How to Find the Best Cocktail in Your Town 2023

If you're anything like me, you like to go out on occasion, and when you do you might want to have a satisfying adult beverage and hang out with your friends. Among my friends, they seem to pretty universally have elected me the "mayor" of all things in San Carlos, CA. I'll tell you my list, but I'll first open with how you might do this for yourself, where you live.

1. Look for Specialty Bars and Restaurants

Many cities have bars known for their mixology and craft cocktails. Look for establishments that emphasize quality ingredients and innovative recipes.

I personally love looking for places that like to feature a bourbon or rye kind of drink as their showcase. This tells you a lot about that bar. And if there's a speakeasy, fuhgetabouddit!

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2. Check Online Reviews

Platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or TripAdvisor can provide insights into local favorites. Locals and visitors often share their experiences, so you can find places that specialize in cocktails.

Personally, I like to dive into the reviews, sort by the most recent and worst reviews when I haven't been to a place before. I'll then read those reviews to see if these people are off-their-rockers, or have valid points. Then, use that information to make decisions.

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3. Consult with Local Foodies and Friends

Since you're actively involved in local communities, asking friends or fellow business networking group members could provide personalized recommendations.

Oh yeah... You need to find your own WIll Strohl where you live. 😎 (Or join some Meetup groups.)

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4. Explore Trending Venues

Keep an eye on newly opened or trending venues. They often bring fresh and unique takes on classic cocktails.

Here in San Carlos, we even have WhatsApp groups where we find and chat about the new local places going up (or going down).

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5. Experiment with Seasonal Menus

Some establishments might offer seasonal or rotating menus that showcase fresh, local ingredients. Look for those that align with the season for a special experience.

When I go to a place that does this, I love going through their cocktails. Sometimes, even the drinks you normally don't drink can surprise you!

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6. Attend Local Events and Festivals

Whether in San Carlos or in your city, it might host events or festivals centered around food and drink. These events often feature local talent and unique offerings.

We have several of these each year, and my favorite takes up a whole weekend. The San Carlos Art & Wine Faire is SO MUCH fun!

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7. Consider a Cocktail Making Class or Experience

If you're interested in the art of cocktail making itself, some bars and establishments might offer classes or experiences where you can learn and enjoy the cocktails you've created.

I'd suggest trying to find such a thing on Meetup, Yelp, and even the Experiences part of AirBNB!

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What's the best cocktail in San Carlos, CA?

Now here's where the rubber meets the road, or so they say... I've tried cocktails at pretty much every establishment that San Carlos has to offer. They all have varying levels of attention to detail, let's say.

Here are my top 3 choices for a cocktail in San Carlos, as of today's writing. Mind you, even a year earlier, this list may have been quite different.

3. Drakes

When you decide to boil down a list to so few options, it's difficult to decide who gets what ranking. So difficult!

This restaurant is one of the newest ones to open in San Carlos. I have various groups of friends, and all of them love coming here. We enjoy the creative range of cocktails that you can't find anywhere else in the area. They're all well-made, well-balanced, and have a range to satisfy almost everyone in your party.

When you go, I recommend ordering the Drake's Old Fashioned. It's delicious, plus they put in a nice piece of bacon to seal the deal!

DrakesSanCarlos.com

2. Noelani's Hawaiian Bistro

It was a tough decision to decide to award Noe's the number two spot. I really wanted to put it at number one, but... Hawaiian drinks are just naturally sweet. If not for that single factor, Noe's is one of the best places to drink, and its cocktails are some of the best you can find in the area.

When you go, you must start with the POG Mai Tai. It's a different blend of juices than the normal Mai Tai, and it's something we go back for over and over again.

Noelanis.com

1. Town

I can hear the groans already. It wakes me up every time one of you reads this. I get it! Town makes the top of the list all of the time. Just name the list! It's exhausting, I know. However, they have two things that they beat nearly every other bar at:

1. 1. Consistency - The way the drinks are made is the same no matter who makes it. Almost without exception.
2. 2. Quality - The drinks themselves are always changing and a lot of time seems to be taken into ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced and won't interfere with whatever you happen to be eating.

When you go there, I'd recommend starting with their Barrel-Aged Manhattan. It's my go-to.

TownSC.com

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