These USA TODAY best bars of the Midwest are worth a road trip

USA TODAY’s Bars of the Year for 2026 spotlights 38 standout drinking spots nationwide, including 11 in the Midwest, ranging from speakeasies and dive bars to breweries and cocktail lounges. The list is compiled by USA TODAY’s network of food writers, who describe the selections as places with distinct atmospheres, creative drinks and memorable experiences—encouraging readers to ask locals. Among the Midwestern entries mentioned are The 33 Room in Peoria Heights, Illinois; The Ball and Biscuit in Indianapolis, Indiana; Father Forgive Me in Detroit, Michigan; and Skinny Slim’s in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The article also highlights other featured venues such as The Smoking Mule in South Dakota and The Mothership in Wisconsin, with brief notes on each bar’s theme and background. The full Midwest list includes nine more stops.