Are you ready to embark on a flavorful expedition through the cocktail landscape of New York City? With an overwhelming array of lounges that blend creativity and ambiance, the challenge is not just to choose one, but rather to uncover hidden gems and iconic spots that offer a delightful sensory experience. Dive into this extensive list of cocktail lounges that promise to tantalize your taste buds and soothe your soul, representing the very best of NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods.
1. Employees Only
Address: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 242-3021
Website: employeesonlynyc.com
Nestled in the West Village, Employees Only is a speakeasy-style bar known for its no-nonsense approach to cocktails. With an enticing menu featuring classics and inventive mixes, this lounge gleams with vintage charm. The bustling atmosphere hums with laughter and conversation, ensuring a lively night out. You might be challenged to choose just one drink from a menu that reads like a cocktail novel.
2. PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Address: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 614-0386
Website: premierdrinks.com/pdt
Hidden behind a phone booth inside Crif Dogs, PDT is a quintessential Manhattan bar that takes the concept of secretive drinking to the next level. Infamous for its quirky concoctions and meticulous bartending, you’ll find yourself in a cocktail wonderland featuring flavors that delight and surprise. Can you find the hidden entrance? The thrill of discovery adds another layer to your experience.
3. Apotheke
Address: 9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 240-9080
Website: apothekebar.com
Stepping into Apotheke is akin to wandering into an artisanal apothecary, where elixirs and tonics reign supreme. The creative team utilizes fresh herbs and locally sourced ingredients to craft cocktails that are not just drinks, but also potion-like masterpieces. Are you up for the challenge of choosing between concoctions rooted in medicinal history and fantastical flavors?
4. Clover Club
Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 246-0430
Website: cloverclubny.com
Located in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Clover Club exudes a rustic yet refined atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Their cocktail menu primarily focuses on the classics, all executed with precision. The lounge is also famed for its extensive list of absinthes. Will you take on the arduous task of picking your favorite classic, or do you dare to indulge in a unique absinthe experience?
5. Apothecary
Address: 380 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 922-0327
Website: apothecarynyc.com
This Lower East Side lounge redefines cocktail culture with an inventive menu that prioritizes sustainability and quality ingredients. Expect expertly mixed drinks that reflect current trends and unique offerings such as house-made syrups and infusions. Can you handle the excitement of sampling artisanal cocktails that are ahead of their time?
6. Clover Club
Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 246-0430
Website: cloverclubny.com
A haven for cocktail enthusiasts, Clover Club serves up a delightful menu that revolves around classic cocktails with contemporary twists. The ambience is complemented by a vintage aesthetic, making it an inviting location for conversations over bespoke drinks. What will it be—celebrating your favorite classic cocktail or a twist on an old favorite?
7. Dear Irving
Address: 55 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 539-2770
Website: dearirving.com
Dear Irving is a time-traveling cocktail lounge that transports patrons through various eras with its decor and drink offerings. The intricate cocktail menu is a nod to nostalgia, offering options that evoke yesteryear with modern flair. Are you ready to journey through time with each sip, or does the allure of a familiar favorite hold you captive?
8. Attaboy
Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (646) 422-7915
Website: attaboybar.com
Emphasizing a personalized approach, the bartenders at Attaboy craft drinks tailored to your preferences with no menu in sight. The intimate and enchanting atmosphere creates a unique and exclusive experience for each visitor. The real question is: are you adventurous enough to allow the bartenders to surprise you with their creativity?
9. Clover Club
Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 246-0430
Website: cloverclubny.com
An epitome of mixology, Clover Club is known for its exemplary ‘punch’ cocktails served in unique vessels. The ambiance is cozy yet vibrant, combining rustic elegance with skilled bartending that never disappoints. Will you venture to sample one of their signature punches or stick with a traditional cocktail to avoid the daring leap into the unknown?
10. The Dead Rabbit
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
Contact: (646) 826-9070
Website: deadrabbitnyc.com
Steeped in Irish pub culture, The Dead Rabbit delivers a visually striking environment paired with an inventive cocktail menu. Renowned for its multi-level space, it combines elements of a traditional Irish pub with a more modern cocktail bar vibe. As you explore the menu, the challenge lies in deciding whether to stick with a classic whiskey drink or venture into the innovative cocktail creations.
So, where will your cocktail journey take you? With eclectic options abounding in every neighborhood, these lounges are more than just bars; they are experiences in themselves. Venture out, explore the diverse atmospheres, and indulge in the creative mixology that characterizes the New York cocktail scene. Embrace the challenge of making choices that could lead to your next favorite drink, and savor the sophisticated flavors and vibrant locales that await.
