25 Best Bars in NYC

Looking for the best bars New York has to offer? Whether you’re hunting for award-winning cocktails, iconic craft beers, or vibrant nightlife, NYC’s bar scene delivers unforgettable experiences.

Dive into our guide to uncover why these spots stand out, what makes them popular and what to order when you visit. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these bars promise unforgettable nights in the city that never sleeps!

25 Best Bars in New York City

From classic pubs steeped in history to rooftop lounges with stunning city views, we’ve curated a list of the 25 best bars in New York City, ranked by their Google ratings.

Each spot offers something unique, whether it’s an exclusive cocktail menu, live music, or happy-hour specials. We’ve also ensured the list covers various neighborhoods, from the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan to the hip corners of Williamsburg and Long Island City.

1. Travel Bar Brooklyn

The Travel Bar is home to a huge selection of whiskey, spirits and cocktails. This laid-back spot in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn also serves small plates like meatballs, smoked pulled pork sandwiches and Mediterranean plates.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, serves food at bar, serves happy-hour drinks
• Address: 520 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
• Operating hours:  Wednesday and Thursday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 4 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sunday 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
• Phone: +1 718-858-2509
• Website: Travel Bar Brooklyn
• Google Rating: 4.8/5

Photo Credit: Travel Bar Brooklyn

2. Amor Y Amargo

Established in 2011, Amor Y Amargo provides an intimate bar setting and serves an extensive cocktail menu and craft bitters. Like many other bars on this list, Amor Y Amargo is located in the East Village.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, doesn’t accept reservations
• Address: 95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
• Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. –1 a.m.
• Phone: +1 833-328-4588
• Website: Amor Y Amargo
• Google Rating: 4.7/5

Photo Credit: Amor Y Amargo

3. McSorley’s Old Ale House

Established in 1854, McSorley’s Old Ale House is the oldest continuously operated saloon. A lot of history has happened in this establishment. It still considers itself an old-time bar, with Irish-descent Bartenders serving dark and light ale.

• Service options: Cash only, doesn’t accept reservations, serves food at bar
• Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
• Operating hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.
• Website: McSorley’s Old Ale House
• Google Rating: 4.7/5

Photo Credit: Ian Gecox

4. The Honey Well

Located in Harlem, patrons enjoy going to this laid-back bar for its cocktails and small bites. The Honey Well is a low-key alternative to the Harlem Public and At the Wallace — its two sister bars.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, has live performances, serves food at bar
• Address: 3604 Broadway, New York, NY 10031
• Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday 4 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 4 p.m.–2 a.m.
• Phone: +1 646-861-0489
• Website: The Honey Well
• Google Rating: 4.7/5

Photo Credit: The Honey Well

5. The Dead Rabbit

Established in 2013, The Dark Rabbit is an Irish pub that serves small plates and vintage cocktails. It’s a two-story spot in the Financial District that promotes Irish culture and regularly holds different types of events.

• Service options: Has live music, serves dinner, serves happy-hour drinks
• Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
• Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–3 a.m.
• Phone: +1 917-540-5228
• Website: The Dead Rabbit
• Google Rating: 4.7/5

Photo Credit: The Dead Rabbit

6. Leyenda

Leyenda is a cocteleria that specializes in making cocktails using Latin American spirits and Mexican bites.

• Service options: Serves happy-hour food, serves vegan dishes
• Address: 221 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Operating hours: Monday–Thursday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday 5 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday 1 p.m.–12 a.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Phone: +1 347-987-3260
• Website: Leyenda
• Google Rating: 4.6/5

Photo Credit: Flora Tsui

7. Maison Premiere

Maison Premiere is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and serves oysters and cocktails in a New Orleans-style setting. Here, guests can enjoy delicious drinks and meals amid the atmospheric outdoor garden.

• Service options: has outdoor seating
• Address: 298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Operating hours: Monday–Friday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.
• Phone: +1 347-889-5710
• Website: Maison Premiere
• Google Rating: 4.6/5

Photo Credit: Maison Premiere

8. Milady’s

Milady’s was established more than 80 years ago. Located in SoHo, it provides a neighborhood-centric, easygoing atmosphere as well as an upbeat cocktail selection. 

Not to mention, it has been featured on the 50 Best Bars in North America 2024 list.

• Service options: Serves happy-hour food, serves great cocktails, serves vegan dishes
• Address: 160 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
• Operating hours: Monday 4 p.m.–12 a.m.; Tuesday–Thursday 12 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 12 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Phone: +1 646-484-6402
• Website: Milady’s New York
• Google Rating: 4.6/5

Photo Credit: Shaun Young

9. The Clover Club

The Clover Club is a cocktail bar located in Carroll Gardens. It’s considered a neighborhood institution and has been serving exceptional drinks in a laid-back atmosphere since 2008.

• Service options: Has outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, has live music
• Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Operating hours: Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday 4 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Phone: +1 718-855-7939
• Website: The Clover Club
• Google Rating: 4.6/5

Photo Credit: The Clover Club

10. Katana Kitten

Katana Kitten is a cool spot in Greenwich Village where cocktail nerds can try amazing drinks and bar snacks. They also have an extensive Japanese whisky list for enthusiasts who prefer this type of spirit.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, serves food at bar, serves happy-hour drinks
• Address: 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
• Operating hours: Sunday–Friday 4 p.m.–2 a.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.–2 a.m.
• Phone: +1 347-866-7739
• Website: Katana Kitten
• Google Rating: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: Eligio Francesco D’Auria

11. Dante

Dante is a historic cafe and bar in Greenwich Village that dates all the way back in 1915. It is now also a registered New York City landmark. 

They serve small plates and cocktails like the Salty Dog, Campari Shakerato and Dante’s Garibaldi.

• Service options: Has outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, serves food at bar
• Address: 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
• Operating hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Phone: +1 212-982-8799
• Website: Dante NYC
• Google Rating: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: Jie Huang

12. The Tusk Bar

The Tusk Bar is one of the oldest restaurants and bars in New York City. Established in 1905, it is located inside the historic Evelyn Hotel in Manhattan. 

It has also been named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire and one of the Best New Restaurants in NYC by Condé Nast Traveler.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, serves food at bar
• Address: 7 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016
• Operating hours: 4 p.m.–12 AM daily
• Phone: +1 212-971-9746
• Website: The Tusk Bar
• Google Rating: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: The Tusk Bar

13. Dear Irving on Hudson

Dear Irving on Hudson is a cocktail parlor at the Aliz Hotel, which is only a 10-minute walk from Times Square. That said, it’s highly recommended especially for tourists who are visiting the area for the first time. 

Dear Irving on Hudson serves fancy drinks and bites, such as the Costa Rosa and Bird Strike cocktails and Lobster Guacamole and Glazed Pork Belly Bao Bun snacks.

• Service options: Has rooftop seating, has outdoor seating, serves food at bar
• Address: 310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
• Operating hours: Tuesday–Thursday 5 p.m.–1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 4 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday 4 p.m.–12 a.m.; Monday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Website: Dear Irving
• Google Rating: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar

14. Dutch Kills

Dutch Kills in Long Island City, Queens was established in 2009. It’s a bar with a speakeasy vibe that serves contemporary and classic cocktails with hand-cut ice.

• Service options: Has outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, doesn’t accept reservations
• Address: 27-24 Jackson Ave, Queens, NY 11101
• Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.–3 a.m.
• Phone: +1 718-383-2724
• Website: Dutch Kills
• Google Rating: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: Dutch Kills

15. The Long Island Bar

The Long Island Bar is a Brooklyn landmark. It’s been serving food and drinks for over 50 years. Since its restoration in 2013, The Long Island Bar has won numerous awards for their burgers, cocktails and service.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, doesn’t accept reservations, serves food at bar
• Address: 110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Operating hours: Tuesday–Friday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Phone: +1 718-625-8908
• Website: The Long Island Bar
• Ranking: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: The Long Island Bar

16. Patent Pending

Patent Pending is a low-lit Midtown bar hidden behind Patent Coffe. It’s housed in the Radio Wave Building, which is where Nikola Tesla lived and conducted experiments back in the 1880s. They serve cocktails with an “electric” theme, a nod to the building’s former resident.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails
• Address: 49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
• Operating hours: Sunday–Wednesday 5 p.m.–12 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
• Phone: +1 212-689-4002
• Website: Patent Pending
• Google Rating: 4.5/5

Photo Credit: Patent Pending

17. Attaboy

Attaboy was established in 2012 by legendary Bartenders Sam Ross and Michael Mcllroy. It’s an industrial-style spot located on the Lower East Side.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails · Doesn’t accept reservations
• Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
• Operating hours: 5 p.m.–3 AM daily
• Website: Attaboy
• Google Rating: 4.4/5

Photo Credit: Alexander Fong

18. Superbueno

Superbueno is a Mexican-American cocktail bar established in early 2023, making it one of the newer bars in NYC on this list. They have happy hours Monday through Friday from 4–7 p.m. 

Next time you’re in this East Village spot, try their Green Mango Martini and outstanding Mexican bar food.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, has dancing, serves food at bar
• Address: 13 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
• Operating hours: 4 p.m.–2 a.m.
• Phone: +1 347-866-7739
• Website: Superbueno
• Google Rating: 4.4/5

Photo Credit: Superbueno

19. Death & Co

Established on New Year’s Eve in 2006, Death & Co. has become a cocktail institution. 

Besides cocktails, this East Village bar features an extensive fine wine and food menu.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, serves food at bar
• Address: 433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
• Operating hours: Thursday–Saturday 6 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday–Wednesday 6 p.m.–1 a.m.
• Phone: +1 212-388-0882
• Website: Death & Company
• Google Rating: 4.4/5

Photo Credit: Death & Company

20. Double Chicken Please

Double Chicken Please is a Lower East Side cocktail bar that also serves finger food and chicken sandwiches. It was recognized as one of the 50 best bars in North America in 2023.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, serves food at bar
• Address: 115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
• Operating hours: Tuesday–Thursday 5 p.m.–1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.–1:30 a.m.; Sunday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Website: Double Chicken Please
• Google Rating: 4.4/5

Photo Credit: Peter Farejowicz

21. Mace

Established in 2015, Mace has been named one of the 50 Best Bars in the World for six years. They’ve dedicated themselves to incorporating unique spices from around the globe into their cocktails.

• Service options: Has outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, serves food at bar
• Address: 35 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
• Operating hours: Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 2 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Phone: +1 347-866-7739
• Website: Mace New York
• Google Rating: 4.4/5

Photo Credit: Mace New York

22. Mother’s Ruin

Conveniently located between the East Village and Nolita, Mother’s Ruin is a cocktail lounge with a delicious food menu to boot. 

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, doesn’t accept reservations, has live performances
• Address: 18 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
• Operating hours: 11 a.m.–4 a.m. daily
• Website: Mother’s Ruin
• Google Rating: 4.3/5

Photo Credit: Dan Ferrara

23. Employees Only

Employees Only is a restaurant and bar with award-winning creative cocktails and delicious food. You’ll find it in the West Village, where it has been a neighborhood staple since 2004.

• Service options: Serves great cocktails, has live performances, serves food at bar
• Address: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
• Operating hours: 6 p.m.–4 a.m. daily
• Phone: +1 212-242-3021
• Website: Employees Only
• Google Rating: 4.3/5

Photo Credit: Employees Only

24. Charlies Bar and Kitchen

A Bronx restaurant and cocktail bar with Southern and Latin influences. Charlies Bar and Kitchen is located in the Clock Tower – a historic landmark building. 

• Service options: Serves happy-hour food, has private dining room, serves great cocktails
• Address: 112 Lincoln Ave, Bronx, NY 10454
• Operating hours: Monday–Wednesday 12 p.m.–10 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday 12 p.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Phone: +1 718-684-2338
• Website: Charlies Bar and Kitchen
• Google Rating: 4.3/5

Photo Credit: Charlies Bar and Kitchen

25. Panorama Room

Panorama Room is located at the Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island. This rooftop bar and lounge boasts a 360-degree view of New York City, making it the ideal place for those who want to enjoy the sunset with cocktails, mocktails or a meal.

• Service options: Has rooftop seating, has outdoor seating, has live music
• Address: 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044
• Operating hours: Tuesday–Thursday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Friday 3 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
• Phone: +1 929-447-4717
• Website: Graduate Hotels
• Google Rating: 4.2/5

Photo Credit: Panorama Room

Best Bars in NYC: Conclusion

Most bars on the list have made a name for themselves over the past few decades. They’ve constantly pushed the cocktail and bar culture in New York City. 

Additionally, most of them are owned by popular Bartenders who have won many industry awards. While you probably won’t get served by them, you’ll get a taste of some of the most innovative cocktails in the world. Oh, and some of them have open Bartender positions!

Check out our list of 25 best bars in Miami, another hub where many popular Bartenders from around the world have set up shop.