Best bars in Soho: The essential drinking spots

The Ear Inn

When it opened in 1830, the historic Ear Inn was popular with colorful characters ambling in from the docks of the Hudson. The basic decor (dark-wood bar, wobbly tables and chairs, lots of retro ephemera) hasn’t changed much since, but locals continue to pack the place thanks to its relaxed vibe and historical charm. Free snacks such as fried chicken and sausages can be had weeknights from 4 to 7pm, mitigating any wallet damage wreaked by a few $6 pints of Guinness.

508 GastroBrewery

• Price band: 2/4

Home-beer-brewing enthusiast Anderson Sant'anna de Lima, owner of 508, has converted his American restaurant into this modern brewpub which pours his creations. Grab a seat at the glass-topped aqua bar and sip a draft IPA or a bottle of Belgian strong ale, all made in stills below the eatery. An eclectic menu—featuring ceviche, short-rib meatballs, and truffled mac and cheese—offsets the booze.

Lani Kai

Cocktail doyenne Julie Reiner (Flatiron Lounge, Clover Club) channels her Hawaiian roots at this stunning bi-level lounge. The vibe is more Four Seasons than Trader Vic’s—lush flora and woven barstools replace the usual tiki statues—but the bar maintains a laid-back attitude. Teas, fresh fruits and syrups, and floral garnishes brighten the more than 25 tropical tipples. The towering Isle of Islay swizzle balanced the smokiness of peated whiskey with breezy notes of citrus and

Pegu Club

• Critics choice

Thanks to the arrival of other serious mixology dens (PDT, Death & Company), Audrey Saunders’s imperial Pegu Club is no longer cutting-edge. But it’s still the gold standard for some of the city’s finest elixirs. The eponymous house cocktail is a sweet-and-sour blend of gin, bitters, fresh lime juice and orange curaçao; the Earl Grey MarTEAni, a tipsy take on afternoon tea, features Earl Grey–infused gin and lemon juice frothed with egg white. If you want to tweak your tipple,

Puck Fair

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

Although there are 25 different beers on tap and 60 by the bottle at this airy trilevel pub, Guinness is the star: Thanks to the pricey Kilkenny cooling system, the black stuff tastes almost as good as it does on the Emerald Isle. Gaggles of Irish and other Euro expats take their pints at the enormous bar or small wooden tables. Retreat to the slightly quieter downstairs to tuck into pub grub like bangers and mash (available until 4am) in peace.