Double Chicken Please New York City Inside Double Chicken Please / Image Courtesy of Emmanuel Rosario The intimate and dimly-lit cocktail lounge, where a vintage turntable spins tunes all night long, feels like hanging out in a your coolest friend’s basement. Many of the cocktails, such as the Cilantro Sour or even a non-alcoholic mango drink, use fresh ingredients worthy of Kim’s food menu. The Basement Bar, located beneath the popular Uptown establishment, is another hit. Basement Bar Minneapolis, Minnesota Image Courtesy of Rachael CrewĬhef Ann Kim keeps striking gold in the Twin Cities, whether she’s opening yet another pizza concept or her ambitious restaurant Sooki & Mimi, which merges Latin American, Korean and Midwestern ingredients unlike any restaurant in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It’s also worth noting that the bar’s name is a nod to the 2002 crime-drama film by director and producer Justin Lin, which follows a group of Asian American high schoolers. Yu’s limited food menu includes a Steak Wednesday special, where a sirloin with French fries pairs well with a frozen gin (or vodka). There they can sip popular orders like the refreshing Sole Session with its mix of gin, apricot and lemon. Houstonians navigate their city’s sprawling freeways to nab a seat at the bar or an outdoor picnic table. Better Luck Tomorrow Houston, TexasĪ post shared by Better Luck Tomorrow neon glow from Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel’s Better Luck Tomorrow speaks to the fun-and-playful menu at a spot that’s equal parts neighborhood bar and serious cocktail destination. Every drink is well thought out-just like the hand-stitched leather aprons on the bartenders. Inside, co-owners Tom and Justin Park (who are not related) will just as happily serve you a textbook daiquiri made with local rum as they would a riff on an Old Fashioned infused with earthy matcha. This recent James Beard finalist for Outstanding Bar is discreetly tucked into the mezzanine level of a sterile office building. Put all those expectations aside when it comes to Bar Leather Apron. Bar Leather Apron Honolulu, Hawaii Image Courtesy of Bar Leather Apron HonoluluĪn image of a frothy piña colada with a toothpick umbrella may come to mind when you think of sipping cocktails in an island destination like Hawaii. They’re mixing and shaking drinks that range from classic martinis to more creative drinks incorporating traditionally Asian ingredients like ube (purple yam) or White Rabbit candy (a milk-based soft candy).įrom upscale speakeasy-inspired bars to more dive options, here’s where to raise a glass at some of the best AAPI-owned and operated bars in America. They’ve published books and won James Beard Awards. A class of bartenders trained in Japanese bartending techniques-many of whom worked at New York City’s Angel’s Share in the East Village-have gone on to open their own spots. Today, a growing number of AAPI-owned cocktail bars are garnering similar respect.

Whether they’re cooking food inspired by their own cultural backgrounds or riffing on Cajun or California cuisine, the awards and accolades keep pouring in.

They’ve been recognized for leading fine-dining kitchens, food trucks, small neighborhood establishments, fast-casual concepts and popular pop-ups. Decorative Wine Racks & Modular Systemsįrom the East to West Coast-and nearly everywhere in between-Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) chefs are no strangers to America’s restaurants.

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