The best bars in the West Village - NYC

Now, obviously, being in close proximity to the country’s most reliable coast-to-coast burger joint raises a bar’s pedigree. The Garret does offer a bit more than a guaranteed bite to eat after a session, though.

The 7th and Bleeker spot holds fast and true to the central tenets of any good speakeasy: warm, dimly lit, and deliberately difficult to find. Once you’ve done the obvious thing and secured your burger and fries, head upstairs to find the bar itself.

The cocktail list is what you’d expect from a talked-about West Village bar, with long complicated names leading you to drinks that just about justify the $17 price tag. Going for the beer is also a decision we wholeheartedly support.

Despite an out-of-the-way entrance, the Garret is definitely vibesy, and you’ll want to get in early to guarantee yourself a seat. There is a semi-private area for bigger groups.

Wedged between Washington Square Park and West Village, Four Faced is about as archetypal as you get for a proper NYC Irish bar. The name comes from a clocktower in Cork’s Northside, which doubles as the birthplace of Four Face’s founder and original proprietor. Dishing up a warm, local atmosphere that perfectly complements a well-poured Guinness, it’s one for the rainy days.

You’ll find English Premier League and European soccer being featured regularly alongside Sunday poetry readings and a continuous showing of Irish congeniality.

As you can probably expect from a self-styled Ale House, Blind Tiger prides itself on showcasing the very best of NYC’s world-beating craft beer scene. IPAs, Stouts, American Pale Ales, Sours and everything else that can be squeezed from a hop litter the extensive menu.

We know that the words ‘craft ale’ in the West Village can induce nightmares of plaid shirts and moustaches adamantly refusing to enjoy themselves, but the atmosphere at Blind Tiger still does what a good bar should do: make you feel at home.

They also serve a pretty standup grilled cheese, for when you need to soak up all that beer.

Katana Kitten is where Japanese cocktail precision meets New York City's irreverent bar scene. This spot is a delightful cultural mash-up, like a Tokyo subway car colliding with a New York speakeasy. It's known for its whimsically named drinks and an ambiance that's as quirky as it is welcoming.

The cocktails are crafted with a meticulousness that proves perfect for those who enjoy their drinks with a side of playful eccentricity. Katana Kitten is a standout in the West Village's bustling bar landscape, offering a unique twist on the traditional bar experience. No surprise then that's it's consistently ranked among the best bars in the world.

Once an East Village trailblazer and leader of the craft-cocktail renaissance, Tony Yoshida’s bar ended a three-decade run back in 2022 to the disappointment of many New Yorkers.

A few years later, Yoshida’s daughter, Erina, moved and reopened this snug speakeasy to a basement on Grove Street, with its old door and chandelier in tow.

Dimly lit, with an almost church-like atmosphere, Angel’s Share operates on its original strict Japanese-style etiquette. Smartly dressed bartenders cradling cocktail shakers work off a tight list of exceedingly nerdy cocktails. Blow torches, immersion blenders, a quick swish of the tweezers to perfect a garnish, and all under a mock-Tiepolo mural.

It's a mellow place of both formality and intimacy. Cocktails are taken seriously,—no Long Island iced tea here. Hard spirits are carefully smoked, infused or iced with ingredients such as soy sauce powder or rye whisky. Small bites include sashimi or crudo to accompany exotic plum wine.

Just remember, there are a few rules that are strictly (to put it mildly) enforced. Walk in only, no standing allowed and max. 4 people per party.

But, once you're in, count your lucky stars.