Group Leaders

Two new spots are defining our drinking in 2013

It might be jumping the gun to make any sweeping declarations, given that we’re only a few weeks into 2013.

That said, two new bars located on opposite sides of the country have already set the tone for some very interesting drinking in the months ahead.

In San Francisco, Scott Baird and Josh Harris have opened Trick Dog, a colorful drinking spot that serves all manners of drinks, from bottled cocktails to shots with various backs. In New York, The Dead Rabbit, which opens next week, is a collage of 19th-century cocktails, immigrant taverns and Irish whiskey, from Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry.

Each concept is thoughtfully singular, but the commonalities spell a sea change for bars to come. From menu design to crowd control to the art of pleasing everyone, here’s a deep look inside two trendsetters.