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Where to drink in New York City right now

Bar hopping is never boring in New York City. Whether you’re in the mood to taste a trending cocktail, sip through a well-curated wine menu, or hang with a paperback in the corner of a moody dive, there are hundreds of drinking spots to choose from all over NYC.

Head to a Theater District rooftop for playful cocktails and unobstructed Empire State building views. Share a bottle of wine from an extensive Italian selection at a neighborhood gem in Williamsburg. In the East Village, a century-old hangout is a go-to for umbrella-topped daiquiris.

Skip the sidewalk waits by reaching for a reservation instead. Read on for a guide to 9 beloved NYC bars to grab a drink at right now.

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Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
9 Restaurants
Updated May 23, 2023
Restaurants:Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Broken Shaker - New York, Julius' Bar
Price Range:$$ - $$$
Cuisines:American, Cocktail Bar
Neighborhoods:Theater District / Times Square, Gramercy / Flatiron, West Village
A photo of Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge restaurant

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge

$$$$
American
Theater District / Times Square
3.8
2826 reviews

Every hour feels magical atop this lofty bar and lounge. With unobstructed Empire State Building views and plenty of space to spread out, the Magic Hour is a rarity this close to Times Square. Pink furniture and seasonal decor—colorful flowers, fairy lights—make this indoor and outdoor space an influencer hotspot, but anyone can have a good time here. Drinks and bites are extra playful, such as curly fries, sliders on Hawaiian rolls, and an 18-ounce party punch made with grapefruit vodka, yuzu, and a hint of pomegranate.



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A photo of Broken Shaker - New York restaurant

Broken Shaker - New York

$$$$
Cocktail Bar
Gramercy / Flatiron
4.6
27 reviews

Broken Shaker brings tropical flare, bright interiors, and easy-to-sip cocktails to buttoned-up Gramercy. Drinks are intricate and balanced and often feature housemade infusions, syrups, and bitters. Case in point: the Cafe Con Fuego is made with pepper-infused golden rum, cold brew, coffee liqueur, and macadamia orgeat. For the ultimate getaway vibes, pair your beverage with Mediterranean-accented dips or a punchy Cubano sandwich. It all goes down on a rooftop oasis with equally delicious views.



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A photo of Julius' Bar restaurant

Julius' Bar

$$$$
American
West Village
4.8
67 reviews

As New York’s oldest gay bar, Julius presides over a corner of the West Village and earned historical landmark status in 2022. The no-frills dive—the location of an important 1960s protest—beckons anyone eager to drink in a safe space. Regulars are fans of its faithful burgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. There’s always a vibrant ambiance in the colorfully decorated bar, welcoming solo visitors and groups.



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A photo of Grand Central Oyster Bar restaurant

Grand Central Oyster Bar

$$$$
Seafood
Midtown East
4.2
7037 reviews

This basement-level oyster bar is nestled in the depths of Grand Central Terminal and known for its rotund ceilings and spacious interiors, welcoming both tourists and commuters. Sit at a dining table or sidle up to a stool at the bar for top-notch martinis, ice-cold oysters, and historic ambiance unlike anywhere else in the city.



At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

A photo of Holiday Cocktail Lounge restaurant

Holiday Cocktail Lounge

$$$$
Cocktail Bar
East Village
4.6
11 reviews

Holiday is a century-old East Village haunt that was revitalized in the 2010s. Its extensive and excellent cocktail list includes paper umbrella-topped daiquiris, an ever-popular espresso martini with cold brew and maple-infused syrup, and plenty of beer and wine by the glass. The U-shaped bar at the center of the kitschy but classy space is especially well-suited for catching up with friends—or making brand-new ones.



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A photo of Ophelia restaurant

Ophelia

$$$$
American
Midtown East
4.4
1023 reviews

Ophelia is an Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge on the 26th floor of the historic Beekman Tower with stunning East River views. The bar feels nostalgic yet contemporary, serving creative spins on classics such as a martini smoked with palo santo wood and a Caribbean take on an Old Fashioned. A chic snack menu features bites such as truffle fries, duck confit spring rolls, and burrata and dragon fruit salad.



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A photo of D.O.C. Wine Bar restaurant

D.O.C. Wine Bar

$$$$
Italian
Williamsburg
4.6
202 reviews

D.O.C. is a neighborhood gem that achieved Williamsburg classic status in 2002—long before tourists flocked to Brooklyn. Crowds now come for its rustic interiors and perpetually buzzing patio. Enjoy a romantic candlelit evening at a cafe table and linger over a bottle of wine from the extensive Italian list. It pairs well with D.O.C 's standout Sardinian fare, such as grilled octopus with roasted sweet baby peppers and cannellini bean puree or pasta with pistachio pesto and mascarpone cheese.



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A photo of As You Are restaurant

As You Are

$$$$
American
Boerum Hill
4.3
151 reviews

As You Are is part-bar, part-cafe, part-restaurant, and an all-around good time in the Ace Hotel Brooklyn. The focal point is undoubtedly a kaleidoscopic Isaiah Zagar mosaic, dotted with food motifs. Cocktails are elevated but deceptively simple, such as the Apple Seed Sour, a blend of Cognac, aged rum, applejack, cinnamon, lemon, and egg white. Grab a seat at one of the comfy green banquettes and stretch your evening with a dish from the globally inspired food menu, including celery root latkes and baked brie with strawberries, rhubarb, and pistachios. Or skip right to dessert for sumptuous Earl Grey creme brulee. The Ace’s lobby turns into a major scene come weekend evenings, making for a seriously fun way to continue the evening.



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A photo of Harlem Tavern restaurant

Harlem Tavern

$$$$
American
Harlem
4.6
225 reviews

This easygoing beer garden and sports bar sits in the heart of Harlem and makes an ideal spot to meet up with a group, catch a game, or simply drink in the sun. Gather over cocktails, punches, and over a dozen beers on tap (many are local). Stretch the hangout a little longer with the tavern’s solid comfort food lineup, which includes wings, barbecue spareribs, and mac and cheese that can be customized with toppings such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or jalapeños.



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