While rooftop bars feature impressive views — and sometimes from nosebleed-inducing heights — there’s a different sort of attraction to bars that are hidden underground or underwater since they offer a shared sense of intimacy and are often in spectacular or historic hideaway venues. These 9 subterranean bars from the Maldives to lower Manhattan each have their own visual flair and special atmosphere — the one thing they all have in common: they’re not recommended for anyone who gets claustrophobic.1. Breeze by LebuaLocation: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof, Frankfurt, GermanyAtmosphere: Young, sophisticated crowdThe Lowdown: While, ironically, the namesake for this underground restaurant and bar is the open-air Breeze restaurant located on the 51st and 52nd floors of the Tower Club at Lebua in Bangkok, the Frankfurt version specializes in themed flights of cocktails, including its “smoke” series.Image courtesy of Breeze by Lebua’s Facebook page.2. Cave BarLocation: Hotel More, Dubrovnik, CroatiaAtmosphere: Smart, but casualThe Lowdown: Located along the seaside, the Cave Bar is a well-lit, well-appointed natural cavern that spans more than three levels and can accommodate about 60 guests.Image courtesy of Hotel More.3. [The Other] Cave BarLocation: Petra Guest House Hotel, Petra (Wadi Musa), JordanAtmosphere: Casual, but livelySign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.The Lowdown: Situated inside a 2000-year-old Nabataen rock tomb in the Petra archaeological area, the Cave Bar is known for its comfort food and party-friendly atmosphere.Image courtesy of the Petra Guest House.4. Ithaa Undersea RestaurantLocation: Conrad Ragali Island Hotel, MaldivesAtmosphere: Smart, underwater (no scuba gear)The Lowdown: This restaurant and bar that opens mid-morning for cocktails is the only underwater bar and restaurant in the world that’s completely glass enclosed, featuring views of fish and coral reefs on every side.Image courtesy of Conrad Hotels & Resorts.5. The LibraryLocation: Underneath the Gilt Bar, ChicagoAtmosphere: The swankiest library you’ve ever been inThe Lowdown: Located downstairs at this River North venue, The Library presents a cozy atmosphere featuring craft cocktails and a substantial bar menu full of gluten-free and vegetarian fare.Image courtesy of Gilt Bar Chicago.6. Lil’a — and Sultan’s Cave SuiteLocations: Museum Hotel, Cappadocia, TurkeyAtmosphere: Upscale and touristyThe Lowdown: This Relais & Chateaux property is situated in a series of restored ruins, caves and ancient houses. In addition to the hotel’s cavernous Lil’a restaurant and bar, you can set up your own private overnight speakeasy in the Sultan’s Cave Suite, an outrageously cool space accessed only by a cave tunnel, outfitted with a ceiling window for stargazing and a wine cellar stocked with regional wines.Image courtesy of the Museum Hotel.7. OrioleLocation: East Poultry Avenue, Smithfield Market, LondonAtmosphere: British world explorer — music lovers and history buffs, rejoice!The Lowdown: Nestled underneath London’s historic Smithfield Market, Oriole features world music from jazz to calypso in a setting full of curios collected from around the globe — the cocktails here are imaginatively created with references from across the map as well.Image courtesy of the Oriole Bar’s Facebook page.8. The ShipLocation: 158 Lafayette Street, New York CityAtmosphere: Seated eleganceThe Lowdown: This downstairs bar in Lower Manhattan keeps it cozy with booths big enough for parties of up to six and serves small plates to match its well-chosen menu of cocktails, wines and beers.Image courtesy of The Ship’s Facebook page.9. 2 Birds 1 StoneLocation: 1800 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.Atmosphere: After-work hang outThe Lowdown: This friendly and adult party-ish walk-down bar with its own outside entrance is situated underneath the Doi Moi restaurant and offers daily, hand-illustrated menus of its currently featured cocktails.Image courtesy of 2 Birds 1 Stone.Have you visited any of these bars? Which ones are now on your travel bucket list? Sound off, below.
