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Your Guide to 25 Best Bars NYC – Hidden Gems & Hotspots

Discover the 25 best bars NYC has to offer, from hidden gems to iconic hotspots for cocktails, views and nightlife.

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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
travel bar interior

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
Amor Y Amargo bar NYC

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
McSorleys Old Ale house

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
The Honey Well Bar

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
The Dead Rabbit Bar

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
Leyenda Bar NYC

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
Maison Premiere Bar

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
Milady's New York Bar

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
The Clover Club Bar

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
Katana Kitten Bar NYC

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
Dante NYC

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
The Tusk Bar NYC

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
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar</
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