Grabbing a drink in New York City can mean a lot of different things. With so many incredible bars ranging from dives, to cocktail bars, to speakeasies, it can be hard to make a choice on where to go. You can find cool local watering holes or world renowned spots that have won awards for their mixology. Breweries are scattered across the boroughs and cocktail bars are dotted in between. If you’re looking to visit one of New York City’s best bars, you’ll probably be able to find one a stone’s throw from where you are. We’ve rounded up a few of the best New York City bars for some inspiration. They are also all available for private hire, so if you’re looking for a venue for your next event, you can host it at one of these cool spots.
TALEA Taproom
Image: TALEA Taproom
This female run brewery has multiple locations scattered throughout the city. From Brooklyn to the West Village to Midtown, you can get your TALEA beer fix with ease. Cofounders Tara and LeAnn bonded over their passion for home brewing and launched TALEA, which serves up IPAs to Pilsners to Sours. Their venues are all artfully decorated and aren’t any old brewery. They’re special spaces that you really need to experience for yourself.
Please Don’t Tell
Image: Chad Clark Travel Ventures
It probably goes against everything they stand for to include Please Don’t Tell on this list of New York City’s best bars, but we feel that it would be a crime not to. Located behind a phone at Crif Dogs in the East Village, this speakeasy is one you have to visit to truly understand. You should make a booking as it is a super popular spot and it’s very rare to be able to just walk in. Get there on time and you’re in for a real treat!
The Campbell Bar
Image: The Campbell Bar
A truly iconic New York City bar is The Campbell Bar, located in Grand Central Station. You can head here to enjoy live jazz, delicious cocktails, and a stunning setting. The bar really showcases the architecture of Grand Central and was once John W. Campbell’s private office. It’s one of the best places to grab a drink in Midtown.
Saint Tuesday
Image: TriBeCa Citizen
You can find Saint Tuesday in TriBeCa in the basement of the Walker Hotel. They have live music every evening from 9:30 PM to Midnight covering several genres, making it a great spot for everyone. Saint Tuesday serves up some brilliant yet simple cocktails and really focuses on fresh ingredients. If you love cocktails, it’s a great place to visit.
Pete’s Tavern
Image: Pete’s Tavern
History buffs won’t want to miss this bar. Pete’s Tavern is the city’s “oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar.” The building was built in 1851and houses the first drinking establishment, founded in 1864. It changed hands several times, but became Pete’s Tavern in 1922. It still operated during prohibition and has remained a local favorite for centuries.
It’s no surprise that this bar has been named one of the best in New York City over and over again. It was once a family run spot, and was restored and re-opened in 2013. The drinks menu is filled with classic cocktails made by bartenders who have stood the test of time. It’s one of those places where being a regular isn’t hard to do.
Double Chicken Please
Image: Condé Nast Traveler
If you’re looking for something truly unique, Double Chicken Please, in the Lower East Side is it. This bar has two concepts in one space – Free Range, where you can enjoy cocktails and shareable dishes and Coop which has a truly remarkable cocktail menu. This is an experience and it can get quite busy. Over 80% of seating is first-come-first serve, so make sure you’re ready to wait.
Attaboy
Image: The Infatuation
Voted #1 for World’s Best Bars in North America, Attaboy is where it’s at. This bar has a serious neighborhood feel and serves up some of the best cocktails you’ll find, just about anywhere. Make sure to try Ross’ Penicillin (scotch, lemon juice and ginger-honey syrup) or the Paper Plane (bourbon, Italian orange bitters, amaro and lemon juice).
Sunken Harbor Club
Image: Sunken Harbor Club
Located in Brooklyn, this is another walk-in only bar on our list. You can find the Sunken Harbor Club above Gage & Tollner in Downtown Brooklyn. You’ll find some really fun cocktails like the Missionary’s Downfall, a green blended drink or the Joy of Almond, which is served in a glass inside of a coconut.
Superbueno
Image: Superbueno
If you’re looking for a party, you need to check out Superbueno, a Mexican American bar in the East Village in New York City. While their drinks may sound simple, they’re anything but. They really focus on including fresh and unique ingredients in their cocktails. From a mushroom margarita to a mole negroni, you’ll find something super interesting to sip on.
