As daylight wanes and the cacophony of the city morphs into the mellow hum of nightlife, certain watering holes emerge as sanctuaries for nocturnal revelers. New York City’s streets pulse with a distinct rhythm after hours, beckoning those seeking camaraderie and refreshment. Here, we traverse the captivating landscape of late-night bars—establishments that serve not merely drinks but experiences woven into the very fabric of the city’s vibrant culture. Below, indulge in an exploration of ten bars that stay open late, each with its own charm—a blend of ambience, libations, and the allure of the NYC nightlife.
1. Employees Only
Address: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 242-3021
Website: employeesonlynyc.com
Nestled in the heart of the West Village, Employees Only envelops patrons in an intimate ambiance reminiscent of a speakeasy from a bygone era. With its skilled mixologists and a menu that showcases both classic and inventive cocktails, the establishment is a veritable fountain of creativity and liberality. Revelers can sip on their expertly crafted libations until the dawn arrives, making it a prime destination for night owls seeking an unforgettable experience.
2. The Dead Rabbit
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
Contact: (646) 422-7906
Website: dead.rabbit
This Irish bar reinvented, The Dead Rabbit is a majestic castle in the realm of cocktails and pints. Often hailed as one of the best bars in the world, it boasts an extensive menu of Irish whiskey and imaginative cocktails. The decor—a juxtaposition of old-world charm and contemporary flair—provides a magnificent backdrop for late-night conversations and laughter that reverberates through the cozy walls.
3. PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Address: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 862-2419
Website: pdtnyc.com
Accessed via a discreet phone booth, PDT is an enigmatic gem in the East Village. Behind its unassuming facade, guests are treated to a masterclass in craft cocktail artistry. With a cozy interior filled with mismatched antiques, it invites patrons to lose track of time. Each sip offers a new experience, rendering it a stage where memories are conjured amidst the backdrop of laughter and spirited discourse.
4. Brooklyn’s Clover Club
Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Contact: (718) 855-7939
Website: cloverclubny.com
A veritable homage to the classic cocktail bar, Clover Club is adorned with plush velvet and exposed brick that whispers tales of yesteryear. Its late-night menu is not simply a roster of drinks, but a curated celebration of flavors that hearken back to an era where craftsmanship reigns supreme. The knowledgable bartenders serve as guides through a lexicon of taste, ensuring any visit is steeped in indulgence.
5. The Up & Up
Address: 216 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 490-5560
Website: theupandupnyc.com
In the vibrant grasp of the East Village, The Up & Up stands as a beacon of cocktail excellence. With a cocktail menu that reads like poetry, this establishment is a salon for those who appreciate the art of imbibing. The late-night atmosphere is abuzz with energy, as patrons revel in the intimate feel while sipping on meticulously prepared concoctions.
6. Apotheke
Address: 9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 406-0400
Website: apothekenyc.com
The enchanting Apotheke immerses guests in an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a potion master’s laboratory. Surrounded by apothecary shelves and earthy decor, the cocktails here are well thought-out elixirs, each emerging from the minds of skilled mixologists. Operating until the late hours, it is a paradise for imbibers seeking something unique—where every drink tells a story.
7. Attaboy
Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (646) 838-7992
Website: attaboynyc.com
Defined by its ethos of individuality, Attaboy offers no drink menu—just a tailored experience based on personal preferences. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a sanctuary where guests can delve into their preferences while being whisked away by the bartenders’ genius. Open late, it is where the adventurous can discover new flavors that resonate with their palate.
8. Bar LunÀtico
Address: 486 Halsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Contact: (718) 484-9079
Website: barlunatico.com
This charming bar is an epicenter of music, drink, and dining, where the walls echo with the sounds of live performances. Bar LunÀtico offers small plates and cocktails crafted to delight the senses. As the city slumbers, this bar awakens, providing a rhapsody of flavors and experiences that feels both intimate and communal.
9. The Flatiron Room
Address: 37 W 26th St, New York, NY 10010
Contact: (212) 725-3860
Website: flatironroom.com
Stepping into The Flatiron Room is akin to entering a grand library of spirits. With an impressive whiskey selection and live jazz that lifts the soul, this bar offers patrons a feast for the senses. Open late, it caters to those who wish to savor life at a more leisurely pace, indulging in both drink and sound in a sumptuous setting.
10. The Vintage
Address: 151 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 559-1694
Website: thevintage.com
A haven for wine aficionados, The Vintage offers a curated selection of wines from around the globe. Bathed in a cozy glow, this bar encourages patrons to linger and explore the varied flavors through expertly paired plates. Open late, it serves as a contemplative space where conversation flows as smoothly as the wine.
The panorama of New York City’s late-night bars is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Each location offers a unique experience, a distinct essence that contributes to the city’s storied nightlife. From the artistic concoctions of mixologists to the soul-stirring sounds of live music, late-night bars in New York serve not just drinks but also memories. In a city that never truly sleeps, these bars beckon the adventurous spirit, inviting you to delve deeper into what the night offers. Embrace the allure and explore the nocturnal tapestry woven into the very core of New York City’s vibrant life.
