How to Come Up with Great Bar Names (With Real Examples)

Owning a bar or starting one isn’t just about crafting killer cocktails or picking out the perfect playlist. Your name is the first thing people will judge you on. It’s the handshake before the handshake, the first impression that lingers long before someone even takes their first sip.

If you’re serious about standing out in a sea of watering holes, you need a name that grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and feels unforgettable. The right name makes your bar sound welcoming, mysterious, wild, classy, or whatever vibe you want guests to feel the second they hear about you.

How important is the name of your bar?

The name of your bar is more important than you might think. It’s not just a label, but it’s your brand’s identity. It’s the first impression people get when they see your sign, browse bars online, or hear about you from a friend. 

According to a CrowdSpring study, 77% of consumers make purchases based on a brand name alone, and that includes where they choose to eat or drink. A strong, memorable name can spark curiosity, set the tone for the customer experience, and even drive word-of-mouth marketing.

When you choose the right bar name, you’re creating a feeling before anyone even walks through your doors. You’re telling a story, offering a hint about what kind of night your guests can expect, and helping your business stand out in a crowded market. In this competitive industry, having a name that’s catchy, easy to remember, and true to your brand personality can mean the difference between someone giving you a try or scrolling past to the next place.

What makes a good bar name?

A great bar name feels effortless. But behind every “wow” moment is usually a little behind-the-scenes strategy. Here’s a simple formula you can work with if you’re brainstorming:

Theme + Tone = Name

The theme is what your bar is about, whether you’re envisioning a dark speakeasy, a sunny beach hangout, or a whiskey connoisseur’s dream. At the same time, tone refers to the emotion or attitude you want your name to suggest, like playful, serious, mysterious, elegant, or rebellious. The combination of these two elements helps define the personality of your bar right from the name alone.

Examples:

• Speakeasy + Mysterious = “The Velvet Lounge”
• Beach Vibes + Playful = “Sandy Toes”
• Whiskey Haven + Serious = “Cask & Barrel”

More ways to spark ideas:

• Pair an adjective with a noun (e.g., “Lucky Sparrow,” “Tipsy Shaker”)
• Pull from history or mythology (e.g., “Prohibition Room,” “Pandora’s Den”)
• Create word mash-ups (e.g., “Driftwood,” “Moonshine”)
• Use a powerful single word (e.g., “Ember,” “Haven”, “Cheers”)

However, before you brainstorm for bar names, take a moment to define what your bar stands for. What vibe do you want your customers to feel the moment they step in? Are you creating a cozy neighborhood hangout where everybody knows your name? A sleek cocktail lounge for date nights and celebrations? A high-energy dive bar packed on game nights? The clearer your vision, the easier it is to find a name that clicks.

If you don’t have a name that clicks right away, don’t stress. Coming up with a standout bar name isn’t always instant, and that’s totally normal. There’s a creative process to it. Sometimes, you’ll hit the mark fast, and other times, it takes a bit of back-and-forth, scribbling ideas, and seeing what feels right. Consider these steps:

Step 1: Think about your target audience

The first step to coming up with the ideal bar name is to picture your ideal type of patron. Are they college students hunting for $5 margaritas? Corporate professionals looking for a post-work escape? Couples craving a date-night spot? The name you choose should resonate with the people you want to fill your seats.

For instance, a bar targeting a younger, college crowd might go with something playful like “Thirsty Thursdays,” while a more upscale wine and tapas bar might feel more at home with something like “Harvest & Vine.” Think about the kind of first impression you want to make. Your audience should feel an instant connection to the vibe your name suggests.

One great real-life example is “Employees Only” in New York City. Originally tucked behind a nondescript door in Manhattan’s West Village, “Employees Only” leaned into the mystery and exclusivity suggested by its name. It hinted at something secretive, like an insiders-only club, and that intrigue became a huge part of its brand. Today, “Employees Only” is one of the most famous cocktail bars in the world, winning awards and opening sister locations globally. Its success shows how a thoughtfully chosen name can shape perception, attract the right crowd, and build a loyal following that stretches far beyond the neighborhood.

Step 2: Keep it short and catchy

Shorter bar names tend to stick better, and that’s no coincidence. When your name is simple and catchy, it’s easier for some people to say it out loud, recall it the next day, and recommend it to friends. Think of how often customers search for a bar on Google or tag it on social media. If your name is long-winded or hard to spell, you’re making it harder for them to spread the word.

You also want your name to work across different materials: signs, menus, napkins, coasters, and maybe even merch someday. Keeping it to one to three words not only looks better but also makes branding smoother and more consistent. The right short name can pack a punch, spark curiosity, and set the tone in just a few syllables.

Think about famous bars you know. “The Varnish” and “Pony Bar.” Simple, punchy, and unforgettable. Bar names like “Chill Grill” or “The Cozy Fox” are more likely to stick in someone’s mind than “The Quaint Little Tavern Around the Corner.”

Step 3: Make sure it’s unique

Before you settle on your dream name, do a bit of homework. Start with a simple online search to see if any bars in your area are already using it. In most U.S. states, you can’t register a business with a name that’s already taken by another active business in the same state. To be sure, visit your state’s Secretary of State website and search their business entity database. This step will show you if your chosen name is available for use in your state,  which is essential if you plan to form an LLC, corporation, or file a DBA (Doing Business As).

You can usually reserve a name for a small fee or officially register it as part of your business formation process. If you’re unsure where to look, a quick search like “[Your State] business name search” should point you in the right direction. And if you plan to operate in multiple states, you’ll want to check name availability in each one.

Additionally, you certainly don’t want any confusion that sends your customers to the wrong place or worse, into a legal mess over trademarks. Your bar’s name should be uniquely yours.

Step 4: Bring in a local flavor

Tapping into your local culture or landmarks can give your bar a strong sense of place. You want to build loyalty, and showing pride in your community through your bar’s name is a subtle but powerful way to do that. A name that’s rooted in local identity can create an instant connection with your guests and even give them a talking point to share with friends.

For example, if your bar is near a famous river, mountains, or historical site, weaving that into your name (“Dockside Spirits” or “Pine Valley Tavern”) can feel instantly familiar and welcoming. You might also draw inspiration from local slang, legends, or industries that shaped your town’s history.

A real-world example is “The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog” in New York City. Named after a notorious Irish street gang from the 1850s Lower Manhattan, “The Dead Rabbit” embraces a rich piece of local history that perfectly fits its old-world Irish pub meets cocktail bar concept. The name not only stands out but also invites curiosity, pulling patrons into a story before they’ve even stepped inside. It’s one of the most celebrated bars in the world, winning “World’s Best Bar” at Tales of the Cocktail and being consistently ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars. 

Examples of great bar names

When you’re stuck, it can help to pick a “style lane” first. Here are real-life examples of bar names across the U.S. that nailed their brand identity with names that match their theme and tone:

Vintage-themed bar name

• The Violet Hour (Chicago, IL)
• Bathtub Gin (New York, NY)
• Williams & Graham (Denver, CO)
• The Old Absinthe House (New Orleans, LA)
• The Edison (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge (Chicago, IL)
• The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. (Philadelphia, PA)
• The Patterson House (Nashville, TN)
• The Varnish (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Velvet Tango Room (Cleveland, OH)

Cool and edgy bar name

• Mother (Chicago, IL)
• Ponyboy (Brooklyn, NY)
• The Drifter (Chicago, IL)
• The Way Station (Brooklyn, NY)
• The Thirsty Crow (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Dead Rabbit (New York, NY)
• The Tipsy Crow (San Diego, CA)
• The Bitter End (New York, NY)
• The Crooked Knife (New York, NY)
• The Blind Barber (Los Angeles, CA)

Cute and cozy bar name

• The Snug (Sacramento, CA)
• Honey Honey (San Francisco, CA)
• Little Bear (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Tipsy Pig (San Francisco, CA)
• The Drunken Unicorn (Atlanta, GA)
• The Cozy Inn (Salina, KS)
• The Friendly Toast (Portsmouth, NH)
• The Happy Gnome (St. Paul, MN)
• The Laughing Goat (Boulder, CO)
• The Sipping Room (New York, NY)

Elegant and classy bar name

• Bar Goto (New York, NY)
• Juniper (St. Louis, MO)
• The Monarch (Kansas City, MO)
• The NoMad Bar (New York, NY)
• The Clover Club (Brooklyn, NY)
• The Aviary (Chicago, IL)
• The Oak Room (New York, NY)
• The Library Bar (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Tasting Room (Houston, TX)
• The Violet Hour (Chicago, IL)

Speakeasy-themed bars

• The Back Room (New York, NY)
• PDT [Please Don’t Tell] (New York, NY) 
• Midnight Cowboy (Austin, TX)
• Bourbon & Branch (San Francisco, CA)
• The Laundry Room (Las Vegas, NV)
• The Violet Hour (Chicago, IL)
• The Roosevelt Room (Austin, TX)
• Bathtub Gin (Seattle, WA)
• The Library (Los Angeles, CA)
• Wilson & Washburn (Omaha, NE)

Rooftop or scenic view bars

• El Techo (San Francisco, CA)
• High Rooftop Lounge (Venice, CA)
• The Roof at Ponce City Market (Atlanta, GA)
• Upstairs at Caroline (Austin, TX)
• Raised (Chicago, IL)
• Topside (Baltimore, MD)
• The Ides at Wythe Hotel (Brooklyn, NY)
• Whiskey Charlie (Washington, D.C.)
• Perch (Los Angeles, CA)

Themed/quirky bars

• Unicorn (Seattle, WA)
• The Beetle Bar (Chicago, IL)
• Zombie Hut (Brooklyn, NY)
• Tiki Ti (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Lovecraft Bar (Portland, OR)
• House of Yes (Brooklyn, NY)
• SafeHouse (Milwaukee, WI)
• The Mutiny Information Cafe (Denver, CO)
• Donny Dirk’s Zombie Den (Minneapolis, MN)
• Trailer Park Lounge (New York, NY)

Dive bars with cult status

• Double Down Saloon (Las Vegas, NV)
• Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge (New Orleans, LA)
• The Squirrel Cage (Battle Creek, MI)
• The Comet Tavern (Seattle, WA)
• The Salty Dog Saloon (Gainesville, FL)
• Gold Room (Los Angeles, CA)
• The 5 Point Café (Seattle, WA)
• Joe’s Bar (Chicago, IL)
• The Boiler Room (Portland, OR)
• The Broken Spoke (Austin, TX)

Live music & performance venues

• The 9:30 Club (Washington, D.C.) 
• Hotel Café (Los Angeles, CA)
• First Avenue (Minneapolis, MN)
• The Troubadour (West Hollywood, CA)
• The Fillmore (San Francisco, CA)
• The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville, TN)
• The Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY)
• Antone’s Nightclub (Austin, TX)
• Tipitina’s (New Orleans, LA)
• The Roxy Theatre (West Hollywood, CA)

Additional names worth noting

• The Spotted Cat Music Club (New Orleans, LA)
• The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville, TN)
• The Green Dragon Tavern (Boston, MA)
• The Red Door (Nashville, TN)
• The Black Cat (Washington, D.C.)
• The White Horse Tavern (Newport, RI)
• The Grey Lady (New York, NY)
• The Golden Gopher (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Silver Dollar (Louisville, KY)
• The Bronze Peacock (Houston, TX)

Name it like you mean it

Choosing bar names is more than a fun exercise. It’s laying the foundation for your brand. Your name is your story’s first sentence. It should invite curiosity, make people smile, and hint at the good times waiting inside.

Don’t be afraid to brainstorm a long list. Play with words. Ask friends or future patrons for feedback. Test how your top choices sound out loud and look at a sign. The right name will feel like it belongs to you.

If you want even more inspiration, you can check out the lists from 7shifts’ Restaurant Name Guide and 7shifts’ Coffee Shop Name Guide. The same principles that make a coffee shop name catchy work just as well when you’re building the next neighborhood bar everyone talks about.

Here’s to finding the perfect name that gets people excited to grab a seat at your bar!