The best cocktail bars in Lower Manhattan

Waiting On A Friend is the East Village’s newest cocktail spot, offering an effortlessly chic atmosphere for parties of up to 200 people. The space exudes sultry, sexy vibes with velvet couches and dim lighting, making a night sipping on espresso martinis with the girls or getting cozy with a more-than-friend that much more memorable. Although the food menu is still in the works, the atmosphere and delicious cocktails more than satisfy (but if you’re really craving a tipsy meal, there’s a trusty bodega around the corner).

Nestled on one of the Lower East Side’s most bustling streets, Pardon Me is a new chic French-American restaurant and cocktail bar. The intimate space is a nod to 1920s glamour, with vintage velvet couches and gold-framed Renaissance period paintings, accommodating up to 20 seated or 30 standing guests. The menu is French-inspired, with dinner options and late-night bites (available until 11:30 PM) and a curated list of wine, prosecco, and inventive cocktails. Don’t miss the fruity crowd-favorite Pardon My Passion!

Tucked discreetly across from Thompkins Square Park is Lovers of Today, an elusive East Village speakeasy – one that inspired Taylor Swift’s song “Delicate.” The bar welcomes you in with a glowing neon pink heart, and inside you’ll be invited to get cozy in the dimly lit space, making it an ideal spot for a romantic first–or fifth–date. The drinks are just as imaginative as they are delicious, like the Satellite of Love (a riff on the whiskey sour), and Handsome Devil (lavender, honey, and tequila) – you’ll just be coming back for more.

Lovers of Today offers space for private parties–contact the venue directly for more information.

In a historic 1831 townhouse in NoHo, Jac’s On Bond is a relaxed yet trendy haven, just around the corner from Washington Square Park. Formerly home to the beloved neighborhood gem, The Smile, the new occupant continues to draw in locals with its inviting ambiance and sleek interiors. The menu highlights small plates like chilled crab dip and caprese meatball sliders, paired with timeless cocktails or inventive house creations, like the Caprese Martini and the Lemon Pepper Stepper.

They have two private event spaces, including the downstairs wine cellar with the pool tables, and the option for a full buyout, accommodating up to 60 standing or 32 seated guests.

Holywater, a sophisticated new cocktail bar and lounge in the heart of Lower Manhattan, captures the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. This thoughtfully curated space is decorated with subtle nautical charm, with mermaid figurines and vintage portraits of fishermen. This cozy haven offers an inspired selection of classic and signature cocktails, including the Purple Jesus(vodka, Kool-Aid, lager, and lime) and the Cafe NOLA, a creative twist on the cold brew martini.

Holywater has a private space for groups up to 20 or can do a full buyout for groups up to 70.