Some places don’t just serve drinks – they serve history. These are bars that have survived changing fashions, eras, and even Prohibition, becoming gathering spots for actors, writers, musicians, and directors. Their counters have heard more secrets, arguments, and toasts than most theaters have heard applause. Here’s a journey through some of the most iconic.
Europe
Harry’s Bar, Venice (est. 1931)
The birthplace of the Bellini (1948) and carpaccio (around 1950), invented by Giuseppe Cipriani for a countess who couldn’t eat hot food. Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Truman Capote, and Peggy Guggenheim all walked through its doors. The white tablecloths, polished wood, and golden light remain much as they were in its golden age.
American Bar, The Savoy, London (since 1893)
One of the most influential bars in the world. Ada Coleman created the Hanky Panky here in the early 1900s; later Harry Craddock penned The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930). In 1969 Joe Gilmore mixed the Moonwalk to celebrate Apollo 11. Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich, and Frank Sinatra were among its patrons. A dry martini here is more ceremony than cocktail.
Bar Hemingway, Ritz Paris (20th‑century legend)
Famously “liberated” by Ernest Hemingway in 1944 — a romanticized anecdote that adds to its charm. Known for the Ritz Sidecar made with rare pre‑war cognac, once among the priciest cocktails in the world. Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Princess Diana have sipped here.
Dukes Bar, London (Ian Fleming’s haunt)
A small, book‑lined room where martinis are poured ice‑cold, straight from frozen bottles. Ian Fleming visited in the 1950s; the ritual is said to have inspired “shaken, not stirred.” Still a magnet for actors and directors seeking quiet sophistication.
The Americas
La Floridita, Havana (est. 1817)
The “cradle of the daiquiri,” especially the frozen version perfected by bartender Constante Ribalaigua Vert in the 1930s. Ernest Hemingway ordered his “doble” here. Marble bar, pink neon, and a bronze statue of “Papa” — a scene unchanged for decades.
Old Absinthe House, New Orleans (since 1806)
A French Quarter fixture where absinthe was poured under gas lamps for guests like Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and P. T. Barnum. Steeped in 19th‑century atmosphere, it still draws musicians and actors looking for something authentic.
Musso & Frank Grill Bar, Hollywood (est. 1919)
A Hollywood institution loved by Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, William Faulkner, and Raymond Chandler; Quentin Tarantino is a modern regular. Its martini is textbook‑perfect, and the red leather booths have appeared in countless films.
Bemelmans Bar, The Carlyle, New York (murals from 1947)
Walls painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of Madeline, show whimsical Central Park scenes. Live jazz and candlelit tables have welcomed generations of artists, from Broadway legends to Met Gala guests.
21 Club, New York (Prohibition‑era roots)
A former speakeasy with a secret wine cellar hidden behind a false door. U.S. presidents, movie stars, and publishing moguls gathered here. Though closed since 2020, its jockey‑statue entrance remains iconic in memory.
Dante, New York (est. 1915; revived in the 2010s)
An Italian café reborn as a world‑class bar, crowned “World’s Best Bar” in 2019 and 2020. Famous for its many Negroni variations and sunlit, bustling vibe — popular with comedians, actors, and musicians after shows.
Asia and Oceania
Long Bar, Raffles, Singapore (since 1915)
Birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created by Ngiam Tong Boon. The peanut‑shell‑on‑the‑floor tradition dates to colonial times. Writers like Somerset Maugham and pop icons on tour have stopped here for the ritual.
The Peninsula Bar, Hong Kong (jet‑set haven)
An icon of colonial elegance, hosting film stars, fashion houses, and touring musicians. Views over Victoria Harbour, strict dress codes, and discreet service make it a magnet for premieres and after‑parties.
Insider Tips for Visiting Like a Local
– Book ahead: Peak “celebrity hours” are early evening and late at night, before and after premieres.
– Mind the dress code: Sneakers and shorts can get you turned away from the classics.
– Order the signature: Bellini in Venice, Singapore Sling in Singapore, Hanky Panky in London, daiquiri in Havana — taste the soul of the place.
– Respect the ritual: In historic bars, the tempo is part of the magic — let the moment linger.
– Sit at the bar: That’s where the conversations and stories happen.