50 Best Cocktail Bars near Forest Hills

“Love this place . Nice drinks and beautiful environment . Very cute bartenders. Lindo demais . ❤️😎“

“food is amazing and cocktails even more so. highly recommend!“

“Came here for lunch with two friends. We all enjoyed ourselves and the food was very good. The only thing I would ask is that there should be a vegetarian bento box option. It was mildly annoying that I couldn't get any substitutes because I really do enjoy bento boxes.  However, there were other vegetarian options so all was not lost!“

“วันนี้ไปทานพนักงานบริการดีน่ารัก อาหารอร่อยมากคุ้มค่าให้เยอะจริง“

“Finally able to visit and so happy I did. My drink, Dutch Revival, is my new favorite cocktail. The winter flatbread was delicious. Loved the vibe and hospitality.“

“Guys THIS is the place to experience drinks,every single drink I had its own personality,I have no words to express this experience,also bartenders and owner were very nice and always willing to explain what was I drinking,each ingredient has its own unique characteristics and recipe. For was pretty good too!
second time coming here and definitely NOT the last one“

“Tasty, imaginative cocktails, great atmosphere, nice food.“

“May was amazing to us! She made sure we were well taken care of and made sure we were having a great time. 10/10 place! Will gladly return soon!“

“Great place to watch the sunset over NYC! Great drinks and good food! Excellent service.“

“Fab place, great service, amazing cocktails“

“Had a fantastic experience at Haswell Green’s. Fun drinks, great service …will absolutely be back for happy hour!“

“I really love parlour room. The bar is so cool. When you walk in it has a cool vibe like old New York. I like the bottle display and they have a shaker machine that super shakes the cocktails. So fun: the bartender said it’s the only one in nyc. I love the cocktails and i definitely come here when we see a show or after dinner drinks, but the food here is good too! Then we pop over to bo peep the speak easy next door“

“Ever wanted to drink in an old pirate ship but can’t make it out to Anaheim, Phoenix or San Fran? Sunken Harbor is for you. Seriously though, we finally made the pilgrimage to SH in Brooklyn, last week, and couldn’t have been happier.

We arrived just as the place was opening and realized that we might be in for a wait as there was already a line waiting to get into the hidden bar. Everyone at the front desk was friendly and they took our number and told us to expect an hour wait. Nobody batted an eye when we took up refuge in the corner (it was cold outside), and we were greeted with a text telling us our table was ready about 40 minutes after check in.

The bar is located above another fancy restaurant and holds maybe 35-40 people max. The whole place is designed like an old ship, with tons of amazing woodwork and nautical stylings.

Even though the place eschews the term tiki, you know you are in the right place when you see the Tiki Ti and Frankies Tiki Room stickers behind the bar. Speaking, of the bar, drinks were flawless. I had a traditional mai tai and it was a perfect melding of rum and sweetness, without the oppressive taste of cheap liquor. I didn’t have the food, as we were not able to stay too long, but they had an impressive menu of apps.

Sadly, there were no mugs available for sale, but they did offer some fancy zombie and Mai tai glasses, as well as pins.

I know Brooklyn is a haul, but we were able to find free street parking on a Saturday night,

Highly recommend this place to anyone that wants a perfectly made cocktail in NYC.“

“simply the best. The food and drinks are perfect every time. Whether you’re ready for a full meal or just some drinks and snacks Bar Madonna always hits the spot. Plus the staff are not only super attentive but also drinks experts that can make you just about any cocktail you’re craving. Definitely a crowd (or date!) pleaser, highly recommend“

“Stay Away!!! Just kidding, this spot is popular and rightfully so for all the right reasons. The atmosphere is bot chill and warm for lounge lizards wanting a great watering hole. The drinks are fantastic, The Monk Fashioned being my favorite, reminds me of a magical Sazerac. The food here is delicious too, been a couple times and look forward to returning again soon. Love the Sweet And Salty Grilly with Gruyère, Prosciutto, Fig Spread, Arugula on Sour Dough. The Fonduey Mac & Cheese is also a cooze fest of cheesy goodness, also the Whipped Feta with the Everything Bagel Pretzel. Always love to get the Crab Cakes. Though I’m eyeing the Skewered Thighs for next time they look like a divine dine. Fortunately we’ve gotten in without a reservation, though I’m sure it’s good to have one.“

“We stopped by mid afternoon Sunday before a show at Second City (nearby). The servers were quick to set up drinks and snacks. Enjoyed the big open space. Given the name (bees knees), I was surprised to learn they aren’t stocked with Barr Hill Gin from Vermont which is made from honey. Strongly recommend the manager offered Bar Hill Gin! Obvious choice!“

“Booked it for a private special event. Kira the event manager did a fantastic job organizing everything. She recommended a photographer and Yut the violin player so the event was magic. Thank you❤️“

“Great little speakeasy hidden away in the entry to the subway. Great decor and a super friendly bartender made for fun drinks. The gold coated coffee bean martini made with 1942 was really good. The martini flight was a good sampler and came in cool little glasses.“

“Best Gin & Tonics in the city!!!“

“Great presentation. Great drinks. Great service. Overall great experience 😎“

“Amor y Amargo is a tiny East Village bar that sticks to one lane — bitters, amari, and spirit-forward cocktails, and does it exceptionally well. The place isn’t trying to charm you with décor; it’s basically a compact room with shelves of bottles and bartenders who know exactly what they’re pouring.

The drink list is full of stirred, boozy options. If you like amaro, you’re in the right spot. Their cocktails lean herbal, bitter, and layered rather than sweet or flashy. Something like the Sharpie Mustache gives you that mix of rye, gin, and layered bitterness that hits hard but stays balanced. They rotate drinks often, but the style stays consistent: strong, clean, and built for people who actually enjoy tasting the base spirits.

The space is small, so expect to be close to other people or even standing. The bartenders are dialed in, focused, and efficient without putting on a show. You can ask questions and they’ll break things down for you without being pretentious. If you’re into bitter, complex cocktails and want a spot that doesn’t mess around, Amor y Amargo is a great move. It’s straightforward, specialized, and delivers exactly what it promises.“

“Excellent! Great services!“

“I’m visiting my mom from Los Angeles, and as we planned a night out together, I wanted to support a local spot. There’s always something new whenever I return home, and this time it was Chez Messy, just around the corner from the 157th Street train station. Perched up upon a small staircase, this two-floor restaurant is intimate, cozy, and deeply sultry.

Nestled in the heart of Uptown New York City, a neighborhood known for its Dominican roots and growing diversity, Chez Messy shines as a Spanish Caribbean infused gem that took my breath away. The space feels both refined and familiar, elegant yet soulful. As I sat waiting for my mother, I opened the menu, and immediately everything called my name.

Our server Joshua was an absolute delight, attentive, kind, and confident in every recommendation. Antonio, the owner and floor manager, greeted us with charm and poise. Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded pride and grace, the embodiment of someone who deeply loves what he has created. What touched me most was realizing that this Spanish Caribbean dream of a restaurant is owned and operated by Dominicans. As someone who has traveled the world and eaten in countless hidden gems tucked along cobblestone streets, I can say this place holds its own among the best.

We started with a crisp glass of Albariño and dove into the pulpo and mofonguitos filled with ropa vieja. Let me start by saying I’m not typically a red meat superfan, but that evening I was completely transformed. The ropa vieja was tender, savory, juicy, and full of flavor. The plantain cups that held it were subtly sweet, creating a beautiful harmony between bold and delicate notes.

The pulpo was perfection, tender octopus paired with a light touch of vinegar and oil, thinly sliced onions, capers, and cherry tomatoes that burst like little jewels of freshness. It was bright, balanced, and refreshing, a perfect prelude to what would become an unforgettable meal.

Then came a surprise from Antonio, the avocado salad and batatas bravas, further inviting us into the full Chez Messy experience. I’ve had batatas bravas in Spain and beyond, but these were divine. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with seasoning that danced on the palate. The avocado salad was heaven itself, silky avocado paired with slivers of almonds and a hint of citrus, perhaps grapefruit, creating a beautifully layered bite that was both rich and refreshing.

By the time our entrée arrived, filet mignon and shrimp in cream sauce, medium rare, we were already swept away. The filet was tender and bursting with flavor, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the cream sauce was so delicious that I found myself tempted to lick the plate.

Everything about our experience at Chez Messy was divine, from the impeccable service to the romantic, dark, and dreamy ambiance, the vibrant music that moved through the air, and the drinks that sparkled as much as the conversation.

Chez Messy is where you go when you want great food in a wonderful location, when you want to feel inspired, seen, and transported. It is a love letter to Spanish Caribbean flavor and Dominican pride, wrapped in elegance and joy.

This place deserves to be full every night, though a part of me secretly wants to keep it all to myself.“

“I enjoyed dining here. The service was good. Food was good. Blurriness mimosas and aperol spritz.“

“Awesome atmosphere. The staff is very informative and has well rounded knowledge of this space. You can tell they are well trained. Only giving 4 star bc I felt a little pushy when it comes to ordering the next drink but overall service is great.“

“A Hidden Gem Worth Finding
Tucked away behind an unmarked door, [The Woo Woo] is one of those rare places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret only a few know about. From the moment you walk in, you're transported mild lighting, moody music, and an intimate atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable night.And you need a password to enter that you can browse and find it on their website and IYKYK“

“Outstanding cocktails and great food to go with the bevs. Must try the garden marg and we enjoyed the watermelon crush for their summer drink. The smash burger and fries were super yum and the country and honky tonk music is always spot on. We love this east village bar!“

“Celebrated my birthday here best experience ever hospitality was amazing“

“❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Great drinks, tapas & vibe!“

“Nice atmosphere with very pretty decor & a good vibe. It was super quiet in the afternoon which was perfect for a lunch meeting. The mango lemonade was delicious! I had the Kua Gai as my main for the first time and it was so tasty. Great spot.“

“Cocktail Magique show was a magnificent experience. Very positive, jaw dropping, interactive show that keeps you engaged throughout the 2 hour memorable performance.“

“We came by for a Sunday afternoon drink and will definitely be back. The staff treated us like family and the drinks were probably some of the best cocktails we’ve ever had.

Seated at the bar, we had a front row seat to see drinks being prepared and the bartender, Michael, was an exceptional host. M

Thanks again for a great experience. 10/10.“

“Drinks and apps were wonderful before the show at beacon. We felt like we were in Europe. Fantastic! We will be back!“

“Absolutely wonderful without qualification. The interior design stands out. The staff member had a great outlook and ensured our first visit was entirely pleasant. The cooking remains impressive and the service stays professional. The meals were delicious, staff was responsive, and our time there was pleasant.“

“Blown away by interior design, topped with finger-licking food, friendly service, and such a well crafted drinks!“

“From start to finish, planning a birthday party for 45 here was straightforward, friendly, and low stress. Dana and her team were professional, but personal and always responsive with a smile. The venue has a lovely, warm, eclectic vibe that requires little extra decoration, which made planning the whole thing even easier. The layout was perfect for the flow of the party. The quality of the food/drinks and service were fabulous (appetizers through dessert) and the servings were plentiful. I used several of the vendors recommended by Dana for balloons, flowers and the DJ. Every one was easy to work with, delivered as promised, and were familiar with the venue, so that I did not have to worry about coordinating anything! My guests and I had a marvelous, memorable, super fun evening (we could have danced the whole night away!); everything went very smoothly. I would throw another party there, no question!“

“Insane vibes, insane atmosphere, insane drinks. I came here after overhearing someone say that it beat out Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco, and it’s definitely in the running. The drinks are distinctly tiki but creative enough to bring something new to the table.“

“We hosted our wedding after-party at Madeline’s and we couldn’t have picked a better spot. The vibe was incredible—fun, lively, and exactly what we were looking for. The drinks were top-notch, the service was seamless, and the entire staff went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. We felt so taken care of all night long. Highly recommend Madeline’s for any celebration or night out—you won’t be disappointed!“

“Lore is an absolute gem in Brooklyn! The food is creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with every dish tasting fresh and unique. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making the experience even better. Perfect for a special night out or a casual dinner—highly recommend!“

“Fantastic food, twist on classic Americana. Great drinks and service“

“We stumbled across the Gem that is The Rum House on our visit to NY 6 years ago… probably the best Old fashioned we have tasted . Great atmosphere , decor and music and on a cold cold night it was fab ❤️“

“Yesterday on Oct 19, 2025 at 20:58. I grabbed my dinner at Deux Chats, ordering oysters: Beau Soleil (New Brunswick, Can) Island Greek (Duxbury, Ma), and Kumamoto (Oakland Bay, Wa).
Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Trout Salad,
I completed the dishes mentioned above in the restaurant and tasted a little bite then takeout the rest of dishes: Acorn Squash Salad, Loster Roll, and Beef Tartare.

Alejandro C and attendances assisted me during the meal. I also shared a prior experience and he confirmed with the owner that my billing would be handled appropriately this time. I promised him I’ll return back.

I and Alejandro both kept my recipe records, credit card (with my name), and the email.“

“Went for brunch. Good food but not great, pricey, with slightly over salted ham in the Croque Madame for my liking. We had a reservation for 4 but that changed to 6. They really couldn't accommodate that change, but it was last minute so I don't hold that against them. Very busy place with lots of energy.“

“A fun little cocktail bar, eclectic and maybe just slightly indecisive, they have a mixture of frozen and handmade cocktails, a few beers and wines. The theme is a cross between Asian and Latin - they feature tacos, have a heavily tequila-influenced menu, and also lots of Asian decorations as well as sake. It’s a fun spot, the cocktails maybe slightly expensive for the vibe, but upbeat and cheery.“

“One of the best cocktail bars in NYC in term of quality to hassle ratio. The cocktails and vibe are great and you can usually decide to go the day of (no 1+ hour wait or reservation made 2 weeks in advance required). A great go to place in the LES.“

“We came from Maryland and searched for a bar, this came up and we couldn’t pass on it. Beautiful atmosphere, amazing music. Perfect for alternative people and very inviting. Honestly wish this place was closer to home because this place is awesome, and not to mention the deals and drinks are fantastic. If you’re in the area you have to stop here.“

“Had a great time. Bartender with beard on Saturday night really fired it up. Good dude and was on top of his game. Great place.“

“Crazy good bar. Great drinks, great atmosphere (sit at the bar if you can because all of the bartenders are very nice).
Shout out to Ethan...so knowledgable about his craft and other bars in the area. Its always great to meet someone who enjoys what he does for a living because it shows! He's got to be one of the reasons this bar has done so well over the short time it's existed!“

“One of my favorite bars in the neighborhood. Their fries are 💯 must haves! Just hosted my birthday there yesterday and had the best birthday party ever ✨ everyone had such a great time and The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Josh was so patient and great at planning the food and drinks with me prior it made everything easy.They also have a nice outdoor space in the back.

Can’t wait to come back for some more naked strawberries and fries ❤️“

“The Coasts is my favorite!
Off the menu- Privateer (Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Lime Juice and Tequila) it was yummy!
I went here two days in a row!

My friend also got the pistachio espresso martini. I liked it but he thought it was okay“