There’s something magical about a matchbox from a beloved bar. These tiny boxes, each decorated with unique designs, carry memories of great nights, fascinating people, and unforgettable atmospheres. Over time, matchboxes from some of the world's most iconic bars have become sought-after collectibles. From jazz bars in New York to tiki lounges in San Francisco, here’s a look at the most iconic bars around the globe known for their collectible matchbox art.
1. Bemelmans Bar – New York City, NY
Named after the creator of the beloved Madeline children’s books, Bemelmans Bar inside the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan is renowned for its classic art-deco vibe, live jazz, and yes, its collectible matchbooks. Each matchbook showcases artwork inspired by Ludwig Bemelmans himself, often featuring whimsical sketches from Madeline or the timeless elegance of the bar. With its gold-leaf walls and unforgettable atmosphere, Bemelmans’ matchbooks are a nostalgic piece of New York’s Upper East Side.
2. The Tonga Room – San Francisco, CA
A legendary tiki bar inside the Fairmont Hotel, The Tonga Room is famous for its stormy indoor lagoon and exotic Polynesian decor. Known for fruity cocktails and an old-school vibe, the Tonga Room has matchboxes that reflect its iconic tiki design, complete with palm trees, tropical motifs, and vintage typography. Collectors and travelers alike treasure these matchboxes as reminders of a classic tiki bar that’s endured for over 75 years.
3. The Carousel Bar – New Orleans, LA
Located inside the historic Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, the Carousel Bar is as whimsical as it sounds—a rotating bar that resembles a carousel. Since the 1940s, this bar has enchanted patrons with its colorful charm, where every matchbook features the carousel design, a blend of fantasy and Southern charm. It’s one of New Orleans’ most beloved landmarks, and its matchbooks are popular mementos of the city’s eclectic spirit.
4. Dukes Bar – London, England
Famous for its martinis (often cited as some of the best in the world), Dukes Bar at the Dukes Hotel in London has been a favorite of luminaries like James Bond author Ian Fleming. Dukes’ matchbooks embody sophistication, often featuring the bar’s logo with a timeless British design. A matchbook from Dukes Bar is a refined collectible, a small but elegant reminder of London’s long-standing cocktail heritage.
5. PDT (Please Don’t Tell) – New York City, NY
An iconic speakeasy hidden behind a phone booth inside a hot dog joint, PDT is one of the most iconic bars in NYC’s East Village. Known for its exclusivity and expertly crafted cocktails, PDT offers matchbooks that playfully feature its hidden door motif or quirky, 1920s-inspired designs. Each matchbook is a testament to the bar’s discreet, retro spirit and has become a highly sought-after item among collectors of bar memorabilia.
6. Harry’s Bar – Venice, Italy
The birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and a favorite haunt of Hemingway, Harry’s Bar in Venice is a legendary establishment. Its matchboxes often feature the bar’s minimalist logo or signature colors, capturing the understated elegance that Harry’s is known for. Collectors prize these matchboxes as iconic symbols of Italian culture, elegance, and, of course, cocktail history.
7. The Green Mill – Chicago, IL
Once a hangout for Al Capone and known for its authentic jazz experience, The Green Mill in Chicago is as legendary as it gets. The bar’s matchbooks reflect the classic jazz-age aesthetic with vintage designs and often dark, moody artwork that nods to its speakeasy roots. Each matchbook is a bit of Chicago history, cherished by collectors for its connection to the Prohibition era and timeless jazz.
8. Tiki-Ti – Los Angeles, CA
A family-owned tiki bar in LA since the early 1960s, Tiki-Ti is known for its exotic cocktails and funky decor. Their matchboxes reflect the vibrant tiki culture with colorful illustrations of tropical landscapes, bamboo, and torches. Tiki-Ti’s matchbooks are particularly collectible among tiki enthusiasts, who see them as snapshots of a genre that celebrates escapism and adventure.
9. Chumley’s – New York City, NY
One of New York City’s original speakeasies, Chumley’s was known for its unmarked door and literary clientele. The bar’s matchbooks feature classic, understated designs that nod to its prohibition past and Greenwich Village location. Having a matchbook from Chumley’s is like holding a piece of history, a reminder of a place where famous authors and poets would gather for a drink.
10. The Clift Redwood Room – San Francisco, CA
The Redwood Room at the Clift Hotel is a marvel of rich wood decor and Old-World elegance. Its matchboxes are often adorned with minimalist, luxurious designs that echo the bar’s opulent Art Deco interiors. A matchbook from the Redwood Room is a coveted piece, symbolizing the Golden City’s sophisticated nightlife culture.
Collecting Matchbox Art: The Charm of Tiny Mementos
Collecting matchboxes from iconic bars isn’t just about amassing souvenirs—it’s about capturing memories of unique places, each with its own history, character, and charm. These small, illustrated pieces of art serve as portable reminders of unforgettable nights and timeless spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, a matchbook from an iconic bar offers a miniature yet enduring snapshot of its place in nightlife lore.
So next time you visit one of these legendary bars, be sure to pick up a matchbox. Who knows? One day it might become a cherished piece of history.