There’s no more active venue for trends and trials than bars and nightclubs. From fashion to music to interior design to culinary and beverage innovations… So what’s next? What’s history? Here’s a big pitcher look at the landscape now.

 

Thank you nightclub.com editor, Donna Hood Crecca, for the assist.

 

WHAT’S IN

• Bartenders putting guest service on par with crafting great cocktails

• Bars, and those who tend them, breaking out as mainstream media darlings

• Pisco, rye and cachaça

• Millennials (born between 1977-1998). They’re coming of age in droves.

• Live entertainment – music and comedians, with social media building the buzz

• Better trained bartenders, thanks to programs like the USBG Master Accreditation, BarSmarts, B.A.R. and more

• Organic, green and sustainable spirits, wine and beer

• Boutique brands — but only of the authentic variety

• Iconic beer brands (think PBR) on the menu alongside eclectic brews (think Allagash White)

 

WHAT’S OUT

• Drinks with ingredients no one can pronounce

• Telling patrons, “We don’t serve that here.”

• Thinking gin will be the next vodka

• Thinking vodka is over (see above)

• Flat, skunky or poorly poured beer — there’s just no excuse anymore

• Deep, deep drink discounts that deliver no margin and attract the “wrong” guest