The best bars in New York City

Down a quiet cobbled street, this wharfside tavern has a vibe that you’d feel lucky to stumble into on a meandering afternoon. Saloon style with nautical nods and a place for regulars who can’t get enough.

The owner, Sunny Balzano, was the latest generation of Balzano to pass down the bar since 1890. Despite his passing in 2016, the place still buzzes with a warm, homey atmosphere that's accredited to him.

Natural wines and a selection of draft beers attract an artsy crowd. Think scrabble players, goatees and horn-rimmed glasses surrounded by a dizzying array of knick-knacks and rickety wooden stools that hint at previous lively evenings. But while the once old salty sea dogs have been replaced with actual canines, the weekly bluegrass jams still continue.

This Red Hook spot is available for private hire for a night Johnny Cash would be proud of.

Enquire for a break from the city’s flashing lights or to just sit down on a bar stool and talk to somebody, you know, like we used to.

Once a haunt for longshoremen after a day's work on the Brooklyn waterfront, this bar bounces between old, new, and old again. It’s cemented by over 50 years of family-run history and despite a revamp by Toby Cecchini in 2015, this spot keeps its original 1950’s interiors and classic rock stereo.

A confidently tight drink list is matched by a small burger menu, while veteran bartenders ensure you can ask for whatever you fancy and trust they will crack it. Cocktails include, of course, The Long Island Gimlet—a twist on the gin classic spiced with fresh lime and ginger.

Drinkers can choose to perch on the sunny patio or dip inside to the cooler dive bar area as flickering neon lights beckon New Yorkers to the watering hole. Full venue hire for up to 80 is available, or book the Lombardi Room which seats 25 comfortably. (or "30 at a pinch," in their own words).

Midtown isn't exactly a mecca for getting a drink. Wandering through the city's CBD, you're more likely to encounter tourists, a man dressed as Spiderman, and the ghosts of international capital than, say, a New Yorker. Nevertheless, NRM lights the torch for bars made for people who like to drink – how novel.

Situated between the entrance and turnstile of the station at 50th and Broadway, NRM’s interior is dominated by a long oak bar backed by rows of bottles. The ambiance is enhanced with a disco ball in the corner and glitter wallpaper in the bathroom. The cocktail menu is a solipsistic tribute to New York, with names like the Empire State and Knickerbocker Bramble.

It’s like stepping into a scene from a classic New York movie marked by signage reminiscent of a former newsstand and barbershop. It’s a clever use of space that nonetheless retains the atmosphere of a bar you could stay in without feeling like you've bought into another overhyped 'secret' bar.

Martiny’s, found within a historical carriage house in Gramercy, offers a cocktail experience where history meets mixology with a twist of humor. The bar, the name of which is a nod to both delicious martinis and its former occupant, sculptor Philip Martiny, is as much about the drinks as it is about the puns.

Beverage Director Takuma Watanabe has spent over a decade polishing his skills to offer classics with an elevated spin. The space, a blend of original wood, brick, and Japanese refinement, is cozy and ideal for private events. Just remember, doors open at 6 p.m. and walk-ins are limited so we highly recommend you book ahead.

Nestled below a wine bar in the Flatiron District, Experimental Cocktail Club is an Art Nouveau-inspired hideaway and one of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. With mirrored ceilings, retro tables, and rattan chairs, the intimate space exudes warmth with amber hues and dim lighting. Their carefully curated cocktails showcase spirits from small French villages, with signature classics like the Mon Chéri (cognac, cherries, and dark chocolate) and the St. Germain des Prés (gin, elderflower, Thai chili, and lime). The ambiance evokes timeless elegance, making it the perfect setting for a romantic first date or a sophisticated night out with friends. The entire space is available to book for private celebrations of up to 30 guests.

On the cusp of Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen is So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar, a discreet escape in the bustling city. The owners envisioned a space that felt like “stumbling into a local legend’s living room,” and the ambiance delivers just that, with nightly performances from DJs and drag queens to cabaret singers and Broadway stars. The atmosphere is cozy and charming with sultry red lighting, plush seating, and a grand piano, welcoming anyone who wants good drinks, live music, and engaging conversation. The menu is supper club-style, featuring finger-friendly bites like devilled eggs, sliders, and oysters. The cocktail menu is playful and pays tribute to the city with signature drinks like The Big Apple, On Broadway, and The Bodega Cat.

The venue can be reserved for up to 110 guests, complete with full catering services and an A/V setup to ensure an unforgettable evening.

Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic Cow’s Skull with Calico Roses, Bar Calico in Kips Bay brings the spirit of O’Keeffe’s time in the New Mexican alpine desert to life. Bar Calico transports you to a Southwestern saloon with cacti-inspired artwork, rich wood accents, earth-toned seating, and cattle head skeletons. The cocktail menu pays homage to O’Keeffe’s life and artistry with creations like the “O’Keeffe Sour” (a NY whiskey sour, saluting to her life in 1920s New York) and “Georgia Bonita” (bourbon infused with New Mexican Hatch chili, pineapple, lime, and pecan orgeat). Each drink and dish, like churros and tacos, is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the flavors and textures of the Southwest.

For private gatherings of 15 or more, connect with the events team via the website.

Nestled on the Lower East Side just off Delancey Street is The Back Room, one of only two speakeasies in New York City that has been operating since the Prohibition era. Once known as “The Back of Ratner’s,” this hideaway was a meeting place for 1920s actors and notorious gangsters. Today, stepping through a secret bookcase entrance transports you straight into the roaring '20s, where vintage decor emits an energy of glamour and intrigue. Get cozy on the antique couches next to the roaring fireplace and sip on a cocktail in a teacup—a nod to the way they did in the Prohibition era. The menu offers an enticing selection of beer, wine, champagne, and expertly crafted classic cocktails like the Espresso Martini and the Penicillin.

For private gatherings of 5 or more, reservations can be arranged by contacting the venue

Beneath the Chinese Tuxedo restaurant in Chinatown lies Peachy’s, a chic, exclusive lounge with two simple rules for guests: no photos and no fighting. The atmosphere is adorned with vibrant Asian-inspired decor, with bold red leather booths, a neon dragon hanging on the wall, and delicate peach blossoms cascading from the ceiling. The menu offers mouthwatering bites like dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, and fried rice, paired perfectly with their beer, wine, sake, and specialty cocktails. You can even transform one of their cocktails into a punch bowl – perfect for sharing with up to 10 friends! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering for 10 or a lavish celebration for up to 300 guests, Peachy’s provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable night.

For a more down-to-earth experience, head to Williamsburg and immerse yourself in the indoor-outdoor oasis of Jaffa Cocktail and Raw Bar. Inspired by the history and heritage of the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the bar is renowned for its flirty fusion of raw seafood and unconventional cocktails, a mix that could maybe make you believe you have successfully escaped the city.

The Raw Bar is a central feature, with a selection of the freshest seafood, including oysters, and clams on display. Pop in during the happy hour (4 – 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday) and you can enjoy your ceviche alongside a semi-reasonably priced cocktail. Even if you accidentally stumble upon one of the “yacht rock music” nights, the food and drink make it kind of worth it.

But hey, even with a tip it was cheaper than a coastal escape to the Middle East.