Best Cocktail Bar: Betty Lou's Library

photography by Neil Zeller

Betty Lou's Library

If you want to drink cocktails and lounge in a speakeasy atmosphere like they did in the prohibition era, Betty Lou's is for you. This bar is tucked away from peering eyes with a unique vibe and specialty cocktails to boot. Virginia Wolfe, Jane Eyre, Zelda Fitzgerald and Josephine Baker are just a taste of the named cocktails available on their drink menu. Betty Lou's Library is located on 17th Avenue S.W., but we bet you'll have trouble locating the door, for which you'll only be granted access when the correct password is spoken.

In accordance with the government's social distancing requirements, Betty Lou's sadly closed its doors from mid-March to late-June this year. As they worked to reopen safely, the staff carefully explored their options on how to return to their vibrant self. The bar can't wait to offer live performances from local entertainers once again as soon as it is safe to do so for everyone involved. And we are happy to say that Betty Lou's Library officially reopened its doors on June 25th.

During this time, Betty Lou's encourages their guests to familiarize themselves with the menu before they visit to limit the use of disposable menus. The bar will temporarily be switching to a reservations-only policy, so make sure to visit their website before taking a trip downtown.

FIRST RUNNER UP: PROOF

SECOND RUNNER UP: MILK TIGER LOUNGE