I like cocktail bars. Here's some notable ones I liked in a variety of cities.

• Foundation - The best cocktail bar in the Triangle. The proprietor of The Alderman (Chicago) knew these folks.
• Aunty Betty's - A gin & absinthe bar. Didn't have absinthe when I went, but it did have a very knowledgeable and awesome bartender.
• Dram and Draught - Whiskey bar with good cocktails. Haven't gotten to know this one too well.
• C Grace (RIP) Used to be an amazing jazz bar, no more.

• The Alderman - Reservation only but we got in without one. Incredible bar and a very quirky and personable owner-bartender.

• Ordinarie - A very cozy bar.
• Secret Island - Cool tiki bar
• Bamboo Club - Down the street from Chiang Rai, a tiki bar that knows its history.

• Clifton's Pacific Seas

• Hell or High Water - gay/queer tiki bar in Denver. Unique selection of glassware and server garb.

• canon - notable for having the largest spirit collection in America, I felt like I was wasting the bar's time ordering off the menu.
• Rumba - canon for rum drinkers. Told the server I was interested in rhum agricoles - received a flight and a 20 minute crash course + q&a on the subject when he returned. Amazing bar.
• Inside Passage (inside Rumba) - A neat tiki spot that focuses more on novelty than other tiki bars I've attended. The cocktails are good but premixed to save space, you can't order off menu here.