The best bars in New York City

Down a quiet cobbled street, this wharfside tavern has a vibe that you’d feel lucky to stumble into on a meandering afternoon. Saloon style with nautical nods and a place for regulars who can’t get enough.

The owner, Sunny Balzano, was the latest generation of Balzano to pass down the bar since 1890. Despite his passing in 2016, the place still buzzes with a warm, homey atmosphere that's accredited to him.

Natural wines and a selection of draft beers attract an artsy crowd. Think scrabble players, goatees and horn-rimmed glasses surrounded by a dizzying array of knick-knacks and rickety wooden stools that hint at previous lively evenings. But while the once old salty sea dogs have been replaced with actual canines, the weekly bluegrass jams still continue.

This Red Hook spot is available for private hire for a night Johnny Cash would be proud of.

Enquire for a break from the city’s flashing lights or to just sit down on a bar stool and talk to somebody, you know, like we used to.

Once a haunt for longshoremen after a day's work on the Brooklyn waterfront, this bar bounces between old, new, and old again. It’s cemented by over 50 years of family-run history and despite a revamp by Toby Cecchini in 2015, this spot keeps its original 1950’s interiors and classic rock stereo.

A confidently tight drink list is matched by a small burger menu, while veteran bartenders ensure you can ask for whatever you fancy and trust they will crack it. Cocktails include, of course, The Long Island Gimlet—a twist on the gin classic spiced with fresh lime and ginger.

Drinkers can choose to perch on the sunny patio or dip inside to the cooler dive bar area as flickering neon lights beckon New Yorkers to the watering hole. Full venue hire for up to 80 is available, or book the Lombardi Room which seats 25 comfortably. (or "30 at a pinch," in their own words).

Midtown isn't exactly a mecca for getting a drink. Wandering through the city's CBD, you're more likely to encounter tourists, a man dressed as Spiderman, and the ghosts of international capital than, say, a New Yorker. Nevertheless, NRM lights the torch for bars made for people who like to drink – how novel.

Situated between the entrance and turnstile of the station at 50th and Broadway, NRM’s interior is dominated by a long oak bar backed by rows of bottles. The ambiance is enhanced with a disco ball in the corner and glitter wallpaper in the bathroom. The cocktail menu is a solipsistic tribute to New York, with names like the Empire State and Knickerbocker Bramble.

It’s like stepping into a scene from a classic New York movie marked by signage reminiscent of a former newsstand and barbershop. It’s a clever use of space that nonetheless retains the atmosphere of a bar you could stay in without feeling like you've bought into another overhyped 'secret' bar.

For a more down-to-earth experience, head to Williamsburg and immerse yourself in the indoor-outdoor oasis of Jaffa Cocktail and Raw Bar. Inspired by the history and heritage of the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the bar is renowned for its flirty fusion of raw seafood and unconventional cocktails, a mix that could maybe make you believe you have successfully escaped the city.

The Raw Bar is a central feature, with a selection of the freshest seafood, including oysters, and clams on display. Pop in during the happy hour (4 – 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday) and you can enjoy your ceviche alongside a semi-reasonably priced cocktail. Even if you accidentally stumble upon one of the “yacht rock music” nights, the food and drink make it kind of worth it.

But hey, even with a tip it was cheaper than a coastal escape to the Middle East.

Martiny’s, found within a historical carriage house in Gramercy, offers a cocktail experience where history meets mixology with a twist of humor. The bar, the name of which is a nod to both delicious martinis and its former occupant, sculptor Philip Martiny, is as much about the drinks as it is about the puns.

Beverage Director Takuma Watanabe has spent over a decade polishing his skills to offer classics with an elevated spin. The space, a blend of original wood, brick, and Japanese refinement, is cozy and ideal for private events. Just remember, doors open at 6 p.m. and walk-ins are limited so we highly recommend you book ahead.