New York City has the most legendary bar scene in the world, from historic watering holes and well-worn dive bars, to elegant hotel bars, trendy wine bars, and more hidden cocktail bars and scene-y rooftop bars than you could visit in a lifetime. After living in New York City for two years, I’ve rounded up the best bars in New York City: from famous World’s Best Bars like Death & Co and Employees Only, to local favourites like Mother’s Ruin and Sel Rrose, to rooftop bars like Westlight and even a boat bar, at Grand Banks.

Read on for some of the best bars in New York City to visit on your next trip!

Maison Premiere

Maison Premiere is regarded as one of the best cocktail bars in New York City, and it lives up to the hype. Inspired by the cocktail and oyster bars of New Orleans, Maison Premiere is all old-world, upscale saloon on the inside, and garden party outside in the courtyard. Fellow oyster fiends, do not go past their oyster tasting plate – you’ll get two of every oyster, lined up from coast to coast around the platter.

Sel Rrose

You won’t find Sel Rose in a guide book or on a tour of the city, unless it’s me who is dragging you around town – it’s my favourite bar. Sel Rrose is a beautiful Champagne, cocktail & oyster bar that is everything I like in a bar wrapped into one pretty package. It isn’t open til the evening, but the beauty of New York City is that you can meet for drinks at 11pm on a Wednesday and the bar will still be buzzing.  It’s not far from Mother of Pearl in Nolita, which is also on this list.

Employees Only

Employees Only  in West Village is a must-visit bar for cocktail connoisseurs & industry pros. It famously started the speakeasy trend over a decade ago, and is still going strong. I also visited their Miami outpost when I visited Miami for 3 days, and it only reinforced what a special brand this bar is. Love it! Entrance is via a psychic’s rooms. Read my West Village neighbourhood guide for more tips in the area.

Westlight

You’ll queue forever to get in on the weekends, but Westlight has undoubtedly got some of the best views in New York City.  This rooftop bar at the William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg is all patio and views, with a premium cocktail list.

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturals

I get a lot of friends asking about my favourite wine bars in New York City, and while there are many, my first recommendation is always Compagnie. I love this pretension-free, cosy SoHo spot for it’s killer wine list and friendly staff. It’s off the tourist trail, too!

Death & Co

Death & Co is one of the biggest names in the cocktail world, and with good reason. The renowned cocktail bar in East Village has been a tastemaker and thought leader in hospitality for years. Expect that you will need to wait if you visit during peak times, as there’s no standing room in the bar – every guest is seated, which makes for a much better experience once you finally get in. All of the bartenders are truly at the top of their game, with the spots behind the bar some of the most coveted bar positions in the country – every bartender contributes to their thoughtful and creative menus which change seasonally.

Angels Share

Angel’s Share is widely regarded as one of the best bars in New York City and has been around for over a decade. It’s original location overlooked Stuyvesant Square in East Village, but it’s now found a new home on Grove Street in West Village. Like Death & Co, you’ll need to wait to be seated here.

Grand Banks

If you’re in New York during the warmer months, head to Grand Banks, docked in Tribeca, so you can live out your yacht life fantasies. The bar-on-a-boat is technically a museum, and I’ve heard there’s some displays in the lower half of the boat ticking off this requirement. Most people are here for the drinks, the views and the boat-life vibes. It’s naturally a bit of a scene, but worth a visit.

Grand Central Oyster Bar

Buried in the belly of Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan, the subterranean Grand Central Oyster Bar is a precious reminder of the grandeur of old New York. I like it for it’s surprisingly affordable and extensive oyster menu, the fact that you can order just a single one of any oyster (to create your own perfect oyster tasting plate!) and the pearly herringbone tiles that covers the cavernous space.

Mother’s Ruin

Mother’s Ruin is the perfect neighbourhood cocktail bar. It’s not scene-y, and while it gets busy, it’s not somewhere you’ll need to line up to get in. At the same time, they’re committed to serving top notch cocktails that rival anything you could get at some of New York’s most prestigious cocktail dens. Love this spot! Read my Nolita Neighbourhood Guide for more tips in the area.

The Broken Shaker

Get off the tourist trail in Gramercy, and head to the cool, compact rooftop bar, The Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel. The Broken Shaker is a James Beard award winning, World’s 50 Best Bar that was born as a pop up at the Freehand Hotel in Miami, and has since opened outpost in Los Angeles and New York City. I love this spot, the cocktails are excellent and despite it’s credentials, it’s perfectly unpretentious.

Have you been to any of these bars? What’s your favourite bar in New York City? Let me know in the comments.

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