As Champagne has grown more accessible and, dare we say, hipper, so have Champagne bars.
Across the United States, there is no shortage of excellent bars and restaurants that specialize in bubbly, boasting seriously thoughtful menus of Champagnes (both high-end and off-beat), Proseccos and other sparkling wines from around the world. Luckily for all of us, Champagne-focused concepts are continuing to pop up just about everywhere, often with salty, briny treats to match like caviar, oysters and fried chicken.
Snacks aside, these bubbles-oriented bars prove that a coupe of Champagne always tastes like a celebration, even when there’s nothing to celebrate, at least not in the traditional sense.
“Historically, we’ve been taught—incorrectly—that Champagne is a special occasion drink, and not one for every day,” says John Drewniany, beverage director of Rosemary’s Miami. “Champagne bars are rectifying that notion.”
And they’re on the rise, in part, because of shifting attitudes towards Champagne by the glass. “People are starting to recognize that a glass of Champagne is a treat, a moment to experience something pure and luxe without needing to open an entire bottle, and Champagne bars encourage those moments.”
We also can’t forget about restaurants that basically double as Champagne bars. “The most exciting Champagne programs in the U.S. right now are being cultivated at restaurants,” says John Grisanti, sommelier and owner of Nouvelle Bar and Bottle. Specifically, places “that blur the line between bar and restaurant and that have a very distinct point of view with their Champagne list and food identity.”
Whether you’re looking for a coupe of under-the-radar grower Champagne, or a flute of Moët alongside a plate of French fries, these pro-loved Champagne bars are truly parfait.
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
Asheville, North Carolina
In the heart of downtown Asheville, this quirky bookstore-meets-Champagne bar-meets-coffee shop proves that Champagne doesn’t have to be stuffy, and that it pairs well with a good read.
“If I could move in, I would,” says Kirsten Schofield, a sommelier and consultant based in Louisville, Kentucky. “I love how approachable they make both rare books and Champagne. The staff knows so much about their wine list and can always recommend a book. It’s one of my favorite places on earth.”
Pops for Champagne
Chicago
Jeff Cleveland, general manager and sommelier at Birch in Milwaukee, loves this charming Chicago haunt, which is his favorite Champagne bar in the US. “They have a fun list, and it’s in downtown Chicago near a lot of other fun places to shop and explore,” says Cleveland. “While we go there other times, it’s become a tradition to go to Chicago during the holidays, do some Christmas shopping, and stop in for a bottle of Champagne while we’re there.”
Master sommelier Thomas Price, of 1856 – Culinary Residence in Auburn, Alabama, is another big fan of Pops.
Champagnery
Louisville, Kentucky
With a menu of over 250 varieties of Champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, this lovely Louisville newcomer proves that Bourbon isn’t the only game in town, offering elevated Champagne-paired dinners and brunches, as well as a high-tea menu. “They have a nice selection, and it’s close to some amazing restaurants, too,” says Schofield. “It’s another place with a helpful staff that makes it easy.”
Blanc Champagne Bar
Kansas City, Missouri
This super chic, brand new Champagne spot opened just over a month ago in fall 2024, offering caviar service, elevated charcuterie, fried cornish game hen and shared plates along with its extensive menu of bubbles (over 100 sparkling wines from around the world, with accessibly priced selections). Their daily happy hour menu includes a Bubbles du Jour for $6.
The Champagne Bar
New York City
It doesn’t get more elegant than the Plaza Hotel, and if you still prefer your Champagne on the glitzier side, this is the place to go.
“After a jaunt through Central Park there's nothing like cruising up to the New York hotel for a glass of Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne and a smidge of caviar or a seafood tower with a bottle of Vilmart,” says Drewniany. “It's fun, classic, and a truly luxe way to spend an hour lounging, snacking and sipping.”
Nouvelle Bar and Bottle
Louisville, Kentucky
This bubbles-oriented wine bar is famous for its “Completely Irresponsible Champagne List” curated by sommelier and owner Grisanti, who is the only Champagne Master (designated by French Wine Scholar) in Kentucky. Schofield calls it her “favorite Champagne place” in Louisville. Beyond its Champagne bonafides, Lindsay Matteson, general manager/beverage director of Hell or High Water, told us, “It’s a gorgeous wine bar with a relaxed vibe, small bites and a beautiful patio.”
The Listening Room at Tokyo Record Bar
New York City
Ariel Arce, known to some as the Champagne Empress of Greenwich Village, is somewhat of a Champagne celebrity in New York City. When she closed her Champagne concept Air’s Champagne Parlor in 2024, she transitioned the space into Tokyo Listening Room, which has a reserve Champagne list that’s nothing short of dazzling. “I love anything Ariel does in New York, like Tokyo Record Bar,” says Jason Stanhope, executive chef at Lowland in Charleston, South Carolina.
And 3 Bar-Restaurants That Are Basically Champagne Bars
COQODAQ
New York City
Fried chicken and Champagne are a timeless combo, and this bubbles-focused fried chicken spot claims to have the largest Champagne list in America.
“I know it gets a ton of attention for the chicken, but the Champagne list is stellar: it has something for all price points,” says Meaghan Dorman, bar director of Dear Irving and Raines Law Room in New York City. “It's a fun and lively spot, so bubbles are the perfect match. As a Champagne fan, it's a great place to chat with staff and find something new."
Leon’s
Charleston, South Carolina
Another acclaimed bar-restaurant that is famous for its serious Champagne program, Leon’s offers the biggest grower Champagne menu we’ve ever seen inside of an old garage. “With the tagline ‘Fried Chicken, Oyster and Grower Champagne’ as the motto, how can you go wrong?” says Grisanti. “Brooks Reitz really nailed it with the high-brow/low-brow nature of this place. It has a perfectly curated list of small Champagne producers stuffed into an oyster shack-like vibe where you can spend an entire afternoon here without ever thinking twice.”
And it certainly doesn’t hurt that fried chicken and oysters complement all the Champagnes spectacularly. “I mean, come on, they picked the two most iconic pairings with Champagne to rely on and crush every element,” he says.
Maison Premiere
Brooklyn, New York
If you’re looking for a bar for Champagne, rather than strictly a Champagne bar, Grisanti emphatically endorses this Brooklyn institution. “It is clearly known as an iconic bar in the world and has received many accolades to stand on, but what many people don’t realize is how well designed the wine program is there, in particular a really excellent list of Champagnes,” says Gristanti. “They pair perfectly with the astonishing varieties of oysters they offer, and a vibe that couldn’t be any more transportive.”
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Published: December 10, 2024
