Mouthwatering Cocktail Bars in New York

Junoon

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$$$

"This place was amazing! The food was delicious and the service was excellent. My waitress knew exactly what to recommend me based on my preferences and the food was delicious!!!"

The Cactus Shop

★★★★☆ 4.4 (83) • $$

"While exploring Williamsburg on a leisurely weekend stroll, I happened to come across The Cactus Shop, and what a fantastic discovery it was! From the moment I stepped inside, I was drawn in by the warm and inviting ambiance, a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern flair. It felt like a hidden oasis, offering a cozy and relaxed setting that made me want to settle in and stay a while.I decided to try their brunch menu, and I was beyond impressed. Every dish was crafted with authentic Mexican flavors, beautifully presented, and bursting with freshness. From perfectly seasoned chilaquiles to their flavorful breakfast tacos, each bite was a delightful combination of bold spices and quality ingredients. The portions were generous, and I loved that they incorporated unique twists on classic dishes.Beyond the incredible food, the service was just as outstanding. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and efficient, ensuring everything arrived promptly and that we had everything we needed. It's always a pleasure to dine somewhere where the staff genuinely seems to care about their guests' experience.This spot is a true Williamsburg gem, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. Whether you're looking for a laid-back brunch spot, a great cocktail, or just a cozy place to enjoy delicious food, The Cactus Shop is an absolute must-try!"

Bijan's

★★★★☆ 3.9 (742) • $$

"I came in with no expectations. But I was delighted with the food. Well seasoned, well cooked, great selection. The service is good as well. I do recommend it, it tastes healthy!!"

The Bazaar By José Andrés

★★★★☆ 4.1 (89) • $$$$

"Perfect experience. Order Jose's Creative Experience tasting menu with beverage pairing and you won't regret it. We've enjoyed some well-regarded meals this year including Central & Maido in Lima. Bazaar was more enjoyable in terms of food and service. The tasting menu featured so many memorable dishes with notable standouts including the wagyu air bread, bluefin tuna & fried egg, wild black cod, A5 miyazaki, honey-miso eggplant, and pineapple kakigori.What really made the experience for us, however, was the service. Sometimes the staff is so personable you just feel like you know them. It doesn't happen often, but the Bazaar team achieved that. We happened to meet the beverage director in the elevator and he kicked the experience into action as we connected on long-ago Jose Andres tasting menu memories. He later hung out with us during the meal and shared fun stories about Jose. Our server & sommelier were personable, knowledgable, and made some creative adjustments for us. The manager Cristina really brought everything together and made us feel like part of the family. We walked away feeling uplifted and will definitely stop in again next time we're in town. 100% recommend."

The Musket Room

★★★★☆ 4.2 (626) • $$$$

"Really great food. And honestly, you get pretty great value for the food which makes any criticisms feel a little more acceptable. At least it's priced in!Musket Room presents itself as a prix fixe tasting menu restaurant. And the food is as creative, interesting, and delicious as such a restaurant should be.The service is pretty great as well. The waitstaff is personable and excited to serve you. But, perhaps there's not enough of them? They aren't as present or as attentive as would complete what feels like Musket Rooms vision of itself as a truly superlative restaurant. I find the decor similarly lacking. The interior presents itself well, but there is a difference between a great restaurant with a great a la carte menu and a "tasting menu" restaurant. And sitting in Musket Room either waiting for the waiter to drop your next course or wondering why they dropped it so quickly you can't help but feel you're in a merely "good a la carte restaurant" as you look at the decor and feel the stiffness of your seat.Overall, I'd recommend this place to anyone. But there's probably a reason you can get a table at short notice."

Peachy's

★★★★☆ 4 (160)

"Went there by myself to kill time before dinner. I have been wanting to visit this place for a while now. Thai me down is a superb drink. It's yummy but you can taste the booze (in a good way). The drink can be dipped in too for a long time. Most of their cocktails are still $19 so that's a plus. Service is fast and the vibe is neon-y and very chic. (Have you been to the new spicy moon location with the pink and flowery decor? So it's similar but dark and cooler)Will I come back for date night? Yes, absolutely"

Double Chicken Please

★★★★☆ 4.4 (801) • $$$

"This place is mind blowing with their artistic creativity in making drinks that tastes like actual food. Don't sleep on coming here to try out their cocktails in the back seating area.The wait times can be long so make sure to line up a little before their opening times to secure a spot quickly. We went on a weekday an we're able to get seated shortly after they opened for the day.Must tries are the Japanese Cold Noodle Soba and the Key Lime Pie!"

Baar Baar

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$$

"Everything from the service to the ambiance to the food was top tier. I'm shocked that the Star rating in Yelp isn't above a 4 - while I was worried it would be overhyped, the food exceeded my already high expectations. The diced lamb appetizer was amazing and the chicken in the meat platter practically melted in my mouth. They were also super accommodating with allergies and made sure to clearly separate things out for me. The biryani was overflowing with flavor and the lamb fell right off the bone and was so tender. The drinks were also strong yet delicious!! If you're looking for a fun place to celebrate a special occasion, the staff will also make sure you have an amazing time."

Monkey Thief

★★★★★ 4.9 (46) • $$

"A true cocktail bar in Hell's Kitchen - I'd never thought I'd see the day. While there are many nearby bars and restaurants in the area with a cocktail program, there aren't any where the mixology is the focus. There are ones where the drinks are simply just too sweet, others where the focus is on wine with a nice cocktail program, and others where the restaurant's food is the primary focus and the cocktails are secondary. But here, the mixology of the cocktails are in the forefront. As you peruse the menu, many of the ingredients you'll see in the cocktails may seem... different... from a typical cocktail. At Monkey Thief, the variety of ingredients complement one another and are paired beautifully in a way I never thought possible: fish sauce? yep. sesame? yep, that too. chaat masala? mmhmm. Just like any cocktail program, some drinks will be sweeter while others will be boozier. The 7 Long Years is a take on a spicy pineapple margarita with a touch of sesame, a gateway drink to the many other eclectic flavors on the menu. The Bullet Train is a really well made espresso martini. I really like the Major Tom. And the Tea Service, while on the sweeter side, is also delicious. The service is attentive but not overly so. And even the food is complementary, with similar pan-Asian flavors and you can't really go wrong with anything. Our last visit, we got an order of fries and they were addicting, to say the least. On other visits, we tried the calamari, potstickers, and fried chicken, which were all delectable. Now my fourth time to Money Thief, they continue to be consistent with every visit, and while we didn't need a reservation this time, I wouldn't be surprised if they become a necessity soon as it became busier and busier as the night progressed."

Ways & Means

★★★★★ 4.6 (29)

"I had brunch at this little gem and the bottomless drinks are well worth your money!! You can get mimosas, certain cocktails and even some beers. I don't write reviews often but the service here was absolutely phenomenal and I wanted to give them a shout out. Thank you to the manager (or owner?) here who brought us a variety of hot sauces when we asked for a kick in our omelettes.I'll definitely be coming back for the comedy club tucked in behind the restaurant."

Fragole Ristorante

★★★★☆ 4.3 (452) • $$

"After reading the rave reviews, I had to try Fragole Ristorante and find out for myself. I opted for delivery because it was very late already. I tried 1) The salmon alla griglia or grilled salmon. It was delicious and came with really creamy and delicious mashed potatoes. 2) The Rigatoni Bolognese - one of their most popular dishes. Definitely a great choice but the portion size is not large. The bolognese is pretty close to perfection and rivals similar sauces I've had in Italy. Overall, really tasty Italian. If you can only get one thing, recommend the Bolognese. I've heard the homemade gnocchi al pesto is excellent too. Great food !"

cloudM Rooftop Bar Bowery

★★★★☆ 3.8 (129) • $$

"Arrived at 5pm on a Sunday, originally just looking for the Museum of Street Art. Unless you are a guest of the hotel, you need to ask the front desk at the Citizen M for the elevator pass to the 20th floor. We were welcomed by the hostess who asked us to join for a drink and to walk around the space. The friendly staff also told us to "check out the views from the bathroom" which seemed odd at first, but as I walked into the handicapped bathroom I found a floor to ceiling view of downtown Manhattan covered in a rose-tinted hue. Needless to say this place is full of magical surprises if you know what to look for. As we walked around the side of the bar I spotted two pieces by Kusama and an adorable balloon animal by Koons. The star of the room is a leopard statue covered in a mirror mosaic. I don't know the artist, but I loved this view as the sun was setting. The Cloud has ample indoor and outdoor space. We we're comfortable as a party of 4 in the lounge and taking photos of the skyline. The bartender greeted us and accommodated our requests as we giggled as the cocktail names like "Everyday Struggle." At $16-$18 a drink, we expected quality and got it! If we hadn't recently eaten we probably would have stayed for a bite. The food looked delicious passing by. By 6:30 we made our way over to the door was to start our decent down 20 flights and into the Museum of Street Art. This experience truly is a love letter to the Bowery."

Fernando’s Hideaway

★★★★★ 4.6 (17)

"Would return to NYC for these cocktails over and over again -- "only fans" has to be my favorite martini in the city. You won't regret the visit here!"

Alessa Cucina & Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (31)

"What a gem! We stumbled upon this lovely place while looking for some late night pizza. It's just recently opened and has a beautiful ambiance. The staff was friendly and very helpful. But the PIZZA?!?! Rivals some of the best, even in little Italy. It was made Fresh and cooked in a brick oven at the front of the restaurant. We travel around sampling pizza from ALL OVER, and this is crisp, tasty, fresh and flavorful. 5 stars!"

Towa

★★★★☆ 4.3 (126) • $$$

"Really lovely experience at Towa! I got the W Course option, which has a diverse selection of well prepared and delicious dishes. Highlights for me were the soba noodles and the oysters - just so refreshing, particularly on a summer day. I also enjoyed the sushi; every piece was so fresh, although the wasabi flavor for a few pieces were a bit strong for my taste. I also got an Ichigo cocktail, which was so delicious and had an interesting peppercorn flavor that actually enhanced the drink. While the omakase spots are hard to come by, will definitely consider coming back to try the omakase experience if I get the chance!"

Laser Wolf

★★★★☆ 4.4 (405) • $$$$

"I came back to Laser Wolf for my second visit, this time for lunch, and it did not disappoint. The food was just as delicious as I remembered. The Salatim selection was smaller compared to dinner, but there was still a great variety, and everything was fresh and flavorful. I also added dessert this time, and it was so good -- definitely a sweet way to end the meal.The view of Manhattan from the enclosed rooftop is stunning, and despite being outside, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and warm it was. Perfect spot to enjoy your meal without freezing!Highly recommend this place if you're looking for great food with an unbeatable view. Can't wait for my next visit!"

Park Avenue Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"Park Avenue Tavern continues to be my local go to place for lunch. Highly conveninent near Grand Central, great food at reasonable prices. Service is top notch. Wait staff was great to talk to: knowledgable about the menu, quick to bring the food out and responsive to our needs. Can't really ask for too much more. There is a reason we keep coming back. My first choice for meeting up for a meal."

DuMont Burger

★★★★☆ 3.6 (803) • $$

"Incredible wings deff get those if you canBurger is standard but marketed as NY best Generally no line but food took 30+ minutes to come out even though we were one of three parties thefe"

Bar Belly

★★★★☆ 3.9 (262) • $$

"We stopped in for a drink or two so no food was had. But we did see the oysters coming through and they looked good. We went during happy hour but ordered off of the reg menu as the happy hour menu had not as appealing drinks as their reg menu. All of the drinks were nicely made and were definitely made with love. My favorites were the Cacao Inferno. Think of boozy hot cocoa with fire roasted marshmallows dipped on the edge. It feels like a nice campfire night. So nostalgic!!! The next favorite was the Bees Trap. The best part of that drink was the boozy cream. The cream was indescribable nothing I've ever tasted before. The Espresso was good but if you're into them then it's not a rarity nowadays. It was a worthy one though. The atmosphere was great. It's a smaller venue so get there early or make a resy. Our waitress was very accommodating. We'll def put it on our list to come back when in NY."

Blue Ribbon Brasserie

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$$

"NYC is known for their food scene. If you're a foodie, NYC will leave you full, in awe, and in love every time. SoHo is my stomping grounds when in NYC. There are so many places to eat but if I'm limited on time, I have a hand full of go-to's. You can find the best restaurants who are so deserving of Michelin stars throughout the big apple. Blue Ribbon is one of those restaurants. Quaint, yet charming. Come as you are. Perfect for day trips where you are casual. Service is always stellar. Thank you Isa.Food: Beef Marrow and Oxtail Marmalade is one dish that you MUST try! The combination of the oxtail marmalade and marrow are delicious. Rack of Lamb is a must, served with mashed potatoes. Exceptional plating, bursting with flavor, order this medium well. Catfish, also served with mash potatoes and collard greens. This is served pan seared. Flavors are profound. Dessert: Creme Brûlée - Perfection Blue Ribbon has a pretty good selection of wine. I opted for the 2018 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine George's. I love a white wine and although usually paired with oysters it was perfect with the catfish. Beautiful in color, gold, aromas were fantastic, citrus on the nose. On the palate, dry, clean, crisp. Legs were amazing, once it opened up it was perfect! Highly recommend this treasure in my beloved West Village and SoHo stomping ground! Thank me later! Ratings are high, obviously for reason."

The Gold Room

★★★★☆ 4 (46)

"What a sexy space! It's gold and dark and elegant and historic and mysterious all at once. Oh, and they pour great drinks. The BEST Manhattan of my life. Ever so subtle spice. We were guests of the Lotte hotel, where the bar is housed. But I would certainly come here were that not the case. If you are near Saks/St Patrick's Cathedral and looking for a cool gathering spot, this is it."

LilliStar

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (36)

"LilliStar is a trendy new cocktail bar at the rooftop of the Moxy in Williamsburg, and they know what they are doing!The cocktails are fantastic - I had their take on a spicy margarita, and it was delicious. I also had their spin on a Moscow Mule, and again - really unique and tasty.The guacamole with plantain chips was phenomenal, an unexpected bonus to a night out for drinks.The atmosphere is a bit clubby, with dim lighting and a DJ. But still, the chill cocktail vibe manages to persevere, and it's a nice place for a date or for small groups. AMAZING views of midtown Manhattan too, with lots of floor-to-ceiling windows and a nice patio. Make sure to book a reservation in advance, otherwise you'll be relegated to standing room by the bar.Definitely recommend this place, especially in nice weather!"

Paradise Lost

★★★★★ 4.6 (101)

"My girlfriend and I stopped in for a couple of drinks after a show on a Tuesday night. The service was great, especially because it was kind of empty in the bar. Our waiter Ricky was very kind and answered all of our questions about the menu. To start, he recommended I try the Beelz's Road Soda, which ended up my favourite drink of the night. It had an almost cinnamon tasting finish that I loved. I also ordered a Pina Colada, which was pretty standard. Not bad, but not great. My girlfriend had the Demerara Dry Float and the Attack of the Banantulas, both of which she loved. We also snacked on the Damned Dumplings. The sauce that comes with them was the star of the plate but the dumplings themselves were pretty good. We would definitely come back so we can try some more of the menu! ."

The Dickens

★★★★★ 4.6 (131) • $$

"Last night I check out the upstairs martini bar at The Dickens... this is a must try!!The martini bar is down the hallway to the left of the upstairs bar. They make a mean martini and the best part is that you get bottomless fries all night with the purchase of a martini! The fries were hot and salty and the perfect pair to my dirty martini. This is the ultimate girl dinner spot!We got a seat at the bar with no problem around 8PM on a Thursday. It definitely got more crowded later on after the broadway shows let out, but this would be a great post-theater spot if you can snag a seat!"

Bar Bastion

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12)

"I loved the feel of this bar. It's dimly lit, cute, cozy,and sexy even with elegant couches and a high-rise ceiling. It feels like coming into a quiet private lounge. The bartender was attentive and kind to make a drink of our preference that wasn't on the menu. I recommend if you want to come in for a quiet calm time to sip on a fancy cocktail. Type: Sexy, Hidden"

Lilli Restaurant and Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (35)

"- bottomless mimosa Saturday FTW- jerk chicken spring rolls were a hit'- I was a fan of oxtail empanada- fun staff shout out to Trish and Simone- snapper had rave reviews that sauce was perfect compelement- asian wings were alright- I liked my lamb although it was a bit over cooked- the salmon was enjoyed my members of our group- Caribbean soundrack- gratuity charged- food is on the expensiver side- spacious good for large groups and parties- photobooth idea was cool"

A to Z Rooftop On the Fifth

★★★★☆ 4 (22)

"The food was absolutely amazing from the appetizer to dessert. I would 100% recommend anyone to try out this restaurant. I truly enjoyed myself. The service was great even though they were super busy with New Year's Eve patrons. I took off 1 star for 3 reasons: lack of proper warmth for the outdoor igloos, lack of signage for the rooftop portion and not having change for cash yet still charging us the credit card fee."

Crave Fishbar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (902) • $$$

"As I said back in 2016, I repeat in 2023, CRAVE Fishbar is a definite keeper. Last night 12/12, we recently returned with friends to celebrate the holiday season. The restaurant was bustling in merriment.We started off with a platter of 24 delicious briny East Coast bivalves (oysters, matey!) which went down well with our yummy spicy 'Good Life' margaritas. All followed by small plates of: Salmon Sashimi tostadas, Silky Fluke Nigiri, Grilled Octopus w fennel, crunchy Brussel sprouts with chorizo, grilled Cauliflower with jalapeño + cheese. All delicious and good!Our evening concluded with Crave's luscious silky Red Velvet Cheesecake. A good choice! *Merry Happy + Season's Greetings to all! Cheers!***Peace On Earth**Thank you"

Pardon Me

★★★★★ 4.9 (7)

"Excellent service, delicious food - loved the steak. Elegant space with great music."

Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy

★★★★☆ 3.9 (645) • $$

"I came to this restaurant with my parents and family friends. To be honest I didn't know what to expect. At first glance, the menu seemed kind of boring like a typical brunch place without zing, but that could have just been the website design. However, when I heard about the reviews for the restaurant and when I heard that the food was great. I was more excited to give it a try. I ordered the avocado toast with smoked salmon and a poached egg. I also ordered a virgin bloody mary. The food was really good and I was happy to be proven wrong.The portions weren't too much or too little. I was happy with how much of the smoked salmon they put on the toast because it can be a pricy ingredient. I also loved the flavor of my bloody mary. Many people think that a virgin bloody mary is just tomato juice but it's so much more than that and they went above and beyond to make it good."

Titsou Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (12)

"Had never heard of Titsou prior to going, but really enjoyed this speakeasy when I went. Cocktails were delicious, my favorite was the espresso martini which was perfectly balanced but the margarita was also fantastic. Tried a few bites as well and the spicy tuna bites were soooo so good. Service was top notch, and the interior was sleek and felt like a classic NY experience. Definitely a special occasion place, or one to bring out of towers."

Holiday Cocktail Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.8 (185) • $$

"Alex the bartender was awesome! Alex shared so much insider knowledge bar info with us--Alex is a skilled drink slinger, a fantastic conversationalist, and an excellent historian! Did you know this is one of the last remaining punk bars in the east village? It's also one of the oldest having been around since the 1950s. They have their original phone booth in the corner and kept the layout of the bar intact, only slightly shifting the dimensions of the main room. The name comes from the electrical situation back then where holiday lights were used to light the place because the bar was having trouble with more traditional lighting technology back then. I forget the exact details... I was half listening because my attention was hyper focused on the amazing drinks! The bar is a real delight with a cult-like fan following. The drinks are a work of art in both flavor profiles, ingredients, craft, and decoration! Many drinks come with a kitchy compliment like a dinosaur, barrel o' monkey, glow stick, or finger skateboard!The food menu is creative and diverse but tough for people with multiple food allergies. I had trouble finding vegetarian and gluten free and dairy free. Definitely ate my food allergies last night and do not (yet) regret that poor life choice!"

Yawning Cobra

★★★★☆ 4.1 (7)

"Came for their soft opening and the vibes, drinks, and food are immaculate. Perfect place to catch up with friends or go on a date.For drinks, we got The Tides and Not So Zen. The Tides is their version of a long island iced tea, definitely on the stronger side if that is your style. Not So Zen was my personal favorite -- it was light and refreshing, slightly sweet and not too strong.I would also highly recommend their food items!! The fried chicken was delicious, a strong contender to double chicken please's fried chicken (I arguably like the one at yawning cobra better). The chicken was so tender and juicy, and perfectly battered with a nice crisp. Did not feel too oily either which I loved. the fried chicken paired well with their cucumbers, which are extremely refreshing. The cucumbers were coated in a sauce which had a greek yogurt base, and the flavors of the greek yogurt were really refreshing. The sauce also had tiny bits of bacon in it, adding a unique twist to the dish. Overall, would highly recommend this bar. Service was great, ambiance is sleek, and food and drinks are delicious!"

Achilles Heel

★★★★☆ 3.6 (101) • $$

"Gosh, the meal was good! Especially loved the La Sirena cocktail, hot bean dip, braised beef short ribs and sesame mochi cake. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Went on a Saturday night so the music playlist was loud but enjoyable."

142 Sullivan Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (82) • $$

"Came here for a glass of wine to meet my friend. Mark was very nice to change my drink from cocktail to just wine. Small place but it's got character to it. Great for meeting with friends on a weekday. Trust!"