The Strong Appeal of Themed Bars

Circles App
2 min readJul 12, 2024

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We’re living in a time where unique experiences are highly valued, themed bars have become the epitome of social hotspots. Not only is it a place to grab a drink after work; they are immersive environments where you can feel like you’re in a different space and time. To us, it’s like the Disneyland of bars. So, what makes themed bars so irresistibly appealing?

First, themed bars offer an experience. Walking into a bar modeled after an old speakeasy, a tropical tiki paradise, or even themed after a city in another country immediately transports you somewhere new and exciting. This immersive atmosphere taps into our love for stories and fantasy, allowing us to enjoy the evening with a different vibe. It’s not just about the decor either; it’s the entire vibe — from the staff’s costumes to the curated music playlists — that creates a cohesive and memorable experience.

Social media plays a significant role in the allure of themed bars. In the age of Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, people are constantly seeking out visually striking and shareable experiences. Posting a reel from a North Pole themed bar or a neon-lit 80s arcade immediately grabs attention and engagement, allowing people to share their experiences and encourage others to visit. This brings together a community and allow people with common interests to bond.

Themed bars also cater to our desire for novelty. Regular bars can become monotonous, offering the same old setting and drink menu. Themed bars break this routine by offering something fresh and different. The anticipation of a new adventure, a new setting, and new cocktails makes the night out far more exciting. Each visit can feel like discovering a new part of the same place, especially when themes change seasonally or for special events.

Lastly, themed bars often excel in attention to detail and creativity, particularly with their drinks. Themed cocktails are crafted not only to taste good but to fit the theme perfectly. We’ve gone to many themed bars and can attest that you’ll get a snow globe cocktail for Christmas and a potion vial during Halloween. These inventive beverages add another layer of enjoyment to the experience.

We strongly feel that themed bars are more than just places to drink — they are destinations that requires minimal travel. They combine immersive experiences, social media appeal, novelty, community, and creative cocktails to create memorable nights out and experiences. There’s a reason they’re so appealing and sought after.

Let us know if you know of a really cool themed bar that’s a must visit.

Check out our app in the iOS app store to discover bars across the city. If you haven’t heard about Circles, find out more here.

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Circles App

We're a bar discovery app from San Francisco. We love bringing people together and helping you find the best bars for any occasion.