Best Bars & Nightlife in New York, United States

New York, United States, New York, Food & Drink, Best Bars & Nightlife

Best Bars & Nightlife in New York, United States

The Dead Rabbit

1. The Dead Rabbit

This Irish bar in the Financial District is known for its historic style and impressive cocktail menu, making you feel like you're stepping back in time. It solves the challenge of finding an authentic pub experience with award-winning beverages. The ambience is cozy, combining rustic decor with lively crowds.
  • Cocktails: Known for one of the best cocktail menus in the world.
  • Atmosphere: Combines Irish charm with a vibrant setting.
  • Location: Conveniently located near major attractions in lower Manhattan.
Employees Only

2. Employees Only

Nestled in the West Village, Employees Only serves innovative cocktails in a speakeasy setting. It addresses the need for a secretive and intriguing nightlife experience with a mix of classic and modern drinks. The bartenders are skilled, making your drink selection an entertaining affair.
  • Hidden Location: The speakeasy format adds a sense of discovery.
  • Craft Cocktails: Offers creative drinks crafted with precision.
  • Ambiance: Exudes a mysterious and intimate vibe.
PDT (Please Don’t Tell)

3. PDT (Please Don’t Tell)

Located in the East Village, PDT is famed for its hidden entrance through a phone booth inside a hot dog shop. It provides a unique challenge for thrill-seekers looking for novelty bars with a speakeasy feel. The classic cocktails are complemented by inventive hot dog selections.
  • Secret Entrance: Makes getting inside an adventure.
  • Cocktail Craftsmanship: Known for its expertly mixed drinks.
  • Unique Pairings: Offers gourmet hot dogs alongside cocktails.
Angel’s Share

4. Angel’s Share

This hidden treasure in an unassuming Japanese restaurant in the East Village offers a sophisticated take on cocktails. Addressing the need for a serene and elegant setting, Angel’s Share provides a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The atmosphere and aesthetics create a refined, almost otherworldly experience.
  • Tranquility: Offers a peaceful environment to enjoy your drinks.
  • Craftsmanship: Features expertly prepared cocktails with a Japanese twist.
  • Exclusivity: Maintains a low-key vibe favored by locals.
Attaboy

5. Attaboy

Known for its bespoke cocktails, Attaboy on the Lower East Side solves the problem of enjoying a personalized drink experience. Here, there's no menu; bartenders craft your drink based on preferences. The intimate setting enhances the personalized service.
  • Customization: Drinks tailored to your taste.
  • Intimacy: Small space ensures personalized service.
  • Bartender Expertise: Bartenders use their skill to create one-of-a-kind drinks.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

6. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

Boasting incredible views of the Empire State Building, this rooftop bar provides a scenic nightlife offering. It's perfect for those seeking a visual delight alongside their drink. The spacious rooftop is equipped with igloos for colder months.
  • Views: Offers panoramic vistas of New York’s skyline.
  • Versatility: Features year-round climate-controlled options.
  • Size: Spacious areas to enjoy with friends or meet new people.
The Up & Up

7. The Up & Up

A high-end cocktail bar in Greenwich Village that brings intimate and cozy vibes. This bar helps those seeking a high-quality yet relaxed cocktail experience without the pretentious feel of other upscale lounges. The vintage decor is charming and inviting.
  • Quality: Premium cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Decor: Vintage design offers a warm ambiance.
  • Comfort: Comfortable seating ideal for conversation.
Apotheke

8. Apotheke

In Chinatown, Apotheke's science-themed atmosphere adds an adventurous twist to your night out. The mixologists—dubbed pharmacologists—create concoctions that cater to those curious about unique ingredients. The dim lighting and apothecary decor add to the mysterious allure.
  • Themed Experience: Scientific theme enhances the novelty.
  • Creativity: Complex cocktails with unique ingredient blends.
  • Setting: Atmospheric lighting contributes to an intriguing experience.
Bemelmans Bar

9. Bemelmans Bar

This Upper East Side bar exudes timeless elegance with its art deco design and live jazz music. It's ideal for those desiring a glamorous, classic New York bar experience. Known for its charming murals, Bemelmans also offers signature martinis.
  • Elegance: Sophisticated decor with a historic touch.
  • Live Music: Features nightly live jazz performances.
  • History: Famous for its legendary murals and classy vibe.
The Campbell

10. The Campbell

Tucked inside Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell’s opulent interior offers a luxurious old-world experience. It's perfect for travelers seeking grandeur with a convenient location. The restored 1920s setting brings history to life.
  • History: A restoration piece of New York's past.
  • Grandeur: Rich decor with an elegant touch.
  • Location: Centrally located in a historical building.
McSorley's Old Ale House

11. McSorley's Old Ale House

Established in 1854, McSorley’s has an unrivaled historic charm. This East Village bar is a must for history enthusiasts wishing to experience a piece of living history. Its sawdust floors and no-nonsense ale menu offer a no-frills beer lovers' paradise.
  • History: One of the oldest bars in New York.
  • Authenticity: Strong preservation of its historical roots.
  • Simplicity: Straightforward beer selection and rustic charm.
Death & Company

12. Death & Company

Situated in the East Village, this cocktail haven offers a luxurious but comfortable drinking atmosphere. Its strong focus on expertly crafted cocktails solves the challenge of finding a place with both quality and comfort. Soft lighting and plush furniture enhance enjoyment.
  • Quality: Recognized for impeccable cocktail creations.
  • Atmosphere: Cozy setting despite upscale offerings.
  • Award-Winning: Part of the global cocktail venue elite.
The World Bar

13. The World Bar

Located in Trump World Tower, this bar offers sophistication with global influences. It's the go-to for those searching for a taste of luxury without an inflated price. The signature cocktails speak to international themes.
  • Prestige: Situated in a prominent building with a classy flair.
  • International Flavors: Cocktails with a worldly spin.
  • Accessibility: Provides high-class experience at more accessible locations.
Angelique

14. Angelique

In Tribeca, Angelique offers a French-inspired bar experience that pairs refined cocktails with an upscale yet comfortable setting. This establishment satisfies those seeking elegance blended with originality. Its food and drink menus feature French flavors.
  • French Flair: Unique pairing of French cuisine and cocktails.
  • Ambiance: Creates a chic and sophisticated environment.
  • Exclusivity: Provides a high-end experience in a trendy area.
Le Bain

15. Le Bain

Atop The Standard Hotel, Le Bain offers stunning river views with a dance floor that comes alive with top DJs. Ideal for party-goers who want to dance above the cityscapes. The open-air rooftop provides a liberating atmosphere that complements high-energy nights.
  • Views: Spectacular Hudson River and skyline vistas.
  • Music: Hosts renowned DJs for lively nights.
  • Setting: Modern venue with an urban rooftop vibe.
Bathtub Gin

16. Bathtub Gin

This Chelsea speakeasy, hidden behind a coffee shop, serves classic cocktails in a vintage-style setting. It's tailored for mystery enthusiasts who enjoy unveiling secrets. An actual bathtub centers the room, adding to the historical theme.
  • Concealed Entrance: Enhances the speakeasy adventure.
  • Classic Offerings: Features classic cocktails with a twist.
  • Distinct Decoration: Historic accents with a memorable centerpiece.
Rudy’s Bar & Grill

17. Rudy’s Bar & Grill

This Hell’s Kitchen dive offers affordable drinks paired with a laid-back atmosphere and complimentary hot dogs. It caters to travelers on a budget looking for a genuine dive bar experience. The eclectic crowd and unpretentious vibe add to the appeal.
  • Affordability: Reasonably priced drinks and free hot dogs.
  • Laid-back Vibe: Offers a true dive bar ambiance.
  • Crowd: Attracts a genuinely diverse and eclectic crowd.
Dear Irving

18. Dear Irving

Known for its time-travel-themed rooms, Dear Irving offers a novel journey through eras with each cocktail. It addresses the need for a charming, historical setting within a modern speakeasy. The spaces are intricately designed to reflect different time periods.
  • Themed Rooms: Offers a distinct design inspired by various eras.
  • Variety: Each room provides a unique drinking experience.
  • Coziness: Intimate settings ideal for conversation.
Little Branch

19. Little Branch

This unassuming bar in the West Village is renowned for its live jazz music and dim-lit, cozy environment. It specifically caters to those who appreciate jazz and spirited conversations. The bartenders have a flair for crafting drinks to customer specifications.
  • Live Jazz: Features nightly performances for music lovers.
  • Customization: Allows customization of cocktail preferences.
  • Intimate Setting: Creates a welcoming neighborhood ambiance.
Milk & Honey

20. Milk & Honey

Emphasizing elegance and classic cocktails, Milk & Honey offers an exclusive experience in a hidden bar setting. Perfect for travelers wanting privacy and bespoke creations, this spot maintains an air of exclusivity with reservations necessary. The ambiance is quiet, encouraging relaxed enjoyment.
  • Exclusivity: Reservation-only ensures privacy.
  • Craftsmanship: High-quality, tailored drinks by skilled mixologists.
  • Serene Ambiance: Quiet and intimate, promoting an exclusive feel.