Home to over 8000 bars, New York earned the moniker "the city that never sleeps." Read below to find out which bars are the best of the best!
The influence of Angel's Share on the New York bar scene cannot be understated. Located in the basement of a West Village townhouse, its peakeasy-like experience helped popularize similar bars throughout the city. The narrow space features a bar and a few small tables and booths, and is limited to walk-in parties of four with no standing room. The bar's cocktail menu is a testament to its creativity and expertise. Bartenders employee Japanese methods that include precise measuring, stirring and shaking drinks, and they craft complex, often drinks that include old favorites as well as new, inventive twists.
Address: 45 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Hours: Tues - Sun 5:00pm - 12:00am; Closed Mondays
Reservations: Walk-ins only (Maximum of 4 people)
The Lower East Side's Attaboy redefined the speakeasy cocktail bar experience. It occupies the original space of the legendary Milk & Honey and is operated by two of its veteran bartenders. This bar doesn't take reservations either so be prepared for a potential wait. Upon arrival, guests ring the doorbell to gain entry and should expect to stand, as there are only a few seats available. The ambiance inside is worth the wait, with its unique character and attention to detail in cocktail crafting. Notably, there is no fixed menu at Attaboy. Instead, drinks are custom-tailored for each guest following a conversation with the bartenders. As such, the bartenders create an incredible and unique experience every time you visit.
Address: 134 Eldridge St., Manhattan, New York City
Hours: Daily 5:00pm - 3:00am
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Chez Zou
Chez Zou, located in northern Chelsea above Zou Zou's, offers a dimly-lit, sophisticated ambiance with velvet chairs and a large outdoor terrace. Known for its grown-up crowd, it's perfect for post-work socializing or refined gatherings. The bar is famous for its creative cocktails, particularly rum based, tropical inspired ones such as split-based daiquiris, milk punch and coladas. Other notable cocktails include the Dirty Zou, Saffron Gibson, and Banana Danse, among others. Each drink reflects Chez Zou's commitment to innovative and flavorful mixology, making it a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts in New York City.
Address: 385 9th Ave Suite 85 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Hours: Tues - Sat 5:00pm - 1:00am; Sun - Mon 5:00pm - 12:00am
Reservations: Available on Resy; Limited walk-in availability
Unlike many of the sleeker spots on this list, The Dead Rabbit in Financial District uniquely combines Irish-American pub culture with craft cocktails in a 1700s New York-style setting. Known for its creative cocktail menu, it is widely known for its Irish Coffee variations like the Irish Coffee Alexander and Irish American Coffee. The bar's mixology is renowned for its complexity and creativity, even inspiring a graphic novel-style cocktail book. This historical ambiance and innovative mixology make The Dead Rabbit a distinguished destination in New York's cocktail scene.
Address: 30 Water St., New York, NY 10004
Hours: Daily 11:00am - 3:00am
Reservations: Available on Resy; Walk-in availability
Employees Only in West Village remains one of the most popular bars in the city, complete with a fun albeit gimmicky speakeasy style entrance. Inside, the bar exudes an old-world charm with its art deco design, featuring overhead luggage racks and backlit paintings. The ambiance is both mysterious and convivial, marked by a beautiful wooden curved bar and luxurious back dining room lined with booths. The bartenders have rapid yet precise cocktail crafting, and free pour ingredients and taste as they go. Their menu features standout drinks like the floral Provençal and the robust Hi-Octane Fix. Overall, the bartenders manage to strike a balance between classic flavors and ecclectic experimentation; innovation and accessibility.
Address: 510 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014
Hours: Daily 6:00pm - 4:00am Reservations: Available on Resy for dinner from 6 - 11pm ET; Limited walk-in availability
Katana Kitten
Katana Kitten in New York City's West Village is a two-floor cocktail bar that uniquely blends Japanese and American influences. It features a eclectic, vibrant ambiance with Japanese movie posters and '60s classic rock music (and a katana or two). The bar, led by master mixologist Masahiro Urushido, is known for its precision and creativity in cocktail making - the perfect balance of playful and meticulous. Their menu includes highballs like the toki highball and signature cocktails such as the hinoki martini, showcasing a balance between traditional Japanese cocktail techniques and American innovation.
Address: 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Hours: Sun - Fri 4:00pm - 2:00am; Sat 2:00pm - 2:00am
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Martiny's
Martiny's in Gramercy is a unique Japanese lounge set in a cozy three-level carriage house, known for its surprising and unique cocktail creations. The bar's ambiance blends historical elements with modern Japanese design. Co-founder and beverage director Takuma Watanabe infuses classic cocktails with an elevated Japanese twist, embracing the "Shokunin" spirit of mastery. Signature drinks include martinis and inventive cocktails like the Grand Martiny's, a combination of Bombay Sapphire Gin, La Cigarrera Manzanilla, Churchill's Porto 2016, St. Germain, Hine Rare, and Grapes.
Address: 121 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003 Hours: Mon; Wed - Sun 6:00pm - 1:00am; Closed Tuesdays Reservations: Available on Resy; Limited walk-in availability
Overstory is located on the 64th floor in the Financial District and features a spacious outdoor terrace with stunning 360° city views. This bar and lounge offers a luxury experience with a relaxed vibe, and beverage director Harrison Ginsberg emphasizes a warm, "noticeably appreciative" hospitality style, making guests feel at home. The cocktail menu is diverse, with world class drinks like the Pink Tuxedo and The Last Frontier. The combination of innovative cocktails, and exceptional service makes Overstory a unique and sought-after destination in New York's cocktail scene
Address: 70 Pine St 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005 Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed 5:45pm - 12:00am; Fri - Sat 5:45pm - 1:00am; Closed Tues and Thurs Reservations: Available on Resy; Limited walk-in availability
Underneath the Flatiron District's Michelin Star Korean steakhouse COTE is a hidden bar: Undercote. Undercote is a true multisensory experience - interconnected rooms with dim lighting and lush plant covered walls create a space that is almost reminiscent of the zoo's jungle exhibit. The bar's atmospheric moisture is meant to enhance the tasting experience of its inventive cocktails. The bartenders are known for crafting creative drinks like the Swinging Neckbreaker, a blend of Havana Club 86, Ten To One Dark, peach, fernet, and lime. If you are going to COTE for dinner, or are just looking for a casual drink, then Undercote is a must.
Address: 16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Hours: Mon - Wed 5:00pm - 1:00am; Thurs - Sat 5:00pm - 2:00am; Closed Sundays Reservations: Walk-ins only
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