50 Best Cocktail Bars in New York

“Always promised myself on my next trip to NYC I would go to The Dead Rabbit. I am so pleased I got to do it. The staff the cocktails the food and the decor & cleanliness were A1. Loved the welcome my friend and I got, (even when we were a bit late for our booking) throughout the service from the fabulous servers. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Bloody brilliant 👏“

“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.“

“A chic bar with elegant Gatsby themed vibes throughout.“

“Nice cocktails & stunning View!!!“

“Uno de los mejores Bares del Mundo“

“Japanese Italian fusion? Something I obviously had to try!
I appreciate Kimika’s creative menu with plenty of vegetarian options. Our waitress Kara/Cara was so friendly and helpful. I started with a Spritz that I think could’ve used some more bubbles, but the flavors were on point. The food was good but I felt like there could’ve been a bit more flavor. We tried the Truffle Carbonara, Soy Butter Bigoli, and Eggplant Katsu - I think the Bigoli was my favorite (think elevated lo mien). For dessert, we tried the lava cake, matcha French toast (would get it with ice cream if I were to over come again) and the Nutella Bombolocini (very creative - think mochi stuffed with Nutella).
Overall, I loved the concept of Kimika and the service, but I think there could’ve been just a tad more flavor in some of our dishes. Definitely a place to try once!“

“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“

“This is one of the coolest bars in the city, and I think it's actually more locals than tourists. It's such an interesting mix of people, I love it, and it has a great high energy, so you know it attracts fun people! The bar itself is so beautiful and they have a highly curated cocktail program.

The dj is always playing such fun music, such a cool spot, especially if you live off of the 1 train, because this place is in the 50th Street downtown 1 station. So sick!“

“I went for coffee. This place is a sleeper. Kabin should rank with the top high quality specialty coffee spots in New York, with high level, knowledgeable baristas who pay attention to small details, amazing hand brews, good patties, and an elegant ambience.“

“Fab place, great service, amazing cocktails“

“Fantastisk plass, og utrolig gode drinker! Anbefales!“

“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 ❤️“

“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.“

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

“Came here for my bestfriends birthday and LOVED IT! the name literally speaks for itself cause this place is SUPERBUENO!!! For a sunday the vibes were FUN FUN FUN ! I had their “Sopa Del Dia” - Dashi Papi which was a bit of mezcal, a shot of birria consome and a Monopolio con un poquito de chile ontop CHEFS KISSS! My friends drinks also looked delicious! Definetly a place to come back 💗 also HUGE PLUS im not sure if they were a customer or a worker there that had a tshirt with huge letters that said “EFF 🧊” so that made me super happy 🕺“

“Great atmosphere!! Food was amazing!!! Niamh was fantastic so friendly and helpful! The best espresso martinis EVER!!!!“

“One of the better meals I’ve had out in awhile. Very nice atmosphere that’s both cozy and upscale.

I had the ribeye steak and it was incredible. Perfectly cooked. And for me Thai flavors are generally well balanced with sweet, sour, savory…. But the char on the steak really kicked it up a notch.

Service was great! Very friendly staff that were attentive.“

“A wonderful night of food cocktails and Jazz. This was our second annual visit and it was every bit as good as the first time. Wonderful music and even a celebratory glass of Prosecco when the staff found out we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. We will be back next year !!!“

“Excellent! Great services!“

“Amazing unique cocktails. Highly recommended.“

“Amazing food and drinks!🥤“

“Great drink and great vibe“

“Always love coming to NYC and having a cocktail (or two or three) at The Up & Up!“

“Went over the weekend to Pietro Nolita, place was popping! we came in for a drink, but after seeing other people eating we tried some pastas! the ravioli and the cacio e pepe were great and drinks were also very good! i go got the grren gimlet and my crew tried the papar plane and a pink one i dont remember! great design and good vibes! def coming back to this little gem in nolita“

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

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

“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.“

“This was the most delicious Georgian food I’ve had since I was in Georgia. Our server, Marite, was a delight. She made wonderful wine recommendations. We will definitely eat here again.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Amazing Place!! Crafty Delicious Cocktails, Awesome Service, Tasty Tapas. Beautiful Ambiance & Presentation. I recommend this Place. Everything's Jake!!👍Thank you, Hana“

“Absolutely love this place. Been many times. Consistent quality food and service. This is a one of a kind gem in Manhattan“

“lots of food for a good price!“

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

“This place is AMAZING!!!! Took a trip to NYC and the service, vibes, food and drinks are totally worth going! Surprisingly my favorite drink was the Purple Rain - the combo just works. The Woo Woo shot to finish off the night is delicious and peachy. There is a 90 minute cap on tables but we never felt rushed. There is a cool photo booth to take pics by the exit. I cannot wait to go back. See you at the Woo Woo!!!!“

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

“Fantastic food great atmosphere“

“Creative take on Mediterranean food Fantastic“

“Seoul Salon, as described by them, is a Sool Jib inspired Korean restaurant with a modern take on Korean alcohol and Korean foods.

The vibe itself was nice, dim but not too loud, even with the edm/club music playing. The tables can feel a bit cramped, but it wasn't overbearing and we could talk even with all the background noise.

The food was phenomenal, well priced and well portioned for sharing. We got the octopus kimbap, soy scallop with gim rice, and the raw marinated crab noodles.

The Banchan was a ramen snack with ketchup, a good palate cleanser and tasty.

The octopus kimbap was good, we didn’t think it was outstanding but it did taste good. The octopus was a bit uneven in the dish though, as some of our pieces had no octopus while others had a lot.

The raw marinated crabs were a highlight, with a large portion of noodles accompanying it. As per their instruction, we mixed the raw crab meat into the noodles, which elevated the already tasty crab and noodles to make a spicy yet delicious noodle dish. The spice was a little on the spicier side, but nothing too spicy.

A highlight was the soy scallop with gim rice. It had a great taste to it, a great portion of scallop, and each part of the dish worked perfectly together.

The price is also really good for all the food we got, probably one of the highest quality meals we've gotten at the price we paid.“

“I had the pleasure I sitting at the world famous Lobby Bar at The Chelsea Hotel. While I was there I shared drinks and stories with Dustin (the Diamond) and Cory (worthy of the glory). The Chelsea has so much history that it can be tasted in the cocktails. In talking to these guys you can hear the years of experience and the passion they have for hospitality and cocktails. I know The Chelsea has a few other bars in its halls and I hope to visit them all. If the rest are half as good as The Lobby Bar then its going to be an amazing adventure.

Here's what I had:

15 Minutes of Fame - This citrusy cocktail mixes tequila, rhum, mango brandy with guava and a rosato aperitivo all washed through whey for a silky smooth texture and flavor. Washed just enough to make it smooth without taking the personality from the spirits.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Edie 67 -If you get this drink ask about Edie Sedgwick for the extra appreciation of the cocktails design. Good Lord, so much flavor. This taste like it came right out of a Big Green Egg or a Komodo Joe. Slightly spicy, quite smoky and a bit fruity. This is an amazing drink. Also when you get a chance look up Edie Sedgwick. Shes the inspiration for this cocktail and her story is amazing. Mezcal, Lapsang Tea, Mezcal, gochujang honey with a bit of raspberry this all works together so well. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Viva Superstar- Gin, Cachaca, passion fruit, whey blanc de blanc. Silk smooth milk punch but not bland or quite. The addition of the Blanc Champagne takes this cocktail into French 75 and Porn Star Martini spaces. Delicious and refreshing. Very well done and well prevented. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Hundredth Universe - This is a great starter cocktail or a great ender cocktail (until the next spot for me). Its basically a mango 🥭 high ball with great texture. This screams flavor. It straddles the line between high ball and Collins. Delicious and an easy go to for the non-adventurous. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

The 1884 Martini- Bone chilling cold and the essence of orange. This is one of those drinks that classic for a reason. Gin martinis with blanc vermouth is top tier. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾“

“Welcome to a cocktail bar that's perfect for everyone! Picture a dark, sleek space that's dimly lit and stylish, creating a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy excellent drinks served up without any fuss our drink menu has something for everyone!“

“The Hottest bar in town for obvious reasons 🔥🔥

Enter the sanctum, vibes as strong as their drinks.
The eclectic bar munchies aren’t to be ignored, neither is the maître D who runs a tight ship to get you on the A list & into the best seat. The whole team choreographs multiple fire shows nightly while dulling out dry ice laden goblets of goodness.
The James Beard of bars!!
Indeed a true paradise lost 🌴🏄🏽 👹
You MUST go!! but enter @ your own risk.

Mention my name you’ll get a good seat😉“

“If it ain’t broke, don’t tell me what time it is. Because I’m probably late for work. Wait, I don’t work and use daddy’s money. Nice drinks“

“I've been there as a customer and had a lovely time. And I sang a few sets there on Monday. What a ball!! Highly recommend ❤️“

“Martiny’s is what Sip and Guzzle wishes it was. The atmosphere is intimate and lovely; the staff are very attentive and thoughtful; and the martinis are creative and taste so good. My husband and I came here for drinks after work. Our reservation was only for two hours, and we enjoyed a few speciality martinis and some of their bar snacks. The drinks are good, strong, and very well-made. There’s no pretense here or stuffiness; just well-crafted drinks and great food and service.“

“Great drinks & Excellent atmosphere“

“A+++. If you enjoy and understand cocktail culture and the history then this is a must visit for the weary traveler or enthusiast. I always make it a point to visit for over 10+ years. The hospitality and attention to detail in the art or craft has always been consistent. Salute to the staff and employees of this establishment. May they keep the craft alive for many years to come! Please be respectful and patient for the high demand is eminent. 🥃👌🏼“

“My favorite cocktail place in LES. Not your basic drinks, the bartenders here are true mixologists. Every drink I’ve had here is superb! They don’t really have many food options though, so don’t go hungry. Oh, and they also added mocktails to their menu! The Rent Party is so delicious and tastes like a real cocktail.“

“Excellent atmosphere. Comfy seating, bar seats, or small tables, there’s a spot for anyone. The craft control menu was great, hard to choose which one to try. Extensive list of wines and spirits as well. Gonna have to try some food next time I come visit the city.“