Top 21 Bars From Around The World

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Corey Rozon

BarWhiz.com is your guide to a great night out. You can easily find a bar or club in practically every city around the world. For today’s post we thought we would help start your search by listing our favorites.

So without further adieu, here is the Top 21 Bars From Around The World:

1. The Hemingway Bar – Paris, France

This small cozy piano bar was Hemingway’s favourite stomping grounds when he spent his time in Paris. Housed in The Ritz, this small bar now pays tribute to one of it’s best customers by honouring him with its name, The Hemingway Bar.

2. Seduction – Tallinn, Estonia

Seduction is one of downtown Tallinn’s best nightclubs, with two huge dance floors, four bars and deejay’s spinning house and electronica all night. If you want to have a fun, hot and sexy night out on the town, make sure you take in some down and dirty dancing at Seduction.

3. Jimmy Liks – Sydney, Australia

Both bar and restaurant, Jimmy Liks is known for having the best Thai food in Sydney, some may even go as far as saying the food is even better than what you can get in Thailand… but I think that may be going a little too far. Brown earthy tonnes dominated the bar, and the long banquette table gives a homey feel.

4. Rio Scenarium – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Part wine bar, part restaurant, part club and part antique warehouse, Rio Scenarium is the place to be when in Rio de Janeiro. Some of the best musicians in Brazil can be found performing here, so if you are looking to experience something cultural, check out Rio Scenarium the next time you are in Brazil.

5. Subeez Café – Vancouver, Canada

Attracting the cool professional crowd, Subeez Café has the feel of a gothic art gallery that just happens to serve really good West Coast fare, fine wines and classy cocktails. It’s a must see when in Vancouver.

6. Radost FX – Prague, Czech Republic

This nightclub, bar, art gallery, café is the local hotspot in Prague. Radost FX not only has an extensive drink list, that includes absinthe, but they also offer great vegetarian food. So next time you are in Prague get a way from the tourist traps and check out Radost FX.

7. Milk & Honey – London, United Kingdom

Milk & Honey is one of London’s best-kept secrets. The bar is run in the style of the prohibition era speakeasies, so you either have to be a full fledged member, or you can make a reservation to visit for a two hour time slot before 11pm. The House Rules are taken quite seriously, so make sure you give them a read before you try to head on over to Milk & Honey.

8. A21 Cocktail Lounge – Helsinki, Finland

A true cocktail lounge, A21 not only offers an extensive list of the traditional cocktails, but for those historians, you can also knock back a few cocktails that were popular durng the turn of the 19th century. Although only in operation for a little over 4 years, this stylish cocktail lounge will be one of Helsinki’s best sports for years to come.

9. Gran Bar Danzon – Buenos Aires, Argentina

This is a great little restaurant / wine bar, and one of the first few wine bars in Buenos Aires to offer wine by the glass. The ambiance is cool, with a long bar, plush sofas, intimate lighting and a deejay playing great music that is not too intrusive.

10. Saphire Bar – Berlin, Germany

If you like your whiskey, stop in at one of Berlin’s best bars, the Saphire Bar. Stocked with a huge variety of whiskeys, this is a great place to sit back with some friends and sip the finest whiskey in one of their two elegant lounge areas.

11. New York Bar – Tokyo, Japan

Although not located in the US, the New York Bar is one of the best hotel bars in Tokyo, and one of the best rooftop bars in the world. The fare is American, and they have the wines and other spirits to match. You might also recognize this bar from the movie, Lost in Translation:

So if you are feeling a little lost in translation yourself, and are looking for a good American meal, head on over to the New York Bar.

12. Nobilis – Oslo, Norway

Both restaurant and bar, Nobilis can be a place to impress a date with a romantic dinner, or a great place to dance the night away with local deejays spinning some great electronic music in the evening. Nobilis also has one of the best outdoor terraces in all of Oslo.

13. Velvet Lounge – Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

The Velvet Lounge in Shanghai is the place for all you hipsters at heart. With their elegant and stylish design, including plush velvet sofas and crystal chandeliers, the party really picks up when the deejays start spinning house music on the weekends.

14. Manga Rosa – Lisbon, Portugal

Mango Rosa hosts both live music and club nights with some of Portugal’s best deejays. The décor can be classified as classic-industrial, with exposed pipes and ventilation shafts alongside shimmering chandeliers and white curtains. It’s a little bit off the beaten path, but well worth the journey.

15. El Xampanyet – Barcelona, Spain

Part tapas bar, part cocktail bar, El Xampanyet’s patrons are a mix of club kids and old-timers. The décor contains such things as blue-tiled walls, marble tables and zinc bar, and is considered by all to be one of the coolest bodegas in town. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience the next time you are in Barcelona.

16. Spy Bar – Stockholm, Sweden

Probably one of the most exclusive bars in all of Stockholm, the Spy Bar is your typical after-hours club that if you are able to get into, you know you’ve made it. It’s an upscale bar catering to the club scene, with great drinks and even better music.

17. Arthur’s Rive Gauche – Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva’s great little hideaway, Arthur’s Rive Gauche is a the perfect place to unwind during a long day or kick back on the weekends with friends in their stylish lounge enjoying their vast assortment of wine, beer and whiskey.

18. Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar – Bangkok, Thailand

If you really want to see Bangkok, you have to see it from 61 floors up at the Banyan Tree Hotel’s rooftop bar, the Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar. This open-air bar is a great place to grab some cocktails, and for the peckish, they offer some amazing grilled seafood dishes.

19. Rain – Las Vegas, Nevada

Rain In The Desert, or simply Rain, is located in the Palms Casino Resort and is one of Las Vegas’s top clubs. From brilliant high ceilings, bright mosaics, and special effects, like three-foot high fireballs and water jets, partying at Rain is a night to remember. Even though they say, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, you’ll want to share your experiences with friends back home.

20. Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Although only five floors up, the Rex Hotel’s rooftop bar was the place to be during the height of the Vietnam War, well for journalists at least. Journalists from the world over spent their time here knocking back a few while doing their war correspondence. The rooftop affords a great view of the city and is well worth the visit for a few drinks.

21. Bittles Bar – Belfast, Northern Ireland

This narrow cozy bar in Belfast caters to all kinds, from the wise old-timers, to the after work businessmen to hipsters and scenesters. It’s a great place to grab a pint during the week and even better place to party till dawn on the weekend with local deejays spinning some great dance music.

Author: Corey Rozon

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Top 22 Countries To Open A Bar [Infographic]

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Corey Rozon

According to a recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe is the booziest area on the planet, as can been seen by the following chart:

Alcohol Consumption By Country

According to the data, there are 22 countries that consume, on average, 12.5 litres and over per person. So if you are looking to open a bar, these saucy countries might be a good place to start.

You might be saying to yourself, “But wait, what kind of bar should you open? Should it be a wine bar, a martini bar or a pub?” Well I’m glad you asked.

We’ve taken the research a bit further to find out, by country, what these booze hounds really like to drink. No need to thank us, just buy us a beer, or four, at the bar sometime.

1. Austria

Wine – 32%
Beer – 53%
Spirits – 13%
Other – 2%

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Vienna

2. Belarus

Wine – 9%
Beer – 20%
Spirits – 43%
Other – 28%

Best type of bar to open: Cocktail Bar
Best city to open your bar: Minsk

3. Croatia

Wine – 47%
Beer – 37%
Spirits – 15%
Other – 1%

Best type of bar to open: Wine Bar
Best city to open your bar: Hvar

4. Czech Republic

Wine – 16%
Beer – 57%
Spirits – 24%
Other – 3%

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Prague

5. Denmark

Wine – 39%
Beer – 45%
Spirits – 16%
Other – n/a

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Copenhagen

6. Estonia

Wine – 7%
Beer – 34%
Spirits – 57%
Other – 2%

Best type of bar to open: Cocktail Bar
Best city to open your bar: Tallinn

7. Finland

Wine – 23%
Beer – 46%
Spirits – 28%
Other – 3%

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Helsinki

8. France

Wine – 62%
Beer – 17%
Spirits – 20%
Other – 1%

Best type of bar to open: Wine Bar
Best city to open your bar: Paris

9. Germany

Wine – 27%
Beer – 53%
Spirits – 20%
Other – n/a

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Munich

10. Hungary

Wine – 40%
Beer – 35%
Spirits – 24%
Other – 1%

Best type of bar to open: Wine Bar
Best city to open your bar: Budapest

11. Ireland

Wine – 20%
Beer – 53%
Spirits – 19%
Other – 8%

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Dublin

12. Latvia

Wine – 10%
Beer – 33%
Spirits – 56%
Other – 1%

Best type of bar to open: Cocktail Bar
Best city to open your bar: Riga

13. Lithuania

Wine – 14%
Beer – 45%
Spirits – 36%
Other – 5%

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Vilnius

14. Moldova

Wine – 36%
Beer – 37%
Spirits – 33%
Other – n/a

Best type of bar to open: Any type of Bar
Best city to open your bar: Chisinau

15. Poland

Wine – 13%
Beer – 56%
Spirits – 31%
Other – n/a

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: Krakow

16. Portugal

Wine – 55%
Beer – 31%
Spirits – 10%
Other – 4%

Best type of bar to open: Wine Bar
Best city to open your bar: Lisbon

17. Romania

Wine – 22%
Beer – 39%
Spirits – 39%
Other – n/a

Best type of bar to open: Any type of Bar
Best city to open your bar: Belgrade

20. Slovakia

Wine – 15%
Beer – 36%
Spirits – 49%
Other – n/a

Best type of bar to open: Cocktail Bar
Best city to open your bar: Bratislava

21. UK

Wine – 30%
Beer – 43%
Spirits – 21%
Other – 6%

Best type of bar to open: Pub (Bar focusing on Beer)
Best city to open your bar: London

22. Ukraine

Wine – 7%
Beer – 32%
Spirits – 61%
Other – 1%

Best type of bar to open: Cocktail Bar
Best city to open your bar: Kiev

Author: Corey Rozon

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Peruvian Frog Juice Recipes – October Gross-Out Bar Drink Of The Month

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Corey Rozon

Lima, Peru is famous for, among other things, its frog juice. This ‘tasty’ juice made from Kermit, and about 20 other ingredients, is touted for its health benefits and can cure everything from asthma, bronchitis, sluggishness and even impotence. Word on the street is this is the “revenge drink” for ladies who just discovered their “prince” is a frog.

While typically made as a smoothie, many amateur bartenders around the world (not just in Lima anymore) are now adding a little bit of the sauce to turn this healthy frog juice into a cocktail. We’ve decided to update five classic cocktails by adding a froggy twist…

Frog Juice Cocktail Recipes:

Frog juice cocktail recipe #1) Mojito

1.25 oz rum
12 mint leaves
1 tbsp sugar
0.5 oz limejuice
2 oz frog juice

Place mint leaves in bottom of glass. Add crushed ice, rum, sugar, and limejuice, and muddle. Add frog juice and garnish with mint leaves and frogs legs.

Frog juice cocktail recipe #2) Hurricane

1 oz vodka
1/4 oz grenadine syrup
1 oz gin
1 oz light rum
1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz triple sec
grapefruit juice
pineapple juice
frog juice

Pour all but the juices, in order listed, into a hurricane glass three-quarters filled with ice. Fill with equal parts of grapefruit, pineapple and frog juice, and serve.

Frog juice cocktail recipe #3) Mai Tai

1 oz light rum
1/2 oz crème de almond
1/2 oz triple sec
sweet and sour mix
frog juice
1/2 oz Myer’s® dark rum

Pour light rum, crème de almond and triple sec, in order, into a Collins glass. Almost fill with equal parts of sweet and sour mix and frog juice. Add dark rum, a large straw, and serve unstirred.

Frog juice cocktail recipe #4) Pina Colada

3 oz light rum
3 tbsp coconut cream
3 tbsp crushed pineapples
frog juice

Put all ingredients into an electric blender with 2 cups of crushed ice. Blend at a high speed for a short length of time. Strain into a Collins glass and serve with a straw.

Frog juice cocktail recipe # 5) Cuba Libre

2 oz light rum
2 oz frog juice
Coca-Cola®

Pour frog juice into a highball glass over ice cubes. Add rum, fill with cola, stir, and serve.

And if Peruvian Frog Juice seems more than deserving of our “Gross-Out Bar Drink Of The Month” award, just remember – It’s not easy being green – especially in Peru.

To Buy, Or Not To Buy… A Bar Or Restaurant Franchise

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Corey Rozon

Whether you’re a successful businessperson, entrepreneur or a rookie to the industry, making the decision to buy a franchise has its fair share of pros and cons. In this post we will top pros and cons that may help you to make the decision, to buy, or not to buy a bar or restaurant franchise:

Pros

You may have already heard this much-quoted phrase about franchising: “You’re on your own, but not alone”, so let’s see why you should buy a franchise:

1) Brand Recognition

When opting to purchase a franchise much of the work in regards to marketing has already been done for you. The brand has already been developed, the menu, logo and the design of the bar has been tested, so people know what to expect when they walk in the door. Although you may have to do some local marketing to let people know where you are located, the national marketing campaign will driver the customers to your bar.

2) Support

Being part of the franchise family offers many unique benefits that would not be present when opening your own bar by yourself, such as support in the form of training, both for you and your staff, advertising, in the form of national campaigns and materials for local advertising, and possible start-up help, depending upon the franchiser of course.

3) Group Pricing

Another great benefit of owning a franchise is the ability to purchase supplies at a discounted rate. Most franchisers will purchase their stock in bulk and pass the savings along to the franchisee, and this can also include saving money on storage of inventory.

4) Profits

This is what it is really all about isn’t it? With an individually run bar, you can expect to start making money at the 5-year mark. Because a franchise already has brand recognition already built in, the time it takes to turn a profit can be considerably smaller.

5) And finally, this guy could be your new boss… ‘nough said:

Cons

I know a franchise sounds like the be-all, end-all of running a successful bar, but there are some disadvantages of owning a franchise, and here they are:

1. Design Guidelines

As we mentioned under the pro section, brand recognition is an important feature of owning a franchise, but it can also be a disadvantage, since you may not have any control over the design of the bar itself. Imagine if you were required under your franchise strict rules and regulations to design your bar in this fashion:

2. Menu Guidelines

How important is it to you to be able to change or adjust your menu? If you really need to have personal control over the ingredients the chef puts in, don’t franchise. But if you want a proven formula, where food has been tested across a wide audience, franchise has done this and you don’t have to spend valuable time fiddling with the menu.

3. Franchise Fees

Another disadvantage of owing a franchise are the high franchise fees and royalties. Even if your business is booming, these fees may cut into your profit significantly. You may also be required to pay extra money for national advertising campaigns, which may or may not, help your business in any way.

4. Accountability

You are more accountable for situations that arise in the brand as a whole. For instance, if a franchised bar in another market has an issue that gains national media, say someone getting sick from the food, you can bet that your local business will feel the effects. The other disadvantage of a franchise is your reliance of the franchiser staying in business. Even if your business is profitable, the franchise as a whole can go under based on the poor sales of other franchises.

5) And finally, this guy could be your new boss… ‘nough said:

With a franchise you can benefit from brand awareness and the support of a tried, tested, and true company. The disadvantages are the inability to make any changes that are set outside the franchises’ strict rules and regulations. Stepping outside these rules could end up with you forfeiting your business.

Although a franchise can be a good way to make money and run a successful bar, for those true entrepreneurs, having the freedom to create your own concepts, brands and systems, will only really be possible outside the realm of the franchise. So in the end, it’s what you really feel most comfortable with.

This Blog post was featured on:
Canadian Finance Carnival – Canadian Finance Blog
Bucksome Boomer – Totally Money Carnival
Funny About Money – Festival of Frugality

Author: Corey Rozon

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What Kind Of Tipper Are You?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Corey Rozon

The moment you belly up to the bar, the bartender is wondering what kind of tipper you’ll be. Are you a Big Tipper, a Stingy Tipper, or are you like Mr. Pink, from Reservoir Dogs, the dreaded No Tipper?

The following are the most common types of tippers:

The Big Tipper

This is every server and bartender’s favourite customer. They consistently leave a tip that is larger than the industry standard, which is typically whatever the sales tax is or 15%. The Big Tipper will leave a minimum of 20% without even blinking an eye.

The Stingy Tipper

The stingy tipper consults his calculator and tips the sales tax to the penny, that is of course, if you are lucky enough to get that much. Some stingy tippers will even go further and leave 10% or lower. Stingy tippers usually fall into the category of the Octogenarian Tipper as well, but patrons from every age demographic can also be stingy tippers.

The No Tipper

Probably the second worst tipper of them all, the No Tipper doesn’t even bother to tip you. Typically these are ultra-stingy tippers or European patrons, where the custom of tipping doesn’t exist. And I thought the Dark Ages ended in the 15^th Century.

The Flirty Tipper

See: The Big Tipper.

Addendum: The Flirty Tipper has a motive for his lavish tipping, namely to impress the wait staff and get their phone number.

The Octogenarian Tipper

See: The Stingy Tipper.

Addendum: It’s hard to feel any ill will towards a cute little 85-year-old man only leaving you a shiny new nickel for his pint of beer. They were born in different time, where money was tight and perhaps tipping the barkeep wasn’t common practice.

The Take-Back Tipper

See: The Stingy Tipper & The No Tipper

Addendum: The Take-Back Tipper is the patron that leaves the change on the bar, or the table, giving the server a false sense of hope that they are actually dealing with a Big Tipper. The moment the server turns their back, the Take-Back Tipper returns the change to their pocket and moves on.

The Round-Up Tipper

The Round-Up Tipper can go either way, as their primary concern is making the overall bill an even number. Either they will end up as a Big Tipper, or a Stingy Tipper. It’s the luck of the draw here.

The Industry Tipper

See: The Big Tipper

Addendum: This is someone who works in the industry, and unlike Mr. Pink from the video above, understands the importance of tips.

The Crook Tipper

This is by far the worst tipper of them all. They have the same technique as the Take-Back Tipper, the moment the bartender as turned their back the Crook Tipper is scooping tips off of the bar. Unlike the Take-Back Tipper, the tips they are ‘taking back’ are not theirs to begin with. The Crook Tipper is typically falls in the younger age demographic, and they are most likely inebriated to the point where stealing becomes justifiable.

Author: Corey Rozon

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Wackiest bar stools in the world!

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Corey Rozon

1. Duracell

And if you’re feeling worn out lacking energy, this should give you a charge.

2. Naughty

If you’ve been around the Internet for a while, you have probably seen this hilarious photo of nuns on a bar stool…

3. Wildlife Chairs

And Suddenly, CENTAURS!

4. Yum, Candy Stool

A barstool that would make Jack White of the White Stripes jealous. But don’t lick the stool (unless you spill your beer on it, of course).

5. Pre-Grooved Chair

This seat is for the guys only ladies…

6. Woman-like Chair

Now that’s just plain weird

7. Coffee-Cup Stool:

Have your morning coffee on a cup of coffee

8. Human Hair Stool

Ever wonder what your hairdresser does with the hair she cuts off?

9. Hippo Stool

We just thought this one was pretty cool

10. Skateboard Chair

Skate or Die!

11. Hand (& Foot) Stool

This bar is such a meat market that even the stools get fresh with you…

12. Beer Keg:

There’s no faster way to refill your glass

Picture Attribution: Bukisa Website, Kitaro 10, Ecology Projects

For the barstool-hungry of you here are some more picture-links to check out:

Naughty 2.0

These seats are for ladies only fellas…

Guitar Chair

Only one was ever made, unfortunately Jimi Hendrix was the first to sit on it…

Unicycle Bar Stool

Finally a way to neutralize your beer belly without giving up beer!

Figure Eight

How do you even sit on this thing! M.C Escher would be proud…

Puzzle Pieces

Best pick-up line ever, “Hey baby, I feel a connection between us.”

Bottlecap Chair

I want one of those beers that this cap belongs too, *hic*…

Headstand Stool

Finally a barstool you can blame on your drunken wobbles…

Über Futuristic

To boldly drink where no man has drunk before…

Author: Corey Rozon

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The Most Beautiful Bar Aquariums

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Corey Rozon

Today’s Bars take aquariums to a whole new level! here are some of the best pictures for you enjoyment:

1. Home Aquarium Bar

Possible Christmas present?

2. Vertical Coral Reef

3. The Wet Bar

The Cousteau’s LOVE this place..

4. Prism Aquarium

Arr matey, give me yer finest tankard of rum!

5. Massive Aquarium

Wallpaper or live aquarium? You decide.

6. Aquarium Restaurant

Bartender required. Most know how to mix drinks and feed fish. Lots of fish!

7. Everything’s full of fish

Caution: Do not mix up your glasses.

8. Modern Aquarium Bar

Please do not tap (or kick) bar for service, it frightens the bartender and angers the fish.

9. Futuristic Marine bar

I think I saw this bar in a movie somewhere…

10. Yellow Coral Aquarium

Subtle, yet striking.

10. Rainforest Cafe Aquarium

In case you’re aquarium-hungry, also check out these links of beautiful aquarium photos:

Bright (and stocked!) Aquarium Bar

Where are your eyes drawn? This picture might tell you a little bit about yourself…

Aquarium Table

Where’d all the fish go? Ohhh…

Bass Pro Shop Bar

I wonder if you get to catch your own dinner too?

Blacklight Marine Themed Bar

Not only is the aquarium the focal point of the bar, but the ceiling is an octopus too!

Disneyland Wildlife Bar

This is where Walt Disney would throw back a few. And look, there are even some wacky bar stools!

Author: Corey Rozon

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Category Archives: Bars & Clubs

Top 21 Bars From Around The World

Top 22 Countries To Open A Bar [Infographic]

Peruvian Frog Juice Recipes – October Gross-Out Bar Drink Of The Month

To Buy, Or Not To Buy… A Bar Or Restaurant Franchise

1) Brand Recognition

What Kind Of Tipper Are You?

Wackiest bar stools in the world!

The Most Beautiful Bar Aquariums

Nightlife Directory