Looking for the best bars in New York City to grab a drink and unwind after a long day? From trendy rooftop bars with stunning views to cozy speakeasies hidden behind secret doors, NYC offers a diverse range of options for every type of bar-goer. Whether you're searching for craft cocktails, local beers, or unique wine selections, this bustling metropolis has it all. Curious about the most popular bars in NYC or where to find the best happy hour deals? Keep reading for our ultimate guide to the top bars in New York City.
Taking the idea of mixology to the next level. The bartenders pour cocktails in pharmacist coats and the décor takes heavy influence from science equipment. The cocktails, as to be expected, are inventive and chic.
Bayard's is a landmark Irish pub in West Village. An excellent place for a beer after a long work week. Serves classic pub food - from bangers 'n' mash, to burgers and chicken wings. A real community hotspot.
Barbershop by day, back-room cocktail bar by night - visit for the latter. Has a reputation for drawing a lively crowd. A unique bar and dance locale.
This speakeasy bar is hidden behind a laundromat 🧺 turned deli 🥪. They're known for the mezcal and good music. Sister to La Superior NYC.
Roaring-20's inspired speakeasy bar. Hidden behind a coffee shop, this bar is a call-back to the Prohibition era. An upmarket place for a date night, to see a Tuesday or Sunday night burlesque show, or to dance into the early hours.
Unassuming coffee spot by day, hip cocktail bar and an arts venue by night. Great drinks and a Japanese-based menu. Grab a drink, and inevitably end up staying for the indie film screening or book launch that is happening in the bar.
Famous speakeasy where patrons are encouraged to come for dinner and stay for drinks. Tucked behind a fortune teller, Employees Only has received commendation for its interpretation of cocktail classics. Busy, and for good reason.
A bonafide craft beer bar with an extensive brew menu. Also serves good pub-grub, like sandwiches and quesadillas. A worthy spot to sample beers and socialise whilst in Greenwich Village.
Bar with a substantial roster of brandies and cognac. A sophisticated space for mature and reserved purveyors of liquor. Spirit sommeliers are also on hand to pair patrons with their ideal drink. Reservations are encouraged.
Headlined by their 'meet you in the back' mentality, Bar Beau serves as a discreet cocktail bar and small-plate kitchen after the sun goes down. Boasts an impressive drinks collection. It also functions and a coffee café during the day.
Williamsburg's rowdy beer hall with a regularly scheduled live brass band. People will be dancing on tables with beer and pretzels in hand. Plan on spending a lot of time here - it gets rowdy and you won't want to leave.
Neon-drenched speakeasy meets outer space. Come for the retro, sci-fi vibe, and stay for the dance parties, creative drinks, and solid sound system. A smaller venue with a proven atmosphere.
Two bars in one venue that feel like a vintage pool lounge and disco bar found in the Poconos rolled into one. No-fuss good drinks lounge. The upstairs is brighter and calmer- downstairs is a little more vivacious.
Sleek Brooklyn bar boasting nostalgic, Vegas-lounge decor. Typically low-key, Goldie's pool table and Friday happy hour karaoke make for a change of pace from New York's more hectic venues. Book ahead for a spot.
Interesting cozy bar in the East Village. There's art all over the place and an overall eclectic kind of grunge vibe to it 🖼. Also some outdoor seating for the summer and mulled wine for the winter.
The drinks are great but the cups they serve them in are even better and will literally have you feeling like a kid again... just with a cocktail. Intimate industrial space. Made the World's 50 Best Bars list.
Stiff drinks in a bar inspired by the Victorian era gin palaces of England and Ireland. A quirky menu fits with the imported scotch and occasional art show. An eccentric dining and drinking venue dedicated to a historic socialite.
North Brooklyn cocktail bar to underground disco to music hall to sushi – all in one place. Late-night gets really busy and you'll most likely wait in line. Pro tip: book a late-night reservation for some bites and stay for more dancing.
A horseshoe bar located in West Village that boasts a vintage New York vibe. They have a large whiskey offering, ample cocktails, and a standout burger. Reserve a booth for happy hour or dinner - or both.
Intimate bar in Lower Manhattan. Grab a casual lunch or dinner here and pair it with their Wren-Quila cocktail. A great spot for 'Happy Hour' and a worthy place to start any bar crawl adventures.
Lively street-level saloon pouring classic highballs and shochu cocktails. A separate staircase leads down to an intimate speakeasy for inventive, technique-driven drinks and modern izakaya fare.
