Most of us likely have a favourite drinking establishment. Somewhere we can slip into for happy hour after work or celebrate a special occasion with some responsible drinking. There are a lot of factors that make for a good pub, but then there are the occasional watering holes that think outside the box. The world is full of these oddities in the category of pubs and bars. So if you’re looking for a very unique place to grab a quick drink and enjoy the surroundings, check out some of the coolest pubs in the world.
Alux Caverna Lounge, Mexico
Mexico is a nation with so much fascinating history, and this bar is one that embraces that history in a truly unique setting. Constructed within an 10,000+ year old underground cave of Mayan legend, this bar allows you to enjoy food and drinks in a dark, intimate location, unlike any you’ve likely ever seen before. The bar is surprisingly large with beautiful lighting filling the space. Just be sure to watch your head.
Baobab Tree Bar, South Africa
If you though converting a cave into a bar was impressive, wait until you visit a bar inside a tree. That’s right, this natural-set pub is inside of a hallowed-out trunk of a 6,000-year-old tree. Found in the Limpopo Province in South Africa, this seemingly trendy bar has actually been operating since the 1930s. but don’t expect it to be too much of a lively atmosphere once you’re inside. Due to the limited space of the bar, there is only enough room to hold about a dozen patrons. Still, the exclusivity of it makes it even cooler, doesn’t it?
The Church, Ireland
Of course Ireland is going to have some really great pubs. But while some of their best offerings in drinking establishments tend to go for the traditional look, this more unique take is certainly one to seek out. This lovely Irish gem is built inside what was formerly St. Mary’s Church, built at the beginning of the 18th century, and they wisely kept much of the original intact. The massive space allows for patrons of all tastes with a restaurant, bar area, private events room and dance club all under one sacred roof. The best time you’ll have in church.
H.R Giger Bar, Gruyere
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how people think some of these designs are suitable for a pub. But then, the absolute bizarreness of something like this out-of-this-world bar is just too good to ignore. While the look of the bar might seem just creepy, other might find it oddly familiar, especially to movie fans. The bar takes design cue from Swiss artist H.R Giger, famous for his iconic designs used for the horror film, Alien. It might make your skin crawl while you have your drink but you’re not likely to come across another bar like it anywhere.
Hotel Edelweiss, Switzerland
While some of these pubs are worth a visit because of their wonderful and unusual interiors, there are some that just need to be experienced due to the amazing views they offer. Such is very much the case with this Swiss beauty. Found in the heart of the Alps, his hotel bar allows for open air view of the breathtaking peaks. The altitude might make the beer hit you a little harder than the average pint, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the sight unlike any other.
Ice Bar, Quebec City
Yes Canada, we made the list! Any good Canuck knows about this one-of-a-kind bar, as part of North America’s only ice hotel, Hotel de Glace. But how many of you have actually experience it? The interior is unbelievable, feeling like it’s something out of another world, or some dreamed up sci-fi world. The whole thing is constructed every winter, but sadly eventually has to melt away when the weather warms. The sculpture of the place will have you spellbound, and your drink will stay chilled the whole time.
Lala’s Little Nugget, Texas
As it turns out, you don’t need a whole bar made of ice to capture some of that wonderful winter magic. Take this little Texas drinking hole where every single day is Christmas. All year-round the establishment is lit up as if Santa was about to climb down the chimney. September, March, July – whatever month, you can partake in the jolliest of holidays. Is it gimmicky? Oh, you bet it is, but can you honestly say you don’t want to spend a night hanging out there?
Northern Lights Bar, Iceland
Sticking to the snowy theme, this Icelandic bar might be a bit out of the way, but it’s view is one to go off the beaten path for. As part of the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel, this bar is in the middle of nowhere for good reason. It resembles a post-modern luxury home, more than your average bar, with high ceilings, couches and massive floor-to-ceiling windows. As it turns out, the windows are necessarily accessible, offering a stunning view of the overhead Northern Lights which shine in the skies of this area. You’ll have a hard time concentrating on your drink with a view like that.
Subsix, Maldives
For our last funky bar choice, we switch our view from looking up at the skies to going under the sea. This fancy, beautiful nightclub is located in the Maldives so you know it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg to get there before you even order a drink. But if you ever get lucky with those lottery tickets, this is certainly one to check out. The bar is completely underwater, with windows lining the walls to give you a view of your extraordinary surroundings.