The history of bars in the USA during the 1950s to 1970s was marked by significant changes in trends, culture, fashion, and drinks.
This era saw the emergence of various bar styles, including the tiki bars and cocktail lounges of the 1950s, the counterculture bars of the 1960s, and the disco bars of the 1970s.
The 1950s was a period of post-war prosperity, and the bar culture of the time reflected this. Tiki bars and cocktail lounges were the popular bar styles of the era, and they attracted a well-dressed, sophisticated crowd.
Tiki bars were inspired by the Polynesian lifestyle, and they featured tropical decor, live music, and rum-based cocktails such as the Mai Tai and Pina Colada.
Cocktail lounges, on the other hand, were more upscale and catered to a more mature clientele. Patrons would often dress in their finest clothes and sip on classic cocktails such as the Martini and Manhattan.
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-02.webp)
Arizona. Royal Road’s Victorian Room, Cocktail Bar, Nogales
One of the most famous bars of the era was the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. The Copacabana was a glamorous nightclub that was known for its live music, celebrity sightings, and high-class clientele.
It was also one of the few establishments of the time that allowed black and Latino patrons, making it a popular spot for civil rights activists.
As the 1960s dawned, the counterculture movement began to take hold, and bars and nightclubs began to reflect this shift.
The Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles and The Fillmore in San Francisco became famous for hosting some of the most influential musicians of the time, including Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
These bars had a more relaxed atmosphere and attracted a younger, more bohemian crowd. Patrons would often dress in casual, comfortable clothing such as tie-dye shirts and bell-bottom jeans.
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-03.webp)
Arizona. Superstition Inn, Apache Junction
The 1970s saw the emergence of disco culture, and bars and nightclubs embraced this trend with open arms. Disco clubs like Studio 54 in New York City and The Loft in Chicago became legendary for their flamboyant fashion, pulsing music, and non-stop party atmosphere.
The fashion of the disco era was all about glitz and glam, with sequined dresses, platform shoes, and bell-bottom pants becoming the norm.
Drinks during this era often featured bright colors and were designed to be sipped while dancing. Cocktails such as the Tequila Sunrise, Blue Hawaii, and Sex on the Beach were popular, and many establishments offered drink specials during happy hour.
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-04.webp)
Arizona. Wahweap Lodge, Page
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-05.webp)
California. Brookdale Lodge Burl Room Rustic Cocktail Lounge, Santa Cruz County
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-06.webp)
California. Cirque Room Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-07.webp)
California. Crown Room Cocktail Lounge, Fairmont Hotel and Towers, San Francisco
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-08.webp)
California. El Cortez Hotel Starlite Roof, San Diego
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-09.webp)
California. Mermaid Room Cocktail Lounge, Fresno Hacienda
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-10.webp)
California. Sierra Room, Nicely’s Restaurant, Lee Vining
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-11.webp)
California. Tonga at the Fairmont, San Francisco
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-12.webp)
Florida. Blue Horizon Cocktail Lounge and Restaurant on the ocean at 89th Street, Miami Beach
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-13.webp)
Florida. Bob Darch Bonanza Room, Escape Hotel, Ft Lauderdale
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-14.webp)
Florida. Castaways Wreck Bar on the ocean at 163rd Street, Miami Beach
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-15.webp)
Florida. Castaways Wreck Bar on the ocean at 163rd Street, Miami Beach
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-16.webp)
Florida. Club Wally Musical Bar and Night Club, Miami
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-17.webp)
Florida. Gold Room Ridgewood Hotel, Daytona Beach
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-18.webp)
Florida. Kon Tiki Bar in Harris’ Imperial Lounge, Pompano Beach
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-19.webp)
Florida. Rum House, Galt Ocean Mile Hotel, Fort Lauderdale
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-20.webp)
Florida. Starlight Room, Belleview-Biltmore, Belleair
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-21.webp)
Florida. Sun Castle Club and Motor Hotel, Pompano Beach
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-22.webp)
Florida. The Everglades Roof 18 stories above Miami
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-23.webp)
Illinois. Coq d’Or Cocktail Lounge, Drake Hotel, Chicago
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-24.webp)
Illinois. Stouffer’s Top of the Rock Prudential Building, Chicago
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-25.webp)
Maine. Eastland Motor Hotel, Portland
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-26.webp)
Massachusetts. Avaloch Five Reasons Steak and Ale House, Lenox
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-27.webp)
Massachusetts. Harborside Inn, Martha’s Vineyard
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-28.webp)
Massachusetts. Merry-Go-Round Lounge, Sheraton-Plaza Hotel, Boston
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-29.webp)
Michigan. Devon Gables Starlit Cocktail Lounge, Bloomfield
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-30.webp)
Nevada. Top O’ The Strip, Dunes Hotel, Las Vegas
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-31.webp)
New Hampshire. Eastern Slope Inn, North Conway
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-32.webp)
New York. Nevele Country Club Mardi Gras at the Safari Lounge, Ellenville
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-33.webp)
New York. Purple Tree Lounge, Manager Hotel, Rochester
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-34.webp)
New York. Purple Tree Manger Vanderbilt Hotel
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-35.webp)
Pennsylvania. Gaslight Lounge Fernwood in the Pocono Mountains, Bushkill
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-36.webp)
Pennsylvania. Mount Airy Lodge, Club Suzanne, Mount Pocono
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-37.webp)
Pennsylvania. Rock Lodge, Bavarian Room, Lake Harmony
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-38.webp)
Washington DC. Manager Annapolis Hotel
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-39.webp)
Washington DC. Manger Hamilton Hotel Cocktail Lounge
![Old Photos Nightclubs Bars of 1950s 1960s](https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vintage-american-nightclubs-40.webp)
Wyoming. Stockade Room, Jackson Lake Lodge, Teton National Park, Moran