My Favorite Gin Bars In the U.S.
Aunty Betty’s
Raleigh, North Carolina
Walking into Aunty Betty’s feels like stepping into a world that appreciates the finer things without taking itself too seriously. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and just quirky enough to make it stand out. Think plush seating, dim lighting, and décor that suggests someone with great taste—and a sense of humor—put it all together.
It’s the kind of place where you can relax with a quiet drink or find yourself deep in conversation about something wildly unexpected (gin has that effect on people). Whether you’re there for a casual evening or a celebratory night out, it always feels like the right choice.
The Gin: A Masterclass in Selection
Aunty Betty’s doesn’t just serve gin, they treat it like an art form. The menu is extensive, featuring selections from all over the world. Whether you prefer the crisp bite of a London dry, the floral notes of a well-balanced botanical blend, or something completely unexpected, they have something for every palate.
Not sure where to start? The bartenders are excellent guides. They won’t just pour a drink, they’ll match you with one. And they somehow do it without making you feel like you should have done homework before ordering. One of my go-to choices? A perfectly executed Negroni or a gin and tonic where the tonic is as thoughtfully selected as the spirit itself.
The Experience: Just the Right Energy
Aunty Betty’s strikes that rare balance between lively and intimate. The energy is always good with people laughing, toasting, and genuinely enjoying themselves. But it never feels overwhelming or chaotic. It’s a place where you can have a great conversation without shouting, yet there’s always a buzz of excitement in the air.
And the staff? They get it. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in making sure you get exactly what you’re looking for—whether that’s a gin-forward cocktail, a classic pour, or a new favorite you didn’t even know existed.
Why It’s One of My Favorites
Aunty Betty’s just gets everything right. The drinks are top-notch, the atmosphere is welcoming, and there’s a level of care in every detail that makes it stand out. Whether I’m in the mood for a carefully crafted cocktail or just a simple, well-poured G&T, I know I’ll get something worth coming back for.
So if you appreciate a great gin bar, put Auntie Betty’s on your list. Just don’t be surprised if one drink turns into an evening well spent.
Lantern’s Keep
New York City, New York
New York City isn’t exactly hurting for great bars, but every now and then, you stumble upon a place that feels like a hidden gem, even when it’s not exactly a secret. Lantern’s Keep is one of those spots. Tucked away inside the Iroquois Hotel, it’s small, lively, and serious about its cocktails without being stuffy about it.
The Vibe: Cozy, Compact, and Full of Character
Let’s be clear: Lantern’s Keep is not a spacious, sprawling lounge where you can casually stretch out and sip your drink in total silence. It’s small. And when it gets busy (which is often), it gets loud. But instead of feeling cramped or chaotic, the energy is just right. Conversations hum, bartenders shake and stir with precision, and the whole space glows with the warm flicker of candlelight.
The room itself feels intimate, with rich blue walls, vintage-style artwork, and just enough Old World charm to make you forget that Times Square is only a few blocks away. It’s the kind of place where you lean in close to talk, where drinks are enjoyed properly, and where the sound of cocktail shakers doubles as background music.
The Cocktails: Classic, Thoughtful, and Exceptionally Well-Made
Lantern’s Keep is the kind of bar that doesn’t just serve drinks—it respects them. The menu leans into classic cocktails, with a focus on balance, technique, and quality ingredients. There are no shortcuts here. Every cocktail feels like a textbook example in how it should be made, whether it's a perfectly measured Old Fashioned or a lighter, effervescent option for warm summer nights.
One of my personal favorites? The Martinez, a gin-based cocktail with a touch of sweetness, a hint of herbal complexity, and a smooth, slightly spiced finish. It’s like the sophisticated cousin of the Martini, with just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for another. But honestly, you can’t go wrong. If you’re unsure what to order, just tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll guide you toward something worth savoring.
The Experience: Loud, Lively, and Worth It
Yes, Lantern’s Keep is on the smaller side. Yes, the space fills up quickly. And yes, you might have to lean in a bit to hear your drinking companion. But none of that is a downside; t’s part of what makes it great. The energy, the buzz, the perfectly crafted drinks being poured in rapid succession—it all adds up to a bar that feels alive in the best possible way.
The bartenders are pros. They work quickly but with care, always making time to chat, recommend, and ensure that every drink is up to their high standards. There’s an ease to the service that makes you feel like you’ve been coming here for years, even if it’s your first visit.
Why It’s One of My Favorites
Lantern’s Keep is everything a great cocktail bar should be: intimate but vibrant, serious about its drinks but never pretentious, and always worth a visit. Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-dinner drink, an after-hours wind-down, or just to see what all the fuss is about, you won’t leave disappointed.
Just be ready for close quarters, a little noise, and some of the best cocktails NYC has to offer.