Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cocktail Bar Explorers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cocktail Bar Explorers
1. Double Chicken Please
A boundary-pushing Lower East Side haven where cocktails are inspired by dishes—from Cold Pizza to Mango Sticky Rice—served alongside inventive small plates.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a world-class bar that turns flavor concepts into playful, polished drinks, perfect for travelers chasing the forefront of mixology.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays in the early evening for shorter waits; late night for a lively scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit at the back-room bar for the full culinary cocktail experience and ask about limited seasonal creations.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the precision and creativity, calling it a must for serious cocktail fans.
2. Attaboy
A no-menu, bespoke cocktail institution on Eldridge Street where bartenders tailor drinks to your palate in an intimate, understated space.
✓ Why Go:
It epitomizes New York’s craft-cocktail DNA—personal, precise, and endlessly inventive.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening or late night on weekdays; expect a wait at peak hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Come with a flavor profile in mind (spirit, sweetness, acidity) and let the bartenders surprise you.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the consistency and customized service; many call it their favorite NYC bar.
3. Death & Co
A seminal East Village cocktail den credited with shaping the modern bar renaissance, known for meticulous technique and a deep spirits list.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a pilgrimage site for cocktail lovers—expect perfectly balanced classics and cutting-edge originals.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Open to late; arrive early evening for easier seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a split-base classic or ask for bartender’s choice if you want something off-menu yet dialed-in.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors applaud the polish and atmosphere, noting it still feels special years on.
4. Please Don't Tell (PDT)
The East Village speakeasy behind a phone booth inside Crif Dogs, famed for hot-dog pairings and precise, playful cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quintessential NYC experience—secretive entry meets serious bartending.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weeknights for a smoother entry; late nights are vibrant but busier.
✓ Insider Tip:
After you’re seated, ask about seasonal riffs and spirit-forward specialties; consider a classic dog pairing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the hidden-door thrill and well-executed drinks that match the hype.
5. Katana Kitten
A high-energy Greenwich Village bar blending Japanese technique with American bar culture—think highballs, boilermakers, and show-stopping signatures.
✓ Why Go:
It’s joyful and inventive, with flawless hospitality and drinks that are as fun as they are refined.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Happy-hour window or early evening; weekends fill quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t skip the highballs and ask about seasonal slushies when the weather’s warm.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight the welcoming vibe, precision, and memorable flavor combinations.
6. Dante West Village
A sunlit, Italian-leaning cocktail cafe known for aperitivo culture—spritzes, Negronis, and martinis executed with timeless style.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for daytime sips or golden-hour aperitivi, showcasing balance and charm in equal measure.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to early evening for aperitivo; brunch hours for a relaxed pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Explore the Negroni variations or ask for a lighter low-ABV option to extend your crawl.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush about the atmosphere and classic-leaning menu that feels effortlessly New York.
7. The Dead Rabbit
A multi-level FiDi landmark blending Irish pub warmth with award-winning cocktails—from historic-inspired recipes to modern crowd-pleasers.
✓ Why Go:
You get both convivial energy and serious mixology under one roof, ideal for groups and solo sippers alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for easier seating; evenings for the full spirited buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about Irish whiskey flights or a bartender’s choice built around your preferred style.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests celebrate the hospitality and storytelling-driven menu design.
8. Overstory
A sleek, sky-high cocktail bar perched atop 70 Pine Street with wraparound views and meticulously crafted drinks.
✓ Why Go:
It pairs destination-worthy cocktails with one of the best vistas in the city—ideal for a special night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden-hour views; late evening for a sparkling skyline.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window spot and consider a spirit-forward signature to sip slowly while taking in the panorama.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers call it unforgettable—both the service and the skyline.
9. Maison Premiere
A Williamsburg charmer with an absinthe-focused bar, oyster program, and garden seating, evoking old-world elegance.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a romantic stop on any cocktail crawl, especially for fans of classic spirits and aperitifs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening or late-night weekdays; weekend brunch offers a different vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sample an absinthe service or ask the bar for a customized martini to your specs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons praise the atmosphere and craftsmanship, often lingering longer than planned.
10. Clover Club
Brooklyn’s pioneering craft-cocktail lounge where technique, hospitality, and comfort converge—equally suited to dates and groups.
✓ Why Go:
A foundational spot for NYC cocktail culture, with a balanced menu from sours to spirit-forward staples.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for conversation-friendly seating; later hours for a buzzy scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for seasonal specials and don’t overlook the bar’s strong zero- or low-ABV options if pacing a crawl.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors commend the consistency and classic-cocktail mastery that keeps them returning.
