New York is the city that never sleeps and with so many bars here, it’s not hard to see why. It is the most populous city in the USA and as such, there are thousands of bars in New York where you can get your drink on.
From Speakeasy joints to dive bars, some of the most exciting bars in the world are right here. So, what are you waiting for?
These are just seven of the best bars in New York.
Best bars in New York
How do these rankings work?
1. BlackTail
BlackTail is a vintage bar located near the New York pier and flashes a classy Cuban vibe. With the label of ‘Best New Cocktail Bar’, you can bet that you will have one of the best cocktails here.
For a strong cocktail, try their Cuban-inspired name and drink, El Presidente, a concoction made with rum, vermouths and Curaçao.
2. The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit is the sister bar of Blacktail and was originally started by same the owners. This bar has an Irish vibe that’s decked out with modern decor spread out over two floors.
Also an award-winning bar having made the World’s Best Bars list previously, grab a beer on the first floor and head upstairs for a cocktail after.
3. NoMad Bar
NoMad Bar is a hotel bar but just might be the best hotel bar in New York City thanks to its vintage-themed design and array of cocktails. Here, you can get a regular cocktail like an Old Fashioned all the way to an $80 cocktail (made with rare sazerac rye in case you were wondering).
If you’re looking for a low-key place to have a nightcap in your fancy outfits, NoMad Bar is the place in New York.
4. Maison Premiere
Maison Premiere is a chic cafe-bar hybrid that does just about everything well here. The vibe here is chill, the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly and the cocktails they make are excellent.
Definitely grab a table in their outdoor back seating area (that looks more like a garden) and order one of their specialty absinthe cocktails.
5. Bar Goto
Bar Goto is a cozy Japanese-inspired bar as evidenced by their very minimalist design and feel. The space is not all that big here but their highball creations are.
Come to Bar Goto for any type of whiskey drink you enjoy or try a Sakura Martini (made with sake instead of vermouth).
6. Bemelmans Bar
Bemelmans Bar is a funky bar with walls that are decked out with beautiful murals by the illustrator for the classic children books about Madeline. It is also inside the Carlyle Hotel but it is far from your typical hotel bar. The character here cannot be ignored and is often uncommon to find in hotel bars.
If you’re into a quirky bar environment, swing by Bemelmans and have your favourite cocktail here.
7. Death & Company
Death & Company might sound a bit morbid but you’re in for a treat if you happen to make it to this appropriately dark-lit yet lively bar. Many locals say the bartenders here are some of the best in New York because of the consistency of cocktails.
Now that we’ve hyped up the bartenders enough here, try the Queensnake or Tigershark cocktails here.
