From Moe’s Tavern to MacLaren’s Pub, these are the 10 best TV bars of all time, ranked just in time to raise a glass for National Beer Day.
As The Simpsons’ very own Homer Simpson once said, “I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.” While hopefully no one’s going that far, the sentiment fits perfectly today—because it’s National Beer Day! And what better way to celebrate than by rounding up the most iconic bars from the small screen?
From vampire hangouts to superhero hideouts, these fictional watering holes have become just as beloved as the characters who frequent them. So grab a cold one, cozy up on your couch, and revisit the 10 best TV bars we’d all love to grab a drink in.
10. Verdant – Arrow
By day it was a trendy nightclub, but beneath Verdant’s dancefloor was something far more dangerous: a secret superhero lair. Owned by Oliver Queen, Verdant was the perfect cover for the Green Arrow’s vigilante missions—while still serving up a stylish drink or two upstairs.
9. The Snakehole Lounge – Parks and Recreation
Known as “Pawnee’s sickest nightclub,” this flashy, over-the-top bar played host to countless memorable moments for the Parks and Rec crew. With glowsticks, bottle service, and Tom Haverford’s ever-evolving drink ideas, The Snakehole Lounge was where things always went off the rails—hilariously.
8. Merlotte’s Bar and Grill – True Blood
A staple in Bon Temps, Louisiana, Merlotte’s was more than just a bar—it was a supernatural hotspot. Run by shapeshifter Sam Merlotte, this dive saw everything from vampire drama to werewolf brawls. If you could survive the night, you’d always get a decent burger and beer.
7. MacLaren’s Pub – How I Met Your Mother
Whether they were debating the “Hot/Crazy Scale” or sharing relationship woes, Ted, Barney, and the gang always had a booth ready at MacLaren’s. This cozy New York bar became the unofficial HQ for the HIMYM crew and one of the most beloved TV hangouts of the 2000s.
6. The Drunken Clam – Family Guy
A Rhode Island fixture, The Drunken Clam is the favorite watering hole of Peter Griffin and his buddies. Complete with quirky bartenders, offbeat patrons, and occasional explosions, it’s been the backdrop for many of Family Guy’s most absurd and hilarious misadventures.
5. Kavanagh’s Irish Pub – The Wire
Kavanagh’s brought the gritty realism of The Wire into the comfort of a pint. A local bar in Baltimore’s west side, it offered a moment of calm—and insight—for cops and criminals alike. It may not be flashy, but its place in the show’s emotional core was undeniable.
4. The Bronze – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Half nightclub, half demonic battleground, The Bronze was the go-to hangout for Buffy and her friends when they weren’t slaying vampires. With live music, moody lighting, and the occasional vampire ambush, it was Sunnydale’s most iconic hotspot.
3. Paddy’s Pub – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s worst bar—owned and operated by the even worse Gang—Paddy’s is a disaster in every sense of the word. But its sheer chaos and absurdity have made it legendary. If you’re looking for cleanliness or a liquor license, you’re in the wrong place.
2. Cheers – Cheers
Where everybody knows your name, of course! Cheers set the gold standard for TV bars. The Boston pub welcomed a rotating cast of lovable regulars, unforgettable romances, and heartfelt stories, all behind its wooden bar and under the watchful eye of Sam Malone.
1. Moe’s Tavern – The Simpsons
Topping the list is Springfield’s very own Moe’s Tavern. With its dim lighting, grouchy owner, and constant prank calls from Bart, Moe’s remains the most iconic cartoon bar ever. Whether it’s Homer, Barney, or Duffman dropping by, Moe’s is as legendary as the series itself.
So raise your glass and toast to National Beer Day—with your favorite fictional bar in mind.
