It’s New York, so of course, its cocktail scene is one of the best in the world, home to a mix of legendary institutions and cutting-edge newcomers. Whether you’re into sleek rooftops or cozy speakeasies, there’s something here for every type of drinker!!
Overstory
Perched high above the Financial District, Overstory offers an unmatched high-in-the-sky experience with panoramic views of the city skyline. The cocktail menu created by Bar director Harrison Ginsberg is artfully curated, focusing on innovation and seasonal ingredients. It’s perfect for sipping a Negroni while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Tigre
Head to the Lower East Side and you’ll find one ferocious wild animal, Tigre. From the folks who created Maison Premiere, another fabulous bar, you’ll be transported back to all the sophisticated New York of yesteryear! Grab an super chill Martini and the likes Bogey and Bacall might join you!
Sip & Guzzle
Hidden in the East Village, this low-key bar takes a minimalist approach to both its décor and drink offerings. Opened by legends Steve Schneider (Employee’s Only) and Shingo Gokan (Angel’s Envy in New York, SG Club in Tokyo), there are two bars – Sip is one and Guzzle is the other, both with separate drink and food menus. Come down and see what makes them different!
Bemelmans Bar
A true classic. Step back in time at Bemelmans Bar, housed inside the gorgeous Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side. Famous for its hand-painted murals by Ludwig Bemelman and live piano music, this spot is so iconic that it doesn’t matter how the cocktail are! (But don’t worry!)
Dante
An Italian-inspired aperitivo bar in Greenwich Village, Dante has been a staple of New York’s cocktail scene since 1915. Known for its Negroni variations, the bar merges historic charm with modern cocktail artistry. It’s the perfect place for a daytime spritz or an evening out with friends.
Read More: How to Make the Negroni
Attaboy
You are in the stuff of history books. Attaboy sits where Milk & Honey once was and there is no one better to have taken over than Sam Ross, the inventor of the Penicillin cocktail as well as many others! Don’t come looking for the yearly signature menu as there is no menu! Everything is bespoke and tailored to each guest’s preferences. Simply tell the bartenders your mood or favorite flavors, and they’ll create something magical!
Read More: How to Make the Penicillin
Double Chicken Please
Guess what they sell in the front? Yep, chicken sandwiches! But Double Chicken Please wouldn’t have be on the 50 Best Bars list (#1 for North America in 2023), if that was all it did. Be prepared to be vlown away by their on draft cocktails as well as their made-to-order in the back. It’s all as bold and experimental as you can imagine!
Dead Rabbit
Now the legendary Dead Rabbit, the Irish bar that changed the world with its Irish Coffee, is in its second decade. Even though its the grand-dad, it still continues to evolve! The award-winning drinks menu pays homage to its Irish roots, but the cocktails are anything but old-fashioned. It’s a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and top-tier beverages.
Death & Co
It’s crazy that, East Village staple, Death & Co opened in 2007 and is still rocking it.This bar helped kickstart the modern craft cocktail movement, and it continues to be a standard-bearer. Be sure to try one of their signature drinks or trust the bartenders to craft something unique. The menu may be huge but you’ll have all the time in the world to try their cocktails, as they are not going anywhere!
Leyenda
Industry legends Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix co-own Leyenda are behind the first Brooklyn bar to focus on Latin American spirits. Leyenda serves up some of the best rum, tequila, and mezcal-based cocktails in the city. Its laid-back, festive vibe is complemented by a knowledgeable staff who can guide you through their adventurous menu. Don’t miss out on their spicy margaritas or creative tropical drinks.
Katana Kitten
Owner Masa Urushido oversees Katana Kitten to create a fusion of Japanese izakaya culture and New York’s vibrant cocktail scene. Everything is done with such precision and technique. The menu has highballs, boilermakers – yes with beer and their signature! Plus there is always a “little refreshment” designed to ease you in the other cocktails of the night. You will never believe you are not in Tokyo!
Don’t Miss: The Best Bars of London’s Soho
London has a Soho as well as New York, Soho is not only the best area in London to drink! Discover the best places to drink in London’s South Kensington and Chelsea, plus tips on what to drink at each!