The greater Fresno area boasts numerous watering holes, but a select few stand out from the crowd. Each bar in this section was nominated for a 2024 Luxury Award, making them the Central Valley’s favorite spots to stop and imbibe. So, the next time you’re looking for a place for girls’ night, drinks with the guys, a celebratory sip, or a well-earned post-work cocktail, look no further. This guide highlights the best places to wet your whistle.

Elbow Room Bar & Grill

731 West San Jose Avenue
Fresno, CA 93704
559.227.1234

Elbow Room Bar & Grill has been a Central Valley landmark for years. While the location and ownership have changed a few times, its reputation as a premier establishment has remained steadfast. The food is fantastic, but the drinks have earned Elbow Room the title of Best Bar at the Luxury Awards yet again in 2024. Their artisanal approach to dining and drinks makes it a place that transcends generations. They keep doing something right, and that alone is worthy of a celebratory cocktail.

The Elbow Room first opened in 1955 at the corner of Palm and McKinley Avenues, occupying less than 1,000 square feet of space. It eventually moved to what’s now The Lime Lite’s location on Shaw Avenue in the ‘70s. In 1994, fate brought Mike Shirinian and the Elbow Room together, and its rapid growth instigated the move to its current location in Fig Garden Village just a few years later. At the time, the restaurant occupied 5,000 square feet in the shopping center, and today that footprint has grown to 11,500.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Mike’s ownership of the Elbow Room. Renovations over the years have added two state-of-the-art wine cellars, the Elbow Room Market, and a mix of dining areas, including the ever-popular climate-controlled patio space that’s available year-round. This has been done while carefully maintaining the original charm and character that longtime regulars so appreciate. With both food and drink, the commitment to honoring the past while looking ahead is evident in all of Elbow Room’s menus.

Growing up in San Francisco, as the son of a restaurateur, Mike developed a keen sense of culinary excellence from an early age. Hospitality is at the heart of this principle, and Mike and his professional staff are masterful in the art of making every guest feel special, like family. Food and drink bring people together. Thus, Mike has ardently cultivated both aspects, leading to the development of additional facets. Elbow Room’s Wine & Whiskey Club members can discover new makers and enjoy favorites shipped directly to their doorstep. Wine and spirit pairing dinners also allow guests to sample and savor.

Whether you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner at the restaurant, plan to take home a bottle from the Elbow Room Market, or receive a case through your Club membership, know that any purchase is hand-selected by Mike specifically to enhance your Elbow Room experience. Among their craft cocktail list, Elbow’s Espresso Martini is one of the best in town, and they’re known for their Old Fashions as well as monthly cocktail specials. The neon Tony Thompson quote above the restaurant kitchen reads: “Every day is a holiday…Every night is New Year’s Eve.” With this in mind and three decades of serving the Central Valley under its belt, let’s raise a glass to the Elbow Room!

Bella Vino Cellar

5148 North Palm Avenue
Fresno, CA 93704
559.226.8466

Bella Vino Cellar has become a must-visit destination in Fig Garden Village, transporting customers to wine county. Whether you’re looking to taste, sip, or browse, this wine shop and bar invites patrons to try their carefully selected wines and imported beers or shop their extensive wine selection. Keep an eye out for special tasting events throughout the year. At Bella Vino, you’ll find great wine, excellent service, and a fun atmosphere

Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar

1731 West Bullard Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
559.449.1731

Manhattan Steakhouse & Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience, and their elegant bar is a significant part of the attraction. Sit and sip in a luxurious atmosphere with cushy barstools and booth seating that invite guests to stay awhile. Any meal is elevated with their hand-picked selection of wine, spirits, and signature cocktails, all of which can stand alone. There’s arguably no better way to beat the week-end hump than with Tito’s Thursdays at Manhattan.

Cracked Pepper Bistro

6737 North Palm Avenue
Fresno, CA 93704
559.222.9119

Cracked Pepper Bistro is a beloved Fresno establishment. While the food is phenomenal, patrons especially relish its sultry bar atmosphere. Classic and seasonal crafted cocktails and mocktails are made right before your eyes. Imported and microbrews are plentiful. Cracked Pepper is especially known for supporting local farmers and wineries, with about 60% of its wine list coming from the nearby Paso Robles appellation.

Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar

719 Fulton Street
Fresno, CA 93721
559.492.3585

At Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar, people are priority and the reason they exist in Downtown Fresno. Their mission is to be a place where people can connect and come together, drink in hand. Happy hours, mixers, pre/post-event drinks, first dates, date nights, nights out with friends, or just because—they’ve become a Brewery District hotspot. The authentic experience, sense of community, and commitment to hospitality define Modernist.

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photography Don Dizon