The 13 best wine bars in NYC

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chambers (@chambers.nyc)

What is it? The spiritual successor to beloved Racines—a refined yet relaxed downtown wine bar and restaurant with a menu by chef Jonathan Karis. 

Why we love it: Thoughtful, seasonal cooking paired with a deep, ever‑evolving cellar of wines from just about everywhere. Casual but polished. The food coming from the open kitchen is focused, confident, and satisfying. The service is excellent, with servers happy to guide diners through their wine selections. Chambers also curates an impressive selection of other libations, including beer. And a meal here isn’t a steal, but it won’t break the bank.

Time Out Tip: Ask about special off-menu pours. The dinner-accompanying wine list is comprehensive, but it belies the full list curated by Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier. If you didn’t make a reservation and want to walk in, please jump on OpenTable and add your name and desired time to the waitlist.

Address: 94 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007

Opening Hours: For drinks: Mon–Fri 5:30pm–Last call, which is “given when the last dining party is moving on to dessert.” For dinner: Mon–Thu 5:30–9:30pm; Fri 5:30–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$17/glass; ~$43–$1200+/bottle; $28–$45; ~$65 per person/meal (not including wine, tax, or tip)

What is it?: A new neighborhood favorite located in a converted Clinton Hill brownstone. From the team behind Oxalis, Place des Fêtes collapses the distinction between restaurant and wine bar to great effect.

Why we love it: The focus is on seasonal, seafood-forward tapas and a smart, mostly Spanish bottle list, all in a space that feels both polished and lived-in. It’s the rare “casual” spot where every detail feels deliberate–but more than that, every aspect is a small victory over expectations. Chalkboard specials keep things lively, and the staff’s enthusiasm for matching you with the right glass (or spinning the “wine roulette”) makes lingering all but inevitable.

Time Out Tip: Save room for dessert! Also, this is a wonderful date spot that encourages sharing and exploration of its menus.

Address: 212 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening Hours: Sun–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–10:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$15–$22/glass; ~$85–$300+/bottles; ~$12–$28/Small plates; ~$35–$42/mains 

What is it? A fun Tribeca outpost from eccentric sommelier Paul Grieco. Terroir Tribeca is a wine bar with a sprawling list, comfort food, and an almost dive bar energy.

Why we love it: The extensive wine list is peppered with irreverent asides that convey a ton of character. The food is meant to be enjoyed with wine but, like the digs, isn’t putting on airs–pigs in a blanket, smash burger, fish tacos beside a carefully curated menu of cheese, tinned fish, and charcuterie. With exposed brick, Edison bulbs, high levels of wine expertise balanced by low levels of pretension, this is the ur New American wine bar.

Time Out Tip: They sport two happy hours that run from 4pm until 7pm and then again 10pm until close. During either happy hour, oysters go for a discount and wines by the glass get a few bucks off, too. Also, Grieco has a (slightly unhinged) manifesto that somehow links wine to all sorts of other stuff.

Address: 24 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013

Opening Hours: Mon–Wed 4–10pm; Thurs 4–11 pm; Fri, Sat 4pm–midnight; Sun 4–9 pm

Expect to pay: Non Happy Hour pricing: ~$9–$33/glass; ~$60–$2,500+/bottle (No, that’s not a typo); ~$7–$18/small plates, ~$17–$40/mains

What is it? A Michelin-starred, natural wine bar in Williamsburg, co-founded by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy. 

Why we love it: 250+ bottle list of natural, biodynamic, low-intervention wine; a rotating selection of culturally agnostic small plates, a minimalist yet pretty room with a knowledgeable staff. It’s earned one of the big stars for its co-owning big star, who would no doubt shit on Big Star, so you know it’s doing something right, right?

Time Out Tip: The team loves a chance to flex, so don’t be shy with questions. Good luck getting a reservation. You can twiddle your thumbs, hoping the hype dies down, or show up early (11am for lunch, 5pm for dinner) and put your name in for a walk-in table to reduce your wait from months to hours.

Address: 295 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm, Fri–Sun 11am–3:45pm, 5–10pm

Expect to pay: ~$15–20/glass; ~$70–$1000+/bottle; ~$15–$40/small plate 

What is it? A sultry Parisian wine bar on the LES. Marble, brass, and low banquettes play host to a staggering bottle list. There are now two locations, the new one located near the Flatiron Building.

Why we love it: The vibes are classy and inviting. And this place’s list may be heavy on French terroir, but it boasts finds from all over. The kitchen helmed by chef Eric Bolyard pumps out small plates of very good food that play a high/low game with items like Wagyu Cheesesteak Eclair and cacio e pepe popcorn.

Time Out Tip: If they’re offering it, take the “mystery wine” challenge (guess the region and year, win the bottle)—it’s a fun pastime. They host classes taught by venerable sommeliers if you want to bone up.

Address: 249 Centre St, New York, NY 10012

Opening Hours: Mon–Wed 4–11pm; Thu, Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 3pm–midnight; Sun 3–10pm 

Expect to pay: ~$14–$80/glass; ~$50–$1300+/bottle; ~$14–$22/small plate

What is it? A plush, modernist wine lounge spun off from Le Bernardin, this place trades white tablecloths for comfy couches. The 200-bottle list is, as you might imagine from its sister establishment, pristine.

Why we love it: It’s a Midtown spot that feels like undoing the top button of a tight garment after a long day. Eric Ripert’s menu tilts toward fine dining without feeling fussy. It’s a nice place to linger, graze and sip.

Time Out Tip: Come with a group and claim a couch; the space was designed for conversation as much as consumption. Flights are a gentle way to explore unfamiliar regions without committing to a full pour. Every night at 9pm, you can get a pour from a freshly uncorked magnum chosen by the eponymous sommelier himself.

Address: 151 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

Opening Hours: Mon–Thu noon–11pm; Fri noon–11:30pm; Sat 4–11:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$16–80/glass; ~$60–$1000+/bottle; $14–$28/plate

What is it? Behind an unassuming LES facade, natural wine bar The Ten Bells is named (perplexingly) after a London pub supposedly frequented by Jack the Ripper. This place features handsome styling, natural wines, and tasty tapas. There is also a location where the poorly-tattooed, mulleted, camo-clad roam, i.e., Bushwick.

Why we love it: Long before “pet‑nat” was a hashtag, this bar was pouring Moroccan Syrah and Austrian Grüner. The metallic ceiling bounces light around the room, making this a happy-hour winner.

Time Out Tip: Every day from opening to 7pm, happy hour features $1.50 oysters alongside $20 carafes

Address: 247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–2am; Sat, Sun 3pm–2am

Expect to pay: ~$10+/glass; ~$24/carafe; $7–$19/small plates and tapas

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ardesia (@ardesiawinebar)

What is it? From Le Bernardin alum Mandy Oser, Ardesia is a mid-century modern wine bar on the ground floor of one of Hell’s Kitchen’s huge, gleaming apartment developments.

Why we love it: The space feels super modern and unique with a glass catwalk and a ton of accent lighting. The staff are super knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. The food is also highly accessible but still very tasty.

Time Out Tip: Take a chance on a glass of something from Slovenia or Hungary because, yes, they make wine there and yes, Ardesia has it. The food menu isn’t huge and doesn’t get gears turning at first blush, but everything is executed at a high level and very tasty.

Address: 510 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Opening Hours: Mon 4–11 pm; Tue–Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 1 pm–midnight; Sun  1–11 pm

Expect to pay: ~$10/glass; ~$40–$100+/bottle; ~$6–$14/small plate

What is it? A chic but casual Harlem restaurant/wine bar blending Italian, Spanish, and Greek influences–perfect for a crowd-pleasing weeknight out in style.

Why we love it: With its corner location, the room is bright and inviting. The wine list spotlights small, often under‑the‑radar producers chosen for character over name recognition. The food is satisfying and tasty, with a little something for everyone.

Time Out Tip: This is the perfect date spot and weekend brunch (Saturdays and Sundays 11am–4pm) is a treat, too. This place also has plenty of counter/bar seating, so coming alone with a book is another enticing option. There’s also a full bar, including cocktails and beer, if you’re with someone who’s not into wine.

Address: 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd at 119th St, New York, NY 10026

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 5–10 pm; Sat: 11 am–11 pm; Sun: 11 am–10 pm

Expect to pay: ~$14–$18/glass; ~$40–$135/bottle. ~$28–$65/mains; $10–$19/small plates

What is it? A 35‑seat charmer from Ivy Mix (Leyenda) and Conor McKee & Piper Kristensen (Fiasco! Wine + Spirits right across the street).

Why we love it: This is a lovely little neighborhood wine bar with a well-curated wine list, tasty bites, and a great backyard. It’s got casual, inviting vibes that go a great distance to welcoming wine leets and newbs alike. It feels, in many ways, like a new generation of wine bar in earnest–one doing its own thing according to its owner/proprietors’ own tastes and standards, that’s not worrying about swagger or flex.

Time Out Tip: Check their socials because they do a lot of events, collabs, and pop-ups. Happy hour is Monday–Friday, 4pm–7pm: 15 percent off all bottles, plus $10 draft wine, $9 draft vermouth, and $6 draft beer.

Address: 225 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri 4pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 2–11pm

Expect to pay: ~$12–$18/glass; ~$30–$130+/bottle; ~$4–$20/snacks

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ruffian (@ruffian_nyc)

What is it? A 19‑seat East Village jewel box equal parts chef’s counter and sommelier catnip. 

Why we love it: Every meal is a chef’s table experience unless you stake out the back with a large party. Like a bartender, your cook and somme are right across the bar from you, chatting and edifying with enthusiasm and warmth. The vegetable-forward menu is anchored in what’s seasonal and market-fresh, so the menu changes. The wine list fluctuates similarly with curation that reflects curiosity and verve, but tends to center around natural wines from Eastern Europe.

Time Out Tip: Let the team pour you something you’ve never heard of—they’re right there if you don’t like it, so they’ve got to stand firmly by their recs. Limited seating means a reservation is advisable. Happy hour (Mon–Fri 4pm–6pm, Sat and Sun 3pm–5pm) gets you $5-off all wines by the glass, 10 percent off all bottles, $5-off any food item.

Address: 125 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 4–11:30pm; Sat 3–11:30pm; Sun 3 –10:30pm

Expect to pay: ~$17/glass; ~$45–$150+/bottle; ~$50/meal (without wine, tax, or tip)

What is it? A cozy, vibey Lower East Side hideaway devoted to natural wines. 

Why we love it: Think dark wood, flickering candles, and a soundtrack that murmurs just below conversation level—as the name cheekily suggests, this is as perfect a date spot as it is a wine nerd’s haven. The list spans the globe but remains focused on skin-contact and other low-intervention bottles. Small plates keep your appetite at bay and let the wine shine.

Time Out Tip: Arrive early or during the week to snag one of the few coveted tables, or simply put in a reservation. And don’t be shy about asking for some guidance–the staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and will gladly guide you. 

Address: 76 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat, Sun 3pm–midnight

Expect to pay: ~$14–$18/glass; ~$50–$200+/bottle; $5–$17/snacks

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by June Wine Bar (@junewinebk)

What is it? A Carroll Gardens hideaway that helped put natural wine on Brooklyn’s map back in 2015 and continues to keep it classy. From some of the people behind the adorable neighborhood Italian spot, Rucola.

Why we love it: June’s got a lot of vintage character and style without pushing the aesthetic into kitsch. The natural wine-centric list is adventurous but not too far out there and not imposingly long. The dinner menu offers a tidy set of very tasty dishes that range from olives to full-fledged mains.

Time Out Tip: This is a romantic dinner date option, for sure. Let the staff steer you toward a pour of something novel–they’re exceedingly friendly and they know how intimidating wine can be. There’s also a cocktail menu and a few beers if you prefer.

Address: 231 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening Hours: Mon–Thu 5 pm–midnight; Fri 5pm–1am; Sat 2pm–1am; Sun 2pm–11pm

Expect to pay: ~$16/glass; ~$68/bottle; ~$9–$18/small plates; ~$25–$35/mains