The 30 best bars in NYC right now

What is it? A laidback, '70s-ish-style bar where snacking is half of the fun.

Why we love it: With a name like Bar Snack, you kind of have to have good snacks, yes? Luckily, this East Village bar makes good on its promise with pickle-dusted cheese curds and a Spice Bag (emblazoned with a logo fashioned like the Spice Girls) that hides a steaming center of chicken tendies, fries and pepper, curry sauce included. But bar is in the name, too, right? And what a rousing round of cocktails you'll find with riffs on whiskey sours with raspberry and smooth heads of Guinness, tiny tini's (cutely named, Snaquiri) and a particular frozen we'd dain to drink any time of the year: The Mama Tried with triple citrus sorbet with Derrumbes mezcal, St. Germain and Chartreuse.

Time Out tip: Bring your phone when you go to the bathroom. Mirrored walls, strobe lights and the classic stylings of Whitney Houston call for a selfie.

Address: 92 Second Ave, New York, NY 10003 

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 2pm–1am; Fri 2pm–2am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–1am

What is it? A red-lit Mexican-American cocktail bar from hospitality veteran Ignacio Nacho Jimenez.

Why we love it: With a year and some change under its belt, Superbueno has racked up some super good accolades. In 2024 alone, it was named one of the top bars by Food & Wine and nabbed the number two spot for the World’s Best 50 Bars North America—and for good reason. Margaritas are blackened thanks to a blend of huitlacoche and mole, and mezcal meets mole in the Mole Negroni. On top of it all, this Lower East hang is all about fun with tunes and conga lines extending well into the evening.

Time Out tip: Green Mango Martini is one of the best martinis out there right now, period. 

Address: 13 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–2am; Fri–Sun 2pm-2am

What is it? A tropical-themed speakeasy found above Gage & Tollner. 

Why we love it? Sohui Kim, Ben Schneider and St. John Frizell’s glittering Gage & Tollner revival was one of NYC’s best new restaurants of 2021, and the team followed that smashing success with Sunken Harbor Club upstairs. The permanent addition picks up where Frizell’s weekly parties of the same name left off at Fort Defiance when the Red Hook favorite relocated. Sunken Harbor Club’s new forever space has dramatic, enchanted shipwreck themes and studied drink menus as deep as the sea, thanks to chief cocktail officer Garret Richard on deck. 

Time Out tip: Closing time is a performance in itself, as bartenders ring bells, flash lights and fill the bar with fog as this ship is coming to a close. 

Address: 372 Fulton Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight

What is it? A speakeasy-ish bar that has helped to defined the genre. 

Why we love it: An NYC classic (of somewhat recent origin; Attaboy opened in the famed Milk and Honey space in 2012), this LES cocktail leader has a speakeasy vibe, a steel-brushed bar and some of the best drinks in town to top it with. 

Time Out tip: If the bar is too busy, pop into their sister bar next door, Good Guy's, for a spritz and some conservas while you wait. 

Address: 134 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Daily 5pm-3am

What is it? A humming, two-in-one cocktail bar run by a bunch of schmucks.

Why we love it: Have you peeped the line running down 1st Avenue? That's all thanks to the schmucks who work at, well, schmuck. The same team that previously ran the award-winning Barcelona bar, Two Schmucks, made it stateside a few years back with the dream of doing it all again, but in NYC. After nearly a year of waiting, the bar debuted in the winter of this year. It was well worth the wait with cocktails that tasted like fennel and tomato salads, and cinnamon buns with a side of coffee.  

Time Out tip: No reservation? Put your name down and walk to the second bar next door, also owned by schmuck., which has its own round of drinks to choose from. 

Address: 97 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 4pm–close

What is it? A concrete-heavy underground bar that's actually hard to find the entry if you don't know where to look. 

Why we love it: One of the recent years' ubiquitous speakeasy-inspired bars, Saint Tuesday is closer to the archetype than any of the rest. Its Cortlandt Alley entrance is hard enough to find to humble even the most smug among us, and getting to the bar still feels like the Goodfellas Copa shot once you’re through the door. But once you scope out the door, ring the bell and journey your way to the basement of the sub-cellar of the Walker Hotel Tribeca, you'll find quite the scene. As industrial as it seems with concrete nearly everywhere you look, the bar is a sexy find with intimate two-top tables and flickering candles that illuminate the whole thing. And, of note, the drinks are terrific thanks to Christopher Covey, whose storied cocktailing includes stays at Attaboy and Little Branch.  

Time Out tip: You can swoon and croon on here as live music plays every night. Check it out Sunday through Tuesday at 9pm or Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30pm. 

Address: 24 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013

Opening hours: Sun–Tues 6pm–midnight; Wed–Sat 6pm–2am

What is it? The timeless Prohibition-style bar known for white jacket service and live music.

Why we love it: The Central Casting ideal of Old New York, the Carlyle Hotel’s throwback grandeur is juxtaposed with Ludwig Bemelmans’ whimsical original murals here at his namesake bar. It’s as expensive as you’d expect with $28 Vesper martinis, $30 Manhattans, and $38 sidecars.

Time Out tip: Don't forget the $10 cover charge for live music.

Address: 35 E 76th Street, New York, New York 10021

Opening hours: Sun, Mon noon–midnight; Tue–Thu noon–12:30am; Fri, Sat noon–1am

What is it? A dual concept bar that's been consistently ranked on The World's 50 Best Bars list.

Why we love it: What first began as a vintage Volkswagen minibus tour around the United States became a brick-and-mortar destination in late 2020. Cocktails go beyond the classics with tipples like the Japanese Cold Noodle and Mango Sticky Rice. Reservations are necessary, as walk-ins can be hard to find. 

Time Out tip: The front bar, Free Range, has just as much fun, whipping up cartoon-inspired cocktails. 

Address: 115 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–1:30am; Sun 5pm–midnight

What is it? A slip of a bar where Sunny Lee's banchan has drawn the masses. 

Why we love it: Sunn's is small—small enough that bumping into your neighbor is more of a promise and a reservation is much required. And yet, there is more than enough space for Sunny Lee to make something special. Following her successful pop-up, Banchan by Sunny, her 16-seat spot in Chinatown follows the same drum, billed as "a little place for banchan and wine." Sunn's does that so, so well, as little bowls of banchan feature rotating kimchi and chewy and sweetened candied squid, which is one of the best bites of the bunch. The tteokbokki—you know, that one dish you've likely seen on TikTok and the 'gram—is as good as it looks with a sweet tomato sauce, a savory hit of gochujang butter and a layer of stracciatella for all the pulling. Neighboring bar Parcelle Wine brings it home with a curated selection of wines, Korean lagers and soju.    

Time Out tip: Peep the specials of the day on the chalkboard behind the counter. Order at least one and be satisfied. 

Address: 139 Division Street, New York, NY 10002

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5-10pm

What is it? A dim speakeasy that's been one of NYC's finest since 2007. 

Why we love it: First opened in the early years of NYC’s great cocktail resurgence, Death & Co. is still a top pick for booze devotees who take their spirits seriously. There are limited reservations, but you can always chance walking into their effortlessly glamorous space. But if you can, request the bar to pick the bartender's brain over music, top tipples in the area and how they R&D'd the perfect faux egg foam. 

Time Out tip: Their menus range from "Light & Playful" to "Boozy & Honest," which rotate twice each year. The Occam's Razor is complex with smoky mezcal and a zip of yuzu liqueur balanced with coconut cream. 

Address: 433 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 6pm–1am; Thu–Sat 6pm–2am

What is it? A bi-level bar from two internationally known talents. 

Why we love it: Shingo Gokan's and Steve Schneider's bar houses two experiences under one roof. Down below, Gokan's bar pays tribute to the first samurai who returned to U.S. soil at Sip, with precision-based cocktails like the Mirepoix and Dirty Mango martini. Upstairs, there is a bit more fun to be had at Guzzle, with a spinning disco ball that comes out to play when you order their oversized espresso martini and a bell that rings when the vibe is right.

Time Out tip: The thinnest bikini sandwich (a well-known tapas in Spain) exists at Guzzle. Pressed between two stroopwaffles with Iberico ham and cheese, the snack alone is well worth the visit.

Address: 29 Cornelia Street, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Sun, Tue 4pm–1am; Wed–Sat 4pm–2am

What is it? The Wythe Hotel's sixth-floor bar that gives justice to the hotel bar.

Why we love it: Bar Blondeau is a handsome find in Williamsburg, found six stories up above. Panoramic views of Manhattan can be had with just a swivel of the head, whether you stay inside the green-tiled and blond wood bar or take to the shrub-heavy terrace with umbrellas that keep things breezy. Overseeing Le Crocodile down below, executive chef and partner Aidan O’Neal's dishes also climb up to the roof, pleasing us with buttery scallops in a wonderful zippy broth, charcuterie plates and a round of burrata dressed in all things seasonal (this time, with peaches and melon).

Time Out tip: Steak frites are included in the latest summer edition and only ring in at $29. Steak and a view? How much more romantic can you get?  

Address: 80 Wythe Ave, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 1pm–midnight

What is it? An award-winning bar that represents the Irish of today. 

Why we love it: No dearly departed hares here: The Dead Rabbit has been one of NYC's most award-winning locales since it first opened in the sometimes sleepy Financial District in 2013. The place still gets packed for terrific food and drinks, particularly the downstairs area, whose nightly soundtrack includes the chatter of finance bros mixed with fiddles and banjos from the band tucked away in a booth near the entryway. If you'd rather have a bit more peace, The Parlor upstairs serves some seriously solid cocktails, periodically reviving drinks from its decade-plus run. But a constant favorite of ours is the world-class Irish Coffee.

Time Out tip: If you happen to be traveling out of Penn Station anytime soon, pop on over to their sister bar, The Irish Exit, for a little nip before you leave town.

Address: 30 Water Street, New York, NY 10004

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–2am; Fri, Sat 11am–3am

What is it? A local diner turned watering hole where martinis are cold and the frozen drinks are even colder.  

Why we love it: Occupying a corner spot that operated under the same name for five decades, and now ten years into its second act, Long Island Bar comes by its retro-lite ambiance honestly. Its flickering neon beckons eventual—inevitable—guests from all the way down the block, and rewards their patronage with comforting, welcoming environs and best-in-class gimlets and martinis, plus beer, wine and a full menu. It has a way of filling up fast, so keep that in mind if you fancy a walk-in. 

Time Out tip: The two-patty, L. I. Burger is one of the best options from the grill. 

Address: 110 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat, Sun 2pm–midnight  

What is it? Hudson Square's glossy cocktail bar that channels the sights, sounds and tastes of Scandinavia.

Why we love it: Kabin is kind of hidden in plain sight, its glassy exterior easily blending into one of New York's newest neighborhoods. But venture inside and you'll discover a sleek Norwegian cocktail lounge. Indicative of the name, Kabin reads like a cabin, alright, but one that would top your Airbnb wishlist with white-washed wooden beams and leather balanced with steel and moody fixtures. But ultimately, the soft lighting and plush pillows come off as warm and inviting, as do the Nordic-inspired drinks such as the coffee-number, the Kaffepause, and the Kardamom Bun that drinks like the real thing. 

Time Out tip: An order of the Scandi Chips will certainly bring a bit of luxe to the table as the plate full of potato chips are blessed with creme fraiche with a zip of zest and pearls upon pearls of trout roe. 

Address: 300 Spring St, New York, NY 10013

Opening hours: Coffee Mon–Fri 7:30am–3:30pm; Mon-Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm—1am

What is it? A New Orleans-style cocktail bar where oysters are slurped and absinthe is ever flowing. 

Why we love it: Beloved for its chicly distressed interior and romantic ambiance, this Williamsburg mainstay is best known for its bivalves and a dedicated menu of absinthe. Sip a potent variety of the anise-forward spirit in the lush backyard.

Time Out tip: The Old King Cole Martini is shaken tableside, giving a bit of theatrics and a nicely chilled martini, of course.

Address: 298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Fri noon–1am; Sat, Sun 11am–1am

What is it: An internationally known and recognized cocktail bar where tinctures, infusions and spice find their way into your glass.

Why we love it: Mace has been a regular on local and international “best of” lists since it first opened in 2015. A later move to West 8th Street gives the perennial fave a little more room for outdoor dining, in addition to a comfortable interior and 27-foot zinc bar. Sip spice and botanical-forward cocktails, or one of the best frozen drinks in town, and see how fast you’ll make Mace your own personal recommendation.

Time Out tip: A feature from day one, you can still get their signature Mace cocktail (Aperol, aquavit, beet juice, orange acid, young Thai coconut cordial and mace mist) in its iconic red vessel. 

Address: 35 West 8th Street, New York, NY 10011

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–midnight; Thu 4pm–1am; Fri, Sat 2pm–2am; Sun 2pm–midnight

What is it? A lovely Italian-American cocktail bar from a Carbone alum. 

Why we love it: Williamburg's latest late-night date spot certainly made an impact, earning our 2024 Best of the City Awards for Best New Bar. Cocktails feature coconut-washed gins and limoncello milk punches, next to amari, grappas and sambuca. And while a bar it may be, Bar Madonna is serious about its food. Their Smashed Meatball Sub caused quite the stir, dominating the airwaves (or internet waves?) the summer it dropped.

Time Out tip: While not as flashy as the cheesy sub, the Stracciatella with salt-roasted beets and apricot mostarda is still just as noteworthy. 

Address: 367 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Sun 3pm-midnight; Mon–Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 3pm-2am

What is it? A crafty cocktail from one of New York's best mixologists, Julie Reiner. 

Why we love it: One of Smith Street’s finest since 2008, Clover Club has endured while other beloved restaurants and bars have come and go. This one’s both, plus it’s pretty all around, comfortable, and still feels special, whether you’re a regular or coming by for the first time. 

Time Out tip: Pop in next door to check out their sister bar, The Saloon at Clover Club.

Address: 210 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri 4pm–2am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight 

What is it? A cool wine bar where a chat with the bartender is refreshing rather than intimidating.  

Why we love it: Sauced doesn’t have a menu, and frankly, it doesn’t need one. This natural wine bar in Williamsburg invites conversation with the bartender, your friends and even strangers who love to imbibe. All you need to do is describe the kind of wine you like (from jammy to funky) and let the bartender give you a pour in one of their many stubby wine glasses.

Time Out tip: While the wooden shellacked interior is a beaut, the string-lit patio gathers all when the weather’s nice.

Address: 331 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri 5pm–2am; Sat 3pm– 2am; Sun 3pm–midnight

What is it? A Boerum Hill neighborhood bar that keeps it fresh with themed menus.

Why we love it: This mildly maritime-esque bar’s menu is frequently updated with themes like CATS!–"not the musical” and Nicholas Cage. This season’s sips take a page from the transit system we love to hate: the MTA.

Time Out tip: For HH, you can get a half dozen oysters for $13 and mini version of their cocktails for $8. 

Address: 336 State Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Opening hours: Mon 5-11pm; Tues–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri 5pm–1am; Sat 2pm–1am; Sun 2–10pm

What is it? An underground cocktail bar hidden inside the 50th Street 1 Station. 

Why we love it: The last few years brought a (re) resurgence of speakeasy concepts to NYC, and Nothing Really Matters is among the best. More incidentally hidden than many ironically more heavily branded bars of the genre, its gently obscured subway platform-adjacent location makes it feel safely ensconced from friends, foes and social media followers, though it does have an Instagram-worthy bathroom. But even the interior is sure to find its way on your camera roll as the obsidian shellacked inside glows with neon accents and a disco ball that glitters just right. Admire it all at the bar over Margherita Martini's that drink like a cold gazpacho (we promise it is nice), and the thick, eggnog-like Nueva York sweetened with orange and cinnamon. 

Time Out tip: The underground bar has two sister spots in the same subway station, so you could make a day of it like our Things To Do Editor did. 

Address: 210 W 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours: Sun 4pm–midnight; Mon–Sat 4pm–2am

What is it? The ground floor hotel lobby bar is found inside The Beekman. 

Why we love it: Visit the beautiful Bar Room in the historic Beekman Hotel for high-key romance that really wows. The soaring atrium locale is ornate from its soaring ceiling down to the bar, which is topped with martinis and all manner of other classic and creative cocktails. Tables, armchairs and large booths populate the rest of the space, should you wish to sink in a little longer. 

Time Out tip: Weekenders can and should check out the jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Address: 5 Beekman Street, New York, NY 10038

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 7am–11pm; Fri, Sat 7am–1am

What is it? A Japanese-cocktail bar from Masahiro Urushido. 

We love it: This bar in Greenwich Village was once named the 10th best in the world. See what the buzz is about over highballs, carefully crafted signature cocktails, boilermakers, sake, beer and wine across Katana Kitten’s two stylish floors. Skewers and small plates are available to pair. 

Time Out tip: The Mortadella Katsu Sando on milk bread is one of the best bar bites in town. 

Address: 531 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Sun 2pm–12am; Mon–Fri 4pm–2am; Sat 2pm–2am 

What is it? New York's first female-founded brewery.

Why we love it: This woman-owned brewery first opened a taproom in Williamsburg in March of 2021. Just a few years later, the brewery has locations all over the city, from Cobble Hill to Penn Station, all selling their brightly packaged, fruit-forward beers. Alongside their beer and seasonal suds, including the summertime slushie, the brewery is always down to host pop-ups from up-and-coming chef talents. Peep their IG to see who is coming next. 

Time Out tip: Pick up some canned beer to go or a bottle of their housemade wine when it's time to say goodnight. 

Address: Multiple locations

What is it? A neighborhood bar touched by the Wes Anderson-verse. 

Why we love it: This ideal neighborhood go-to is now in its second decade. Sweet Afton must be doing something right. And for its 20th birthday, Kris Moran, who notably worked on Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, gave the bar a little facelift for its special milestone. The beer, wine, cocktails, and weekday happy hour, where some of the above are priced from $5-$13, are a good start, and the roomy indoor and back patio seating areas don’t hurt, either. 

Time Out tip: The late-night food menu is available until 1am, and their best burger is most certainly on it.

Address: 30-09 34th Street, Astoria, New York 11103

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–4am; Sat, Sun 10am–4am

What is it? A beautiful, high-in-the-sky cocktail parlor that overlooks midtown. 

Why we love it: The team behind Dear Irving added a second outpost on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel in Times Square in 2019. Its high design is a little 60s-era James Bond and a little Art Deco, and serves some of the best cocktails in an area where venues often skate by on simply existing. 

Time Out tip: In the summer months, the accordion doors slide open for a coveted rooftop moment. 

Address: 310 W 40th Street, New York, NY 10018

Opening hours: Sun 4pm–midnight; Mon 5pm–midnight; Tue–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

What is it? A Bowery bar that brings you to the coasts of the Caribbean. 

Why we love it: Paul Carmichael of Australia's long-time-running Momofuku Seibo marked his return to NYC with a drink, well, more like his Caribbean-style rum bar. Making its debut before its tasting menu, Bar Kabawa channels the rhythms from its island-inspired fare to its cocktails, many of which tip a glass toward the daiquiri. Bites can be had here, but if you plan on dining at Kabawa later in the evening, we recommend keeping it light with a patty or two. 

Time Out tip: The bar's namesake drink comes with a glass overflowing with fluffy shaved ice. Make sure to get your camera out before the bartender pours over your drink for that perfect shot.  

Address: 8 Extra Place, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30pm–midnight

What is it? A friendly lesbian bar that's been open since the '90s.

Why we love it: One of New York’s few lesbian bars, Cubbyhole has stood in the West Village for over 30 years. Inside, you’ll find a colorful tapestry, with a ceiling decked out in paper lanterns, pinwheels, toys, holiday lights—really, the more you look, the more you’ll find. The bar is a comfy neighborhood hang in the early hours, but really gets going once the sun goes down.  

Time Out tip: Lines out the doors on the weekend is a pretty regular occurrence, but the weekdays are much more relaxed. 

Address: 281 W 12th Street, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–2am; Fri 4pm–4am; Sat 2pm–4am; Sun 2pm–2am

What is it? Harlem’s first Black-owned craft beer bar that specializes in hard-to-find beers.

Why we love it: With a talent for surfacing delicious brews from microbreweries and locally- and POC-owned businesses, this is the spot for finding that rare bottle you’ll remember forever. The backyard is dreamy on a beautiful day, but inside, you can take a seat at the long bar to learn from the bartender about the science and magic of craft brews.

Time Out tip: If you can't quite make it up to Harlem, the beer bar has an outpost inside Pier 57. 

Address: 2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard, New York, NY 10030

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 3–11pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat 1–11pm; Sun 1–9 pm