# Themed Bars That Are Also a Vibe A guide to themed bars across the U.S. that blend concept, atmosphere, and craftsmanship -- from a 70s airplane lounge in Phoenix to a speakeasy hidden behind an adult video store in Hollywood. - Canonical URL: https://www.opulist.app/articles/themed-bars-that-are-also-a-vibe - Markdown URL: https://www.opulist.app/articles/themed-bars-that-are-also-a-vibe.md - Published: Sat Apr 11 2026 18:03:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) - Updated: Sun Jun 28 2026 19:32:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) ## Categories - Bars & Cocktails ## Tags - None listed ## Venues Mentioned - [Swim Club Austin](https://www.opulist.app/location/swim-club-austin) - Downtown Austin, Austin, Texas - [Adults Only](https://www.opulist.app/location/adults-only) - Central LA, Los Angeles, California - [Platform 18](https://www.opulist.app/location/platform-18) - Arcadia Lite, Phoenix, Arizona ## Related Collections - None listed ## Article Themed Bars That Are Also a Vibe Published: Mar 14 | Author: Sara Bacon | Category: Bar Stepping into a bar should feel like entering another world -- one designed to transport, delight, and immerse you in an experience that goes beyond just good drinks. The best themed bars blend concept, atmosphere, and craftsmanship to create spaces that are as visually stunning as they are memorable. Carry On | Phoenix, AZ Carry On Designed to transport guests to the golden era of air travel, Carry On is a 70s airplane-inspired cocktail bar created by architectural design group PETERMAX where every detail feels curated for nostalgia. Retro interiors with warm woods, plush leather seats, and aviation-inspired lighting. website | instagram Captain's Quarters | San Diego, CA Captain's Quarters A speakeasy designed to evoke the grandeur of a 17th-century ship captain's private retreat. Dark woods, antique nautical artifacts, and candlelit nooks. Rum-forward cocktails, aged spirits, and inventive infusions inspired by the spice trade. website | instagram Platform 18 | Phoenix, AZ Platform 18 A cocktail experience set inside a meticulously designed luxury railroad cabin. Windows project the illusion of a moving landscape. Drinks inspired by historic railway routes. website | instagram Quixote | San Diego, CA Quixote Built inside a decommissioned Mexican Catholic church with vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and hand-carved wood accents. Mezcal-forward cocktails and house-infused tequilas. Located within The Lafayette Hotel in North Park. website | instagram Swim Club Austin | Austin, TX Swim Club Austin A historic pool turned into a social club embodying vintage charm with a modern twist. Crisp blue-and-white tilework, mid-century resort glamour lounge chairs. Spritzes, highballs, and frozen cocktails. website | instagram Adults Only | Hollywood, CA Adults Only A hidden speakeasy behind an adult video store. Playful, provocative, and effortlessly cool. Vintage cinema aesthetics with a touch of dive bar grit. website | instagram Mothership | San Diego, CA Mothership A tropical space adventure from Consortium Holdings where the futuristic meets the fantastical. Neon-lit rock formations, glowing orbs, and a cocktail list that reads like an intergalactic treasure map. website | instagram NoMad Library | Las Vegas, NV NoMad Library A restaurant and bar set inside a grand, book-lined space in The NoMad Hotel. Towering shelves, rich wood tones, and dimly lit chandeliers. Elevated classics and rare spirits. website | instagram The Gutter | San Diego, CA The Gutter Redefines the arcade and bowling alley experience with a design-forward approach. Dark walls, ambient lighting, and sleek seating with craft-driven cocktails. Located within The Lafayette Hotel. website | instagram The Chandelier Bar | Las Vegas, NV The Chandelier Bar Set inside a massive, three-story crystal chandelier at The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Each level offers a distinct experience, from intimate lounge seating to high-energy cocktail service. website | instagram From hidden speakeasies to immersive fantasy worlds, these themed bars offer more than just drinks -- they create an atmosphere that lingers long after the last sip. ## FAQ ### What is the best themed speakeasy bar in Hollywood? Adults Only is a hidden speakeasy located behind an adult video store in Hollywood that combines playful, provocative design with vintage cinema aesthetics. The bar features a touch of dive bar grit while maintaining an effortlessly cool atmosphere with craft cocktails. ### Where can I find a train-themed cocktail bar in Phoenix? Platform 18 in Phoenix offers a luxury railroad cabin cocktail experience with windows that project the illusion of a moving landscape. Located at Century Grand, the bar serves drinks inspired by historic railway routes in a meticulously designed train car setting. ### Do I need reservations for Carry On bar in Phoenix? Carry On is a popular 70s airplane-inspired cocktail bar in Phoenix designed by PETERMAX architectural group. Due to its unique aviation theme with retro interiors, warm woods, and plush leather seats, checking their website at carryonphx.com for reservation policies is recommended. ### What themed bars in San Diego have unique historical settings? San Diego features several historically-themed bars including Captain's Quarters, a 17th-century ship captain's retreat with rum-forward cocktails, and Quixote, built inside a decommissioned Mexican Catholic church at The Lafayette Hotel in North Park. Both offer immersive experiences with period-appropriate decor and specialty drinks. ### Where is Swim Club Austin located and what kind of bar is it? Swim Club Austin is located in downtown Austin and is a historic pool converted into a social club with mid-century resort glamour. The bar features crisp blue-and-white tilework, vintage lounge chairs, and serves spritzes, highballs, and frozen cocktails perfect for the pool club atmosphere.