New York City, a veritable tapestry of cultures and inspirations, weaves its essence into every drink encapsulated within its cocktail bars. Each venue serves not just concoctions, but stories waiting to be imbibed. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the eclectic neighborhoods of Brooklyn, these establishments do more than thrill the palate; they create experiences that tantalize the senses and linger in memory. Herein lies a curated list of the ten best cocktail bars scattered throughout the New York landscape, each distinct in flavor, ambiance, and allure.
1. PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Immerse yourself in the intimacy of PDT, a speakeasy nestled behind a vintage phone booth in the East Village. The atmosphere hints at clandestine rendezvous, making it an ideal locale for whispering secrets over expertly crafted cocktails.
Address: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 614-0386
Website: pdtnyc.com
2. Attaboy
At the crossroads of bespoke service and innovative mixology, Attaboy in the Lower East Side offers an unparalleled cocktail experience. In this pearl of a bar, patrons are invited to trust the bartender’s whims, leading to delightful surprises that reflect personal tastes.
Address: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (212) 533-1572
Website: attaboynyc.com
3. Clover Club
Step into a bygone era at Clover Club, a bar that melds Victorian elegance with a hint of rustic charm, located in the heart of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The cocktail menu, akin to a literary masterpiece, features drinks crafted with precision and passion, perfect for the discerning palates that grace its bar.
Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 855-7939
Website: cloverclubny.com
4. Employees Only
Employees Only in the West Village is akin to a secret garden where mastery of mixology blooms freely. With an aura that captivates the senses and an enticing menu bursting with seasonal flavors, this bar stands as an emblem of cocktail craftsmanship and convivial conversation.
Address: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 242-3021
Website: oeemployeesonly.com
5. Apotheke
Channeling an alchemical vibe, Apotheke in Chinatown conjures cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are delightful to taste. With an array of house-made tinctures and unusual ingredients, each drink becomes an elixir, promising to elevate the spirit and invigorate the mind.
Address: 9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 406-0400
Website: apothekenyc.com
6. The Dead Rabbit
With an atmosphere reminiscent of an Irish pub and a menu that dances between classic and modern, The Dead Rabbit in the Financial District celebrates the art of cocktail creation. Each sip here echoes with history, steeped in the rich lore of New York, making every visit a spirited adventure.
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
Contact: (646) 422-7906
Website: deadrabbitnyc.com
7. The NoMad Bar
Within the opulent confines of the NoMad Hotel lies the NoMad Bar, where classic and inventive cocktails coalesce elegantly. Here, the ambiance suggests a lavish soirée, making it the perfect backdrop for indulging in high-quality libations crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Address: 10 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 796-1500
Website: thenomadhotel.com
8. Dear Irving
Dear Irving, with its time-traveling décor that harkens back to various eras, creates an atmosphere suffused with romance and mystique. Located in Gramercy, this bar transcends the ordinary, crafting cocktails that echo with history and flavor, offering a delightful escape from the mundane.
Address: 55 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (917) 261-2300
Website: dearirving.com
9. Amor y Amargo
In the East Village, Amor y Amargo is a shrine dedicated to bitters, merging the art of cocktails with the love of complex flavors. With its unassuming façade and intimate seating, this bar invites patrons to explore a menu that presents bitters in various interpretations, like stories waiting to unfold.
Address: 443 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 669-9908
Website: amoryamargo.com
10. Clover Club
A treasure within the cobblestones of Park Slope, Clover Club provides an atmosphere as comforting as an embrace. Here, an inventive cocktail list paired with a classic approach to mixology invites guests to lose themselves in a perennial celebration of flavor.
Address: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 855-7939
Website: cloverclubny.com
The cocktail bars of New York City each tell a tale of creativity and passion, inviting you to experience a realm where every sip transports you to a new world. Whether you seek the allure of a hidden speakeasy or the vibrancy of a cocktail oasis, this metropolis has something to offer for every discerning palate. Venture forth what you discover within these enchanted realms, and allow the magic of mixology to envelop you.
