Top 10 Best Places to Drink in New York

The bar that launched a thousand cocktail programs. Death & Co pioneered the modern craft cocktail movement from its East Village location. Dark, intimate, and consistently excellent, it remains the gold standard for serious cocktail bars worldwide.

Access this legendary speakeasy through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs hot dog shop. PDT combines whimsy with world-class cocktails, serving innovative drinks alongside gourmet hot dogs in an intimate, reservations-only setting.

The spiritual successor to the legendary Milk & Honey, Attaboy operates without a menu. Tell the bartenders what you like, and they'll craft something perfect. This Lower East Side gem embodies the bespoke cocktail experience at its finest.

A multi-floor Irish bar that revolutionized what a pub could be. The ground floor Taproom serves craft beers and Irish whiskey, while the upstairs Parlor offers award-winning cocktails inspired by 19th-century recipes and original creations.

Behind a psychic's parlor facade lies one of NYC's most celebrated cocktail bars. Employees Only combines Prohibition-era glamour with modern cocktail excellence, plus late-night comfort food that's become legendary in its own right.

The only surviving bar adorned with murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the Madeline children's books. This Upper East Side institution at The Carlyle offers timeless elegance, live jazz, and impeccable classic cocktails.

Originally a 1915 Italian cafe, Dante was reborn as a world-class cocktail bar famous for its Negroni variations and aperitivo culture. Named World's Best Bar in 2019, it perfectly balances Italian hospitality with cocktail innovation.

A Japanese-American cocktail bar from Masahiro Urushido that bridges Tokyo and New York drinking culture. Highballs flow from dedicated taps, while shochu and Japanese whisky feature prominently in inventive, perfectly balanced cocktails.

Hidden behind an unmarked door in a Japanese restaurant, Angel's Share pioneered the NYC speakeasy scene in 1994. The intimate space maintains strict rules (no standing, no loud talking) that preserve its sophisticated atmosphere.

Kenta Goto's Lower East Side gem celebrates his Japanese heritage through meticulously crafted cocktails. The sakura martini and miso-butterscotch old fashioned exemplify his ability to blend cultures while creating something entirely original.

This innovative Lower East Side bar reimagines cocktails through a culinary lens. Drinks are created using kitchen techniques like fermentation and clarification, resulting in unique flavors that blur the line between food and drink.

Perched on the 64th floor of One Liberty Plaza, Overstory offers spectacular cocktails to match its jaw-dropping views of the Manhattan skyline. The rooftop terrace provides an unmatched outdoor drinking experience.

A love letter to the martini in all its forms. This Murray Hill bar specializes in the classic cocktail with dozens of variations, from traditional to adventurous. Clean lines and retro-modern design complement the focused menu.

Set in the former office of 1920s railroad magnate John W. Campbell, this Grand Central bar features stunning original details including a painted ceiling and massive fireplace. Classic cocktails in a truly grand setting.

This reservation-only speakeasy transports guests to Prohibition-era New York with plush velvet seating, dim lighting, and impeccable cocktails. Private booths and attentive service create an intimate winter retreat.

A true New York institution since 1892, Old Town Bar retains its original 55-foot mahogany bar, tin ceilings, and vintage atmosphere. The perfect spot for winter beers and classic pub fare in a genuinely historic setting.

The William Vale Hotel's 22nd-floor rooftop bar offers sweeping 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace make it the ultimate summer sunset destination.

This Williamsburg oyster bar evokes the Garden District of New Orleans with its elegant courtyard garden. Absinthe service, oysters, and classic cocktails make it a summer oasis perfect for leisurely afternoon drinking.