NYC cocktail bars

At the core of Employees Only are founders Dushan, Henry, Jay, Igor, and Billy. Each having unique connections to the bar scene, the five men created a New York cocktail bar behind a fortune teller's lair.

Ready Fire Aim, Billionaire Cocktail, and West Side are just a few of the witty EO classics. The menu also offers modern hits, seasonal favorites, and fancy cocktails. But that's not all. You can also choose from white, red, sparkling, port, and dessert wines while snacking on bone marrow poppers or truffle grilled cheese.

Home to a world-class bar program, the pioneering drink list at Employees Only is known for creating industry classics, like its infamous Manhattan with a twist.

You may daydream about what you will eat for lunch, what you want your future to be like, or your celebrity crush. Usually, these silly thoughts come and go and are nothing of substance. This was not the case for Murat Uyaroglu, who daydreamed Sweet Polly into existence.

Royal blues, browns, and vegetation create a light but cozy atmosphere as day turns into night. Drinks vary by category: spirited aromatic, bright and refreshing, tropical and adventurous, hot cocktails, and nonalcoholic.

There is space for private events, and it offers namesake cocktails on tap, where you can create a customized drink for your party. There is also an option of taking a cocktail class so you and your guests can master a drink in one sitting. Parties of 25 or more are classified as private events, and parties under 25 need to predetermine the minimum spend with access to food and drink menus.

Death & Co NYC's flagship location is in the East Village. This New York cocktail bar opened on New Year's Eve 2006/07, and while the outer facade looks like the building is boarded up, that is far from reality. The space is dark and small, with lit candles on the tables and walls, and it's full of walk-ins.

Its menu offers canned cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, and signature cocktails. If you want to be boozy and honest, try a Quantum Leap. If you are feeling bright and confident, go with the Cyborg.

Private cocktail classes accommodate up to 12 guests, and a full bar buyout accommodates up to 50 guests.

Sleek materials of brass, marble, and tile incorporated with images of burlesque dancers, red and blue booths, and smoked mirrors make up this New York cocktail bar, paying homage to the golden age of Manhattan.

Over 70 gins and 35 signature libations are in its drink library. Valerie challenges itself to create new cocktails every season, such as Boujee Bee and Stock Exchange. With a catalog of over 200 creations, Valerie will occasionally share favorites from the vault. You can pair your drink of choice with handhelds, sharables, flatbreads, and more.

This New York cocktail bar has multiple spaces for events: The Blushing Bar (max. 30-75), The Gatsby Lounge (max. 26), The Gatsby Den (max. 30-50), The Front Parlor (max. 30 standing), and the option to rent the dining hall, the ground floor, or a full buyout.

The Sunken Harbor Club, located above Gage & Tollner in Brooklyn, takes you into the depths of the sea. As you step below deck, nautical decor, a mermaid floating in the window, and meticulously themed cocktails create the illusion of being fully underwater. This New York cocktail bar curates an immersive experience and hosts a monthly series of guest speakers discussing cocktails, art and design, and more.

The menu is broken into categories to ensure you know what you are getting into. The Multiverse and Ship of Fools in the "In the Shallows" section are "easy drinking cocktails for a pleasant moonlight swim.” Clairin Drop and Nelson's Blood are a part of "The Twilight Zone," as it says, "As we go deeper, sunlight fades, and the drinks go stronger." Taking yet another step into the murky waters is "The Abyss" section, where the "strongest drinks come from the point of no return." But no worries if you'd prefer to stay "On Dry Land" with the nonalcoholic selection.

With no specified closing time, you're guaranteed to be out late, and if you never want to jump ship, you can complete 12 out of 36 challenges to become a member and receive benefits.