It’s well-known that Hollywood has some of the most iconic bar scenes in the expanse of the cinematic landscape. There seems to be something about the intoxicating (literally) ambiance of a cozy bar setting with colors and proof cocktail syrup that makes for cinematic excellence. Although most of these scenes lead to epic confessions, fights, or some proverbial turn in the plot, there’s no denying that all of them have some beautiful designs. While some of them are real and open to customers, others have been closed down- or never existed at all.
Here, we take a look at 9 of the most compelling bar scenes in Hollywood history.
1. Jack Rabbit Slims, California- Pulp Fiction
Any classic movie buff would remember the spectacular dance number in Pulp Fiction, where Uma Thurman and John Travolta shake a leg to Chuck Berry’s “You Can Never Tell”. The bar itself was a set created exclusively for the movie, but the exterior was a closed bowling alley called Grand Central Bowl in Glendale, California.
2. The Raven, Nepal- Raiders of the Lost Ark
In the first installment of the Indiana Jones series, Professor Jones visits the Raven in Nepal to locate the headpiece to the Staff of Ra. However, the bar was soon burned to the ground by Nazis who tried to steal the headpiece from Marion, Jones’s lover. The scene where Marion and a local, compete to drink the most number of shots is one of the most enthralling to this day, particularly due to the tense action scenes that follow suit.
3. Grand Hotel Pupp, Czech Republic- Casino Royale
It’s impossible to imagine a James Bond movie without copious amounts of delicious cocktails and at least one bar scene. In this scene, Bond provides the recipe to his signature Vesper- “three measures of Gordon’s gin, one of vodka; half a measure of Killa Lillet. Shake it well, and add a thin slice of lemon peel.”
4. Old Courthouse, Chicago- Groundhog Day
The film where an arrogant TV weatherman finds himself stuck in a time loop has a great bar scene too. On the first “day” he sits down with his producer and orders a Jim bean, while she takes a “sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist.” On the second day, her drink before she can to impress her.
5. Coyote Ugly Saloon- Coyote Ugly
This cult film of the 2000s traces the journey of an aspiring songwriter, Violet, who takes up a job as a bartender in the eponymous bar, Coyote Ugly to make ends meet. All the bartenders have robust personalities, singing, and dancing on top of the bar to great applause. The film was based on the memoirs of a former bartender and took place in the famed Coyote Ugly Saloon bar franchise.
6. New York Bar, Park Hyatt Hotel- Lost in Translation
The film portrays the warm love story of Bob Harris, an American actor suffering from a mid-life crisis, and a depressed young woman, Charlotte. Their stars align as their paths cross on Tokyo, Japan. Bob and Charlotte’s first meeting happens in the New York Bar, where they forge a consequential friendship over servings of alcohol.
7. Upfront Bar and Grill- Good Will Hunting
Matt Damon’s “How you like them apples?” has to be one of the greatest dialogues in Hollywood history. The setting for the epic scene was the Upfront Bar and Grill in Toronto, although it is supposed to be the Bow and Arrow bar in South Boston. The film used only exterior shots of the Bow and Arrow. Unfortunately for fans of the movie, both bars have dropped their shutters post the movie’s release.
8. Passengers
We couldn’t give you a name for the bar in Passengers, because it’s located on a spaceship somewhere in the middle of- you guessed it- space. As Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt come around from their hibernation in the movie, they find solace in this large art deco bar and its robotic bartender, played by Martin Sheen.
9. Mos Eisley Cantina- Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope
Another sci-fi movie on the list, several things make this scene a memorable one. This is where the young Ben Kenobi wields a lightsaber for the first time. This is where Han Solo and Greedo. This is where Ben and Luke meet Han and Chewbacca. We would love to know what they serve at this fictional bar, but considering how the main characters keep coming back to it, we think it’s got to be some reasonably priced alcohol and a whole lot of good food.
