New York’s cocktail scene has always been a bastion of extraordinary innovation, hospitality, and artistry, constantly reinventing itself while honoring the classics that made it legendary. Whether you’re seeking groundbreaking newcomers redefining what a bar can be or beloved institutions that continue setting the standard for excellence, the city delivers an unparalleled drinking landscape. After countless evenings exploring both the latest openings and time-tested favorites, I’ve put together this guide highlighting the essential stops—places where cutting-edge creativity meets masterful execution, and where both industry veterans and curious newcomers will find something to marvel at.

And if you’re looking for the perfect places to recover with exceptional pastries the morning after your cocktail and wine adventures, be sure to check out my New York City Best Bakeries guide for the most incredible treats to ease you back into the day!

Modern Masters

These contemporary bars are redefining what cocktail culture can be, earning international acclaim for their innovation.

Superbueno

Industry veteran Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Jimenez has created the perfect homage to Mexican-American culture in this vibrant East Village cantina. Decked out in festive primary colours and neon lights, the bright space comes to life daily with a diverse crowd drawn to Jimenez’s warm hospitality and cross-cultural cocktail genius.

Known For: Roasted Corn Sour (corn whiskey, reposado tequila, roasted corn, guajillo, lemon, egg white) and Mole Negroni (mole fat-washed mezcal, artichoke bitters, amaro, sweet vermouth, xocolatl bitters)

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: Even basic beers are accompanied by a choice of house-made tajin or wormsalt.

Double Chicken Please

GN Chan and Faye Chen’s gastronomic cocktail destination started as a vintage Volkswagen minibus tour before becoming one of the world’s most celebrated bars. While the front room Free Range offers kegged seasonal cocktails and a more casual atmosphere, the real magic happens in The Coop, their elegant back lounge that treats cocktails like a restaurant menu with liquid interpretations of familiar dishes.

Known For: Cold Pizza (tequila, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, burnt toast, tomato, basil, honey and egg white), Key Lime Pie cocktail, and other culinary-inspired libations divided into Appetizers, Mains, and Desserts

Closed: Monday

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the fried chicken sandwich—Mark Chou, formerly of Le Bernardin and Eleven Madison Park, has created something truly exceptional that perfectly complements the innovative cocktail program.

Sip & Guzzle

This bi-level Greenwich Village sensation brings the sophisticated energy of Tokyo’s legendary SG Club to New York, housing two distinct experiences under one roof. Sip, the subterranean Japanese cocktail bar, showcases precision-based mixology in a sleek, sophisticated setting that honors traditional Japanese bartending culture. Upstairs, Guzzle offers a more playful atmosphere with crushable cocktails and vibrant energy.

Known For: Precision-based cocktails like the Tomato Tree and Mirepoix Gibson in the refined basement setting of Sip

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: Make reservations for Sip well in advance—it’s much harder to book than Guzzle upstairs.

Martiny’s

After eight years at the legendary Angel’s Share, Tokyo native Takuma Watanabe opened this three-story temple to Japanese luxury in a renovated 1800s Gramercy carriage house. Every detail reflects the Japanese concept of omotenashi, from the warm oshibori towels to the Kimura crystal glassware.

Known For: The Grand Martiny: a ruby-hued balance of gin, sherry, port, cognac and elderflower liqueur

Closed: Tuesday

Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the Wagyu steak tartare.

Artisanal Excellence

These bars represent the pinnacle of craft, where technique and hospitality converge.

The Portrait Bar

This unique establishment has gained legendary status not just for its cocktails, but for serving what many consider New York’s best hot dog—an unexpected culinary surprise that perfectly embodies the city’s ability to elevate the everyday into something extraordinary.

Known For: Exceptional cocktails and New York’s best hot dog

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: Don’t let the bar setting fool you—the hot dog here has gained cult status among food enthusiasts (but I’m obsessed with the comté gougères).

Katana Kitten

This temple of hospitality creates an izakaya that melds Japanese pop culture with punk energy. This Japanese-American fusion represents the evolution of NYC’s cocktail scene, where tradition meets innovation in perfect harmony.

Known For: Hinoki Martini (served in a glass cone inside an ice-filled masu box) and Meguroni #2

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: The mortadella katsu sando is a perfect example of their Japanese-American fusion done right.

Clemente Bar

The collaboration between Eleven Madison Park’s Daniel Humm and Italian artist Francesco Clemente has created one of the city’s most artistic drinking experiences. Custom artworks are woven into every detail of this intimate space above the world-renowned restaurant.

Known For: The Clemente Martini with vodka and gin fat-washed with green curry, saffron, and vermouth-brined olive

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: The bar feels like the natural extension of EMP downstairs, delivering second-to-none hospitality paired with a fantastic bar food menu—don’t let the plant-based focus scare you away.

Overstory

Sixty-four stories above the Financial District, this Art Deco jewel box offers wraparound terraces with unparalleled city views. The cocktail program matches the lofty setting with sophisticated drinks that complement rather than compete with the scenery.

Known For: The Last Frontier (gin, sherry, mandarin, beeswax, yellow chartreuse)

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: Book reservations well ahead—with only 28 indoor seats and a $75 per person minimum, spots fill up fast but the views are worth every penny.

Timeless Classics

These establishments have shaped New York’s drinking culture and continue to set standards.

Angel’s Share

The bar that launched a thousand cocktail dreams, Angel’s Share opened in 1993 and brought precision Japanese bartending to New York when the city was still in its cocktail dark age. Now reopened in the West Village, it continues to influence bartenders worldwide.

Known For: Precision Japanese bartending techniques and classic cocktails executed with meticulous attention to detail

Closed: Sunday & Monday

Pro Tip: They don’t take reservations, so consider popping across the street to Mama’s Too for a slice while you wait.

Attaboy

This intimate speakeasy on the Lower East Side carries on the legendary Milk & Honey tradition with no menu and expert bartenders who craft personalized cocktails based on your preferences. The unmarked entrance and skilled staff create a uniquely tailored experience that has made it one of NYC’s most revered cocktail destinations.

Known For: Menu-free experience, custom cocktails crafted to your taste, and intimate speakeasy atmosphere

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: Trust the bartenders—describe flavors you enjoy and they’ll create something perfect for your palate.

Milady’s

Julie Reiner revived this Soho institution after it sat empty for eight years, bringing her Pegu Club pedigree to a neighborhood dive bar setting. The result perfectly balances high-end technique with unpretentious fun.

Known For: Big Apple Martini made with granny smith-infused gin and vodka, apple brandy and vermouth, plus “Jigglers” (elevated jello shots)

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: They open at noon most days, which makes them perfect for when you need to start your weekend a little earlier than socially acceptable—but hey, it’s five o’clock somewhere.

Dante NYC

Walk past this Greenwich Village spot and you’d mistake it for another Italian café, but behind the 1915 façade lies sophisticated cocktail culture. The perfect marriage of all-day Italian hospitality with world-class mixology has created a neighborhood institution.

Known For: Superlative Negronis and the signature Garibaldi made with fresh orange juice, plus extensive aperitivos

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: The outdoor sidewalk seating provides an unparalleled Greenwich Village experience. The space transforms from morning café to evening cocktail destination seamlessly.

Dead Rabbit

This legendary dual-concept Financial District institution offers two distinct experiences that have made it a cornerstone of NYC’s cocktail scene. The street-level Taproom serves perfect Guinness pours and Irish coffee, while The Parlor upstairs showcases world-class cocktail artistry. The Irish hospitality and storytelling make every visit memorable.

Known For: Perfect Guinness pours, exceptional Irish coffee, and innovative cocktails with elaborate comic book-style menus

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: Go hungry and don’t skip the food menu—the kitchen serves exceptional Irish fare that perfectly complements the drinks program.

Honorable Wine Mentions

While this guide focuses on cocktail excellence, these wine-focused destinations deserve recognition for their exceptional grape programs.

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Le Bernardin’s wine-focused sibling captures the laid-back atmosphere of Aldo’s living room while maintaining the precision you’d expect from a world-class sommelier. The midtown location makes it perfect for pre-theater drinks.

Known For: Over 40 wines by the glass, 200 by the bottle, and the famous “9pm pour”

Closed: Sunday

La Compagnie, Centre Street

This sultry French wine bar from the Experimental Group brings authentic Parisian wine culture to downtown Manhattan. Located at the intersection of Nolita, Soho and Little Italy, this 70-seat marble-and-brass establishment is known simply as “Compagnie” and is considered perhaps the best wine bar in downtown Manhattan.

Known For: Over 450 wines from around the world and dozens available by the glass

Open: Daily

Pro Tip: The staff is heavily made up of former fine dining employees and this is where industry folk tend to end up after finishing their shifts—sit at the bar and you’ll likely gain a friend or two.

Final Thoughts

Manhattan’s bar scene represents the perfect intersection of tradition and innovation, where century-old techniques meet cutting-edge creativity. From precision Japanese bartending to Mexican-American fusion, these establishments prove that New York’s cocktail culture continues to lead the world in both technique and hospitality.

Planning a trip to New York City? I’d love to help you create the perfect bar-hopping itinerary, complete with recommendations for the best times to visit these sought-after establishments. Reach out using the button below, and let’s start planning your delicious Manhattan adventure!