4 Best Sober Bars In America That Are Oh-So Fun

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An inside look of Sans Bar in Austin, Texas.

Courtesy Sans Bar

The term “dry bar” may sound like an oxymoron, but times they are a-changin', friends. So, too, is the definition of nightlife. As health, fitness and sobriety trend, sober spots are popping up from coast to coast, and people are loving it. Why not gather your favorite girlfriends, hit the town and experience all that sober nightlife has to offer? Whether you are sober, sober-curious or just don’t feel like drinking, you can enjoy the good music, dancing and camaraderie, but skip the hangover. These hot-spot sober establishments will welcome you with open arms and provide you with a night to remember (unlike those booze-filled nights that blur your memories).

Daybreaker in San Fransico, California.

Courtesy Daybreaker

The Sober Social

This Atlanta hot spot has set the alcohol-free bar (pun intended) quite high. As noted on their website, The Sober Social is more than a bar; it’s “a movement, a community and a celebration of clear-headed fun.” Any establishment with a full selection of elixirs on its menu alongside karaoke is an immediate win in my book. In addition to non-alcoholic wine and beer, they offer signature non-alcoholic drinks, including an Espresso Martini, as well as specialty Kava concoctions for a soothing effect. Open regularly from Thursday through Saturday, The Sober Social also opens its doors every second Wednesday of the month for work-from-home folks, who may be feeling socially isolated. They are out to “prove that sobriety and socializing go hand in hand, offering an experience that's just as thrilling, if not more so, than traditional bars.”

Sans Bar

This Austin gem boasts the title of “first non-alcoholic bar in North America,” making it a true trendsetter. In 2017, Chris Marshall, a former addiction counselor, set out to create a space for those in recovery to socialize, sip and relax, all while maintaining their sobriety. What Sans (French for “without”) Bar has created is more than just a sober space — they have started a movement to foster connection over shame and loneliness, which includes an academy for those interested in building their own sober pop-up bar, and the demand is clearly there. Sans Bar has flourished, with pop-up locations in Portland, New York City and Los Angeles. Passionate, inclusive and intentional, Sans was created with purpose: “We are sober curious. We are sober sometimes. We are in recovery. We are allies of those who abstain for whatever reason.” Stop by the Austin location on Fridays and select Saturdays to enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re lucky, you may also experience additional healing through a sound bath or other wellness activities.

Daybreaker