Bars NYC Travel

The Best Bars In NYC (Updated 2025)

on April 8, 2025

So if you’re living in NYC or just visiting, there is one thing we all have in common. We want to know the best bars in NYC. There’s something about experiencing NYC nightlife that is indescribable and incomparable to other places around the world. It’s a combination of spontaneity, a good vibe, and a good crowd! To say the least, it is confusing trying to navigate all of the best bars in NYC. Trust me, we have all been there – stuck on the street checking Google Maps for a nearby lit spot. These are the places I recommend going 10000% for every occasion, so you don’t have to stress while enjoying your trip to NYC.

The Best Bars in NYC (My #1 Option)

If you like Latin music, delicious Hispanic/Asian fusion food, a DJ that takes requests, hookah, sports games, happy hour, a vibe & a fun night out. Bad Habits is the place for you. There are so many reasons why it’s my all-time favorite spot. Once you arrive, you automatically feel this welcoming presence. Tip: Get there early for happy hour so you can secure a seat at the bar since it gets crowded quickly. If you get a table in the restaurant area, you’ll need to order food, so keep that in mind.

What to Order at Bad Habits?

  1. La Matona Mule: Vodka with spiced cinnamon and ginger
  2. Dealer’s Choice: Rum with coconut and cinnamon
  3. Veróniquita (aka my signature drink): An Irresistible Gin with lemonade & agave, garnished with mint & orange on top for your pleasure.
  4. Tostones Sliders: 3 sliders with tostones as the bun rather than bread, & let me tell you, it was delicious.
  5. Cheech & Chongs: This was probably the juiciest chicken I have ever had at a bar, and it just goes to show the quality of this place.
  6. Hookah: All the flavors are great, but especially the passionfruit!
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Best Reggaeton Bars/Clubs in NYC

  1. Papatzul: My all-time favorite dancing club is a Latin bar in Soho called Papatzul. It’s a Mexican brunch spot by day and a hidden reggaeton paradise by night. You can tell a lot of locals love this spot just from the energy and down-to-earth vibes. The DJ plays a great mix of your favorite reggaeton songs with some original mixes that get you all in the groove. 100% recommend this spot.
  2. Vida Verde: If you’re looking for a nice spot to listen to reggaeton over dinner with a chance to request a song, this is the spot for you. I’ve been here twice already & will go a third time. The drinks are strong, which is a perfect way to start the night.
  3. Viva Toro: A great club experience that plays a combination of reggaeton and rap music. In the heart of Williamsburg, this spot is a keeper and has been around for a hot minute. Another thing to know is that a lot of artists will have their after parties here post-concert, so everyone knows it’s a good time. This is a great spot to get bottle service since the reserved spots are in the middle of the bar and are more spacious.

If You Want Mexican Food/Happy Hour

  1. El Coco: They have a great happy hour deal, but even on the regular, it’s an affordable spot. This place plays the best reggaeton music, and the whole spot is aesthetic in its decor and overall vibe.
  2. Tacovision: This spot in particular has an amazing selection of margaritas, and it’s included in their happy hour! They also have agave flights which were WAY too strong for me, but the real ones know!. If you’re considering going here, they have bottomless drinks and endless tacos so that’s a killer combo! 
  3. Cantina Rooftop: I’ve been here for my birthday twice, and it was so much fun both times. The place gets packed but it’s so big that you can still get a reservation or even walk in!

If You Want to Go Clubbing In NYC

  1. Bounce: This is another club option across the street from Slate! Although I prefer Slate, Bounce is worth checking out. 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!
  2. Slate: They play some of the best music hands down. There are multiple floors, so if you’d rather play arcade games, dance, or just lounge, there’s a spot for you. In terms of the music, I’m talking 2000s throwbacks to today’s hits to reggaetón. The most viral part of this spot is that they have an actual slide that goes to the bottom lounge arcade floor.

Best Bars If You’re Going With A Crowd

  1. Peachy’s: From rap to afro beats, this bar not only has great energy but tasty drinks, excellent service, and if you’re looking to host a party, they offer that as well!
  2. Factory 380: This is a great happy hour spot, night out spot & overall just a vibe. They play a mix of music and if you sit at the table in the front, they have video games you can play with your friends, which is a lot of fun and interactive. To this day, there’s only one other spot I know that does this. The food tastes delicious, so overall, it’s a great way to start your night!
  3. Hotel Chantelle: This place is a classic for a nice night out, and they play a variety of music, rap, electronic & bits of pop. I love that they have different floors you can check out.
  4. Penny Farthing: This bar was a lot of fun and brings in a younger, college crowd so just keep that in mind. If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out on your bar crawl extravaganza.
  5. Blue Midtown: This spot has recently been playing more reggaeton music. I think it’s the best, is because they play a variety of music and even have seasonal pop-ups. During the winter, they have a Frosty’s pop-up bar, which is so festive and the bar area was so much fun.
  6. Stumble Inn: It’s quite literally in the name, but for some reason, many people do stumble into this bar on their last stop of the night. It’s usually the last spot people go before questioning “why am I up this late?”. For good reason, they’re really chill here and a great spot to check out.

Classic Speakeasies in NYC

  1. The Bathtub Gin: As a certified gin girly, it only makes sense to make this my number one spot. 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 time travel to. Pro Tips: Get there right when they open at 5 if you don’t have reservations and coat check is free, so if it’s cold, wear your big puffer jacket if it means staying warm!
  2. The Back Room: This speakeasy is one of the original still-standing speakeasies from the time of prohibition, making it not only an incredible place to check out, but a chance to experience NYC history. They have live music that you can check out on their social media pages and serve their cups in teacups to stay on theme with the prohibition vibes. If you like private parties, check out this spot – the party is behind a mysterious bookcase.
  3. Apotheke: Right in Chinatown, this spot is all the vibes. It truly gives the vibe of a London 1800s apothecary. It’s the perfect way to wind down after exploring all of Chinatown. Grab a drink and enjoy the vibes – you deserve it.
  4. Auction House: A sister bar to the Back Room, this spot on the Upper East Side has indoor and outdoor seating. On the weekends, they only allow 25+, so something to keep in mind for your next visit!

Best Bars Before or After Watching a Musical

  1. Mean Fiddler: This spot always has a special theme going on. They’re a local Irish bar that has everything down perfectly. From the layout of the place to the service, delicious bites, and tasty drinks. If you’re going to a musical, this spot is right around the corner and a must-visit spot to check out to fuel up beforehand or pregame your night out. Especially love their bottomless dinner option that is perfect for a big crowd.
  2. The Rum House: Still shocked a place this lowkey is in the heart of Times Square. 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. They have happy hour specials from 4-6, & FYI: these were the strongest drinks I have had in my life. The place is pretty small, 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
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Top Picks For An Intimate Date Night

  1. Maison Pickle: Just by the name, you should know this place is a keeper. Behold, the Maison Pickle, a hidden gem in NYC. They have outstanding service and this elite vibe without paying top dollar. The bartender overheard I was obsessed with gin & started showing us their entire collection of gin, including the very first bottle of gin. The music isn’t overpowering, so you can have meaningful conversations and 100% a place to check out after a long day around Central Park or even at the Museum of Natural History.
  2. La Caverna: Hidden in the Lower East Side is a restaurant/bar inside a cave. This spot’s aesthetic is off the charts and a really cool place to impress your date and have a great night. Their food is great, but the wow factor truly lies in the atmosphere and a unique place like no other.
  3. Hush Cafe Lounge & Garden: For a chill, intimate night, you’ll want to cozy up on the red lounges and enjoy a nice dinner, drinks & hookah at Hush Cafe. To this day, I am not sure how this place is not as popular, so let’s give it the love and attention it truly deserves.
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

If You’re Embracing the Touristy Vibes

  1. 230 Fifth: It’s glorified diner food with a pretty killer view of the Empire State Building. Nonetheless, it’s a great option for families with picky eaters or even rooftop summer vibes with fun frosés.
  2. Magic Hour: It’s a place both locals and tourists equally like. They play great music, the vibe is welcoming with views of the Empire State Building- what more could you ask for. Each season, they have a bunch of cute pop-ups/seasonal decor that add to the whole vibe. The place is never super busy, so even walk-ins are allowed!
  3. Public Hotel: This is more so for the iconic touristy photos and not necessarily for the vibes. It’s a fancy and intimate spot and great to start the night, especially since it’s near a lot of other bars.
  4. Watermark: This is one of the more tourist spots near Stone Street in Lower Manhattan. They have pop-ups for almost any and every occasion, so it’s worth checking out if you happen to be in the area. I wouldn’t start changing plans to fit this in, though. They do have great views of the Brooklyn Bridge so make sure you bring your camera.

Best Sports Bars in NYC

  1.  Break Bar: Break Bar is the perfect bar for endless sports & game nights. 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, leave the sweats at home because you’re going to sweat a lot.
  2. Pig Beach: A sports bar is probably one of the biggest establishments I have ever seen in my life. Came here for the World Cup games and let me tell you it was like a maze of different seating arrangements. From outdoor  Pro Tip: Happy hour is Tuesdays to Fridays from 4-7pm & if you’re going to watch a game, go early!
  3. 3308: This is slowly becoming one of my favorite spots. 3308 has it all. From reggaeton music to a sports bar, you can come here for any occasion. I love how spacious the place is with tons of tables & TVs for upcoming games and immaculate vibes to come. Pro Tip: They give out free shots on weekends!
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Irish Pubs in NYC

  1. 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!
  2.  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!
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

There You Have It

So you guys know I am always on the lookout for the next “IT” spot, and the list will keep growing as I continue my lifelong “market research”. The best bars in NYC are constantly changing because that’s life. Places change, vibes evolve & this list you’re looking at might be completely different in just a few weeks. This list is made for people who are just trying to get immediate vibes without scrolling for hours trying to find a good spot. Trust that with the right crowd, everyplace is lit- but it always helps to go to a spot that brings the energy first!

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