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Top Rated New Hot Spots from the Past Year!

By David "Rev" Ciancio Jan 5, 2016 1:00am

People

The latest installment of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group Top Rated lists has been revealed. Powered by Yelp, Inc., the list represents a first of its kind ranking of the Top Rated New Hot Spots from the Past Year across the United States.

First, the technical: Top Rated New Hot Spots was created by analyzing user-generated information from Yelp, Inc. The list focuses on bars, nightclubs, lounges and cocktail bars that opened after Jan. 1, 2015 and are not part of a national chain. Giving more weight to recent reviews, the venues were ranked based on the highest overall rating and quality of reviews. From this data, Yelp used their local expertise to compile the list, identifying the best new spot in each state and Washington D.C.

"To create this list, Yelp data scientists pulled all U.S. businesses under ‘Nightlife’ on Yelp that opened in 2015,” explained Darnell Holloway, director of business outreach for Yelp, Inc. "From there, they identified the best bars and restaurants in each state based on star rating."

And now, the fun: The venues that made the list are new, distinctive and exciting. Representing cocktail bars, mixology hot spots, taprooms, restaurants specializing in different types of cuisine and truly unique concepts, Top Rated New Hot Spots isn’t just another basic compilation. Several venues that made the list took over their locations from other bars and restaurants, and then completely renovated the spaces, providing yet another reason to plan a visit. Whether you’re looking for an 1800s pre-Prohibition theme, mason jar cocktails made with local moonshine, craft beer paired with gourmet sausages or something in between, Nightclub & Bar’s latest curated list has something for you.

“Each venue in the Top Rated New Hot Spots from 2015 performed at an exceptionally high level during their first year of operation,” remarked Kristen Santoro, Nightclub & Bar Media Group conference and content director. “Whether planning a trip or staying close to home, there is a new spot worth checking out in every state.”

The top rated hot spots include:

Alabama