Man I love this city. I adore every visit I have here. The average bartender here is better than the average bartender anywhere else in the world. Here are my recommendations.
01
Martiny’s
The finest bar in New York. It is the bar I would go to all the time is I lived here. The cocktails are, first and foremost, delicious. It boasts a diverse cocktail list that caters to guests of any palate. Despite that variety there is an overarching style every cocktail on the menu has that is identifiably Martiny’s. The best I can describe it is a refined creativity. Like a flamingo in a tuxedo, or perhaps a if Johannes Vermeer painted a Jackson Pollock. The cocktails menu is backed by a wonderful team behind the bar that execute that list exceptionally well.
Location: 121 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
02
Double Chicken Please
Perhaps the most sought after cocktail bar reservations in NYC? Wait times of 2+ hours is not out of the ordinary here. Well deserved popularity. Inventive and delicious cocktails. Great service. I liked it so much I went twice to finish sampling the whole cocktail list.
https://doublechickenplease.com/
Location: 115 Allen St., New York, NY 10002
03
Sip and Guzzle
The superb Sip is the downstairs bar of Sip and Guzzle. I like it more than the Tokyo location. It is a bit more relaxed and convivial. Delicious cocktails, wonderful service. A great night out.
http://www.sipandguzzlenyc.com/
Location: 29 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014
04
Angel's Share
I loved nearly everything I tried from the quite lengthly cocktail menu. I remember enjoying the bar 10 years ago in its prior incarnation. Dare I say, I love it even more in its newest iteration.
https://www.angelssharenyc.com
Location: 45 Grove St., New York, NY
05
Dante West Village
Absolutely marvelous! I prefer this location because of the ambiance. Every cocktail had an elegance that is clearly Dante. They are absolutely killing it.
Location: 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
06
Shinji
Really enjoyed trying nearly every cocktail on the menu. Delicious libations including my favorite classic cocktail, the Ramos Gin Fizz. Served along side great service made it really hard to leave in order to try another bar.
Location: 37 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011
07
Portrait Bar
The best service I have received at a bar in years. Professional, amiable, and charming. Everyone I encountered from the hostess, to the bar manager. An absolute joy to drink here. Not quite my style of cocktails, but wonderful.
Location: 1 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
08
Raines Law Room
There are two location in NY of this superb bar. The original is marked with a small framed note by the door. A buzzer press and a door-person lets you know the wait time. The place is sexy and beautiful. My favorite bit is the "bar" which is a remodeled or modeled kitchen. You can wait at the "bar" kitchen island for a seat if there is space. Fantastic cocktails. The other location is also very good, but I slightly prefer the original.
Location: 48 West 17th St., New York, NY
Updated: 2024.10.03