What do you look for in a bar? Comfy barstools? Friendly bartenders? Your favorite drink on the menu? All of the above? Whatever your answer, we've got a list of the best cocktail bars in Providence to help you find your next favorite watering hole.

Drinks on the Roof

Mare Rooftop Igloos

Who doesn't love a rooftop bar? Providence has some of the best. Blu Violet, on the rooftop of the Aloft Providence Downtown hotel, has seasonal cocktails and a fab Sunday brunch featuring Live DJs, R&B music and cocktails named to match (try the Dirty Diana or the Smooth Operator). The Rooftop at the Providence G has cool cocktails like the Orange Street Martinez, which features ISCO Patina Barrel-Aged Gin. Stop by on Friday and Saturday nights for Fireside After Dark with DJs and fun live entertainment like aerialists, jugglers and more. Feeling fancy? Mare Rooftop's more elegant atmosphere is great for date night or a celebratory dinner and drinks with your best pals.

Espresso Martinis Everywhere

It seems like everyone has a version of the espresso martini. And why not? Personally, I can't resist them. If espresso martinis are your thing, check out the Hot Club's Espresso Martini, featuring local Monroe Dairy Cold Brew. And Marcelino's Espresso Martini is just one of many great drinks on their menu. Some of their cocktails even come in a pitcher that serves three or six. The more the merrier!

Name Your Favorite Cocktail

Courtland Club in Providence Bar Seating

My favorite thing about cocktails are the names. Courtland Club has a creative variety including the Mother Theresa, which is a must for sinners and saints alike. Stop by The Eddy for fun drinks like the Purple Rain and the Crushed Velvet. And don't miss Los Andes for the Krakito Mojito (I love a good rhyme). It's a perfect complement to any of their dishes. We recommend the Chicharron.

The Oldest Bar in Providence ... and One of the Newest

Murphy's Game Day

One of the newest cocktail bars in Providence is Clementine, which features all kinds of tasty drinks including some timeless classics like the Aviation or the French Martini along with a menu of small bites to snack on while you sip your drink. Of course, no roundup of local bars would be complete without the Irish pub. Murphy's is the oldest running pub in Providence, and the place to be whether you're in the mood for a seasonal cocktail or a traditional Guinness and a Reuben.

Mocktails Galore

Not a drinker? Not to worry — you can get a mocktail at any of these bars. Try the Bluberry Lemonade at Mare Rooftop or Clementine's Morning Dew. Marcelino's has a whole menu of alcohol-free cocktails as well, including the Espresso No-Tini.