is open to the public, you can get in free with no cover charge. Bump to some of the year’s hottest hits and enjoy free party favours before ordering a round of $8 champagne splits to toast to 2020.

7th. The Collins Bar – Birmingham, Alabama

The Collins Bar is one of the South’s best bars year-round. But, on New Year’s Eve, this craft cocktail bar seems to take things to a whole new level, offering even tastier craft drinks and a local crowd that’s likely eager to ring in the New Year with you. Imagine: custom cocktails paired with elevated pub fare all set in an atmosphere that oozes of vintage charm. That’s exactly what The Collins Bar serves up, and they do it all with style.

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations 2020

6th. Whisler’s – Austin, Texas

Whisler’s was recently ranked as one of the absolute best bars in Austin by Texas Monthly, and it’s pretty easy to see why. Aside from serving up super sassy, vintage vibes year-round, their annual NYE celebration is a staple on the Eastside of Austin. Expect to enjoy hot vinyl hits from DJ Jeff Strange amongst many other things.  Party favours, a champagne toast and “absolutely no damn cover charge…because that’s just how we roll” are also all standard. Sounds like a fantastic NYE celebration to us.

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations in Austin Texas

5th. The Handlebar – Tempe, Arizona

Interested in ringing in the New Year in total 20s style? The Handlebar in Tempe, Arizona is hosting an elegant roaring 20s affair for eager visitors looking to indulge in a Gatsby-style party with modern music and some quality brews. This bike-centric, modern American beer garden offers a rotating selection of 24 draft beers year-round. However, on New Year’s Eve, you can ditch the beer for bubbles if you want and indulge in a 1920s themed champagne toast at midnight.

4th. Tin Roof – Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is one of the hottest NYE destinations in the United States. The famous Beale Street celebration has helped millions of people ring in the New Year for 188 years. Complete with live music, dancing, fireworks, great food, and drinks, you’ll find numerous bars hosting hot NYE parties. However, nothing beats the hometown, Southern-style vibes at Tin Roof. A champagne toast at midnight is preceded by DJ battles and live music. The best part? Entry is only $30.

Best NYE Bars Celebrations Memphis

3rd. Gossip Bar – New York, New York

New York City is going to be packed with people on December 31st (over 1 million to be exact). However, you don’t have to brave the crowds outside at Times Square to enjoy the festivities. Gossip Bar is one of the most chill bars in New York City. And, it’s just a brisk walk away from the famous Ball Drop. This classic Irish bar is overflowing with New York elegance, offering guests a trendy party spot with options for a prix-fixe dinner or a stay-up-all-night bash.

The 25 Best Bars for Celebration NYE 2020

2nd. Duet Jazz Club – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Last year, Tulsa ranked as one of the hottest and most affordable New Year’s Eve destinations according to Wallet Hub. It was the second least expensive city to ring in the New Year but also home to some of the country’s best cocktails. It’s that delightful fusion of budget-friendly fun that makes it desirable for travellers, and there’s no better bar for NYE celebrations than the Duet Jazz Club. Join Duet and the full-bodied voice and energy of singer Branjae in the bringing in the New Year in a jazzy fashion.

Best Bars for NYE Celebrations 2020

1st. Moshulu – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cut your partying costs in half. Celebrate NYE in Philly instead of what international travellers might deem a more “popular” tourist destination like New York City. Getting the chance to dance the night away aboard the iconic Deck Philly is a festive opportunity you simply can’t pass up. Ring in 2020 with fireworks, fun, and dancing on the deck as a DJ spins the hottest dance hits. Tickets for such an exciting affair start at just $85 and include an open bar. Happy New Year indeed.

Best Bars for Celebrating NYE in the United States

Elizabeth Thorn

Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube.

Contact: [email protected]

View stories