Best Bar and Cocktail Scene in New York City

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through the electric nightlife of New York City? Look no further than our ultimate guide to discovering the best bar and cocktail scene in the Big Apple. From trendy speakeasies to rooftop bars with breathtaking views, NYC has it all.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll navigate you through the buzzing neighborhoods of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, highlighting the hidden gems and must-visit hotspots that will satisfy even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. Whether you're seeking classic concoctions or innovative mixology masterpieces, the vibrant bar scene in New York City offers something for everyone.

Indulge in the smooth jazz melodies of a vintage jazz bar, sip handcrafted cocktails in a secret underground hideaway, or dance the night away at a lively nightclub. Our guide will provide you with expert insights, recommendations, and insider tips to ensure you make the most of your bar-hopping adventures in the city that never sleeps.

Join us as we uncover the best bars and cocktail scenes in New York City, where every drink is an intoxicating experience waiting to be discovered.

 

To start this top list, we present BAR GOTO, a superb establishment with Japanese inspiration. With its 15 original cocktails, exceptional whiskey and sake collection, you are sure to find what you love. Its chic and warm ambiance will make you feel like you’ve made a stop in Japan without leaving NYC. It was ranked among the best bars in the United States by Food & Wine Editors, a well-deserved place!

Continuing this top list with Patent Pending NYC, a very chic cocktail bar in the heart of Manhattan that offers a year-round menu of 20 wonderful cocktails from around the world, adapted to their tastes, all made with exceptional products.

The ambiance of the establishment is also a journey through time with its vintage decoration and history. It's in the same building that Nikola Tesla lived and conducted his experiments on waves. The ideal place to learn more about US history while enjoying a good cocktail.

Attaboy is also a bar to visit absolutely during your time in New York! This bar is open every day of the week to delight the taste buds of all its customers. Its team of young, highly experienced mixologists will meet all your expectations. The ambiance is very festive and warm, and the copper and brick decor makes this bar an unavoidable New York spot for lovers of good times! Here, too, you will surely find a drink that will delight your taste buds.

With over 30 original and artisanal cocktails, The Up & Up is also located in the Greenwich neighborhood, a place steeped in history that has hosted music legends.

Their motto is 'high quality and relaxation,' which perfectly represents this friendly neighborhood bar with unique decor! The establishment regularly hosts groups of all musical styles for very enjoyable concerts. A place to discover for enthusiasts of good drinks and music!

If you're looking for an even more sophisticated cocktail bar, head to Raines Law Room Chelsea. Located just a few streets from Union Square Park, this bar with a very cozy ambiance offers 7 main categories of cocktails, each with 4 variations of drinks, ensuring you'll find what you love!

From cocktails with seasonal flavors and fruits to exceptional liquors from around the world, you're certain to find something you'll enjoy!

Situated by the Hudson River, The Tippler is the perfect place to end your day! It offers only 8 cocktails on its menu, but that's not a problem at all. One original cocktail per alcohol category is more than enough!

With its decor featuring copper, steel, and wood, you really feel like you've stepped out of New York for a drink and into a unique and convivial place. Another address not to miss if you're in this area of New York.

Situated on the edge of the Gramercy Park neighborhood, Dear Irving is a chic establishment with a very dim ambiance and different rooms decorated surprisingly in the style of the early 20th century. The bar offers a menu with 20 very surprising cocktails, and you can also ask the team to prepare a cocktail to your tastes and preferences. It was voted as the 26th best North American bar in 2022.

Do check in advance if the bar is open to the public as it is often privately reserved. They also have another cocktail bar located in Hudson with an amazing view of New York and a completely different, much more chic and modern atmosphere!

With their 4 cocktail bars spread across the United States, Death & Co has become a true institution in the world of cocktails, so we couldn't leave it out of this top list! Opened in 2007, they won the award for Best American Cocktail Bar and Best Cocktail Menu at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards three years later!

With their menu of around thirty exceptional cocktails and their dining options, you're guaranteed to have a great time there!

Do consider making a reservation as the queue can be long on some evenings.

Verlaine is also a bar that had to be included in this ranking of the best cocktail bars in New York. With its comfortable and intimate atmosphere, this establishment will ensure you have a good time!

The menu consists of over 20 cocktails at reasonable prices; plus, you can enjoy some of their cocktails during Happy Hours for only $8! Their tapas menu is also very well crafted. Definitely a must-visit if you're in the area.

Nestled just a few blocks from Central Park, The Guthrie Inn stands apart from everything we've presented so far. This cozy pub is beautiful, and the staff is very pleasant, offering 12 signature cocktails and an extensive list of more classic drinks, primarily made with local products.

If you want to enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere like a true New Yorker, this is the perfect place!

Here ends our selection of bars to absolutely try during your visits to New York City. We hope that our top picks of the best cocktail bars in New York have inspired you to head to NYC to explore each of these establishments.

Feel free to leave us a comment to share your experiences with cocktails in New York! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to never miss our articles on Mixology and stay updated on all the latest from Cocktail Connexion!