5. Nitecap (120 Rivington St, Lower East Side)
Nitecap, a basement bar cozily tucked beneath the Lower East Side restaurant Schapiro’s, offers a very intimate experience. Dim-lighting, warm tones and 14 pages worth of cocktail selections make Nitecap one of the best bars in NYC. The bartenders are also very friendly and knowledgeable of the bar’s extensive menu. Try the Tartan Swizzle, a mix of Famous Grouse Scotch, Laphroaig 10-year single malt whiskey, passion mix and pineapple and lime juices.
6. Ramona (113 Franklin St, Brooklyn)
Situated in Greenpoint, Ramona is run by the former owners of East Village’s popular Elsa bar. For those who fell in love with Elsa’s eclectic craft cocktail menu, this spot also prides itself on inventive concoctions for your imbibing pleasure. While at Ramona, you must enjoy a Black Book, a blend of bourbon, jalapeño, honey, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Sit beneath a copper chandelier and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the crowd.
