Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cocktail Enthusiasts
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cocktail Enthusiasts
1. Attaboy
A no-menu, seat-by-seat speakeasy where bartenders craft bespoke cocktails based on your preferences. The tiny, brick-walled room channels classic Lower East Side cool and meticulous technique.
✓ Why Go:
For tailored drinks made by some of NYC’s most acclaimed bartenders and an intimate, purist cocktail experience.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weeknights to minimize the wait; late nights for a lively, insider vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Come with a flavor profile in mind—spirit base, sweetness, citrus, bitter—so your bartender can dial in the perfect drink faster.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise pitch-perfect cocktails and attentive bartenders; most note the door queue is worth it for the personalized results.
2. Dante
Historic Greenwich Village cafe turned global cocktail destination, renowned for aperitivo culture, Negronis, and a sunny, neighborhood feel.
✓ Why Go:
To explore an exceptional Negroni program and low-ABV aperitivi in a storied New York setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for aperitivo; weekend brunch for daytime spritzes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a Negroni flight to compare house variations side by side and find your favorite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the balance of world-class drinks and casual warmth; some mention it gets busy—reservations help.
3. Death & Co
A pioneer of the modern craft cocktail movement, this East Village institution pairs moody lighting with a deep menu of originals and reimagined classics.
✓ Why Go:
For refined technique, seasonal menus, and a benchmark for New York cocktail craftsmanship.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weeknights or late-night seats after the dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about dealer’s choice if the menu feels overwhelming—the staff excels at bespoke recommendations.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about consistently excellent builds and balance; expect a wait at peak hours.
4. Please Don't Tell (PDT)
Iconic speakeasy accessed through a phone booth inside a hot dog shop, serving precision cocktails in a cozy, hidden lounge.
✓ Why Go:
To check off a quintessential NYC speakeasy with playful presentation and serious mixology.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for easier entry; late night for the full speakeasy mystique.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a cocktail with a Crif Dogs snack delivered to your seat—bartenders will suggest ideal drink matches.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the theatrical entry and polished drinks; limited seating means waits can be long.
5. Employees Only
West Village classic with a Deco bar, white-jacketed bartenders, and a menu that honors and updates pre-Prohibition favorites.
✓ Why Go:
For late-night hospitality, spirited crowd energy, and cocktails that deliver every time.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evenings into the night; arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the EO Gimlet as a house standard, then explore seasonal specials from there.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight smooth service and consistently balanced drinks; it’s a destination that still feels local.
6. The Dead Rabbit
Financial District mainstay known for Irish hospitality, a legendary Irish Coffee, and an upstairs cocktail parlor with story-driven menus.
✓ Why Go:
To experience award-winning cocktails in a uniquely New York-meets-Irish setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for a relaxed Irish Coffee; evenings for the lively parlor vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Irish Coffee first—then dive into the seasonal cocktail list upstairs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers praise the welcoming staff, rich history, and standout signature drinks.
7. Overstory
A high-altitude cocktail bar with wraparound terraces and cinematic skyline views, matched by intricate, modern drinks.
✓ Why Go:
For destination-worthy cocktails with one of the city’s most dramatic vistas.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden light and photos; late night for a moodier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead and request terrace access; wind can pick up—opt for stirred, spirit-forward drinks outdoors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests are wowed by the views and technique-driven cocktails; prices are premium but considered justified.
8. Clover Club
Brooklyn stalwart celebrating classic cocktails with a fireplace-cozy room, refined snacks, and a deep bench of shaken and stirred standards.
✓ Why Go:
For textbook classics, a welcoming neighborhood feel, and a bar team that nails the details.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for a relaxed seat; weekends bring a buzzy yet polished crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try the namesake Clover Club and then ask for a dealer’s choice riff tailored to your palate.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons adore the craft and warmth—many call it their ideal ‘perfect classic cocktail’ bar.
9. Maison Premiere
New Orleans-inspired oyster and absinthe bar with a lush garden and one of NYC’s most elegant cocktail programs.
✓ Why Go:
For absinthe service, martinis, and refined seafood in a romantic Williamsburg setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for shorter waits; weekend afternoons for garden seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the absinthe drip or an absinthe-leaning cocktail if you’re curious but new to the category.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors swoon over the atmosphere and meticulous drinks; expect lines during peak hours.
10. The Long Island Bar
Mid-century time capsule with neon glow, classic booths, and immaculate renditions of martinis, gimlets, and highballs.
✓ Why Go:
To savor perfectly executed classics in a nostalgic, lovingly preserved space.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for bar seats; late night for neighborhood charm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a Martini or a G&T—simple builds that showcase the bar’s precision and cold glassware.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars and visitors alike praise the consistent quality and timeless vibe.
