America's best bars for bubbly

Does Champagne ever go out of vogue? According to Dan Davis, the “Wine Guy” of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, it’s currently having a moment.

First let’s examine exactly what Champagne is. Davis explains that all Champagne is sparkling wine and sparkling wine is wine that has bubbles. “Only wine from a designated region can or should be called Champagne,” he adds. Essentially, it’s special.

According to Davis, the biggest driver for Champagne’s comeback is not Champagne, but that Americans are now drinking more Cava, Prosecco, Crémant and a variety of sparkling wines. “He says that with an added interest in the world of food and technology — especially apps — people are learning about sparkling wines and how they pair well with certain dishes, and therefore buying more bubbles.

But if you’re feeling uneasy about the difference between a Blanc de Blancs and a Blanc de Noirs, fear not. Davis says that it’s perfectly acceptable to simply ask. When dining out, he suggest calling the server or sommelier over and telling them that you’d like to start with bubbles and what you’d like to spend, whether it’s $40 or $200.

“Don’t worry about being able to pronounce it or be the expert; our job is to make you happy,” says Davis. This is the philosophy at Commander’s Palace, where Davis has built a wine program that offers something at every price point and region from vintage to large and small format. “Here, you’ll find something sparkling from Hungary that you never even knew existed.”

Scroll though the photo gallery for our favorite bars specializing in Champagne and sparkling wine to start a night out with a glass of bubbly.

Plus, see bars specializing in other particular beverages in the galleries below.

America's best bars for whiskey lovers

America's best bars for tequila lovers

America's best bars for fans of rum

America's best bars for vodka lovers