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15 must-visit rock ‘n’ roll bars in the country

[Photos by: The Vortex/Facebook, The Know/FacebookTattooed Mom, The Silver Ballroom and The Rockwell/Facebook]

From speakeasies to the modern day alehouse, we’ve seen a number of famous bars rise to attract tourists from all over… but then there's a rock 'n' roll bar. What makes a rock 'n' roll bar unique from its regular counterparts is its graffitied walls, LPs lining the moldings and punk spirit. Here at Alternative Press, we look to reintroduce this hidden art form and give you a bucket list of some of our must-visit rock 'n' roll bars across the country. 

Read more: Netflix sends cease-and-desist order to Stranger Things-themed bar

THE BLOOZE – Phoenix, AZ 


[Photo by: The Blooze Bar/Facebook]

This hip and unfussy local watering hole nestled in the southwest city’s Paradise Valley neighborhood hosts many concerts, open-mic jams and dance lessons. The Blooze is a place with rock ’n’ roll as an integral part of the cultural fabric. 
Their Message: “Great neighborhood local bar with live music, great service and friendly atmosphere: we’re just like a Cheers.”

BOND’S 007 – San Antonio, TX 


[Photo by: Bond's Rock Bar/Facebook]

This no-nonsense venue in downtown Alamo City features a full bar, live music (from metal to punk), a jukebox, TVs, billiard tables  and darts. Bond’s culmination of atmosphere, prices and music create a great experience. 
Their Message: “We are the home of the big ass glass and the bad ass bands.” 

COUNT’S VAMP’D – Las Vegas, NV 


[Photo by: Count's Vamp'd/Website]

Founded by Counting Cars’ Danny Koker, Count’s Vamp’d represents rock ’n’ roll and the classic era of the Sunset Strip where you can enjoy great food, drinks and music all under one roof. It’s a good-time destination for locals and tourists. 
Their Message: “Eat, drink, rock!”

THE DIRT BAR – Houston, TX


[Photo by: The Dirt Bar/Website]

In a city overrun with clubs playing Top 40 and hip hop, the Dirt became a refuge for those who were drawn to rock and metal music. A slew of famous musicians have been known to dip in to drink with the regulars after their Houston shows. 
Their Message: “It’s collars and ties shoulder-to-shoulder with tanks and tattoos: we’re the Dirt, and we play rock ’n’ roll!”

EXIT – Chicago, IL 


[Photo by: Exit/Facebook]

With two floors of madness, Exit is open 365 days a year until 4 a.m. It is Chicago’s premier long-running late-night punk bar in a dark, narrow, industrial space with gas masks and skull art adorning the walls.  Every night at Exit is a different experience. 
Their Message: “Chicago's original punk rock bar since 1981.” 

THE KNOW – Portland, OR 


[Photo by: The Know/Facebook]

Earlier this year, the Know reared its head in the Hollywood District at the former site of the Blackbird and Tony Starlight’s after shutting down its original Alberta Street location. If you want to go to a bar with stiff drinks and heavy music, this is your place. 
Their Message: “We’re very excited about this. You should be too.” 

MANITOBA’S – New York, NY 


[Photo by: Manitoba's/Facebook]

Manitoba's World Famous Rock ’n’ Roll Tavern is a mom-and-pop run business owned by Richard “Handsome Dick” Manitoba, frontman for legendary New York punks, the Dictators. It’s a comfy neighborhood bar featuring 100 of the greatest photos taken by rock's greatest photographers. 
Their Message: “Doing our part to save rock 'n' roll, have people actually engage in the art of socializing, all the while not being a fuckin' lounge.”

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MELODY INN – Indianapolis, IN 


[Photo by: Melody Inn/Facebook]

Tucked away at 38th and Illinois streets and in the city’s Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, the Melody Inn is one of the oldest bars in Indianapolis. There is something for everyone including punk rock, metal, indie, pop, rockabilly and more.
Their Message: “From local bands playing their first show to national bands playing their thousandth show, the Melody Inn specializes in live, original music and high performance social lubricants.”

RED STAR – Tampa, FL


[Photo by: Red Star/Website]

Situated in the Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa, Red Star is always in discussion with creative minds in the neighborhood to bring the locals some really cool events such as tasty food trucks, fashion shows, international DJ flow events and local art markets. 
Their Message: “Live music, local and touring bands, strong pours, and daily debauchery: the CBGB of Tampa.”

THE ROCKWELL – Baltimore, MD


[Photo by: The Rockwell/Facebook

The Rockwell is a bar in the heart of Fells Point that offers Baltimore an experience it hasn't seen yet. It’s a modern rock tavern featuring a lively soundtrack with strikingly bold design, brought to you in part by All Time Low’s Jack Barakat. 
Their Message: “Anything goes, we are definitely a party bar and we like it that way! Having Jack Barakat as an owner, we couldn't imagine not being a crazy, party bar!”

SABBATIC – Milwaukee, WI 


[Photo by: Sabbatic/Website]

Sabbatic’s vision for their bar is a lot of comfort, but with a punk-rock edge to it. The atmosphere here isn’t fancy, more like a comfortable corner bar, with prices to match; you can get away from your problems, take a deep breath and have a beer over some Motown. 
Their Message: “Sabbatic is its own living, breathing entity.” 

SILVER BALLROOM – St. Louis, MO 


[Photo by: The Silver Ballroom/Website]

The Silver Ballroom is a must for any fan of pinball and/or punk rock. Providing a friendly atmosphere for all since 2010, the bar has exceeded all expectations and continues to grow in popularity. Pinball machines range from the ‘80s through the newest Stern offerings. 
Their Message: “The only punk-rock/pinball bar in America. Bar top is over 400 flyers from punk shows in St. Louis over the last 30 years, like a punk history lesson!”

STIGMA – Orlando, FL


[Photo by: Stigma/Facebook]

At Stigma, you can get your first tattoo, take your first pole dance class and grab a cocktail all in the same place! It is undoubtedly the best and most original custom-only tattoo bar you'll find anywhere. A trip to the tattoo studio need never be boring again.
Their Message: “Pole dancers, booze and chicks with tattoos!” 

TATTOOED MOM – Philadelphia, PA 


[Photo by: Tattooed Mom/Website]

Tattooed Mom’s staff consists of beer-fueled punk rockers, geeks, cross dressers and flipper babies alike. It’s a relaxed hipster bar with food and drink specials, pool tables, plus toys and candy right on the bar. Also, the bumper car décor is to die for!
Their Message: “Love and good times, always.”

THE VORTEX – Atlanta, GA 


[Photo by: The Vortex/Facebook]

Running this bar is like hosting a neverending party. The Vortex does it because they love their loyal fans and the fans love them right back. When it comes right down to it, the Vortex is all about the love. It’s not hard to find—just look for the giant skull!
Their Message: “Like an orgy for your tastebuds.”