From pool to darts and axe-throwing – yes, really – these bars are all fun and games.
Two overriding trends are shaping how we drink today. One, we're seeking nostalgia as a form of comfort in increasingly tumultuous times; and two, we're craving experiences to forge connections in the face of technology overload. Driven by both tropes is a wave of bars that brings together drinks and games to create immersive nights full to the brim with good old-fashioned fun. Here are the most playful – sure to stoke your competitive spirit.
Middle Child Clubhouse, Philadelphia
The Thousand Island Lounge channels the vibe of a retro hangout with a TV, disco ball and sound system
No-holds-barred fun is the name of the game at this all-day bar in Philadelphia, lovingly referred to by locals as 'Mid Kid', and served with a generous side of comfort and nostalgia. There are sandwiches the size of your head if you're hungry – think pastrami reubens and duck-fat cabanos – together with 'day' and 'night' drinks to get you in the swing of things: on the former, everything from mimosas to margaritas, on the latter, mai-tais and martinis. The bar's bookable Thousand Island Lounge has an old school Nintendo 64 with everything from Mario Kart and NFL Blitz to Wrestlemania, plus a special menu offering Scorpion bowls, porrons and giant negroni and espresso martinis, the latter of which is shaken and poured tableside.
Hunky Dory Bar, Frankfurt
Discover authentic vintage games ranging from table soccer to slot machines
Don't let its location in Frankfurt's red-light district put you off – as its David Bowie-inspired name suggests, everything at Hunky Dory Bar is absolutely fine. Go for drinks such as the pornstar martini-inspired Gold Rush or the cosmopolitan-esque Metropolitan – ordered to your private booth via antique telephone, less – but stay for the vintage arcade games. The eclectic decor, all quirky objets, mannequins and odd artwork – shouldn't work, but it just does.
Puttshack, London
No cheating here – the smart golf balls do all the scoring for you
Not all mini golf bars are made equal, as Puttshack in London demonstrates. Enveloped by the grand architecture of the historic building in which it's housed, this spot pairs high-tech, neon-lit mini golf (no paper score pads in sight) with a dive-style bar and diner-inspired eatery. Pre- or post-game, tuck into everything from Japanese gyoza and chicken shawarma to Korean bao and veggie samosa – alongside all the usual pizzas and burgers et al. – washed down with fun cocktails like a Rum Punch, the Smoky Old-Fashioned or a Salted Sazerac. Sip when you're winning, as they say.
Bon Délire, Montreal
Neon signs, free popcorn and a Instagram-worthy pool table are all part of the experience
Penchant for a cheetah-print pool table? We've got you. The 90s-inspired Bon Délire in Montreal doesn't take itself too seriously with several of them as the stars of the show in a fun space that also features a neon-lit bar with curves in all the right places, oversized chandeliers dripping in drama and a fabulous red-and-black chequerboard floor. There's nothing dive-bar about the drinks, though, which serves up twists on classics – our pick is the Half Naked and Almost Famous made with mezcal, Suze, yellow Chartreuse, lime juice and rhubarb.
Southside Parlor, Seoul
An Americana‑inspired menu serves playful cocktails, from a Dr. Pepper Old Fashioned to a Korean-style iced tea spiked with espresso
When it comes to drinks, eats and buzz, Southside Parlor hits the bullseye. If you can sense a Texan vibe, there's a reason for that: friends and founders Phil, Robbie and Johnnie bring all the fun and flavour of their native state to this Seoul speakeasy. As well as the 80s arcade console for taking you right back to childhood, there's a handful of dartboards for those looking to brush up on their aim, while the leather sofas provide comfortable perches for those who prefer to watch. As you'd expect, the food is all about the BBQ – the smoked brisket sandwich is a signature – while the cocktails use fresh juices and homemade syrups. Dr. Pepper Whisky Sour, anyone?
Boom Battle Bar, Dubai
Gather up to eight friends and take over two lanes for a unique axe‑throwing challenge
Axe-throwing has become the latest trend for those looking for alternative games, and Boom Battle Bar is at the cutting-edge. Its Dubai outpost is arguably the most elaborate, as you can imagine, with said sport sitting alongside crazy golf, shuffleboard, beer bong and more. The twist? It's augmented reality axe-throwing, which means you still throw a real axe (don't worry), but digital magic is layered over the target for added fun and interactivity (try Duck Hunt instead of Traditional Bullseye and you'll see what we mean). There are drinks, of course – punches, margs, cosmos – and sports-bar-style bites: Wagyu beef sliders, crispy prawn tacos and veggie-loaded fries.
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