Sip in Style: The Best Cocktail Bars in NYC
New York City is a cocktail lover’s paradise, offering a dynamic mix of speakeasies, rooftop retreats, and innovative mixology havens. Whether you're into timeless classics or avant-garde concoctions, NYC has a bar that caters to every palate. Here’s your guide to the best cocktail bars in the Big Apple.
1. Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
📍 East Village
Hidden behind a vintage phone booth in a hot dog joint, PDT is one of NYC’s most iconic speakeasies. The intimate space serves expertly crafted cocktails alongside gourmet hot dogs, creating a unique, unpretentious vibe.
Signature Sip: Try the Benton’s Old Fashioned, a smoky twist on the classic made with bacon-infused bourbon.
2. Death & Co.
📍 East Village
A pioneer in NYC’s cocktail renaissance, Death & Co. is revered for its impeccable drinks and moody, romantic atmosphere. The bartenders here treat mixology as an art form, delivering a rotating menu of seasonal and classic cocktails.
Signature Sip: The Conference, a bold, whiskey-forward drink with bourbon, rye, cognac, and calvados.
3. Attaboy
📍 Lower East Side
There’s no menu at Attaboy—instead, the bartenders create personalized cocktails based on your preferences. This intimate, no-reservations bar has an unmarked door, adding to its exclusive, mysterious charm.
Signature Sip: Whatever the bartender dreams up for you!
4. The Dead Rabbit
📍 Financial District
This multi-level bar combines Irish pub vibes with award-winning cocktails. The Dead Rabbit offers a lively downstairs taproom and an elegant upstairs parlor, where the cocktail menu is as creative as it is delicious.
Signature Sip: The Irish Coffee, a perfectly balanced blend of whiskey, coffee, and cream.
5. Apotheke
📍 Chinatown
Inspired by 19th-century apothecaries, Apotheke serves cocktails that look like potions and taste like magic. Each drink is designed to target specific "medicinal" properties, such as relaxation or energy, and the decor is as theatrical as the drinks.
Signature Sip: The Deal Closer, a decadent mix of vanilla-infused vodka, cacao, and mint.
6. Dante
📍 Greenwich Village
Named one of the world’s best bars, Dante is a modern take on a classic Italian café. Known for its Negronis and aperitivo culture, this spot is perfect for a leisurely afternoon drink or a sophisticated night out.
Signature Sip: The Negroni Sessions, a flight of their expertly crafted variations of the classic.
7. Angel’s Share
📍 East Village
Tucked inside a Japanese restaurant, Angel’s Share is a hidden gem with a serene, intimate vibe. The cocktails are beautifully presented and crafted with precision, making this bar a favorite among mixology enthusiasts.
Signature Sip: The Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, a dramatic blend of smoky Scotch and herbaceous flavors.
8. Clover Club
📍 Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
A Brooklyn institution, Clover Club is a sophisticated cocktail bar with a focus on pre-Prohibition drinks. The warm, inviting space is perfect for sipping timeless classics in style.
Signature Sip: The Clover Club Cocktail, a refreshing mix of gin, raspberry, lemon, and egg white.
9. Bar Goto
📍 Lower East Side
This sleek Japanese-inspired bar offers minimalist elegance and a menu that balances traditional cocktails with unique Eastern twists. Pair your drink with one of their delicious savory pancakes (okonomiyaki).
Signature Sip: The Sakura Martini, infused with cherry blossoms for a delicate floral flavor.
10. Employees Only
📍 West Village, Manhattan
Employees Only is an iconic cocktail bar that has set the standard for speakeasy-style establishments in New York City since its opening in 2004. Nestled behind a discreet "psychic" sign on Hudson Street, this award-winning bar combines elegance, exceptional cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Signature Sip: The Amelia is a floral and fruity delight with vodka, elderflower, blackberry purée, and lemon.
Why NYC Cocktail Bars Stand Out
The cocktail culture in NYC is as diverse and creative as the city itself. From unmarked speakeasies to luxurious rooftops, there’s no shortage of places to explore and sip. Whether you’re a fan of classic concoctions or experimental elixirs, these bars offer unforgettable experiences that showcase the art of mixology at its finest.
Cheers! Which cocktail bar will you visit first? Let us know your favorites!
