Amusement parks aren’t always known as the best place to saddle up to the bar for a frosty beer or fancy cocktail, but most have a hidden gem or two that can hold their own against your favorite local haunt. From hand-crafted mixed drinks to cozy couches and gorgeous scenery, these watering holes will blow away any preconceived notions you may have about theme parks.
These bars and lounges can be found around the world, and each have their own charm. Some offer a welcome time-out from the hectic crowds, while others are so stunningly themed that they immerse you even further into whatever fantasy you happen to be living. Next time you find yourself at a theme park and in need of an adult drink, try one of these 10 theme park bars on for size.
Nomad Lounge, Disney World
From the menu to the decor, Animal Kingdom’s Nomad Lounge is a celebration of all things travel. The park does make it possible to visit multiple continents in a single day, after all. Festive banners in the main bar pose travel-related questions to spur conversation, though we prefer the scenic views and cozy couches on the outdoor patio. The cuisine and cocktails draw inspiration from locations around the world, and it’s a perfect spot to fuel up for the journey ahead (with a late morning Mustang Coffee, perhaps) or chill out after a long day on your feet.
Expert Tip: The Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale is a nod to Disney’s defunct Adventurer’s Club and is brewed exclusively for Disney World.
Oga’s Cantina, Disneyworld Orlando
At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, visitors leave Earth and travel to the Outer Rim planet of Batuu. After such a long journey, you’re definitely going to need a drink. Oga’s Cantina has local bar vibes with space-age cocktails and a lively atmosphere thanks to the droid, DJ R-3X, spinning tunes from the DJ booth. Beer, wine, and cider are all on tap, but you’d be remiss to skip out on out-of-this-world concoctions like the Jedi Mind Trick or the Fuzzy Tauntaun, the latter of which will leave your mouth tingly.
Expert Tip: Walk up availability is limited. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, make a reservation to visit Oga’s ASAP.
Hog’s Head Pub, Universal Orlando
Hog’s Head—located in Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure park—is a pub straight out of Harry Potter, though the theme park version serves both wizards and muggles. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can drink a real (non-alcoholic) Butterbeer or, for something stronger, go for the Hog’s Head Brew: an Irish red ale brewed specifically for Universal. You can even get a Black & Tan or one of Hog’s Head signature layered beer drinks like the Black Hog (Hog’s Head and Guinness) or the Triple (Strongbow Cider, Hog’s Head, and Guinness).
Expert Tip: Keep a close eye on the hog’s head behind the bar. You may catch him snarling at you.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland California
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is a tropical hideaway inside the Disneyland Hotel. The bar is themed to the popular Jungle Cruise ride and its kooky “head salesman,” Trader Sam (who, yes, deals in shrunken heads). The menu includes beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails for the kids, and South Seas specialities like Pork Gyoza and a Pu Pu Platter. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by tiki torches and lush greenery, but more adventurous explorers will enjoy the more raucous vibe inside the bar.
Expert Tip: Ordering certain drinks triggers fun effects throughout the bar. If you’re brave enough, try the Shrunken Zombie Head or the Uh Oa.
Teddy Roosevelt Lounge, Disneyland Tokyo
Unexpected as it may seem, Tokyo DisneySea’s Teddy Roosevelt Lounge is, in fact, inspired by the 26th President of the United States: Teddy Roosevelt. The lounge dwells within a replica luxury ocean liner called the S.S. Columbia and embodies the sophisticated atmosphere you would expect in such a setting. The food menu is rather short (for a full meal, you may prefer the S.S. Columbia Dining Room on the first floor), but the impressive bar menu of beer, wine, whiskey, brandy, and cocktails more than makes up for it.
Expert Tip: Both a specialty cocktail and ice cream sundae are swapped out seasonally. Ask your server what’s currently on offer if you are in the mood for something unique.
Duff Brewery, Universal Studios Hollywood
“The Simpsons” fans, get ready to be transported smack dab in the middle of Springfield: complete with Lard Lad Donuts, Krusty Burger, and the one and only Duff Brewery. Duff serves mixed drinks, snacks, and specially brewed Duff beers. Duff Beer, Duff Lite, and Duff Dry are all available on tap. You can take your drink to-go if you are in a hurry to jump on The Simpsons Ride, or relax in the open air beer garden before taking a selfie with the Seven Duffs.
Expert Tip: If you’re hungry, grab a bite from one of the nearby dining locations before settling down at a table in the beer garden with your Duff beer. We recommend the Clogger Burger from Krusty Burger.
Bacchus Lounge, Disneyland Shanghai
The Bacchus Lounge in the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel lobby serves more than just wine and cocktails (though there are plenty of both to choose from). Guests can partake of high tea pastries and Chinese or traditional Western lunch samplers. The lounge’s design was inspired by the Disney animated classic “Fantasia,” and prominently features Bacchus: the Roman god of wine. It’s only a short walk from the park and the perfect place to relax after a long day of thrills.
Expert Tip: The lengthy wine list features vintages with ties to Disney, including Silverado Vineyards, founded by Walt Disney’s eldest daughter Diane.
Ølgrotten, Tivoli Gardens
Ølgrotten – one of Tivoli’s best beer spots – is located in Smøgen (Danish for “the alley”), a collection of shops and food stalls fashioned after a traditional Danish market. The facade is adorned with colorful carousel horses and the interior is playful and bright. Ølgrotten serves well-known brands like Heineken and Newcastle alongside more uncommon brews and cocktails. Tea, coffee, and crunchy snacks like pretzels and peanuts are also available.
Expert Tip: Ølgrotten is carved out of the side of the man-made mountain that houses the park’s more than hundred-year-old wooden roller coaster, Rutschebanen. After braving the coaster, stop in for a tall, frosty draft.
Calico Saloon, Knott’s Berry Farm
The Calico Saloon has been a mainstay at the California park since 1951. Step through the saloon’s traditional swinging doors and into the Wild West, where you’ll find beer, wine, and snacks like popcorn and pickles. Before operating as a theme park, Knott’s was a farm best known for its boysenberries so, of course, you can find boysenberry beer and wine. For a non-alcoholic treat, order the Calico Soda: a boysenberry cream soda available exclusively at the Calico Saloon.
Expert Tip: If you sit long enough, you may even catch the Calico Saloon Show, a Wild West song and dance review.
Redwood Bar and Lounge, Disneyland Paris
Located in the lobby of Disney’s Sequoia Lodge, the Redwood Bar & Lounge is reminiscent of a stately US National Park lodge. The lights impart a golden glow throughout the space and the mahogany wood and stately decor are warm and inviting. The extensive menu of aperitifs, cocktails, spirits, champagne, wine, and beer is complemented by a modest sampling of snacks, sandwiches, and desserts. Standout items include beer cocktails made with 1664 Premium and “glow” cocktails that come with a souvenir light-up ice cube.
Expert Tip: Winter in Paris can be quite cold. Retreat to this mountainesque lodge and grab a cozy spot on one of the couches surrounding the large stone fireplace to warm up.