With thousands of bars strewn across New York’s city streets, it’s challenging to choose one that fits your mood on a given night. We’ve weeded through the pretentious watering holes to bring you 12 of the best bars in NYC, including a range of cocktail lounges, speakeasies and beer gardens. You’re sure to find one with the right ambiance, crowd and drinks for your night out on the town.
1. One Fifty One (151 Rivington St, Lower East Side)
One Fifty One was recently opened on the Lower East Side by the owners of LA’s trendy Honeycut. The bar, often referred to as a cocktail den, prides itself on being dark and divey. But that’s all part of its allure. It’s purposely unassuming and decorated mockingly in 70’s colors and patterns. Their signature drink, the Radler, is a mix of beer and grapefruit juice, otherwise known as the “beer of Europe.” Visit the eclectic basement bar and you’ll understand why there’s a need for a gold-stone wall.
2. Sixtyfive (30 Rockefeller Plz, Midtown West)
Sixtyfive at the Rainbow Room was recently re-opened after receiving quite the face lift. According to architect Michael Gabellini, the new space was designed to “burnish history, to polish and move it into the present day, with an eye on the future.” The trendy cocktail lounge, situated on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, offers stunning views of Midtown Manhattan. The lounge serves classic old-fashioned signature cocktails like the 1915 Gin & Tonic. Be sure to imbibe a Gotham Mule, a house favorite made of Granny Smith apple-infused Tito’s Vodka and ginger beer.
