8 Themed Restaurants and Bars You Have to See to Believe

It’s common knowledge that opening and maintaining a successful bar or restaurant is no easy task. According to this article, about 60% of new restaurants close down within their first year, and 80% fail to reach a 5-year anniversary. While there’s no single reason for this, a business’ location, staff, and food quality all play important roles. But even bars and restaurants that excel in all three of those areas aren’t destined for long-term success. Another crucial piece to the puzzle is providing diners with unique experiences that they won’t find anywhere else. The following list includes 8 uniquely themed restaurants and bars that truly separate themselves from their competition.   

Gotham City – Brooklyn, NY

If this bar’s name doesn’t clue you in to its theme, the mural of Batman and Superman that greets you certainly will. The Bushwick dive bar serves as a haven for comic book aficionados. Posters and action figures grace the walls and ceiling, while a projection TV sometimes plays shows and films. There’s even a standard billiards table for customers who aren’t as enthralled with comic book culture. Come for the unique geeky ambiance and stay for the amazing $3 PBRs with whiskey.

Lala’s Little Nugget – Austin, TX

Nobody would ever confuse the blistering weather of central Texas with that of the North Pole. But at Lala’s Little Nuggest, it’s Christmas all year long. Despite its family-friendly theme, the restaurant is a 21 and over bar establishment. A Christmas tree is nestled comfortably in the bar’s corner, while a leg lamp (of Christmas Story fame) fills the room with a red glow that’s more reminiscent of the Red Light district than wholesome Christmas cheer. Stylish mistletoe hangs from the walls, and colorful Christmas lighting helps enhance the holiday spirit. Starting promptly at 11 AM every Saturday and Sunday, Boozy Brunch offers customers Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Featuring fun Christmas-themed cocktails like Reindeer Water and Santa’s Irish Coffee, Lala’s Little Nugget has been a neighborhood staple since 1972 and is a perfect example of a bar theme that works.

Kuma’s Corner – IL & IN

Originally founded in Chicago with idea of celebrating both meat and heavy metal music, Kuma’s Corner soon expanded to include three more locations in Illinois and one in Indianapolis. Playing heavy metal and supporting local bands of the genre, the restaurant also receives its food and beverages from local purveyors. Kuma’s Corner rotates its craft beer offerings, ensuring that metal heads keep coming back for something new and exciting. If you’re a meat lover, heavy metal fan, or both, Kuma’s Corner is sure to offer you a dining experience you’ll never forget.

The Alley – Oakland, CA

Designed to resemble a seedy alleyway, this piano bar might not the best choice for diners who crave a relaxing ambiance. Nearly every square inch of the bar’s walls is covered with a flier, business card, or some other piece of paper—all of which are rumored to be sprayed with fire retardant to satisfy local code. To make the design even more immersive, fake roofs and powerlines are also included. While a piano player pounds away on keys, the stage is usually open for a brave diner to step up and sing lead vocals.

Noir Lounge – San Francisco, CA

For fans of film noir of the 40s and 50s, this themed restaurant will be a treat unlike any other. Showing genre classics like The Maltese Falcon, the Noir Lounge oozes of retro style and makes you feel like you took a trip back in time. A large selection of eclectic beer, wine, and cocktails ensures there’s something for everyone. With the cozy ambiance of a speakeasy, the Noir Lounge features couches and plush chairs scattered throughout its multi-room operation. An old time piano is played most nights for entertainment. The Noir Lounge provides the type of immersive experience every themed bar and restaurant should strive for.

The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange – Kalamazoo, MI

A type of place you’d expect to find on Wall Street, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange updates the pricing of its beers each minute to match demand. And while the idea of a stock market crash can send shivers down anyone’s spine, a beer market crash is reason for celebration. During a crash, beer prices dip lower than you ever thought possible. Offering 28 draughts as well as bottles and cans, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange puts a unique spin on the standard bar experience. The bar also features a beautiful open kitchen that churns out delicious, made-to-order food.  

The Mean Eyed Cat – Austin, TX

The second restaurant from Austin on this list makes it easy to understand why “Keep Austin Weird” is the city’s unofficial slogan. The Mean Eyed Cat is a 21 and over bar/restaurant that pays tribute to legendary country rock star Johnny Cash. Showing of all kinds of unique memorabilia, this restaurant holds a Mean Movie Night every Monday and also sometimes hosts live music performances. With over a dozen craft beers on tap, The Mean Eyed Cat also offers classic Stubb’s BBQ like brisket, beef, turkey, pork, sausage, chicken, and ribs.

Unicorn – Seattle, WA

With two locations on Capitol Hill, the Unicorn is another 21+ bar that differentiates itself via a unique style. Taking the carnival theme to an extreme, the Unicorn offers a whimsical experience that includes an arcade, claw, and photo booth. Colorful walls boast intricate designs, and funky décor is found throughout the bar. The menu offers everything you’d expect to find at a regular carnival—corn dogs, burgers, and all kinds of fried treats.

When it comes to giving your restaurant a theme, there’s a thin line between unique and overly quirky. It’s important to know what your community would accept with open arms vs. what it will shun mercilessly. Whatever theme you choose should give your business a unique twist without alienating too many potential customers. But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your restaurant’s theme should be your lowest priority. Location, food, and staff always comes first in terms of importance. Giving your restaurant a unique theme is just the cherry on top.