How The Riddler Celebrates, Photo Credit: Kassie Borreson
Whether you’re celebrating a Super Bowl victory or you just want a bit of effervescence in your evening, pouring bubbly is something that’s so effortless — no matter where you are in the world. It’s even easier when the place you are going specializes in sparkling wine, like these seven venues do.
The Riddler, San Francisco
One of the hottest champagne bars to open this year is Jen Pelka’s charming establishment in the Bay Area. With The Riddler, Pelka, who also owns Magnum PR, is turning from representing restaurateurs to becoming one. The Riddler marks her debut, and the concept — from the décor to the menu — makes a solid first impression. The sophisticated space is decked out with black leather seating and gold accents. The sleek bar proves sexy, bright and refined, just the kind of place for sipping a coupe or sharing an entire jeroboam of champagne.
The menu features more than 100 champagnes and focuses on interesting options from grower-producers and traditional champagne houses. Pair your bubbles with a spoonful of caviar, a pile of potato chips, a bowl of complimentary popcorn, or a cheese and charcuterie plate, and call it the best day ever.
Champagne Room at The Connaught, Photo Credit: Maybourne Hotel Group
Champagne Room, London
Five-Star The Connaught proves grand, but the champagne bar remains elegant and secluded despite being just a stone’s throw from the busy throughways of Mayfair. Here in the beige and royal-blue room, you can choose from a selection of eight prestigious champagnes, as well as wines and rare spirits that are exclusive to The Connaught. Each drink gets served in bespoke crystal Baccarat glasses, a hallmark of a posh drinking experience.
The Champagne Bar, New York City
Class and charm have always graced Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, but adding a glass of bubbly to the mix turns things up a notch. The hotel’s first champagne-focused venue, the Champagne Porch, opened in 1907 and hosted the rich, the powerful and the royal.
This seasonal spot was revamped in 2014 as the more egalitarian Champagne Bar and now sits adjacent to the grand pageantry of the hotel’s lobby. Every night of the week, you can imbibe premium bubbles in one of the prettiest places around. Cheers to that magnificent view of Fifth Avenue and the stunning Pulitzer Fountain.
RM Champagne Salon, Chicago
With glittering chandeliers dangling alongside golden tassels, a fireplace and menagerie of framed photos on the exposed-brick walls, the style of this cozy champagne bar melds speakeasy-chic and neighborhood bistro. Here you can sample 12 types of sparkling wine sourced from around the world.
Chef Jared Van Camp’s menu of French coastal fare also meshes well with the drink of choice, giving you a good reason to stay for an oyster happy hour and dinner. In the summer, you can take advantage of the charming outdoor patio, another great place to sip a glass or two.
Champagne Bar, Hong Kong
Tea may be the drink of choice in this coastal region, but at Four-Star Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, it’s all about the bubbles. The red-and-gold bar in this hotel specializes in Grandes Marques (“big brands”) and champagnes from small-scale producers.
Order a plate of freshly shucked oysters, a pile of delicate caviar, or go for all-out richness with a dish of silky foie gras. Each goes splendidly with a glass of champagne and the sounds of jazz, cabaret and blues being sung here most nights.
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s Dom Pérignon Bar, Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Dom Pérignon Bar, Montreal
Located in Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s glamorous Palm Court, this simple, slick black bar serves all things Dom. Order the rosé or brut Dom Pérignon by the glass or by the bottle, or opt to go the cocktail route if you want to mix it up a little. Yes, many of the mixed drinks also feature the elegant champagne, but you can also get something with harder spirits if you’re so inclined.
Riddling Widow, New York City
It might be hard to get into this 16-seat champagne bar in the West Village, but once you enter the red door and sit down, it’s well worth it. Opened by ace barman Ravi DeRossi and wine expert Ariel Arce, you can expect a lot of attention and help with deciding the best drink for your tastes. Arce gladly walks guests through a portfolio of rare, popular, expensive and not-so-expensive vinos in the hopes of delivering what you want. The handwritten drink menu changes all the time, but that’s okay: It’ll give you an excuse to head back to this underground bar.
