The American West has long been defined by its frontier spirit, a landscape where innovation meets tradition. In 2026, the Sunset Travel Awards have once again cast a spotlight on the establishments that are redefining the region’s beverage and culinary culture. The "Where to Eat & Drink: Dialed Up Drinks" category celebrates the vanguard of bars, lounges, restaurants, and marketplaces that have elevated the simple act of consumption into an immersive, sensory experience.
From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the high-desert plateaus of Oregon and the vibrant urban corridors of Denver and Las Vegas, these 11 winners represent the pinnacle of hospitality. They are not merely places to grab a drink or a meal; they are cultural touchstones that anchor their neighborhoods and tell the story of the modern West through flavor, design, and narrative-driven service.
The Landscape of Excellence: An Overview of the 2026 Winners
The 2026 selection process was rigorous, focusing on establishments that demonstrate a "dialed up" approach to the guest experience. Whether it is through zero-waste cocktail programs, architectural preservation, or a commitment to locally foraged ingredients, these winners have set a new bar for what travelers should expect when exploring the Western United States.
The winning roster includes:
- Call Me Pearl (Denver, CO)
- Oxbow Public Market (Napa, CA)
- The Lobby Bar & Emporium (Spokane, WA)
- FiNO (Denver, CO)
- Marelle Santa Monica (Santa Monica, CA)
- El Dorado Kitchen (Sonoma, CA)
- Dom’s Taverna (Santa Barbara, CA)
- Pig and Tiger (Denver, CO)
- The Alchemists’ Garden (Paso Robles, CA)
- Wild Rye (Brasada Ranch, OR)
- 99 Prince Bar (Las Vegas, NV)
A Chronology of Innovation: From Prohibition Roots to Modern Mixology
To understand the current state of Western hospitality, one must look at the evolution of these spaces. The 2026 winners represent a fascinating timeline of American culture.
At one end of the spectrum is The Lobby Bar & Emporium in Spokane, Washington. Housed within the historic Davenport Hotel, this establishment honors over a century of hospitality. By integrating Prohibition-era cocktail techniques with modern interactive elements—such as their house-made peanut brittle demonstrations—they bridge the gap between 1920s nostalgia and contemporary guest expectations.
In contrast, newcomers like Dom’s Taverna, which opened in August 2025 in Santa Barbara, represent the bleeding edge of the industry. By utilizing high-tech equipment like the Spanish Josper oven, Chef Dom Crisp is able to marry traditional Basque flavors with the freshest "dock-to-table" ingredients from the California coast.
Similarly, 99 Prince Bar in Las Vegas serves as a bridge between geographies. By recreating the gritty, artistic energy of early 2000s Manhattan in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, they demonstrate that the best travel experiences often involve being transported to another time and place entirely through the medium of a well-crafted drink.
Supporting Data: Why "Dialed Up" Matters
The "Dialed Up Drinks" designation is more than a marketing term; it reflects a shift in consumer behavior. Data from the 2026 Sunset travel survey indicates that 78% of travelers now prioritize "authentic, narrative-driven culinary experiences" over traditional sightseeing.
The Rise of the Zero-Waste Movement
Several winners, most notably FiNO in Denver, are leading the charge in sustainable mixology. By implementing a rigorous zero-waste cocktail program, FiNO minimizes its environmental footprint while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of creativity. This is not merely an ethical choice; it is a creative constraint that forces bartenders to rethink how they use citrus, herbs, and infusions, resulting in complex, unconventional flavor profiles that guests cannot find elsewhere.
The Role of Terroir in Mixology
At Wild Rye in Central Oregon, the definition of "dialed up" is tied to the land. Executive Chef Karl Holl and legendary bartender Scott Baird have crafted a menu that treats the high desert as a pantry. By incorporating sagebrush, juniper, and locally sourced Western whiskeys, they provide an authentic "taste of place." This commitment to terroir—a concept usually reserved for wine—is becoming the hallmark of top-tier beverage programs in the West.
Official Perspectives: The Philosophy of the Pour
The success of these establishments is no accident; it is the result of intentional, visionary leadership.
"We wanted to create a space where the narrative is as important as the recipe," says the team behind Call Me Pearl. Their lounge in Denver’s LoDo district is meticulously designed to channel the Gilded Age, offering a theatrical escape for patrons. The hospitality at Call Me Pearl is described as "gracious," a term that implies a level of service that anticipates the guest’s needs before they are even articulated.
Similarly, at Marelle Santa Monica, the focus is on the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor space. Chef Raphael Lunetta notes that the "sun-drenched patio" is as much a part of the menu as the food itself. By focusing on aesthetics—from seashell-served cocktails to floor-to-ceiling windows—Marelle has turned the simple act of weekend brunch into a "neighborhood ritual," proving that atmosphere is the ultimate ingredient for success.
Implications for the Future of Western Travel
The influence of these 11 winners extends far beyond their own walls. They are the anchors of their respective communities, often serving as the catalyst for urban revitalization.
Economic and Cultural Anchors
FiNO, for instance, is a living anchor for the revitalization of East Colfax in Denver. By providing a sophisticated space for social connection, the restaurant has helped change the perception of the area, making it a destination for locals and tourists alike.
Oxbow Public Market in Napa serves a different, but equally critical, function. By acting as a central hub for farmers, winemakers, and artisan producers, it supports the local economy while offering visitors a concentrated experience of the region’s agricultural bounty. It is a model for how public markets can successfully blend commerce with community gathering.
The Evolution of the "Third Place"
The implications for travelers are clear: the definition of a "destination" is changing. In 2026, a vacation is no longer just about visiting a landmark; it is about finding a "third place"—a social environment separate from the home and the workplace—that offers high-quality engagement.
Whether it is the theatrical harmony of The Alchemists’ Garden in Paso Robles, where cocktails involve smoke and botanical artistry, or the Taiwanese-inspired culinary fusion at Pig and Tiger, these winners prove that the modern traveler is looking for intelligence and heart.
Conclusion: How to Plan Your Journey
As you look to plan your next excursion through the American West, these 11 winners should serve as your roadmap. Each establishment offers a unique lens through which to view the landscape, whether you are seeking the smoky, wood-fired flavors of the Sonoma coast at El Dorado Kitchen or a masterclass in mixology at a Las Vegas hidden gem.
For those eager to dive deeper into these locations, we encourage you to consult the full list of winners on the Sunset website. Our comprehensive, searchable travel directory is designed to help you curate a bespoke itinerary that aligns with your specific tastes and interests.
The West is a vast and ever-changing frontier. In 2026, it is also a place of extraordinary flavor, where the art of the drink and the craft of the meal are being elevated to new heights. We invite you to step through the door, pull up a chair, and experience the best that the West has to offer.
For the complete list of 2026 winners and to explore our definitive travel directory, visit the Sunset Travel Awards portal.
