What is the best and most versatile type of barware/glassware?

You found the square ones I see. Where did you get them?

Alright all, I went shopping and scored six Bormioli Rocco stemless wine glasses (to replace the few I've broken) and six square, wide old fashioned glasses (pictured). So excited to use them and thank you all for your input!

I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide. Years ago, I worked hard to find attractive, basic bar ware. I went through a lot of crystal, losing the usual amount to breakage but also having them get cloudy in the dishwasher. I don't mind doing wine glasses and other specialty glassware by hand, but for a lot of drinks, I've decided that Picardie, in a variety of sizes, works fine.

HA! I like the boots! . I think I got the square ones in Home Goods. They always have a nice selection.

Yes--I have many specialty glasses, and this isn't even the extent of it (and we even have some novelty Solo cups with stems that we use as a joke for street parties) and quite a few stemless wine ones--I have been using those for serving spritzers and such. I think I'm actually trying to go away from the single use glasses and invest in ones that are all-around versatile. Are there any specific brands that are worth an extra expense? Is crystal worth the investment, in your opinions? I do like the idea of a short, heavy old-fashioned glass.

BTW Amanda, I like a modern square glass, clean with no etching that can work in a formal setting as well as outside on the deck. That said , I found a great hand blown set at a yard sale that I use only for me and my wife. I drop a huge round ice cube , some orange vodka and an orange slice and I am good to go.

Some would say it depends on the drink, some would say it depends on the drinker. Ultimately, the answer comes down to whomever is answering the question and how choosy they are.

Remember, in college, one probably drank all these cocktails out of a red or blue plastic Solo cup.

Your average bartenders bible or recipe book will have recommendations on glassware for specific drinks. Pretty much every book will state that you need some highballs, some lowballs, and at least a few martini glasses to provide adequate glassware for a wide range of cocktails.

It's really up to you and your budget to decide what sort of variety to have.

I think an old fashioned or lowball glass. I have used them successfully to serve rocks drinks, frozen drinks (margarita / pina colada) even a short vodka tonic or mojito. made moscow mules , dark and stormys in them They have a nice heavy feel and are durable. also, because they are short , they don't get knocked over as easily . I have lost many a good martini and wine glass that way.

Agree with Rae on aesthetics and versatility of stemless wine glasses (though purists would object for some/most wines because of hand heat).
To inject an economic note. There will be breakage.
One way to decide is to get glasses at that wonderful balance point - aesthetically pleasing, functional, but not too expensive to cause tears when the inevitable happens and you have to replace them.

Stemless wine glasses. We have a variety of glasses, but these are the ones I reach for the most. I use them for everything (except beer) and they're lovely to drink out of.

I think it may depend on what you serve. Rocks glasses are good if you often serve liquor on the rocks. Highball is good if you serve drinks with soda or tonic. I think having both would be ideal.