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The very best cocktail bars in Manhattan 2024

Few locations are so synonymous with mixed drinks that they get one named after them. Manhattan’s many, many, many cocktail bars make it quite difficult to distill a list of the very best. The sheer surfeit of places to drink in NYC’s most iconic borough has led to cocktail bars across the island trying all number of novelties; you can barely order a drink nowadays without whispering a password, sliding back a false bookcase, or drinking out of an upcycled bottle of Windex.


In this list, we wanted to highlight some Manhattan cocktail bars that don’t just get the basics right; they remind us why the basics are the basics in the first place. Here are our picks for the very best cocktail bars in Manhattan.


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Bemelmans Bar cocktail bar private hire NYC
Bemelmans Bar cocktail bar private hire NYC

1. Big drinks for big budgets: Bemelmans Bar

Upper East Side, NYC

A quintessential Manhattan bar, Bemelans imbues some classic Manhattan qualities into 672 square feet of bar space: atmospheric, mythologized, and oh-so-expensive. The many-muralled walls have seen a roster of Manhattanites fork out for a $28 vesper, and the clientele regularly consists of socialites, politicians, movie stars, and moguls. The pianist comes on at 5:30, where there will be an extra $10 cover charge, with extra table cover charges being applied for the jazz trio. You’re also expected to at least make an effort with clothing: collared shirts are requested for men and no casual shorts or hats are allowed. Jackets preferred, no leisure attire. It’s a lot to put up with, but trust us: the drinks are worth it.


Perhaps surprisingly, Bemelmanns does do private hire. There is the capacity for a 78-guest reception, and their in-house events team can work with you to craft a bespoke cocktail bar event.



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dante manhattan cocktail bars west village rent venue event space
dante manhattan cocktail bars west village rent venue event space

2. If you like Negronis, you can thank this Manhattan cocktail bar: Dante

Greenwich Village, NYC

Named the World's Best Bar in 2019, Dante manages to keep itself pretty down to earth. It’s been a Greenwich Village stomping ground since 1915, hosting gatherings between musicians, actors, writers, and local passersby for over a century. Bright, airy interiors with tin ceilings and checkered floors make it a comfortable and unpretentious place to have a drink. The cocktail menu pays homage to its original Italian heritage, with an entire Negroni Sessions menu that is credited for popularizing the drink in NYC. There are also separate menus for spritzes, martinis, and mocktails.


Though it’s mainly known for drinks, Dante’s menu features homemade pasta, flatbreads, and a beloved signature burrata – it’s worth saving some room. Dante offers private dining and cocktail receptions of up to 60 guests.



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3. An extra-good Manhattan cocktail bar: Superbueno

East Village, NYC

This elevated cantina is a vibrant love letter to Mexican-American culture, with playful decor, colorful terrazzo tiling, and unique cocktails that are a little weird. But in 2024, weird is good – a $20 cocktail better give you an experience worth writing home about. On Superbueno’s menu, you’ll find a sour with roasted corn, a margarita with huitlacoche fungi, and a martini with green mango. It’s funky, it’s fresh, and it’s really good. Super good, even.


Alongside plenty of non-alcoholic options, beer, and wine, there’s a comforting menu of birria grilled cheese, elevated nachos, and carne asada fries. You can rent out the bar for birthdays, cocktail receptions, and socials, with options for semi-private and fully private buyouts.



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attaboy cocktail bar manhattan nyc space to rent
attaboy cocktail bar manhattan nyc space to rent

4. Be the bartender at this Manhattan cocktail bar: Attaboy

Lower East Side, NYC

The idea of a bar without reservations is enough to send New Yorkers into a nostalgic spiral. Remember when you could wander along Orchard Street with no plans and enjoy a martini on a whim? Spontaneity is dead in the city – unless you head to Attaboy. Not only do you not need a reservation, you don’t need to look at a menu either. In fact, there isn’t even a menu. Just tell the bartender what kind of drink you like – fruity, strong, herby – and they’ll make you something special on the spot. Now that’s spontaneous. (If you’re not convinced, Attaboy co-owner Sam Ross created the modern classic Penicillin cocktail.)


The bar only has 28 seats, and hosts private events for groups of 60 or less. Cocktail classes and spirit tastings are also available, usually scheduled in the afternoon before opening. Smaller groups of 6 and under are admitted first-come first-served. You’ll probably need to wait, but head down to one of the many restaurants in the area and the time will pass quickly.



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mace cocktail bar manhattan nyc space to rent
mace cocktail bar manhattan nyc space to rent

5. A spicy cocktail bar in Manhattan: Mace

Greenwich Village, NYC

It’s not spicy like hot. Not spicy like hot either. Mace is an innovative cocktail bar that incorporates spices from around the world in its drinks. From harissa salt and fenugreek to burnt butter and purple carrot, there’s nothing familiar about this cocktail bar. But if you don’t like to experiment, you can get classics like negronis and martinis too – and you’ll only be judged a little bit.


The most unique part about this space is its Tincture offerings, where you can create a custom cocktail with your own combination of spice extracts (with the likes of lavender, porcini, jasmine, and more) and a classic cocktail. Pair your drinks with charcuterie or seasonal small plates, and if you’re around after 11:00pm you can order late-night bites like grilled cheese sandwiches and smashburgers.


Contact the venue for more information on private events.



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Find the perfect cocktail bar near Manhattan.

Shake things up at a cocktail bar in Manhattan, where the mixologists are magicians and the drinks are your potion of choice. Rent a space to book an event that's a blend of sophistication and a splash of the city’s spirited essence. Hiring a cocktail bar in Manhattan means your event will stir up excitement and shake off the conventional.

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The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Cocktail Bar in Manhattan

daeAlright, so you’ve decided to host an event in the city that never sleeps, and what better way to dazzle your guests than with a top-notch cocktail bar? Whether it’s for a swanky corporate shindig, an unforgettable birthday bash, or just a Tuesday night (hey, it's Manhattan), finding and hiring the perfect cocktail bar can make or break your event. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, with a dash of humor and a twist of lime.

Step 1: Understand Your Needs – No, Seriously, What Do You Want?

  1. Define the Event Type and Size Is this an intimate gathering where your Aunt Marge will be showing off her new dance moves, or a grand corporate gala where you hope your boss doesn’t embarrass himself after his third martini? The size and nature of your event will dictate everything from the bar setup to the number of mixologists (fancy word for bartenders) you’ll need.

  2. Set Your Budget Ah, the dreaded B-word. You can’t just throw money around like confetti – unless you’re, well, really rich. Determine how much you’re willing to shell out. Manhattan cocktail bars can be pricey, but remember: you get what you pay for. A budget of $500 might get you a guy with a bottle of vodka and a soda gun, but $2,000 can bring the full cocktail bar experience to your event.

Step 2: Channel Your Inner Sherlock – It’s Research Time 3. Online Search Head to HeadBox and select what you are looking for. Think about those magic keywords: "Manhattan cocktail bar hire," "rent cocktail bar Manhattan," "private hire cocktail bar Manhattan," and "mixologist Manhattan." This will give you a plethora of options. Don’t get overwhelmed – you’re on a mission.

  1. Read Reviews and Testimonials Welcome to the rabbit hole of online reviews. Check out Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor. Sure, you might find a few disgruntled ex-customers ranting about their watered-down mojito, but overall, you’ll get a sense of which bars are top-notch. Look for feedback on the quality of drinks, staff professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

  2. Visit Cocktail Bar Websites Don’t just stalk the bars online; visit their websites. A good website is like a well-made cocktail – balanced, informative, and leaves you wanting more. Look for details on their services, packages, and pricing. A bar that puts effort into a sleek, informative website is likely to put effort into your event too.

Step 3: Go on a Field Trip – No Permission Slip Required 6. Schedule Visits Put on your best "I’m a serious event planner" face and visit the bars on your shortlist. Taste their cocktails, check out the ambiance, and see if you can imagine your guests having a grand time there. If the bartender rolls his eyes when you ask for a cocktail tasting, you know this isn’t the place for you.

  1. Consult with Mixologists These folks are the rock stars of the cocktail world. Discuss your event details with them. Do you want a signature drink? Do you need cocktails that match your event’s color scheme? (Yes, that’s a thing.) A good mixologist will nod sagely and say, “No problem,” before whipping up something magical.

Step 4: Evaluate Services – What’s in the Mix? 8. Check for Customization Options Ask if the cocktail bar offers customized options like themed cocktails, personalized menus, and bespoke services. Nothing says "classy" like a cocktail named after your dog, right? Customization makes your event stand out and gives your guests something to talk about.

  1. Review the Packages Take a good look at what’s included in their packages. Bartending staff? Check. Drinks? Check. Glassware? Check. Unicorns? Probably not. Clarify everything to avoid surprise charges. The last thing you want is a bill that looks like it could fund a small country.

Step 5: Finalize the Hire – Seal the Deal 10. Compare Quotes Get detailed quotes from your top choices and compare them. Don’t just go for the cheapest option – unless you enjoy taking risks. Consider the value and quality of the services. Remember, you’re not just hiring a cocktail bar; you’re hiring an experience.

  1. Check Availability Make sure the cocktail bar is available on your chosen date. Manhattan cocktail bars are like hot concert tickets – they get booked up fast. Secure your date early to avoid disappointment.

  2. Review the Contract Before you sign anything, read the contract carefully. Look out for the fine print – it’s there for a reason. Ensure all details, including the date, time, services, and costs, are clearly stated. Know the cancellation policies just in case Aunt Marge decides to elope and you need to cancel the party.

Step 6: Final Preparations – The Countdown Begins 13. Confirm Details A week before the event, touch base with the cocktail bar to confirm all the details. Double-check the date, time, and any special instructions. This is your last chance to avoid any mix-ups.

  1. Plan Logistics Think about where the bar will be set up, how much space is needed, and how the flow of guests will work. You don’t want a bottleneck around the bar – unless you’re planning to entertain your guests with impromptu line-dancing lessons.

Step 7: Day of the Event – Showtime! 15. Coordinate with the Bar Staff On the big day, make sure you’re in sync with the bar staff. A quick pre-event huddle can ensure everyone’s on the same page. This is your moment to shine, so don’t be afraid to channel your inner drill sergeant.

  1. Enjoy Your Event With all the planning and preparation done, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sip on a perfectly crafted cocktail, mingle with your guests, and revel in the compliments about your excellent choice of cocktail bar. You’ve earned it.

Conclusion Hiring a cocktail bar in Manhattan is like crafting the perfect drink – it takes time, patience, and a bit of finesse. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your event is not only successful but also memorable for all the right reasons. So go forth, find that perfect cocktail bar, and may your event be as unforgettable as a perfectly balanced Negroni. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions

The costs can vary widely based on factors such as the size of the event, the duration, the types of cocktails requested, and any additional services like bartending staff or customized drink menus. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. It's best to get a detailed quote from the cocktail bar to understand all costs involved.

Most cocktail bars will provide bartending staff, a selection of spirits, mixers, and garnishes, glassware, and bar equipment. Some may also offer customized drink menus, cocktail-making demonstrations, and themed decorations. Always confirm what is included in the package to avoid any surprises.

It's recommended to book a cocktail bar at a few weeks in advance, especially for popular dates like weekends and holidays. This ensures you have a better chance of securing your preferred bar and any specific services you require.

Yes, most cocktail bars are flexible and can accommodate specific themes and create customized cocktails to match your event. Whether you have a particular color scheme, flavor preference, or want signature drinks for your event, discuss your ideas with the bar team to see what they can offer.

When choosing a cocktail bar, consider factors such as their reputation, the quality and variety of their cocktails, the professionalism and experience of their bartending staff, and their ability to cater to your specific event needs. Reading reviews, asking for references, and sampling their cocktails beforehand can also help you make an informed decision.

For peace of mind and an easy booking process let us know exactly what you’re looking for via our brief builder . This way we can approach the best cocktail bars in Manhattan with the exact needs of your event.

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