Where the Locals Go in America’s 25 Coolest Cities
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We’re often quick to look outside of the U.S. when searching for the latest and greatest trends in dining and activities, but this country is packed with hotspots that are well worth hopping on a domestic flight or hitting the road to check out.
Whether you’re planning your next road trip or simply looking for a new stomping ground in your own city, we rounded up some of the most well-loved local hotspots in America’s coolest cities. From rooftop pools to underground whiskey bars, here are the places to go if you want to feel like a local.
25. Cafe Van Kleef - Oakland, California
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Best time of year to visit: September to November
Where to stay:Moxy Oakland Downtown
Why Locals Love Cafe Van Kleef
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Locals visit Cafe Van Kleef for the greyhound cocktails and stay for the quirky ambiance and live music.
The fact that they basically put a third of an entire grapefruit into your drink is reason enough to stay until the wee hours.
24. Bacchanal’s - New Orleans, Louisiana
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Best time of year to visit: September to November
Where to stay:Le Meridien New Orleans
Why Locals Love Bacchanal’s
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Formally referred to as Bacchanal Wine, Bacchanal’s is what the locals call it.
Dubbed “New Orlean’s Backyard Party,” this wine shop doubles as a small outdoor music venue complete with patio tables and build-your-own cheese plates. Do you need any more reasons to love this place?
Why Locals Love Lonnie’s Western Room
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Lonnie’s Western Room is tucked just off Broadway — but offers just as much entertainment and excitement as the bars and restaurants on the main drag.
This humble karaoke bar becomes packed to the gills with locals and visitors alike for its affordable drink prices and kitsch stage.
Why Locals Love Mamacitas
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Mamacitas is considered by locals to be one of the absolute best brunch restaurants in the city.
The colorful Mexican mainstay features decadent dishes — like churro waffles and goat cheese empanadas — and signature cocktails all served in an upbeat and Instagram-friendly dining space.
Why Locals Love Nautilus Pier 4
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Located on Boston’s scenic waterfront, the recently opened Nautilus Pier 4 offers Executive Chef Stephen Marcaurelle’s variation of its sister restaurant in Nantucket.
The decadent restaurant features a coastal-leaning menu with Latin American and Mediterranean influences.
20. Deception Pass State Park - Washington, D.C.
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Best time of year to visit: September to November and March to May
Where to stay:Hamilton Hotel Washington
Why Locals Love Deception Pass State Park
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“The Deception Pass is an iconic landmark of the region and civic achievement that dates back to the civilian conservations corps,” says travel blogger Kevin Mercier. “What's interesting is that the Deception Pass ranks as one of the best state parks in Washington and the most visited.”
Visitors and locals alike engage in fun activities like tidepooling, hiking, and boating at the park, and there is also a large campground facility for campers in search of adventure.
19. The Patterson Inn - Denver, Colorado
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Best time of year to visit: April to May and September to October
Where to stay:The Patterson Inn
Why Locals Love The Patterson Inn
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Nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, The Patterson Inn is one of the oldest still-standing residences in all of Denver as well as one of the most haunted buildings in the state.
The sumptuous hotel bar is a favorite among locals — and the property will only appeal to more locals and visitors with the addition of the state’s first public cannabis consumption lounge, launching soon.
Why Locals Love Mezzanotte
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Tucked into the eclectic Georgetown neighborhood, Mezzanotte is led by award-winning chef Jason Stratton and is one of the city’s hottest spots to score a table.
Stratton was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2010 and continues to wow locals and visitors alike with his decadent pasta dishes.
17. Fort Funston - San Francisco, California
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Best time of year to visit: September to November
Where to stay:Fairmont San Francisco
Why Locals Love Fort Funston
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“Particularly if you’re a dog lover, Fort Funston is a non-tourist must-do in San Francisco. My family fondly refers to it as ‘dog heaven,’ as dogs can roam freely, and at times, there are hundreds of dogs,” says San Francisco native Lauren Levy.
“Even if you aren't accompanied by a furry friend, it's worth taking a walk on the paved and sandy trails that overlook the Pacific Ocean from 200-foot high bluffs. It's magical to watch the thick fog rolling in. It's also a super popular hang-gliding spot, which is great entertainment for those on the ground.”
16. The Exchange Whiskey Bar - Indianapolis, Indiana
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Best time of year to visit: August to October
Where to stay: Conrad Indianapolis
Why Locals Love The Exchange Whiskey Bar
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Whiskey aficionados from near and far flock to The Exchange Whiskey Bar for its incredible selection of Scotch and bourbon.
The sumptuous bar was built in a former bank and as such offers an undeniable old school sophistication that lends itself well to a whiskey tasting.
15. Bossy Beulah’s - Charlotte, North Carolina
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Best time of year to visit: March to May or September to November
Where to stay:Grand Bohemian Hotel
Why Locals Love Bossy Beulah’s
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Best known for their fried chicken sandwiches, Bossy Beulah’s has become a well-loved Charlotte staple since its inception in 2019.
Founded by chef Jim Noble, this casual eatery serves some of the best fried chicken in the city — and even offers a comprehensive wine and beer list for those who want something stronger than soda to wash it all down.
14. Wolf's Ridge Brewing - Columbus, Ohio
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Best time of year to visit: June to September
Where to stay:Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Why Locals Love Wolf's Ridge Brewing
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“Wolf's Ridge Brewing is one of the city's breweries and top restaurants,” says food writer and Columbus native, Nick Dekker.
“Here you’ll find upscale dining in a beautiful downtown restaurant, with the brewery located on the floor below and a taproom serving snacks and more beers in the back. Head brewer Chris Davison succeeds at brewing a wide variety of styles.”
Why Locals Love The Jax Ale Trail
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Many of the coolest local hotspots in Jacksonville make up the Jax Ale Trail — an experience that unites more than 20 local breweries and distilleries around the city.
The self-guided experience encourages visitors and locals to hit up as many breweries as possible thanks to the Ale Trail Brewery Passport (the more breweries you visit — the more prizes you can win!).
Why Locals Love Bathtub Gin's Jam Lounge
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Bathtub Gin's Jam Lounge might be considered a dive bar, but that’s exactly what locals love about it. The compact address is well-loved for its friendly staff, great selection of drinks and app-controlled jukebox that allows patrons to set the mood.
The bar also boasts a couple of pool tables and a stage where bands regularly perform.
11. Haberdasher - San Jose, California
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Best time of year to visit: May to September
Where to stay:Hotel de Anza
Why Locals Love Haberdasher
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There’s something magical about walking into a speakeasy and feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time — and that’s exactly what Haberdasher is all about.
This San Jose hotspot is well-loved for its velvet banquettes, old-school cocktails and overall 1920s vibe.
10. Rainey Street District - Austin, Texas
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Best time of year to visit: September to November and March to May
Where to stay: Fairmont Austin
Why Locals Love Rainey Street District
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If you are looking for a local nightlife experience in Austin, go to the Rainey Street District. “Rainey Street is a bunch of old houses that have been renovated and turned into bars. The whole neighborhood has a great vibe and culture to it. It is a local hangout that has some amazing food trucks, bars, art, and live music,” explains travel blogger and Austin native, Jeremy Coleman.
“You can skip the tourist crowds on Sixth Street, hang with the locals and get a true Austin experience.”
9. Waterproof - Dallas, Texas
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Best time of year to visit: September to November
Where to stay:The Statler
Why Locals Love Waterproof
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Famed as one of America’s first modern hotels, The Statler’s 19th floor rooftop bar and lounge, Waterproof, is one of the hottest addresses in the city.
Locals love it for its unobstructed views of downtown Dallas and breathtaking sunsets combined with decadent poolside bites and a craft cocktail selection.
8. Mavericks Beach Club - San Diego, California
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Best time of year to visit: March to May and September to November
Where to stay: Horton Grand Hotel
Why Locals Love Mavericks Beach Club
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Mavericks Beach Club is tucked into the Pacific Beach neighborhood just steps from the ocean.
Its convenient location coupled with the abundance of indoor/outdoor bars (there are more than five on property!), trivia and comedy nights and dog-friendly Wag Wednesdays makes this destination a regular watering hole for locals.
Why Locals Love Pearl
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Located just north of Downtown San Antonio, Pearl has been a go-to San Antonio hotspot since 1883.
The buzzy district is just as relevant today as it was over a hundred years ago thanks to community initiatives like the twice-weekly farmers market and variety of independent shops and restaurants.
6. Wine School of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Best time of year to visit: March to May
Where to stay: Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Why Locals Love Wine School of Philadelphia
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The Wine School of Philadelphia is one of the hottest tickets in Philly — so much so that it can take anywhere between three to four months to get into a class.
The school is ranked the best in the country by SOMM but doesn’t promote pretension or snobbery, which makes it an ideal starting point for amateur winos looking to become more educated.
Why Locals Love Valley Bar
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“Valley Bar is an underground bar with the entrance located in a back alley,” says Phoenix native, Kat Dunphy.
“It has very dark speakeasy vibes thanks to the abundance of nooks and hidden rooms — and the drinks are named after prominent Arizona figures.”
4. Altitude Rooftop & Pool - Houston, Texas
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Best time of year to visit: February to April or September to November
Where to stay:Marriott Marquis Houston
Why Locals Love Altitude Rooftop & Pool
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Known for having the world’s largest Texas-shaped lazy river, the recently opened Altitude Rooftop & Pool at the Marriott Marquis Houston has become the latest hotspot for Houstonians looking for an urban party playground with decent Instagram photo opps.
The refreshing outdoor pool overlooks some of the best views of Houston and also offers a variety of housemade cocktails and bites.
Why Locals Love Big Star
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Situated within Chicago’s eclectic Wicker Park neighborhood, this nine-time James Beard Award-winning, honky tonk-inspired taqueria has become one of the most well-loved addresses in the city since opening in 2008.
Big Star serves up authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex street food on an expansive dog-friendly patio.
Why Locals Love ROW DTLA
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Downtown LA’s vibrant destination for independent retail, restaurants and creative lifestyle businesses might only be a few years old — but it has visitors and eclectic locals alike flocking to the neighborhood for a little more breathing space.
The sprawling complex is home to some of the coolest independent boutiques and pop-ups in the city and also hosts a rotating food truck festival every weekend.
1. Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, New York
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Best time of year to visit: April to June and September to December
Where to stay:Arlo SoHo Hotel
Why Locals Love Blue Note Jazz Club
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Blue Note Jazz Club has been a landmark address in New York City since 1981, but the premier jazz club extends far beyond just jazz. The property also hosts up-and-coming musicians and household names, including Chris Rock, Macy Gray, H.E.R. and plenty more.
The club has since expanded to locations around the world, but its the original Greenwich Village location that locals can't get enough of.
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