“I need the anesthetic qualities of the local fire water.”
anthony bourdain
Those who have enjoyed watching the American hit sitcom Cheers will remember the opening theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy. It speaks to what draws people to these establishments and the communities they form. We aren’t speaking of nightclubs or tourist-based party bars; we are talking about small personal places that bring locals to a neutral, equalitarian territory to form social bonds. Where people gather to talk to others, find companionship, speak about their community, play games, and discuss world news. They do this over a drink and some food. It serves an important social function, a community center of sorts where people can relax and let go of their day.
Our Pubs, Breweries, and Bars’ Discoveries
This page is dedicated to pubs, breweries, wineries, and bars we discovered during our travels overseas and in the US. Let us define a bit what each is known to mean.
Pubs
A Pub originates from the word Public house. For example, in many English pubs, most consumers will be people from the neighborhood, the village, or the parish who gather around the bar or table. Pubs are often associated with beer, but in most cases, most alcoholic beverages may be available. However, on rare occasions, we have come across some that don’t serve wine. Pubs are usually known to serve food, and the gastropub cuisine world has taken a life of its own. Both great drinks and great food can be enjoyed at a Pub.
Brewery
Our love for beer and visiting breweries is rooted in a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity involved in brewing each batch. Exploring different breweries allows us to immerse ourselves in the diverse flavors, aromas, and stories that characterize every unique beer. From touring the brewing facilities and witnessing the meticulous brewing process to tasting the results firsthand, each visit deepens our understanding of ingredients, brewing techniques, and beer styles. It’s a sensory journey that engages all senses—from the sight of gleaming brewing equipment to the aroma of hops and malt and the taste of finely crafted beers. These experiences not only enrich our appreciation for beer but also connect us with the culture and traditions of the breweries we visit, inspiring ongoing exploration and enjoyment of this beloved beverage.
Winery
Our passion for wine and visiting wineries is driven by a profound appreciation for the artistry and dedication involved in crafting each bottle. Exploring different wineries allows us to immerse ourselves in the diverse flavors, aromas, and stories that characterize every unique wine. From wandering through vineyards and witnessing the meticulous winemaking process to tasting the fruits of this labor, each visit deepens our understanding of terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. It’s a sensory journey that engages all senses— from the sight of lush vineyards to the aroma of aging barrels and the taste of expertly crafted wines. These experiences not only enrich our appreciation for wine but also connect us with the culture and traditions of the regions we explore, inspiring a continuous exploration and enjoyment of this timeless beverage.
Bar
A Bar, also known as a saloon, tavern, tippling house, or pub, is a retail business that serves alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other beverages. The term “bar” refers to the countertop where drinks are prepared and served, then refers to the overall premises. Bars are social hubs where people gather to unwind, socialize, and enjoy a variety of beverages in a lively atmosphere. They serve as meeting points for friends and strangers alike, offering a space to relax after a long day or kickstart a night out. Whether seeking a quiet corner for conversation or a vibrant setting for celebration, bars play a pivotal role in fostering social connections and creating memorable moments for patrons of all tastes and backgrounds. They can be small places that draw in mostly locals or larger-scale nightclubs. They can vary from pretty bare bones to incredibly elegant.
Ireland was a great place to start
We first became drawn to local pubs in small historical villages during a trip to Ireland. These are places off the beaten path, and the simpler, the better. The atmosphere captivated us; watching the locals interact and share stories was heartwarming. If you enjoy people-watching, it is a great venue to do so. But we soon discovered how welcoming and warm they were to these strangers in their world. Maybe they don’t need to know your name.
It often started with the bartender, who always loved to suggest local brews with a bit of story along with them. They genuinely seemed interested in where we were from and how we were enjoying the area. Next thing you know, they ask for your name and introduce themselves. As they conversed with us, others began to join in. We met some lovely and kind people along the way during these encounters. More importantly, we came to know the real people of the community, away from tourist spots and hotels. It has become a tradition to do it everywhere we travel.
There were even times when local musicians played, as occurred in the small port town of Westport, Ireland. Being part of their world was so personal and intimate that evening. We were worried we would feel like an intruder and not welcome. But that never occurred; it was the opposite. Over time, we have observed that we rarely see anyone inebriated in the places we go to in Europe. People seem respectful and considerate of others. This is their community; they may not want to be the talk of the town the next day. Ultimately, it seems all have fun, and isn’t that what matters?
Loving an excellent dark beer doesn’t hurt
We undoubtedly enjoy a cold draft beer, especially of a darker variety. We make a point of asking what is local and what they recommend. If they don’t have a local dark brew, we take what they suggest. We tasted some fantastic beer, and then there was the Budweiser type—yuck!
Some of the food we have ordered in these establishments has been amazing. A food truck on-site is trendy in the US, which likely keeps the quality high because if it gets customers’ complaints, a new truck can easily replace it. In Europe and the UK, we have not observed food trucks yet. We have, though, enjoyed some incredible food along the way. It is often fresh and homemade. In one pub in a small town in England, the kitchen was already closed, and we were starving, which must have been obvious. The bartender offered to make us some simple sandwiches; wow, they were delicious. Back to that kindness and welcome we do adore.
A Passion for Wine
Our passion for wine and visiting wineries stems from a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry involved in winemaking. Exploring different wineries allows us to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and stories that each bottle holds. From the moment we step into a vineyard, surrounded by meticulously tended vines, to witnessing the careful process of grape selection, crushing, fermentation, and aging, every step reveals the dedication and skill of the winemaker. Each winery visit becomes an opportunity to learn about the unique terroir of the region, the grape varieties grown, and the techniques used to create distinct wine profiles that reflect both tradition and innovation.
Beyond the technical aspects, visiting wineries is a sensory journey that engages all our senses. We savor the sight of rolling vine-covered hills and sun-dappled grape clusters, inhale the earthy and fruity aromas that waft from the cellars, and delight in the crisp or velvety textures that dance on our palates during tastings. It’s not just about enjoying a glass of wine but also about connecting with the culture, history, and people behind each bottle. Whether exploring small boutique wineries or iconic estates, every visit deepens our understanding of wine’s role in shaping landscapes and communities, leaving us inspired to continue exploring and appreciating the world of wine.
We aren’t leaving out our Homebase
In each of our respective areas of the country in the US, we seek out pubs, breweries, wineries, and bars when we travel for business or vacation. The experience is a bit different. We have found the bartenders and servers are warm and welcoming. They love it when you are interested in their products and are a wealth of information. The sense of community and friendliness of the other customers we see in Europe is rarely there. It is still worth trying the delicious brews and checking out each brewery’s unique atmosphere and decor.
Come back often and check out how our list grows.
We have collected quite a list over the years, and it will take a bit to catch up. The focus will be on the fun and unique Pubs, Breweries, Wineries, and Bars we have encountered during our travels at home and abroad. Places that exude charm and character while representing the residents. Some of you may have heard of some on our list; some may be centuries-old, innovative, entertaining concepts or simply off-the-beaten-path tiny places. If we list it, we believe it is worth visiting if you are in the area.
Do you have suggestions and pictures of some of your travelers’ favorite Pubs, Breweries, Wineries, and Bars? Please share below in the comment section. It could be where we are heading next, and we would love to share it on the blog after.
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