McTeague's Saloon, San Francisco

In 2008, literary-minded barkeeps opened the doors to McTeague's Saloon, named after Frank Norris's naturalist novel about an uncouth dentist living on Polk Street in the early 20th century. Thrillist praises the bar's nostalgic atmosphere, calling it an "homage to turn of the century NorCal … executed in exacting detail." Like McTeague's dental parlor, the bar welcomes customers with a giant golden molar hanging over the door. Inside, old-timey details include deep booths, exposed ceiling beams, and a redwood bar, and a glowing jukebox, TVs playing sports, and running water remind patrons of the modern world's more notable amenities. Knowledgeable bartenders expound upon a formidable selection of bourbon, scotch, and whiskey or fill pints from a vast selection of on-tap brews. Occasionally, the small stage hosts live concerts, delighting intimate audiences with guitar ditties, tuneful vocals, or protracted flossing demonstrations.