Gen Z's cautious approach to alcohol, driven by health concerns and social pressures, is prompting bars to innovate with non-alcoholic options and immersive social environments, shifting the nightlife industry towards more inclusive and experience-focused spaces.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection reminds bars and restaurants that when clocks fall back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for daylight saving time, they cannot serve or have alcohol present after the time change, and may not stay open an extra hour, emphasizing responsible behavior during Halloween weekend.
Food & Wine's 2024 Global Tastemaker Awards named several Chicago establishments among the best in the U.S., with Kasama ranking fifth in the Top 20 Restaurants for its modern Filipino cuisine, and three Chicago bars, including Kumiko and The Violet Hour, making the list of Top Bars. Chicago also received accolades for its diverse food scene, bakeries, and cocktail lounges, solidifying its reputation as a top city for eating and drinking.
Russia's military has deployed the National Army Combat Reserve (BARS) in Ukraine to supplement its regular forces, with footage and interviews revealing the unit's lack of heavy weaponry, air support, and malfunctioning communications during combat operations. BARS, a force of several thousand fighters, has been involved in recent fighting in Ukraine, plugging gaps in Russian manpower. President Putin has publicly praised the contribution of BARS, which is part of a patchwork of irregular forces helping Russia avoid a general draft.
Independent restaurants and bars in Oregon are seeking immediate aid from the state to address the financial losses caused by winter storms, requesting a 90-day suspension of payroll tax, city and state business taxes, and licensing fees, as well as a three-month moratorium on commercial evictions and the creation of a relief fund. They also seek improved road maintenance and collaboration with utility companies to reduce power outages. The closures have been catastrophic for businesses, with average losses of $23,000 per location and an average wage loss of $1,800 for employees, putting them at risk of permanent closure without assistance.
Some Cleveland bars and restaurants are facing a streaming dispute that prevents them from airing the Browns playoff game due to a contract issue between DirecTV and NBC. To work around this, the Winking Lizard Taverns will be showing the game on Telemundo, but without sound, as it is in Spanish. Customers can use their phones to listen to the English play-by-play. The issue only affects DirecTV subscribers, and another option is to use an antenna, although weather conditions may impact reception.
As the Detroit Lions' 2023 season kicks off, fans visiting downtown Detroit for home games can enjoy a variety of dining options near Ford Field. From Ash Bar Detroit, offering a sleek all-day diner experience, to The Brakeman, an American beer hall with games and fried chicken, there are choices for everyone. Brass Rail Pizza Bar, Brush Park Bodega, and Buddy's Pizza also provide delicious food and drink options. Detroit Beer Co., Elwood Bar and Grill, Niki's Pizza, Sweetwater Tavern, and Union Assembly/Mom's Spaghetti round out the list of places to eat and drink near Ford Field.
Atlanta is set to see a wave of exciting restaurant and bar openings this fall, including Little Sparrow and Bar Blanc in Westside Provisions District, El Malo in Atlanta Dairies, Mothers Best in Decatur, Indaco on the Eastside Beltline, Omakase by Yun in Dunwoody, and Finca to Filter and Side Saddle Wine Saloon in Boulevard Heights. These new establishments will offer a range of cuisines and experiences, from classic brasserie fare to rum and agave-based cocktails, fried chicken, wood-fired pizzas, omakase sushi, and natural wine.
The majority of bars in Anoka, Minnesota, are participating in a pilot project that allows public consumption of alcoholic beverages within a designated "social district." From September 6 to October 7, patrons will be able to purchase drinks from specific restaurants and walk within the district with a special logo cup. The district includes several restaurants and aims to attract visitors and boost business. The success of the pilot project will determine whether it becomes a permanent feature.
Residents in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, expressed concerns about recent crime and loud music from local bars at a community meeting. The meeting addressed the increase in violence near Bardstown Road and Frankfort Avenue, with residents feeling unsafe and desperate for solutions. Representatives from law enforcement and alcohol beverage control discussed steps being taken, including increased police patrols and a zero tolerance policy for noise violations. There are also discussions about revisiting a plan to change bar closing times from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. to address the issues.
The FIFA Women's World Cup is set to kick off, and East Bay fans can find various bars and restaurants in the area to watch the games. The tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will feature matches taking place between midnight and 10 p.m. Pacific Time. Some recommended locations include Arthur Mac's, The Athletic Club Oakland, Bobby G's Pizzeria, Cato's Ale House, and Danny Murry's Irish Pub. Additionally, viewers can watch the games on Fox and Telemundo or stream them on platforms like Fubo TV, Peacock, Hulu, and YouTube TV.
Bars and restaurants in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, have unanimously agreed to close their doors at 1 a.m. every day until further notice in an effort to eliminate an overbearing entertainment atmosphere that often attracts non-patronizing guests. The decision comes after a recent shooting incident that left three people dead and another injured. The businesses plan to work with law enforcement and local authorities to ensure the safety of the area, despite potential financial challenges.
Sign Bar, a new bar in East Austin, has opened as a tribute to Old Austin, collecting over 75 disused signs from mostly bygone businesses. The project is the brainchild of Matt Luckie and Max Moreland, who have spent the last decade collecting signs from defunct Austin businesses. The bar is an ambitious project, and for those who like to remember some things that are gone, it's a breathtaking trip down memory lane. However, it also raises the question of what Old Austin really is and how people are meant to feel in seeing the neon corpses of their favorite places.
Country singer Garth Brooks has announced that his new Nashville bar, "Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk," will sell Bud Light and will not tolerate transphobia. The bar is set to open this summer in Nashville's Lower Broadway area. Brooks stated that he wants the bar to be a safe and welcoming place for all patrons. Other bars in the area, including those owned by John Rich and Kid Rock, no longer serve Bud Light due to the company's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
Houston is set to welcome a new wave of anticipated restaurants and bars this summer, including Stuffed Belly, Refuge Coffeehouse & Bar, Pastore, Nonno’s Family Pizza Tavern, Elro Pizza + Crudo, KOYA, Norigami, Reel Luxury Cinemas and the Audrey Restaurant & Bar, and Nando’s Peri-Peri. These establishments will offer a range of cuisines, from sandwiches and pizza to upscale dining experiences, and will feature unique amenities such as dine-in movie theaters and retro arcade areas.