Which bar in Lower Manhattan is the best?
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Are you looking for the best bars in Manhattan? Then you’ve come to the right place – because I’ll show you the hottest speakeasy bars, pubs, wine bars and small venues where New Yorkers hang out. The choice of bars in Manhattan is huge – so there’s bound to be something for you!
To help you quickly and easily see which spot is near you, you can find all of Manhattan’s bars on an interactive map. And if you love rooftop bars as much as I do, check out the best rooftops in Manhattan.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My Favorite Best Bars in Manhattan
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01
Ardesia Wine Bar
Wine Bars in Hell’s Kitchen
Our Highlight
Ardesia Wine Bar is one of my favorite spots in Hells Kitchen: not only do you have a great selection of wines (aha), but also a stylish ambiance and really good food at the same time. Be sure to try the Garlic Shrimp Skewers and the Mozzarella & Bacon Sandwich!
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02
Brandy Library
Bar in Tribeca
Our Highlight
Even if the name suggests otherwise: the Brandy Library has a huge selection of even very rare whiskeys in its program, which will make the heart of every whiskey fan beat faster. More than 1,000 bottles are used as decoration, especially in the evening it looks like a library of high-proof drinks. What we found very exciting are their events where you can learn more about Bourbons, Cognacs etc. Conclusion: Super-atmospheric and a real highlight!
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03
Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
Our Highlight
CONNOLLY’S + PERFECT PINT
The bar Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant is an Irish pub like it is in the book and is for me one of the best pubs in New York. A huge, rustic bar, lots of colourful taps and tons of good whiskey immediately attract attention. The kitchen is also excellent. The burgers are a blast!
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04
Dante NYC
Bar in Greenwich Village
Our Highlight
When it comes to the best Negroni in town, there is hardly a way around Dante NYC. They are an institution in New York and have been serving their Negroni since 1915 (it’s an Italian restaurant with a small bar). You find it at the corner of Greenwich Village, SoHo and Hudson Square – here we are super-often when we are on the road in New York.
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05
Dear Irving on Hudson
Bar in Hell’s Kitchen
Our Highlight
The bar Dear Irving on Hudson is a real insider tip. Located very close to Times Square, you can look down on Manhattan‘s “urban canyons” from here and be relatively undisturbed. The bar is small and cozy and not yet as crowded as many others in the neighborhood. The cocktail menu is not that big, but the cocktails are really good.
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06
Drift In
Sea Food Restaurant in West Village
Our Highlight
The Drift In is one of my latest new discoveries in New York: it’s located right on the Hudson River promenade in the West Village. They serve oysters and the best lobster roll in town – no wonder, the team behind the Drift In is the same as at my beloved PILOT Brooklyn and GRAND BANKs. Just great!
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07
Ear Inn
Bar in Hudson Square
Our Highlight
The bar is an institution in the city (not only because of the legendary cheeseburger) and has been located on Spring Street for 200 years. By the way: If you pay attention to the neon sign, you will see that it used to say “Bar” instead of “Ear”.
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08
Employees Only
Bar in Meatpacking District
Our Highlight
A bar where you can dive into the 20s and 30s of New York. The Speakeasy Bar was voted into the TOP 20 of the best bars in the world – the drinks are of the finest. Attention, the entrance is a bit hidden: you’ll find it next to the neon “Psychic” sign.
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09
Fools Gold NYC
Bar in Lower East Side
Our Highlight
One of the best bars in New York, also known for good burgers. The bar is an absolute MUST-SEE! The burgers are really sensational and they offer really good local beers.
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10
Grand Banks
Sea Food Restaurant in Tribeca
Our Highlight
Water, a great view of Manhattan and a great atmosphere – the location is simply the best. You are sitting on a historic ship called F/V Sherman Zwicker on the Hudson River and can enjoy New York from the water when the weather is fine. The place also serves great drinks and seafood.
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11
142 Sullivan Bar
Bar in SoHo
142 Sullivan Bar is a very popular little bar, especially with New Yorkers, in the Soho neighborhood, just two blocks from Bleecker Street and one block from W Houston Street.
We love this place because of the welcoming atmosphere, and: the cocktails and the wines are really good.
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The bar is very popular with New Yorkers, the prices are sensational and the audience is mixed. Colourful is also the bar and for this reason alone worth a visit.
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13
55 Bar
Bar in Greenwich Village
The 55 Bar is a Prohibition-era dive bar that offers nightly funk, blues, and jazz performances in Greenwich Village. Essentially considered the gem of Greenwich, it’s been in business for over 100 years, but don’t let their tagline fool you – it’s not a place for swing or retro jazz. In fact, in recent years, this homey downstairs club has hosted some of the top innovative names from modern jazz.
The 55 Bar charges a modest cover, but they book major talents, so the experience is well worth the cost. Some patrons even claim that this bar is among the best jazz venues in all of New York City. It’s been a longtime home for acts like Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern, and Sweet Georgia Brown. They offer live music every night of the year, and you can expect to hear something ranging from the blues or jazz to avant-garde varieties.
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14
Amelie Wine Bar
Bar in Greenwich Village
When Paris meets New York, such wonderful places like the Amelie wine bar in Washington Square Park are born. Fantastic wines and little treats are available here at affordable prices. Definitely one of our favorites in the city.
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15
American Whiskey
Bar in Chelsea
In the Tribeca or Chelsea areas of NYC, you’ll find American Whiskey locations. Unlike other sports bars you’ve ever visited, this venue allows guests to slug whiskey inside of a three-story booze lodge. Fans love the main bar, which is leather and oak accented, and the mounted bison heads and 36 flatscreen TVs. Just be sure to bring your A-game because this place offers one to two-ounce shots of over 100 different types of domestic whiskey. Basketball fans will enjoy their NCAA specials, so don’t forget to inquire about those!
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16
Amity Hall
Bar in Greenwich Village
Especially when the Carolina Panthers play, the atmosphere in Amity Hall is boiling! The bar is huge and the game is broadcast here on a 6 meter flatscreen and many other screens. Besides the classic Chicken Wings you can also get great burgers here.
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17
Amor y Amargo
Bar in East Village
The Amor y Amargo is one of the bars we really love! From the outside it is totally inconspicuous, but when you go inside you will immediately feel the charm of the bar. Such spots are what makes New York for me (similar spots are the Proletariat and Fools Gold NYC in the Lower East Side for me). It is small, cozy and absolutely relaxed – just great!
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18
Analogue
Bar in Greenwich Village
In the bar in the heart of Greenwich Village you can enjoy your drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Live music is also played here from time to time.
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19
Apotheke in Chinatown
Bar in Chinatown
If you know, you know. Apotheke in Chinatown is one of those speakeasy types of bars that are still super trendy to go to. It still maintains the classic look and almost speakeasy vibe from back in the days.
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20
Barcade
Bar in East Village
Nostalgic for arcade games and want to relive your childhood? Then head on over to Barcade. There are multiple locations in NYC, such as Williamsburg and the East Village. Barcade has the classic arcade games that you’re accustomed to such as Pac-man, Donkey Kong and Tetris. The only difference between your childhood and now is that if you wanted to (and we don’t encourage this), you can play drunk. Yes, they serve beer. Arcades and beer is an amazing time.
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21
Bathtub Gin
Bar in Chelsea
A great bar with a great selection of cocktails and gins. On the menu you will find small dishes like crispy calamari, grilled chicken or burrata.
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22
Bemelman’s Bar
Bar in Upper East Side
Bemelman’s Bar is our favourite spot on the Upper East Side and already several times after a visit to Central Park our first stop to let our legs rest for a while. If you can also enjoy a delicious drink in a wonderful atmosphere, it hardly gets better. Oh yes: with the Hammer-Burger that is available here!
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23
Bill’s Bar and Burger
Burger Spot in Midtown Manhattan
This bar is one of the places that are one of our little highlights in NYC. As the name suggests, you can get tasty burgers and excellent beer here. The list of beers that are drafted or bottled is as long as the list of burgers. And all this at a fair price.
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24
Black Tail NYC
Bar in The Battery
UPDATE 2021: Unfortunately the bar is closed now.
The Black Tail is the bar on the 2nd floor of Pier A Harbor House, which is one of our favorite spots with a view of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. It is always worth a visit: the location and the good drinks are just two reasons to definitely stop by!
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25
Bounce Sporting Club
Bar in Flatiron District
Anyone looking for a more swanky spot to watch March Madness in NYC should check out the Bounce Sporting Club. Located on W 21st Street, this venue is home to 30 HD flatscreen TVs and a 4,000-square-feet lounge area. So, if you’re looking for a larger place to watch the games during the pandemic, consider this spacious sports bar that offers creative cocktails and pub foods with a twist.
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26
Bowery Beer Garden
Bar in Chinatown
If you’re close to Chinatown, be sure to check out the Bowery Beer Garden. This open-air space is located at 93 Bowery and is more pandemic-friendly than other venues. Offering over 50 big-screen televisions and 40 different brews of beer, Bowery is NYC’s most extensive sports beer garden, so watching March Madness at this spot is a no-brainer! If you get hungry, be sure to opt for house specialties such as loaded garlic shrimp fries or beer garden wings.
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27
Brass Monkey NYC
Bar in Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District is known for its chic clubs, expensive cocktails and bars such as the Brass Monkey NYC. Many of these locations are very exclusive and are unfortunately closed to tourists and visitors alike. If you want to get a taste of the Meatpacking District’s nightlife, Brass Monkey is definitely a spot to try.
The Brass Monkey NYC, which is very popular with locals, opened in the summer of 2004 in the Meatpacking District and is considered as one of the hotspots in the area. The bar welcomes you to a relaxed atmosphere decorated with wood, copper and long tables where you can simply chat with others. Spread over 2 floors, there are 3 bars and a huge selection of beer. On the rooftop, there is a beer garden with amazing views of the Hudson River and New Jersey.
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28
Cafe Wha?
Bar in Greenwich Village
A classic spot in Greenwich Village is Cafe Wha?. Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, The Velvet Underground, Cat Mother & All Night Newsboys, Kool and the Gang, Peter, Paul & Mary, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers and Bill Cosby are just some of the greats that were frequent visitors when they were just starting out their careers.
Today, you can listen to live music here and you should definitely have an evening at Cafe Wha?
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29
Cibar
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
The Cibar close to Union Square is one of those hidden little bars that do not really look like anything from the outside. However, if you are inside and want to have one of their delicious drinks (I’m not a rum lover, but on the bartender’s recommendation I tried the “Hedo Rick“. Crazy!) you know what I mean! The Cibar is really a nice bar in New York!
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30
City Winery
Wine Bars in Hudson Square
Several good things come together in the City Winery: fantastic wines, relaxed atmosphere and concerts.
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31
Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
CONNOLLY’S + PERFECT PINT
The bar Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant is an Irish pub like it is in the book and is for me one of the best pubs in New York. A huge, rustic bar, lots of colourful taps and tons of good whiskey immediately attract attention. The kitchen is also excellent. The burgers are a blast!
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32
Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
CONNOLLY’S + PERFECT PINT
The bar Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant is an Irish pub like it is in the book and is for me one of the best pubs in New York. A huge, rustic bar, lots of colourful taps and tons of good whiskey immediately attract attention. The kitchen is also excellent. The burgers are a blast!
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33
Copper & Oak
Bar in Lower East Side
Ui, this is where we as whiskey fans lost our hearts – the operators behind the bar are the same as from the Brandy Library in Tribeca. Like there, the bar is always well attended. No wonder, the bar is not very big and beautiful. Shelves filled with whiskeys, rum and co instead of books, an illuminated bar and super delicious bar food make it one of the bars that is one of the most beautiful for us!
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34
Corkbuzz
Bar in Greenwich Village
The Corkbuzz is a kind of modern interpretation of a wine bar: fresh, clean and super relaxed. It is in direct neighbourhood of Union Square and therefore easy to reach. The choice is huge and the crew really knows what they are doing and what they are serving.
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35
Cornerstone Tavern
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
In Midtown East, you’ll find the Cornerstone Tavern, which is a well-known local spot for Kansas fans who will no doubt fill the place up to watch the Jayhawks. It’s been rumored that Xan Garcia, the owner, wants to place some big screens outside, but she first needs to ensure that the city is on board with that plan. If their newest plan doesn’t come to fruition, you can expect the same service from years past, including deals on seven-pint beer towers and the fan-favorite onion dip with Old Bay chips.
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36
Crocodile Lounge
Bar in East Village
The Crocodile Lounge is the Manhattan version of the Alligator Lounge. Also here you get a free pizza with every drink. So enjoy it!
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37
Dear Irving
Bar in Gramercy
Dear Irving on Hudson is an absolute secret in the city located on the 40th & 41st floor inside the Aliz Hotel. In the middle of Times Square, this bar pairs the glimpse of the city lights and skyline views with the best cocktails in town.
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38
Death & Company
Bar in East Village
Recognized as one of the 50 best bars in the world, Death & Company in the beautiful East Village is also one of our favorite spots to go out in NYC.
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39
Dylan Murphy’s
Irish Restaurant in Upper East Side
If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate Irish pub in NYC, Dylan Murphy’s is the place for you. This bar is small and features a limited menu of traditional Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, boxty, and beef and Guinness stew. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day. Make sure to try the Mac and Cheese or wings for a delicious pick-me-up.
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40
Earl’s Beer and Cheese
Bar in Upper East Side
Grilled cheese sandwich on old wooden table
Earl’s Beer and Cheese has good craft beers, interesting beer-cheese spread and delicious grilled sandwiches. The current dishes are written on a blackboard and will please even the small purse.
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41
Empellón Al Pastor
Bar in East Village
Empellón Al Pastor is a bar in the East Village with margaritas, beers, and various cocktails. The drink menu consists mainly of different types of margaritas like a ‘mezcal,’ ‘spicy cucumber,’ or ‘blood’ margarita. They also serve a rotating menu of specials that typically involve innovative Asian-Mexican fusion dishes. These specials are announced every Thursday, and they change a week later. Some of these interesting bar snacks include steamed birria dumplings, shrimp toast torta, and chicken nuggets with Sichuan salsa. It is best to follow @empellonapastor on Instagram for more updates about the bar snacks menu and different cocktails.
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42
Fitzgerald’s Pub
Irish Restaurant in Gramercy
Fitzgerald’s pub is one of the most popular Irish pubs in NYC and is known for having a great atmosphere to watch sports, listen to music or have a pint with friends. The menu features all of your favorite pub foods like wings, burgers and fries. But, if you’re looking for something different, they also offer a great selection of salads and sandwiches. Also, don’t forget to try their famous fish and chips!
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43
Gabby O’Hara’s
Irish Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Gabby O’Haras is a classic Irish Restaurant and pub located in the heart of Times Square. This spot is a favorite for tourists and locals alike, as it offers a little bit of everything – from Irish food to live music and even karaoke! The menu features all Irish classics like shepherd’s pie, boxty, bangers, and mash. Plus, they have a great selection of beers on tap – perfect for washing down your meal! Make sure to try the beef stew as they’re famous for it!
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44
Hudson Bar and Books
Bar in West Village
There are several Bar and Books locations in New York – but the one near the Hudson is the best whiskey bar of all. It has its very own charm and offers a huge selection of whiskey, scotch and co. If you’re looking for a whiskey bar where you can also relax and smoke a cigar, you’ve come to the right place.
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45
Jack Doyle’s
Bar in Garment District
We went to Jack Doyle’s before the New York Knicks game, because it is only two blocks from Madison Square Garden (and three blocks from the Empire State Building). If you are looking for a wonderful, normal pub with great burgers and nice people, there is hardly a way around them!
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46
Joe & The Juice
Bar in SoHo
If you want to charge your batteries with fresh juices for a short time, we recommend “Joe & The Juice”. There are different areas to sit and the juices are really awesome!
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47
Joe & The Juice
Bar in Upper East Side
If you want to charge your batteries with fresh juices for a short time, we recommend “Joe & The Juice”. There are different areas to sit and the juices are really awesome!
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48
Joe & The Juice
Bar in SoHo
If you want to charge your batteries with fresh juices for a short time, we recommend “Joe & The Juice”. There are different areas to sit and the juices are really awesome!
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49
Kettle of Fish
Bar in Greenwich Village
The small bar is inconspicuous from the outside and cosy inside. What you will immediately notice is the love for the Green Bay Packers, the American football team from Wisconsin.
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50
Kingston Hall
Bar in East Village
Pay once – dust twice? With Kingston Hall’s 2-for-1 offer, this is no problem at all! Here you can drink twice every day until 8 p.m.
The 50 Best Bars in Manhattan on the map
A map with all bars in Manhattan can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each restaurant on the map to find out everything you need to know
