The Best Bars in New York: Top Spots to Drink, Dance, and Discover in 2025
New York City doesn’t just sleep—it sips, stirs, and celebrates at every hour. From dimly lit speakeasies to panoramic rooftop lounges, the Big Apple is home to some of the most iconic bars in the world. Whether you’re a local looking for your next go-to hangout or a traveler eager to soak up the city’s vibrant nightlife, this guide to the best bars in New York is your golden ticket.
Let’s dive into where the magic happens after dark.
What Makes a Bar One of the Best in New York?
In a city with thousands of watering holes, standing out is no easy feat. The best bars in New York aren’t just about booze —they’re about experience. It’s the perfect blend of atmosphere, creativity, crowd, and consistency.
You’ll find bars that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era, places where mixologists treat cocktails like fine art, and local dives where the jukebox is the only entertainment you need. What makes a place “the best”? A memorable vibe, killer drinks, and that unmistakable New York energy.
Best Rooftop Bars in New York
There’s something undeniably magical about sipping a cocktail with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. Rooftop bars in NYC offer an elevated experience—literally and figuratively.
• 230 Fifth
With heated igloos in winter and a buzzing garden vibe in summer, 230 Fifth offers an unbeatable view of the Empire State Building. It’s touristy but totally worth it.
• Westlight (Brooklyn)
Located atop The William Vale Hotel, Westlight pairs craft cocktails with panoramic views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The glass barriers make the skyline feel like art.
• Harriet’s Rooftop
Nestled atop the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s combines greenery with sophistication. It’s classy without trying too hard, and the view of the Statue of Liberty? Unreal.
Best Speakeasies in New York
Hidden doors, secret codes, and candlelit corners — New York’s speakeasies are an ode to the Prohibition era, minus the actual prohibition.
• PDT (Please Don’t Tell)
Enter through a phone booth inside a hot dog shop. Yes, really. PDT is legendary for its intimate setting and meticulous cocktails.
• Attaboy
No menu here—just tell the bartender your mood or favorite spirit, and they’ll create a drink tailored to you. Low-key, dimly lit, and always impressive.
• Employees Only
This West Village gem blends speakeasy charm with a touch of elegance. The bar staff wears white coats, and the energy is always buzzing.
Trendy Cocktail Bars Worth Visiting
For those who appreciate aesthetics as much as flavor, New York’s trendiest cocktail bars deliver Instagrammable drinks in equally stunning spaces.
• Dear Irving
This time-travel-themed bar features rooms inspired by different eras, from Gatsby glamour to mid-century modern. It’s a visual and flavorful delight.
• The Dead Rabbit
Irish pub meets craft cocktail genius in this multi-story space. The bartenders wear suspenders, and the drinks are straight-up award-winning.
• The Up & Up
Tucked away in Greenwich Village, this cocktail den serves inventive sips in a cozy, wallpapered room that feels like a well-kept secret.
Best Dive Bars in New York for a Laid-Back Vibe
Not all heroes wear cocktail shakers. Some hand you a cold beer and point you toward a sticky booth — and that’s the charm of NYC’s dive bar culture.
• McSorley’s Old Ale House
One of the oldest bars in the city, McSorley’s hasn’t changed much since the 1800s—and that’s exactly why people love it. Two ale options: light or dark. That’s it.
• Jimmy’s Corner
This Times Square hideout has boxing posters on the walls, cheap drinks, and a loyal following of locals and in-the-know visitors.
• Rudy’s Bar & Grill
Hell’s Kitchen classic. You get a free hot dog with every drink. Enough said.
Friendly Bars and Nightlife Spots
New York’s LGBTQ+ scene is diverse, welcoming, and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for high-energy drag shows or relaxed community spaces, the city delivers.
• The Stonewall Inn
This isn’t just a bar—it’s a landmark. Known as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, Stonewall is a must-visit for history and celebration.
• Cubbyhole
A cozy and colorful neighborhood bar in the West Village, Cubbyhole is known for its friendly crowd and kitschy decor.
• The Ritz
High-energy vibes, weekend DJs, and multiple floors make The Ritz one of the go-to LGBTQ+ party spots in Hell’s Kitchen.
Unique Themed Bars and Experiences
New York’s bar scene loves a theme—and it doesn’t stop at tiki mugs or velvet couches.
• The Cauldron NYC
Love magic and cocktails? This Harry Potter-inspired spot lets you mix your own potions (a.k.a. drinks) using wands and bubbling cauldrons.
• House of Yes (Bushwick)
It’s part club, part immersive theater, and part bar. Expect glitter, aerial dancers, and the most free-spirited crowd in the city.
• Barcade
Nostalgia meets nightlife at Barcade, where you can sip local beers and battle it out on vintage arcade games from the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Best Bars in Brooklyn
Manhattan may be classic, but Brooklyn’s bar scene is effortlessly cool and just as varied.
• Maison Premiere
Oysters and absinthe, anyone? This Williamsburg bar channels New Orleans vibes and is a favorite for date nights and moody evenings.
• The Brooklyn Inn
This classic Boerum Hill haunt feels like stepping into the past. With dark wood interiors and a chill crowd, it’s ideal for a low-key night.
• Weather Up
An intimate bar known for its polished cocktails and minimalist vibe. It’s the kind of place where you forget time exists.
Tips for Enjoying New York’s Bar Scene
- Go early or make a reservation—many spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Tip well—it’s part of the culture, and bartenders remember good tippers.
- Dress the part—some rooftop and cocktail bars have dress codes.
- Take the subway or rideshare—parking is a headache; plus, it’s safer if you’re drinking.
- Be adventurous—NYC’s bar scene rewards curiosity. Try that weird cocktail or go into that unmarked door.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing skyline views, seeking hidden gems, or just looking for a great happy hour, the best bars in New York cater to every mood, budget, and personality. Each bar tells a story—of the city, of the people, and of a night you’ll never forget.
So grab your friends, check your MetroCard, and dive into a city where the next unforgettable drink is always just around the corner.
