Top Champagne Bars in the USA
A good Champagne bar should be as effervescent as the wine it serves. Some are bright, playful spaces to get giddy with your friends over French fries and Pét-Nat, while others are elegant, moody settings perfect for enjoying caviar and coupes of Dom with your lover. Moreover, some combine irreverence and elegance, such as pairing cloudy California bubbles with briny oysters or indulging in Grand Cru Champagne with tater tots. There are various styles of sparkling wine bars, but the best ones break outdated notions of Champagne as stuffy or elitist, bringing bubbles into the hands and hearts of everyone.
The Riddler in San Francisco, California
Backed by an all-woman investment team and managed by women, The Riddler is named after the traditionally feminine profession of riddling (or turning) Champagne bottles. This elegant bubbly bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley aims to serve serious wine with a playful spirit. Their eight-page wine list runs the gamut from California Pétillant Naturels to the inevitable “The Bucket List: Wine to try before you die,” which includes unicorn bottles such as a magnum of 1966 Taittinger Blanc de Blanc for $4,750. You can also request a “Joan,” half a bottle’s worth of house wine poured to the brim of the glass, or enjoy your bubbly via Chabong – essentially a beer bong for Champagne. However, avoid drinking from a flute; the ladies at The Riddler prefer classic wine glasses, stating that this allows for better swirling, sniffing, and overall sensory enjoyment from your bubbly. Whatever you order, delight in snacks like tater tot waffles garnished with bowfin caviar and bottomless popcorn on the house.
Effervescence in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a hedonistic city celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere. The city boasts numerous spots to enjoy great Champagne, yet Crystal Hinds opened Effervescence in 2017, solely dedicated to bubbles. The menu is decadent and extensive, featuring over 200 Champagnes available by the bottle and 30 by the glass. To make the dizzying selection manageable, there are six sparkling flight options with whimsical names like “Return of the Rosés” and “May All Your Pain be Champagne.” The menu emphasizes seafood, as expected from a low-country locale, presenting dishes such as the Gulf Seafood Plateau that includes West Indies crab salad, snapper ceviche, and more. If you’re craving something cheesy, try the grilled half-wheel of Brillart Savarin with toast soldiers and dates. Finally, close your meal with a “Bubbles and Troubles” cocktail, such as the Hurricane Crystal featuring a unique blend of rums and tropical flavors.
Ambonnay in Portland, Oregon
Opened in the fall of 2011, Ambonnay has become a beloved bar for Champagne enthusiasts. After eight years, owner David Speer turned it over to his friend and fellow Champagne lover, Michael Knisley. This cozy spot in Portland maintains a focused, bubbly-only menu. With seven Champagnes by the glass and twenty-seven by the bottle, it features a rotational selection. Although the menu may seem limited, it is carefully curated with options in every category, including blends and vintages. Don’t miss nibbling on local cheeses or indulging in truffled popcorn for the perfect pairing to your bubbly experience.
Air’s Champagne Parlor in the West Village, New York
One significant barrier to enjoying Champagne is its high price tag, which is why Ariel Arce of Air’s Champagne Parlor made a bold decision to lower her prices to retail markup just four months after opening. This marble-topped space, accented with velvet barstools and potted palms, feels luxurious yet casual enough for any occasion. Furthermore, Arce emphasizes a women-only staff and a simplified food menu that includes charcuterie, french fries, and a raw bar. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; the knowledgeable team is eager to assist you in finding the perfect bubbly, whether it’s a bottle of Pét-Nat or a classic Champagne. You can also savor a caviar sandwich or Burgundy Truffle Frites while reveling in the delightful atmosphere.
Ça Va in Kansas City, Missouri
While Kansas City is typically famed for barbecue, owner and chef Howard Hanna opened Ca Va in 2014, an establishment that celebrates the elegance of Champagne. The French slang name translates to “what’s up,” perfectly embodying Ca Va’s inviting ambiance of French soul blended with Midwestern casualness. The bubbles list features a three-page menu that is approachable, with an excellent selection of Champagne and wines from France, Italy, and beyond. Each bottle is accompanied by tasting notes that pique interest, some even using hip-hop lyrics for a fun twist. Pair your bubbly with delightful snacks, such as trout sardines, radish toast, and French cheese puffs for a truly unforgettable experience.
