Watch Best Bars in America

TV-14

2014

2 Seasons

8.1 (52)

Best Bars in America is a television series that premiered on the Esquire Network in 2014. Hosted by comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton, and award-winning cocktail historian David Wondrich, the show takes viewers on a tour of some of the best bars in the United States.

Each episode features the trio visiting a different city to explore its local bar scene. From classic old-school dives to trendy new hotspots, they sample a variety of drinks and bar food, while also learning about the history and culture of each establishment. Along the way, they chat with bartenders, patrons, and other locals to get a sense of what makes each bar unique.

The show is a mix of travelogue, food and drink show, and comedy. Larson and Patton provide plenty of laughs with their humorous banter and improvised sketches, while Wondrich offers expert insight on the art and science of mixology. Together, they make for an entertaining trio that keeps the show moving at a brisk pace.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its focus on local culture. Rather than simply showcasing the most popular bars, the hosts seek out hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path establishments that capture the essence of each city. For example, in New Orleans, they visit a bar that has been in business for over 150 years and specializes in classic cocktails like the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz. In Denver, they discover a bar that serves wild game dishes and has a rooftop garden where they grow their own herbs for their cocktails.

In addition to highlighting the best bars in each city, the show also touches on larger themes like the history of cocktails and the role of bars in American society. Wondrich, who is a noted expert on the subject, provides fascinating insights into the origins of various drinks and how they have evolved over time. Whether discussing the origins of the Martini or the rise of craft distilleries, the show provides a wealth of information for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Overall, Best Bars in America is a fun and informative show that offers a unique perspective on American bar culture. With its engaging hosts, entertaining sketches, and expert commentary, it is an enjoyable watch for anyone interested in food, drink, or travel.

Best Bars in America is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between June 25, 2014 and on Esquire Network

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Seasons

2 1

10. Bar Games

June 3, 2015

Jay and Sean play bingo, beer pong, and virtual golf at the best game bars in the country. They also get heckled at the Renaissance fair, test their smarts with comedian Kyle Kinane, and somehow strike out with swimsuit model Nina Agdal.

9. Detroit

May 27, 2015

Comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton witness Detroit's resurgence, both as a city and a place to drink. Named Esquire's Bar City of the Year, Detroit welcomes them with a train station turned craft beer hub, a spirits tasting straight out of the history books, and a city-wide bike ride with hundreds of new friends.

8. Chicago

May 20, 2015

In Chicago, comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton learn booze's mobster roots. They get the Picasso treatment at a neighborhood landmark, take in the comedy scene with Pete Holmes, and get a taste of the local music with Blues legend Buddy Guy.

7. Booze and Food

May 13, 2015

Jay and Sean take a very small break from all the drinking as they go in search of the best bar food in America. In San Francisco, they toss dough with a champion pizza maker. In Chicago, they learn the true meaning of going "whole hog." And in LA they nearly drown in nacho cheese with comedian Al Madrigal.

6. Southern California Coast

May 6, 2015

Featuring the best bars on the Souther California Coast.

5. Speakeasies

April 29, 2015

Comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton walk through armoires, sneak in back doors, and slide away bookcases to reveal the Cuban flair, coin tricks, and innovative cocktails of the modern-and well-hidden-speakeasy. With special guest, comedian Aisha Tyler.

4. Minneapolis

April 22, 2015

Comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton take in the booze-cruising, polka-filled world of Minneapolis, where they snack on pig's head, enter meat raffles, and compete in a homebrew-themed curling tournament.

3. Louisville

April 15, 2015

A trip to Louisville shows comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton that there's a lot more than whiskey in bourbon country. They sip a cocktail with a haunted history, go nose-to-tail with char-grilled squirrel, and learn a palate-busting beer lesson from the Brew Dogs.

2. Washington, D.C.

April 8, 2015

In Washington, D.C, comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton find that alcohol and politics do mix. They drink from the country's largest whiskey collection, check out a new brewery in the old Navy yard, and make booze the colonial way in the home of America's first president.

1. San Francisco

April 1, 2015

To kick off season 2 of their nationwide bar tour, comedians Jay Larson and Sean Patton get punch drunk with Academy Award winner Nat Faxon in San Francisco.

Description

Where to Watch Best Bars in America

Best Bars in America is available for streaming on the Esquire Network website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Best Bars in America on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.