Hidden Gems: Best Vibe & Atmosphere

Overview: This article includes recommendations for establishments with an interesting vibe and atmosphere that contributed to a memorable experience while we were traveling.

Disclaimer

This is not a static article. As we explore new places, more recommended establishments will be added and existing ones may be changed. We are not affiliated with any of the following establishments.

 

Aspects we look for

Vibe: how the place feels, the emotional sense and the ambiance

Atmosphere: how the place is designed/decorated

Stateside (US)

Denver, Colorado, US

Hudson Hill

  • Cocktail bar, upscale vibe

  • Plant-filled space with low couches

  • Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood

  • Link

The Thin Man

  • Crowded and lively atmosphere, place is bumping

  • Funky decor, patio and music downstairs

  • Located in the Uptown neighborhood

Milk Bar

  • Lively nightclub with electronic music and fire pits

  • Many themed rooms including a goth room, arcade, 80s room, etc.

Seattle, Washington, US

Underbelly

  • Visited in December

  • Basement venue located in the Seattle Underground which is a network of underground passageways and basements in the Pioneer Square neighborhood

  • Speakeasy vibe

  • Link

Dreamland

  • Visited in December

  • Plant-filled space with a disco ball hallway (also has mirrors, amazing for photos)

  • Located in the Fremont neighborhood

  • Link

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

The Dandelion Pub

  • Authentic British cuisine

  • Luxury upscale and charming pub vibe

  • Idiosyncratic seating areas, rooms and nooks

  • Each room is unique and decorated differently

  • Brick fireplace and a Victorian-style dining room

  • Located in the Rittenhouse neighborhood

  • Link


Abroad

Berlin, Germany

Eschschloraque

  • Visited in December

  • Hidden bar with live music, often vinyl

  • Cash only, no photos inside or outside

  • Passageways leading to an overgrown courtyard with alcoves and street art

  • Lighting is very low-lit and there is a lot of indoor smoking but the vibe is very cool and underground

Schokoladen

  • Visited in December

  • A great place to dance with locals

  • Google calls it a cultural center but it’s a tiny bar with a small dance floor and some bleachers

  • Music was eclectic, often vinyl and spanning over several decades

  • A lot of indoor smoking but the vibe is very lively, eclectic and friendly as long as you’re not too loud

Copenhagen, Denmark

Bastard Cafe

  • Visited in December

  • Place gets packed in the winter

  • Lively hangout with over 4000 board games

  • Quintessential hygge vibe, perfect for cold winter days

  • Hidden gem for friends and social life in Copenhagen

  • Link

Malmo, Sweden

Malmö Saluhall

  • Very modern and cool spot with friendly locals

  • Supposedly has incredible pizza (I did not hear this until we left)

  • Food hall serving all sorts of cuisines in a repurposed dockside industrial space

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

El Asturias - sadly permanently closed!

  • Jorge the owner is very friendly, personable and informative

  • Amazing Dominican food with a twist of Northern Spain

  • Address: C. El Dorado, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

  • Tripadvisor link

San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

Colectivo Buena Onda

  • Dog cafe and community eatery that serves delicious coffee, breakfast and brunch that is frequented by locals

  • Eclectic and friendly vibe; they also sell adorable locally crafted goods that are high-quality yet inexpensive

  • Only get the bottled water, if they are out of bottled water don’t get tap

  • Instagram link @colectivobuenaonda - community

  • Instagram link @buenaondabakery.coffee - breakfast & brunch

Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico

Astros Pastelería & Café

  • Very affordable and delicious

  • Extensive menu despite being just a cake shop

  • Amazing breakfast especially chilaquiles

  • Very friendly ladies running the shop who may help you with your Spanish when ordering