Abricot

"Even if you don’t know anyone when you walk into this neighborhood bar, you somehow feel like you do. At Abricot, bartenders greet you with a bartender’s choice shot as soon as you sit down, which will likely make you want to order a cocktail faster. The nature-inspired colors, lots of natural light, and open space play into a “Cali-style” vibe that'll make you want to linger. Pop in for the tiniest martini ever and the vegan cornbread with maple butter, a family recipe from one of the owners, or come with friends to drink in the cozy alcove with a velvet booth and pillows. " - tanisha townsend

"Even if you don’t know anyone when you walk into this neighborhood bar, you somehow feel like you do. At Abricot, bartenders greet you with a bartender’s choice shot as soon as you sit down, which will likely make you want to order a cocktail faster. The nature-inspired colors, lots of natural light, and open space play into a “Cali-style” vibe that'll make you want to linger. Pop in for the tiniest martini ever and the vegan cornbread with maple butter, a family recipe from one of the owners, or come with friends to drink in the cozy alcove with a velvet booth and pillows." - Tanisha Townsend

"This is serious cocktail territory, but with a side of sass. Meaning, some real thought has gone into the mixology (think bourbon paired with pomegranate shrub or aged rum with cardamom and clove), but a lot of fun was had coming up with the names and descriptions from the “boozy and balanced” Blanche Devereaux for Golden Girls fans, to the “frothy and tropical” Lac Titicaca for South American dreamers. What’s more, each cocktail is served on a rectangular, hand-sewn coaster along with a glass of water, and a welcome seasonal shot in a teeny-tiny cordial glasses. It's the newest opening on this list, with a debut date of February 2023; despite Abricot being young, it makes our list for the pedigree alone. And maybe also its cute, emoji-inspired logo and fun decor details—like disco-ball planters." - Sara Lieberman