Sep 30

Sep 30 HIGH SPIRITS

Lauren Barisic

Fashion & Features, Cover Story

The 2025 Bar Category

Winner

Elbow Room Bar & Grill

Nominees

Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar
Max’s Bistro & Bar
Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar
Standard Restaurant & Nightclub

Elbow Room Bar & Grill

A true Fresno institution, Elbow Room Bar & Grill has been serving the Central Valley since 1955, offering an experience that blends timeless hospitality with an ever-evolving bar culture. While its steakhouse roots run deep, the Elbow Room’s vibrant bar scene has long drawn both loyal locals and first-time visitors alike, making it much more than just a place to grab a drink, but a place to gather, celebrate, and unwind.

At the heart of Elbow Room’s appeal is its elevated cocktail program and sophisticated yet approachable lounge atmosphere. The bar menu boasts a curated mix of classics and inventive house specialties, each crafted with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re sipping a barrel-aged Old Fashioned, a signature craft martini, or a seasonal spritz, there’s an unmistakable sense of intention in every pour. While the kitchen continues to turn out crowd favorites—from the Brussels sprouts to the famous house-cut steaks—it’s its bar scene that often steals the spotlight.

Elbow Room is known for its deep bench of bartenders who are as skilled as they are personable. Cocktails here are more than a drink—they’re part of the restaurant’s legacy. From oversized ice cubes to custom infusions, the bar team treats each glass as an art form, with an eye for detail and a flair for presentation. Happy Hour is always buzzing, and weekends hum with energy as the bar transforms into a social hub, where stories are shared and toasts are made.

The restaurant’s aesthetic is one of understated luxury—warm woods, rich leather banquettes, moody lighting, and a polished bar that feels both classic and current. The patio expansion only elevated the experience, giving guests even more space to enjoy Fresno’s mild evenings with a cocktail in hand. It’s a place where comfort meets style, and where regulars are treated like family.

Elbow Room Bar & Grill won the 2025 Luxury Award for Best Bar for its unmatched consistency, rich legacy, and ongoing commitment to excellence. It’s not just the drinks or the service—it’s the atmosphere, the energy, and the effortless blend of tradition and trend. After 70 years, the Elbow Room hasn’t just kept up—it has continued to lead, proving once again why it’s a place where every pour matters.

731 West San Jose Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704
www.elbowroomfresno.com
(559) 227-1234

Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar

Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar has had a reputation as one of Fresno’s most refined destinations for elevated cocktails and classic nightlife energy since 1992. While the menu boasts premium steaks and upscale American fare, it’s the bar that commands attention—from its artfully crafted martinis to a curated selection of fine spirits and signature drinks, including Big Apple-inspired libations. The ambiance exudes East Coast polish with a Central Valley edge—think dark woods, moody lighting, and plush seating that sets the tone for an evening out. Manhattan’s seamless blend of cosmopolitan style, quality mixology, and classy atmosphere invites guests to linger long after the last sip.

1731 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
www.themanhattansteakhouse.com
(559) 449-1731

Max’s Bistro & Bar

Since 1997, Max’s Bistro & Bar has been a mainstay in Fresno’s dining and cocktail scene, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere where locals gather for exceptional drinks and elevated conversation. While the kitchen presents a seasonal menu of contemporary California cuisine, the bar remains the heart of the space, known for its rotating craft cocktails that showcase premium spirits and fresh infusions. The interior blends bistro charm with urban edge, featuring modern local art and a layout designed for effortless mingling. Max’s sets itself apart with a seamless mix of timeless service, stylish ambiance, and a cocktail program that evolves while staying true to its roots.

1784 West Bullard Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711
www.maxsbistro.com
(559) 439-6900

Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar

Sabor Cocina Latina & Bar opened in 2021 and quickly made its mark as one of North Fresno’s most vibrant destinations for elevated Latin-inspired cocktails and lively nightlife. From the kitchen comes flavorful regional dishes from across Latin America, yet it is the bar that draws a steady crowd given the way it pushes the boundaries of traditional Latin mixology with drinks that are as visually striking as they are flavor-packed. The décor is colorful and contemporary, and rhythmic energy seamlessly transitions the mood from dinnertime to late-night vibes. Sabor’s dynamic cocktail program, culturally rich atmosphere, and its ability to turn any night into a celebration is unmatched.

7845 North Palm Avenue, Suite 104, Fresno, CA 93711
www.saborcocina.com
(559) 375-1644

Standard Restaurant & Nightclub

A staple in the Central Valley’s upscale nightlife scene since 2008, Standard Restaurant & Nightclub offers an elevated bar experience that blends sophistication with a high-energy atmosphere. Modern American cuisine with bold, seasonal flavors can be found there, but it’s the cocktail program that steals the show. With a reputation for delivering style in every drop, there’s no shortage of sleek sips and top-shelf classics there. The interior is moody, with a refined lounge aesthetic that transitions effortlessly from dinner to after-hours. The Standard stands out for its seamless fusion of nightlife, mixology, and elevated ambiance, making it a go-to for those who expect their cocktails with a side of glamour.

9455 North Fort Washington Road, Fresno, CA 93730
www.standardfresno.com
(559) 434-3638

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic