When it comes to cocktail culture, New York City knows how to raise the bar. What makes a cocktail bar go from good to great? Is it the perfect balance of drinks, ambiance, and vibe? The places that make the cut are a blend of old-world charm and contemporary innovation, offering an experience that goes beyond the cocktail. From speakeasy-inspired spaces to trendy, experimental cocktail havens, these bars are some of the city's finest. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a solo stop at a hidden gem, here's your essential guide to the best cocktail spots in New York City.

Attaboy

Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy’s Attaboy isn’t just another cocktail bar—it’s where your ideal drink is crafted from your imagination. Since opening in 2012, Attaboy has mastered the art of creating custom cocktails on request. Just name your preferred spirit or flavor profile, and they'll take it from there. The dim lighting and intimate vibe make it perfect for either kicking off your night or wrapping it up. But be prepared—it’s a popular spot, and getting a table might require some patience.

Location: 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Image Credit - The Infatuation 

Sugar Monk

If you’re looking for a cocktail experience with a touch of Harlem’s history, Sugar Monk is your go-to. This low-lit speakeasy-inspired bar serves up an array of elaborately presented cocktails, each one a small work of art. The drinks are as creative as their names—homages to pieces of art, historical events, or iconic songs. Sugar Monk also makes a name for itself with its thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, making sure no one misses out on the experience.

Location: 2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027

Image Credit - NYC Tourism 

The Campbell

Hidden within Grand Central Station, The Campbell offers an upscale escape with a rich history. This space once served as the office for railroad executive John W. Campbell and has lived multiple lives, including as a police station and a signalman’s office. Nowadays, it’s an elegant spot for jazz and cocktails, with the building’s past adding to its mystique. Order a classic Manhattan, and let the vibe of old New York take you back in time.

Location: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017

Image Credit - Elite Traveler 

Katana Kitten

Katana Kitten’s playful, Japanese-inspired cocktail menu has made it a standout on the West Village bar scene. Upstairs, the lively space is perfect for sipping a creative cocktail like the Amaretto Sour, reimagined with ingredients like rye, salted plum, and shiso. For a more intimate, izakaya-style experience, head downstairs where the drinks are just as inventive but the atmosphere a bit cozier.

Location: 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

Image Credit - Katana Kitten

Bemelmans Bar

For those seeking a classic New York experience, Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel is an iconic destination. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, who painted the bar’s charming murals, this Upper East Side spot is as swanky as it gets. With live music, impeccable service, and drinks that never disappoint, Bemelmans is the epitome of Old New York glamour.

Location: 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

Image Credit- Rosewood Hotels 

Double Chicken Please

If you're up for a more avant-garde cocktail experience, Double Chicken Please on Allen Street reimagines familiar foods as drinks. The brainchild of Taiwanese bartenders GN Chan and Fay Chen, this bar’s front area offers casual, tasty fare like fried chicken sandwiches, but the magic truly happens in the back. Here, drinks like "Cold Pizza" and "Waldorf Salad" cocktails are pushing boundaries with their innovative spins on comfort food flavors.

Location: 115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Image Credit - CN Traveler 

The Dead Rabbit

The Dead Rabbit, an acclaimed Irish pub in the Financial District, has been a go-to for over a decade. Despite a fire and a few expansions, its Irish Coffee remains the must-have drink. This historic bar layers traditional Irish pub elements with sophisticated cocktails, keeping its sawdust-covered floors for a rustic touch. The growing menu of Irish-inspired and classic cocktails means you can explore new flavors while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.

Location: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004

Image Credit- The Dead Rabbit 

Clover Club

Located in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill, Clover Club serves up a cocktail menu designed for both casual happy hour visitors and celebratory groups. Cocktail legend Julie Reiner has curated a menu that’s divided into categories like spirit-forward, whiskey, and punch bowls—there’s truly something for everyone here. The relaxed yet elegant atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for both day drinks and late-night adventures.

Location: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Image Credit - Clover Club NY

Dutch Kills

A pioneer in New York’s cocktail revival, Dutch Kills was founded by the late Sasha Petraske and remains a must-visit for cocktail aficionados. Located in Long Island City, this bar is a haven for those who appreciate meticulously crafted drinks. Opt for a classic or go off-menu by asking the bartender to create a personalized cocktail based on your preferences.

Location: 2724 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101

Image Credit - Hidden Libations 

Dante

Originally opened in 1915 as Caffe Dante, this space has evolved into a bustling all-day café and cocktail bar. Today, Dante is best known for its Negroni variations and a happy hour that draws crowds daily. Whether you’re there for a quick Garibaldi (Campari and freshly squeezed orange juice) or lingering over a more complex cocktail, this spot brings a timeless Italian charm to Greenwich Village.

Location: 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Image Credit - CN Traveler 

Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic nod to New York’s past or ready to explore its cutting-edge cocktail culture, these bars offer a perfect sip of the city’s diverse scene. From historical settings like The Campbell and Bemelmans to innovative spaces like Double Chicken Please and Katana Kitten, New York City remains a cocktail lover's paradise. Let this guide take you on a journey across neighborhoods, tastes, and experiences—one drink at a time.