You've built up a respectable spirits collection, but you're still using a wonky mixing glass or clunky jigger. Take your home bar to the next level by shopping where the pros go.
Here's where bartenders buy unique bar tools, exotic bitters and antique barware.
NEW YORK, NY
Photograph courtesy of Cocktail Kingdom
Cocktail Kingdom
Hidden away on the fifth floor is one of the top places to find the best barware items in the country. It is one of the most respected collections in the world, selling everything from Japanese mixing glasses to artisan bitters, unique syrups and rare cocktail books. It’s this deep selection and variety that attracts such a top-notch array of bartenders recommending it. Jim Meehan, Tony Conigliaro, Jamie Bourdreau, Daniel Shoemaker, Alex Day and David Kaplan all shop here for both their professional and home bars.
36 West 25th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010
T: 212.647.9166 | www.cocktailkingdom.com
Mood Indigo
Owner Diane Petipas has been collecting 20th century design for 30 years. She sells vintage barware and tableware from name designers like Eva Zeisel and Russel Wright.
"Unbelievable stuff, everything from old highball glasses to bar spoons, a huge amount of shakers and glassware, and old stuff from the Stock Club."
FED Pro > Bartender Theo Lieberman, formerly of Milk & Honey
40 West 25th Street, Showplace Antique Center, New York, NY 10010
T: 212.254.1176 | www.moodindigonewyork.com
BOSTON, MA
Photograph courtesy of The Boston Shaker
The Boston Shaker
Both pros and amateurs frequent Adam Lantheaume’s barware store. He used to hang out at the old B-Side Lounge and based on bartenders’ comments saw a niche for selling cocktail books and equipment.
“If I’m struggling to find something, he’ll source it and stock it. Everything from muddlers to metal spoon straws to aromatic bitters to spray bottles.”
FED Pro > Bartender Jackson Cannon of Eastern Standard, The Hawthorne and Island Creek Oysters
69 Holland Street, Sommervile, MA 02144
T: 617.718.2999 | www.thebostonshaker.com
WASHINGTON, DC AREA
Photograph courtesy of The Hour
The Hour
They have a sizable barware collection from the 1920s to the 1970s that was made in the US by companies that no longer exist. They also lots of new glassware and bar items, such as trays, coasters, napkins, cocktail picks, whisky stones and large ice cube molds.
"You'll be rewarded by this well-curated vintage glassware and cocktail gear store. One of the best in the country."
FED Pro > Derek Brown of Eat the Rich, Passenger and Mockingbird Hill
"Whenever bartenders come here to Alexandria, I always send them here. It is the coolest vintage cocktail shop around. It's kind of an ode to a bar and definitely one of the coolest shops I've ever been to in my life."
FED PRO > Bartender Todd Thrasher of PX and TNT
"They carry a remarkable collection of gorgeous vintage glassware."
FED Pro > Bartender Adam Bernbach of 2 Birds, 1 Stone
1015 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
T: 703.224.4687 | thehourshop.com
Photograph courtesy of Salt & Sundry
Salt & Sundry
Food writer Amanda McClements' shop within Union Market.
"Run by the effervescent Amanda McClements, this store is a home designer's dream, filled with everything from place mats to custom-built tables. Me, I head directly back to the bitters and tonics, which are also well stocked."
FED Pro > Bartender Derek Brown
"Excellent housewares and a lot of homemade tonics, like Jack Rudy Tonic. She also sells glassware and all kinds of kitchen and barware stuff."
FED Pro > Bartender Adam Bernbach
1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
T: 202.556.1866 | www.shopsaltandsundry.com
ATLANTA, GA
Photograph courtesy of Paris on Ponce
Paris on Ponce
A 50,000‑square‑foot flea market and antiques warehouse with more than thirty boutiques filled with unique vintage finds.
"This is a flea market and antiques place. I bought some fish plates and silverware from here for The Spence.
FED Pro > Chef Richard Blais of The Spence
716 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
T: 404.249.9965 | www.parisonponce.com
MIAMI, FL
Photograph courtesy of The Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
The Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
This seasonal market only operates twice a month from October until early May in Miami Beach with over 125 dealers.
"This is my favorite antiques market. It happens the second Sunday of every month and you need to be here early to get great deals. They have great stuff from glassware to all kinds of things."
FED Pro > Bartender Gabe Orta of Boston Shaker
"You can always find something here. I've been able to get vintage glasses from the 1940s."
FED Pro > Bartender Ramsey Pimental of the Ritz-Carlton
Lincoln Road Mall between Lenox and Michigan Avenues, Miami, FL 33139
T: 305.673.4991 | www.antiquecollectiblemarket.com
Bargain Barn Thrift Store
It’s filled with a lot of home furnishings, but you’ll also uncover some glassware and other finds here. Plus, the proceeds go the Miami Rescue Mission.
"A lot of people now buy here, but you have to be here early to get the best deals. They open at 8 am, but you need to be here at 6 am if you’re going to get great deals. We get furniture, glassware and small things."
FED Pro > Bartender Gabriel Orta of Broken Shaker
2233 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33127
T: 305.571.2217
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Lucullus Antiques
A culinary antique shop located in the heart of the French Quarter.
"Lucullus is a really great shop. It has all this amazing dinnerware."
FED Pro > Bartender Neil Bodenheimer of Cure, Cane and Table, and Bellocq
"Patrick, the guy who owns this shop, has a taste level that is just insane. He takes trips to France and brings back amazing things. You'll find incredible old copper pots from the 1800s, antique china and things like that. This place is crazy."
FED Pro > Sean McCusker of Sylvain, Barrel Proof
610 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
T: 504.528.9620 | lucullusantiques.com
Magazine Antique Mall
6,500 square feet of vintage finds, rare antiques, and a bit of junk.
"It’s a bunch of different shops grouped together. We got a lot of our silver plated trays for Bellocq here. Every now and then you can find any sort of small thing."
FED Pro > Neil Bodenheimer of Cure, Bellocq and in New Orleans
3017 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
T: 504.896.9994
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA
Photograph courtesy of Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
The largest antiques show in Northern California. Held on the first Sunday of every month with over 800 dealer booths, all selling items that are 20 years old or older, which is the market's requirement.
"Lots of bartenders come here, so it is always really fun. There’s tons of barware and pretty much anything you want."
FED Pro > Bartender Josh Harris of Trick Dog Bar
2900 Navy Way, Alameda, CA 94501
T: 510.522.7500 | www.alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
Cookin'
Selling “Recycled Gourmet Appurtenances,” they have mounds of vintage finds and used pieces. The owner shops in France and brings back a lot of items.
"It’s really beautiful and fun. It has a very personal kind of charm to it. If you're looking for a particular piece, this is great for that."
FED Pro > Bartender Josh Harris of Trick Dog Bar
339 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
T: 415.861.1854
Japanese Barware at Umami Mart | Photograph courtesy of Umami Mart (Photo Credit: Erin Gleeson)
Umami Mart
Owned by two Japanese women, one who bartends at Camino, they source most of their barware and kitchenware directly from Japan. They sell a full array of unique Japanese housewares and barware.
"I really love the experience. I love Japanese pottery and tea cups and coffee cups and the attention to detail on all things Japanese. Combine that with the gentleness of the ladies that own it and it's really amazing."
FED Pro > Bartender Scott Baird of Trick Dog Bar
815 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
T: 510.575.9152 | umamimart.com
LOS ANGELES, CA
Photograph courtesy of Bar Keeper Silverlake
Bar Keeper Silverlake
Calls itself a "head shop for alcohol lovers" and carries everything you need for your home bar including glassware, tools of the trade, bitters and antique barware.
"It's like a bar loving candy shop! They have a great spirit selection and everything you would need for your home bar or toys for your business. It's also a go-to when I need gifts for all my booze loving friends. Great vintage barware."
FED Pro > Sommelier Coly Den Haan of The Must
"A great little store with an incredible selection of tools, toys, bitters, antique glassware, and some beautiful punch bowls."
FED Pro > Bartender David Kaplan of Death & Co
"Ask for Joe. He's a pioneer in the Los Angeles cocktail movement. They have great antique glassware, bar tools and artisanal/craft spirits."
FED Pro > Bartender Eric Alperin of The Varnish
3910 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029
T: 323.669.1675 | www.barkeepersilverlake.com
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