Top Non-Alcoholic Bars in the U.S.

Have you ever found yourself at a party where the only non-alcoholic drink offered was water or soda? Maybe it got you wondering if there were a better way to enjoy the night. Don’t worry, you're not alone. With a rise in popularity of the “sober curious” movement and an increased focus on health and wellness, sober bars are on the rise.

They’re transforming how we think about nightlife and socializing, offering creative alternatives and vibrant atmospheres that go beyond the usual options. Let’s explore the top non-alcoholic bars across the United States, where you can enjoy the connection of sharing a drink and engaging in lively conversations without the haze of alcohol.

Why Choose a Sober Bar?

Sober bars are more than bars that don’t serve alcohol. They are establishments that offer a fresh take on socializing and nightlife, providing a space to connect and unwind without the pressure to drink. Whether we’re cutting back on alcohol or just curious, these non-alcoholic bars create a welcoming environment where we can have fun while making mindful choices.

With the rise of the “sober curious” movement, more people are seeking out spaces that prioritize wellness and mindful socializing. Sober bars have stepped up to meet this demand, offering unique takes on nightlife that cater to wellness and social connection. But what makes a standout sober bar? Let’s explore some of the most popular non-alcoholic bars in America to find out.

Exploring the Top 10 Non-Alcoholic Bars in the U.S.

Standout sober bars offer more than just great drinks — they’re carving out a new social scene, creating spaces for connection and community. Here are some of the top non-alcoholic bars that are making waves across the country:

1. The New Bar in Los Angeles, CA

The flagship bar is located in Venice, CA, but The New Bar also has opened locations in West Hollywood and San Francisco. The New Bar is known for its stylish and inviting atmosphere, while it provides a rotating tasting menu that changes daily. Each location also features a wide selection of non-alcoholic spirits, beers, and wine for every taste. 

But it's more than a non-alcoholic bar and bottle store. As host to various community events, The New Bar has become a hub for the sober curious community in LA. Events include happy hour, candle-painting, tastings, trivia nights, yoga, and more, making it a great place to connect with others. By offering a diverse range of events and alcohol-free options, The New Bar offers a fresh take on the social scene without the need for alcohol.

2. Sans Bar in Austin, TX

Sans Bar was the first non-alcoholic bar in North America, founded in 2017 by renowned mental health advocate and substance abuse counselor Chris Marshall. He aimed to create an inclusive space for everyone and show that socializing can be vibrant and fun without alcohol. 

The 100% non-alcoholic bar features unique cocktails such as the “Alright Alright Alright” which contains zero-proof rum, sweet potato simple syrup, and ATB New Orleans bitters, or their take on the classics such as the “Sangarita” with zero-proof tequila, agave, and lime juice. They also have sugar-free options, non-alcoholic beers and wines, and even an all-you-can-drink option. 

Located in Downtown Austin, Sans Bar is a great place to embrace the vibrant nightlife of the city without the consequences of alcohol. But Sans Bar has become even more than a sober bar. They’ve partnered with wellness company Swift Fit Events to host experiences such as sound baths, workout classes, and community events that bring people together and celebrate health and wellness. 

3. Listen Bar in New York, NY

Listen Bar is a pop-up sober bar that started in NYC and has now gone global with its first event in Lisbon. Lorelei Bandrovschi, the founder of Listen Bar, was dared by a friend years ago to spend a month without drinking. She loved it and set upon a new mission to rewrite nightlife beyond alcohol. 

The pop-up, zero-proof bar features a menu of sophisticated drinks, a crew of musician bartenders, and a following of drinkers and non-drinkers. The bartenders curate playlists and even feature special guests to DJ at tier pop-ups. Their unique alcohol-free menu is created by high-profile mixologists and even categorized by nutritional preferences for a thoughtful and inclusive approach. Listen Bar hosts a trendy nightlife experience where music, creativity, and community take center stage.

4. Ocean Beach Cafe in San Francisco, CA

Ocean Beach Cafe, part sober bar, part cafe, was born after a seasoned bartender, Joshua James, embarked on a transformative journey to take a year off drinking. Motivated by a desire to live without hangovers, Joshua created a unique destination in the heart of San Francisco, offering a contemporary twist to zero-proof beverages. They not only serve creative non-alcoholic mocktails, but also a range of non-alcoholic wines, Kava products, herbal elixirs, locally roasted coffee, and even a standout brunch menu.

The cafe/bar features a chill, laid-back atmosphere with an outdoor patio that overlooks Ocean Beach. Not only is Ocean Beach Cafe a cool spot to get good food and drinks, but it’s also a great place to meet other people in the community without feeling tempted to drink. Meet like-minded individuals at mocktail tastings, sports watch parties, mocktail making, and much more.

5. The Other Side in Crystal Lake, IL

The Other Side is a cafe by day and a sober bar by night. The first sober bar in Illinois, founded by New Directions Addiction Recovery Services (NDARS), aims to support the recovery process at all stages by “keeping sobriety as enjoyable as possible.” It’s a place where people in the community can enjoy a stigma-free get-together.

The cafe/bar focuses on three main aspects: a great menu, a meeting space, and a welcoming community, making a visit to The Other Side not just a stop for non-alcoholic drinks. The cafe also features brunch bites such as breakfast sandwiches and specialty lattes, as well as seasonal kombuchas and unique mocktails like a “Blood Orange Bull” and “Chile Sunrise.” And the best part, the money goes straight back into the recovery community to host events such as support group meetings, youth events, and trivia nights. 

While The Other Side has great food and noteworthy mocktails, it’s also a great place to meet like-minded individuals who may be curious about going booze-free or on their journey to developing a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.

6. Absence of Proof in New York, NY

After realizing that a casual relationship with alcohol was no longer serving her, Elizabeth Casgoine, the founder of Absence of Proof, went sober and noticed that there was a lack of nightlife options in NYC that didn’t center around alcohol. 

There’s no official storefront, but Absence of Proof offers one-of-kind public events, caters private events, and features an online store with premium non-alcoholic beverages, barware, and more delivered right to your door. What sets them apart is their mission to not preach a particular lifestyle but to focus on promoting wellness and building a community for the sober curious by elevating the standards of non-alcoholic events. 

Some standout events of the past include activities such as a cold plunge, supper club, holiday card making, bouquet arranging, breathwork, karaoke, and much more. Absence of Proof is redefining nightlife in NYC by offering unique alcohol-free experiences that foster connection and well-being, making it a standout destination for anyone looking to enjoy a social event without the pressure to drink.

7. Kava Culture Kava Bar in Tampa, FL

While it’s a sober bar, Kava Culture doesn’t take a traditional route to non-alcoholic drinks. It features Kava, which is a drink made from the Piper mythsticum plant. Kava has been used for hundreds of years as a ceremonial drink in the Pacific Islands and is known for its mood-boosting and relaxing qualities. Some people draw similarities between the effects of Kava and alcohol, but Kava isn’t associated with the dreaded aftermath of a hangover. 

Kava Culture aims to create a space where people can connect while still respecting their health, plants, and the planet. Their unique menu features a wide range of kava creations from “Mango Bango” to “Churro Cha Cha.” You can even build your own elixir. Kava Culture has multiple locations throughout Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, bringing Kava to more people around the country and providing a booze-free space to connect with others.

8. The Sober Social in Atlanta, GA

The Sober Social is an elegant speakeasy that offers visitors in downtown Atlanta an elevated, alcohol-free nightlife experience. They’re known for their cozy, yet refined atmosphere and wide range of drinks, all alcohol-free. 

The drink menu features carefully curated mocktails such as the “Social Butterfly” with passion fruit lemon drop, bitters, and fresh lemon, to non-alcoholic wines, beers, and Kava cocktails. If you’re not looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, The Sober Social is still a unique place to hang out. Grab a baked treat, sip on some quality tea or coffee, and even get a Turkish Coffee Fortune Reading!

9. The Volstead in Philadelphia, PA

The Volstead was founded in 2022 and focuses on sustainability, community, wellness, and social investment. Aside from its wide range of zero-proof libations, the Volstead also features a 100% full-service vegan restaurant. 

Their two-level bar offers a vibrant, yet inviting place to socialize with friends while enjoying good food and drinks. Seasonal ingredients are featured in their zero-proof cocktails such as the “Peach Gimlet” and “Mezcarita,” as well as their plant-based offerings such as the vegan charcuterie and “Earthen quiche.” 

Best of all, The Volstead focuses on supporting the community by employing those in recovery or returning from incarceration. They pride themselves on paying their staff a livable wage and doing their part in promoting long-term ecosystem sustainability. 

10. Honey Elixir Bar in Denver, CO

The Honey Elixir Bar isn’t exactly a sober bar, but it’s still worth mentioning. Denver’s one fully sober bar shut its doors in 2023, but Honey Elixir Bar still has a lot to offer in its place. There’s no shortage of non-alcoholic menu options available. Honey Elixir Bar stands out for its bold and exciting mocktail menu that’s a hit for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

For those who are looking for a lively place to gather with friends, Honey Elixir Bar is the place to be with options for everyone. Some of their non-alcoholic drink options or “potions” include “Mai Chai,” “Chocolit,” “Scarlet Rizz,” and more. Their diverse menu features artisanal spirits, organic herbs, fresh juices, and raw honey, creating a delicious, inclusive, and memorable experience for all to enjoy.

No matter your drinking preference, any one of these sober bar options provides a unique and memorable experience that honors your health and well-being.

What If There Are No Sober Bars Near Me?

While more and more mocktail bars are popping up, there might not be one near you. Luckily, we’ve got other options: 

• Have a list of non-alcoholic options. Check out this list of 21 alcohol-free options we can order at any bar. Just because we’re not drinking doesn’t mean we can’t go out! 
• Make your own. We can bring the party back home and get creative with crafting our own mocktails. Play with seasonal ingredients, fun garnishes, and personal favorites. Check out these mocktail recipes to inspire your own.
• Practice saying “no.” Peer pressure and feeling judged or left out can make saying “no” a bit challenging, but it’s like a muscle we can exercise and get better at flexing. 
• Choose other activities. Shift the focus away from alcohol by choosing other activities. Get out in nature, learn something new, and explore hobbies.
• Have an out. Put a friend on speed dial, schedule a ride, or have an excuse ready to make sure you can get out of any situation you don’t want to be in. 
• Get support. If we’re concerned about our drinking habits, we can reach out for support. Open up to close family and friends, join a support group like Reframe, or explore professional treatment options. 

When it comes to sober bars, they’re fun to explore and can help us align our actions with our goals.

Cheers to Change

As the “sober curious” movement continues to thrive, these top sober bar options are proving that a great night out or a gathering with friends doesn’t require alcohol. While a vacation, celebration, or outing doesn’t need to be centered around a replacement for drinking, it can offer a unique yet inclusive experience. To explore other ideas, check out “How To Enjoy an Alcohol-Free Vacation: A Case for Sober Tourism.” Whether we’re looking to sip, socialize, or simply try out a new kind of nightlife, these non-alcoholic venues set a new standard for fun and mindful social experiences.