While historic theaters and religious buildings are no doubt spectacular, it's the neighborhood bars and restaurants—with their wide-ranging themes, locales, and clientele—that can probably lay claim to the best stories. From the Sip n' Dip Lounge bringing live "mermaids" to Great Falls, Montana, to Vesuvio Cafe keeping the Beat era alive in San Francisco, these essential local spots not only have fascinating interiors, but have histories well worth digging into.
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