The Best Bars for a Perfect Nightlife Experience in NYC
So if you’re living in NYC or just visiting, there is one thing we all have in common. We want to experience that NYC nightlife because let me tell you, it is so much fun and once you try it once, you’ll be taking weekly flights to NYC. If you know me, you know I love to party. I love the energetic atmosphere and everything that comes with having a great time with friends, dancing to music, and drinking my all-time favorite drink (gin lemonades). To say the least, it is definitely confusing trying to navigate all of the cool places to go in the city, and trust me, there are so many more that I have not mentioned but these are my experiences and at the bottom, I’m putting my bucket list of places that I NEED to experience ASAP! If you love to party and are planning a GNO, a birthday celebration, or whatever else, these are the places I recommend going 10000%! Let’s do this thing!
1. Bad Habits: Astoria, Queens
If you are looking for a fun night out. Bad Habits is the place for you. Upon moving here, we passed by this spot on our way to the train station C O U N T L E S S times and well last week we went and it’s a place you cannot forget. Once we arrived, we automatically felt this welcoming presence and the vibes were outstanding. If you know me, you know that I love to channel my Hispanic culture and the reggaeton music just made this place THAT much better.
We went for Happy Hour or what they call Bad Hour 😉 on Friday and because we had such a fun time, we knew that we needed to go back again but this time we also got the hookah- which was soo much fun! The people there were super friendly and the manager even got us a round of shots to welcome us to Astoria! How nice of them right? You have the option to sit at the bar or get a table and this awesome neon wall light that you could snap some photos with friends. This place should be on your bucket list and when you go order….
When you go order the… La Matona Mule: vodka with spiced cinnamon and ginger, Dealer’s Choice: rum with coconut and cinnamon, Gin Lemonade: I get this all of the time so I’m sorry but if you haven’t tried it by now – you’re missing out! Tostones Sliders: 3 sliders with tostone as the bun rather than bread & let me tell you, it was delicious, Cheech & Chongs: this was probably the juiciest chicken I have ever had at a bar and it just goes to show that the quality of this place is up there!!, Hookah: Passionfruit flavor
We knew we wanted to be locals right away. The service is excellent and the vibes are just too good. This place checked off so many things on the list, so needless to say, we’re going to be locals here. Thank you for the awesome memories so far!! Cannot wait for more
UPDATE:
The other night, we wanted to try somewhere new and immediately was like nope we gotta go back to bad habits—talk about loyalty👑 Now fast forward and THEY ARE NAMING A DRINK AFTER ME. My life = complete. Behold the Veróniquita- a gin lemonade w a little twist. Just wait until its on the menu but if you’re there before then, ask for it and they’ll make it for you😉
Veróniquita: Show me your bad side: an Irresistible Gin with lemonade & agave. Mint & orange on top for your pleasure
Bad Habits, Astoria
2. The Rum House
Just off the bat, THE RUM HOUSEEE REVIEW is 1000/10. This place is the most lowkey spot in the city and if you’re in Times Square- it’s so close and a destination you need to add to your bucket list. Once you walk in, you’ll see that it’s a very quiet and intimate spot. The lights are dimmed and they even had live performers with my jazz music. I mean it can’t get better than that! PRO TIP: Right when you walk in, there was a nice man who greeted us and checked our vaccines. They have happy hour specials from 4-6 & fyi: these are the strongest drinks I have had in my life. The place is pretty tiny so try to go earlier so that you can get a seat at the bar or a table if you would like to see the live performances
3. Planta
Once you walk in here, you feel like a million bucks, let’s just get that out of the way. Head over here for the best drinks & great service. We sat at the bar midday, but I bet the vibes are even better if you sit at the bar later in the day! This place is also a sushi restaurant, so feel free to dine in or just grab drinks at the bar as we did. Also, I would recommend taking someone here on a first date, it has this really nice welcoming feeling. You’ll thank me later.
When you go make sure to order the Lych Please: hibiscus infused gin, lychee liqueur, pineapple – 1000/10 – it was SOO good and not that sweet which made it even better (really sweet drinks make me feel sick idk if yall roll the same way), Kombucha Mojito: rum, mint, lime, berry kombucha: another fabulous drink we had that was a little bit on the sweeter side.
4. Maison Pickle
Just by the name, you should know this place is a keeper. Behold- the Maison Pickle, a hidden gem in NYC that has THE BEST SERVICE, DRINKS, AND OF COURSE VIBES. I ordered a gin drink & the bartender overheard I was obsessed with gin & showed us all of the gin they have and served as the very first gin!! I mean if that isn’t 10/10 service- I don’t know what is!! Anywho, this place is super sophisticated and makes you feel so elite. The vibes here are so nice, the music isn’t overpowering so you can have meaningful conversations without jamming out to your fav tunes! Definitely a place I would go back to and it’s crazy how spontaneous this plan was which goes to show that NYC is just filled with hidden gems to make awesome memories!
5. Slate, NY
I know the clubbing scene looks a tad different with COVID, but here is MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CLUB. Introducing SLATE. They play the best music HANDS DOWN. I’m talking 2000’s throwbacks to today’s hits to reggaetón (my favorite of course). Once I walked on the dance floor, they played one of my favorite songs and I knew it was such a keeper! This place seriously is such a vibe. There’s the main floor which has the dancing and two bars & then there’s A SLIDE that goes to the bottom floor which is more like a lounge & has fun arcade games if you want a break from dancing. Oh & they require vaccinations so that will give you some peace of mind but still take the necessary precautions. Pro Tip- dance your HEART out! Also, the bartenders are so nice! I asked for water about a hundred times and they weren’t rude at all! It’s always a huge plus if they have lemonade for my gin & they did so it’s a win-win.
6. Bounce
So this is another club option that’s actually right across from Slate! In my opinion, slate is soo much better, but Bounce has good vibes too! They play great music (old classics, throwbacks, reggaeton, and trending songs). The one downside about this spot is that it’s pretty small so you don’t have a lot of space to move around for a change of pace! They do require vaccinations and even though there might be a long line, it goes by pretty fast! Also just like Slate, the bartenders were soo nice. Service is truly a huge deciding factor, especially for nightlife. PRO TIP: Go earlier so that you don’t have to wait in line & if the vibes just aren’t it for any reason, fear not- SLATE is right across the street.
7. Hush Cafe Lounge & Garden
I love hookah so much. I know it’s pretty bad for you- it’s equivalent to smoking 12 cigarettes I believe (don’t quote me on that but the idea is the same) It’s something I don’t do often, so I suppose I don’t feel so guilty doing it haha. Anyways if you’re looking for a night out in the town & love hookah, this place is for Y O U. I recommend asking to sit in the cute red couches, when I went, it wasn’t available, unfortunately. There’s also a belly dancer that comes around & I got to dance with her but don’t ask to borrow her hand symbols, she will say no. Aside from that haha, I would say this place is a keeper. I am not one to repeat places, but I would for sure go here again so that really is saying something. The atmosphere & ambiance were so nice & everything was tasty/delicious. I actually forget which flavor we got but it’s pretty similar to flavors at other places. If you’re new to hookah do not get the Lady Killer, she in fact will kill you. Mint is always a safe option too! It’s always a keeper if they can serve a killer gin lemonade. As for food, we got the pita & hummus and it was DELICIOUS
8. Penny Farthing
Looking for a good place to go out in NYC? The Penny Farthing is such a v i b e & here’s why. First off, the music was good. That’s key for me because if they don’t play bops, I don’t want it!! They played a mix of pop, rap, and even my fav reggaeton music. Another requirement for a good bar in my eyes is that you have the ability to request songs. In terms of the drinks, they were pretty strong and cost around $9-$12 which is pretty standard but very delish. Something else you should note is that the place is pretty big and easy to move around. What I really appreciated is that they had holiday décor for winter. Overall, the vibes were immaculate!
Just one more thing and you guys are probably smart enough to know this but sadly I am still a child and needed a little dose of reality but nonetheless, let’s get into it. So this is probably a no-brainer but don’t leave your jacket anywhere. They have hooks under the bar for your jacket and I did that- big mistake- I ended up catching the people who grabbed my jacket so like come on man but still.
9. Stumble Inn
So this is a place where I was just living in the moment. As a travel blogger, I find myself always needing to document every move I make so that I can give you guys a glimpse of what it’s like to be in x location, and whenever I am with my sorority sisters I literally get so drunk and just live in the moment. I feel so comfortable being pretty wasted around them since I’ve been going to college with these ladies up in New Paltz for years and it’s nice to just live in the moment and not think about everything as “how should I review this place”, “what sticks out to me the most”, “where can I give the best insight”, and so on and so forth. Now that I live in Queens and have friends that live here too, they take me to the coolest spots that locals go to so be prepared for a night out like a true local because some of these other places are pretty overrated, but of course, I’ll still go for the experience!
10. Factory 380
So this is a place that I have been to twice already (the first time I don’t remember all too well haha, but coming here the second time around was SOO MUCH FUN! I went with my friends and we had a blast. Of course, it’s always a 10/10 when they have lemonade for my gin lemonades, and the music was awesome! What is cool about this place is that it wasn’t too crowded so we felt comfortable moving around and not feeling like sardines! This is one of my friend’s FAVORITE bar and comes here often so you know it’s a keeper! If you have the chance to, please check it out!!! I mean just look at the photos, isn’t this place such a v I b e!!
11. Hotel Chantelle
This place is a classic for a nice night out! I went with some friends during the summer of 2020 so given that it was COVID, nobody was out so we ended up having the rooftop to ourselves. The workers were so nice and I overall had such a great time. Again, whenever I am with my sorority sisters, I get so drunk so let’s just say the next day wasn’t too fun for me but hey everybody has those days right?
12. Viva Verde
I’ve been here twice already & will go a third time- it’s just that good. Right when you walk in, you just feel the vibes. If you’re someone that loves to dance and eat, honeyyyyyyy get yourself over to Viva Verde. The music is right up my alley- all the Hispanic hits & the best part- YOU CAN REQUEST A SONG-that’s huge for me!
I recommend getting food before so that you can party on a full stomach! I got the salad bowl (the tacos themselves are kind of small and homegirl likes to eat), so just know that before you order! It’s in a very convenient location with multiple train stations in close proximity.
13. Mean Fiddler
So I don’t have a great picture of this place, but I had such a fun time! We went for a bottomless dinner and let me tell you I was living my best life! The music was great and the only thing is that everyone had to finish their drinks before they refilled the bucket of white claws which was a bit annoying so just keep that in mind before you go!
14. Public Hotel
This was another fun spot that my sister and her friends and I went to! It had this super cool escalator and even better views of the city! I would say that this is a pretty fancy place and more of an intimate spot and not really the party dancing scene that I really enjoy but hey we need change every once in a while! Check it out and see for yourself because it is another great spot!
16. Blue Midtown
In my opinion, this was not my favorite and I will not be going back here. I think this is a great spot to go if you’re just starting out in the club scene but the people here are so young so unless you’re younger, then I would recommend so many of these other places. I didn’t have the best time here because the music wasn’t my favorite and again the crowd was so much younger so it just was a vibe kill. Again, if you’re new to the club scene and need a place to go, I would try it out because maybe I went on a bad day, but the line was also ridiculous and we even had a promoter so not sure why that was the case! It’s my honest review, but if you have a better review, let me know so I can maybe revisit this place to see for myself!
16. Cantina Rooftop
10000/10 recommend coming here! I knew that the Hispanic vibes would match my expectations and well it did! I went for my birthday and the vibes couldn’t have been better. Plus, there’s even a dance floor right on the first floor to shake what your momma gave you and they played all of the Latin B O P S! In terms of food, I got the chicken tacos & let me tell you, so scrumptious. They came in a set of three tacos & it was just enough food for us! The drinks were good, a little strong but if that’s up your alley- EXCELLENT! I needed to take a few breaks in between haha! Music, I mean you already know I was enjoying it! I mean the dj really knew what he was doing. I need to see his Latin hits playlist ASAP you know what I mean?
17. 230 Fifth
pov: you & I brunching with views of the empire state building – crazyyy but I feel like I’m the better view- 10/10 brunch spot/nightlife review MUST GO! Keep reading! Welcome to 230th 5th – the rooftop I have been DYING TO GO TO for like 2+ years! The service was a solid 12/10-the waitress was SOOO kind and it really added to the whole experience. The whole staff was really punctual too! Bottomless brunches are usually 90 minutes and they were on top of bringing out more champagne bottles when we finished. (The three of us finished 3 bottles) I mean you are g going here for the drinks and experience and not so much for the food so I would say the food was okay, nothing crazy, but can’t complain about it! Since we went for brunch, I was hoping for a better breakfast menu, but ended up settling for a burger and was a little upset about that. My friend did get the french toast which was BOMB!! The city views were 11/10 and I am sure at night it is THAT much better! I feel so jaded that I am from New York City and can see the Empire State building really whenever I want, but the view was covered by this large fence. you can still see it (they want ppl to be safe which makes total sense) but I wanted MORE lol (maybe there was another view spot we could go to that I missed?)-check it out and lmk! The drinks were immaculate -so good! 20/10 I love orange juice so I was really living my best life but the champagne hit that same day welp!
18. Mad Donkey
Okay prove me wrong, but some of the best bars have the weirdest names and this is one of them. If you’re looking for chill vibes and not a club scene, this is the place for you! Lots of locals are here so you know its a hidden gem. Head over to the back of the place so that you can grab some darts and play to win! This place was so much fun! I got the Misguided Negroni (DON’T GET IT, it’s so so so bitter) and then I got the So Fresh and So “D”, – which is a cucumber and gin drink- you know how I roll! They also have 14 beers on tap, so if that is up your alley, this place has all of the options!
19. The Ditty
In the heart of Astoria, this place is a hidden gem, a local’s favorite, and some of the best happy hour deals you’ll find in NYC. I had so much fun here with friends and it’s a place I can’t wait to go back to. If you live in Queens. Sometimes less is more and this place was amazing, nuff said. One of my friends has lived in Astoria for quite some time and SWEARS by this place so I guess you have to trust the local on this one. Add it to your list and you can thank me later!!!
20. Viva Torro
WOW. Let me just start off by saying WOW!! The vibes here were C R A Z Y. I went with my festival gang, shoutout VIBRA URBANA & BAJA FEST. We got bottle service and it was actually my first time getting that in the city and it was such a vibe. No waiting on long lines and forgetting to close out your tab- the drinks were all at the table for easy access! Songs- AMAZING. I mean this is a place I am 1000% going back to!! I didn’t have gin but tequila is a close second and I highly recommend the tequila and cranberry juice! If you haven’t already convinced your friends to come here, then wydddd!
21. Museum of Sex
AHH, so this technically isn’t a club, but I wanted to add it because there’s a spot for you to pole dance and they put music on for you to get the poses and I am sure with the right crowd and maybe a group of people, this place could really be something else. If you were looking for something to do after visiting the Museum of Sex, then definitely stop here for a drink. All of the drinks have dirty names so have fun ordering hehe!!
22. Sweet Afton
So this is a pretty local spot in Astoria, Queens. Just from these pictures, you can see that the vibes here are super intimate so make sure you go with someone special hehe! They have food here as well that’s delicious! We got a salad and I got a burger and it was scrumptious. You already know my drink order but in case you don’t I got a gin lemonade and lemme tell you, it never disappoints- N E V E R.
23. The Gaf West
Are you a fan of Jeopardy or the Buffalo Bills? If so, then this is the place for you!!! Austin Rogers, the Jeopardy champion of the 35th season is the bartender, and lemme tell you, he is so so so funny! We asked him all about what it took to win Jeopardy and he showed us his new book that he published that goes on sale very soon! If trivia is your cup of tea, then you definitely need to attend trivia night on Wednesdays at 8 pm! This place is for sure a local spot, a chill, low-key vibe so you’ll feel like a true New Yorker.
24. Iron Bar & Lounge
If you’re looking for a more shill night, this place is the one. Everyone has their own tables and you can order hookah and get drinks at the bar and just enjoy the music. It’s walking distance from the next option so I would go here after Mickey Spillane’s to continue the night!!
25. Mickey Spillane’s
This place was SOOO FUN! I went with a bunch of friends and we had the best time! There wasn’t anything in particular that stood out to me, but I do remember this place being absolutely packed!! If you plan on going make sure you either get there early or reserve in advance!!
26. Sek’end Sun
We went here on a random Tuesday because they have happy hour deals & we love a good happy hour deal. This place has such calm vibes and the setting is pretty intimate! The music isn’t too overbearing so you can actually have a decent conversation without needing to scream over Dua Lipa, haha. Pro Tip: happy hour is just like most places from 5-7 and try to get a seat outside so you can take a cute picture with the Queens sign, hehe!
27. Break Bar
So we get it, I love dancing- but sometimes the dancing queen needs a break and that’s why Break Bar is the p e r f e c t rest stop. Play some pool, connect four, this cool game called Shoot the Moon, table tennis & SO MUCH MORE! It’s a vibe & if you know me, the vibes are always immaculate. Pro tip: if you’re planning on playing a lot of the games you’re going to get hot so don’t wear a long-sleeve and sweats as I did. Make the plans, invite your besties & have a blast!
28. Harbor NYC Rooftop
To preface this is a nightclub, but I was here at 9 am- let me explain. It’s called the 9 am banger- a St.Patrick’s day celebration at the most god-awful hour. I don’t think I have ever woken up at 7am to drink in my entire life and the entire day did not disappoint. It was a two hour open bar from 9am-11am for $50. Considering NYC drink prices that is a S T E A L- let me tell you. Now it was a St.Patrick’s day celebration but they played the one and only Latin tunesss!! The bartender we had was a bit rude and had outwardly said to us, make sure you tip me or something like that- LOL. Aside from that, I found a new drink of choice in case there isn’t gin- PINEAPPLE RUM!! The vibes here were so fun & you already know we are doing it all over again during CINCO DE MAYO!! 9am banger’s Instagram is selling tickets so get yours now!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb0HwQcrMBf/
29. Bathtub Gin
HIDDEN (GIN 😉) ALERT: If you know, you know your girl is OBSESSED WITH GIN & well this speakeasy left me speechless. Presenting, The Bathtub Gin: Rating- OFF THE CHARTS. This place has been on my bucket list for the past two months & BOYYY I was so excited to go. But first before we get into the review, what is a Speakeasy?? In short, it’s a hidden gem, a bar in disguise as a regular store. The Bathtub Gin is a “coffee shop” but inside one of the COOLEST bars I have ever been to. It reminds me of the renaissance or victorian ages, both periods of time I would LOVE TO TRADE PLACES WITH. The bartenders were so friendly with us & even gave us a free shot! They’re super busy so you just have to warm up to them & for the ceo of extroverting- that was no biggie!
What to know before you go
- get there right when they open at 5 and if not be sure to make a reservation!
- you have to check in your coat so if you’re really cold- bring that bulky jacket!! (p.s: it’s free!)
- take an iconic picture in the bathtub
- get the Bees Knees(gin lemonade & honey! It was actually pretty tiny for $18) so maybe get a gin & tonic or a gin lemonade if you want more
- this place has gin from ALL OVER THE WORLD, so don’t just get the basic Bombay or Tanqueray
30. El Mercado Little Spain
If you know, you know I am OBSESSED WITH SPAIN, yes even Little Spain in NYC. Lemme put you on. DELICIOUS FOOD. DELICIOUS DRINKS. AMAZING VIBES. Viva España babesitaaaa. If you’re looking for a place to drink with delicious tapas, it’s pretty well hidden in the Hudson Yards Mall; but trust me, you’ll never forget it. I have reviewed this place before but if course, some places are just too good to go once which makes is a TOP DESTINATION to visit. Service:100000/10 Our bartender was Sooo nice and even took these pictures of us, like come on. Pro Tip: ask for a side dish of olive oil and salt for the Jamón Íberico or Serrano and TRUST me- it makes all of the difference
Get…..
- Jamón Íberico or Serrano
- Sangria Rosada (it has gin in it and we know how much I LOOOOVE gin)
- Patatas Bravas (potatoes w tomato sauce & garli aioli)
31. Tacovision
So this is a restaurant- BUT they have an amazing selection of margaritas and it’s included in their happy hour! Since you know I love gin- I must say, the margaritas were pretty damn good. I got the passion fruit one but my sister had gotten the regular one and both were so TASTY. My dad went all out and got the agave flight which was WAY too strong for me- I legit almost died. If you’re considering going here, they have a BOTTOMLESS drinks and endless tacos. Yes- it’s on my bucket list too!!
32. Watermark
So this is a very festive bar that always celebrates the holidays with these huge events and goes all out. I went here for Oktoberfest and it did not disappoint. Check it out here to read the whole thing.
When I came here for St.Patrick’s day, it was a little bit different. Maybe because my sister and friend went there right after work – but it wasn’t what I was expecting and I am almost positive it’s because of the time. (For Oktoberfest I went on a Saturday night). During the winter, they had these really cute igloos that you have to reserve in advance and I think that would be so fun to keep in mind for next year! Pro Tip: this place is right along the water with magnificent views of the Brooklyn Bridge! Dress accordingly and make sure you snap those fire pics for the gram.
33. Fraunces Tavern
Since I had mentioned that the Watermark Bar for St.Patrick’s day was EH, we decided to go here. My family and I have actually been here before to eat. What’s cool about this place, is that it’s full with American History. Yeah, before finance bros, George Washington and his squad would pull up and get lit, ahah!
Coming here for St Patrick’s day was such a V I B E. This place is super spacious. There are lots of rooms and walkways so you’ll never feel like you’re bumping next to someone and completely stuck. They even had an Irish band and you know, I was F L I P P I N G. Of course I had to dance I mean come on now! 1000% would come back here on a regular day!
33. Niall’s on 52nd Irish Pub
Since you know I am the party queen, sometimes, just a casual drink at the bar can’t hurt. My dad, sister and I went to this place and it’s GOOOOOD. The bartender had an Irish accent, so I mean again, it’s GOOOOD. I love authentic places and this hit the nail on the head. This place was super spacious and had such a nice vibe. Just a few blocks away are places like the Stag and Conerstone which are p a c k e d. We were trying to get away from the finance bros and happy we came across this spot!! We stayed and chatted for hours and overall had such a great time!
The Brooklynite Abroad’s Bucket List
So you guys know I am always on the lookout for the next “IT” spot and well I have a running list of places I would like to visit! Now eventually as I explore these new places, this list will get longer and well, that means more fun memories! If you have been to any of these places LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!
Magic Hour, La Caverna, PHD Rooftop, Somewhere Nowhere, Harbor, Pianos, Il Bastardo, Jadi’s, Zinc Bar, Kind Regards, Palace, Motel 23, Freehold, Paul’s Casablanca, Zero Bond, Rays, SoHo Grand, Lucien, American Bar, Forgetmenot, Papatzul, Little Shop NYC, Pony Boy NYC, The Nines, NoMad, Félix Restaurant & Bar, Paul’s Casablanca, Daphne Nightclub, Live Axe The Grey Lady, and more!! I hope you guys enjoyed this post because it was so much fun to make and brought back a rush of fun and enjoyable memories!
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