The watering holes in Manhattan are among the finest in the world and it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore a few and get a feel for the different districts that make up the island in the process.
Whether it’s vintage whiskeys, classic cosmopolitans or a cheeky beer or two, we’ve created a thirst-quenching list of the best bars in Manhattan to satisfy your taste buds. We’ve sampled each one to ensure that only the best make the list. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s got to do it, right?
Photo courtesy of Rich Mitchell.
This Greenwich Village venue has seen everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Bill Cosby step through their famous doors, and with acts like that to follow, there is a steady stream to guests and performers alike queuing up to Café Wha? The venue is made for live music and performance so if you’re planning on making a night of it, it’s best to reserve a table. They also serve food alongside their well-mixed cocktails so you can keep partying all night.
Open Mon-Sun 8.30pm-3am.
Photo courtesy of Alexander Baxevanis.
If you want to find out what would happen if you combined a German beer hall with a Manhattan hotel, look no further than The Biergarten. Serving beer by the stein (if you’re able for it) and a variety of pretzels and other traditional German food to wash it down. And in keeping with Barcade’s concept of games and entertainment The Biergarten has a selection of ping pong and football tables to keep you and your friends amused. The vibe is laid back and the music is cool, the only thing to be aware of is it gets VERY busy. You have been warned.
Open Mon-Fri 2m-1am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am.
Photo courtesy of edenpictures.
Another Greenwich Village spot here, just a stone’s throw from Café Wha? For you to check out. Much like Café Wha? if you’re looking to see the next ‘big thing’ before they make it big, The Red Lion in Greenwich Village is where you’ll see them. Every evening different bands and singer-songwriters entertain sizeable or not-so sizeable crowds. If it’s a good deal you’re after and not live music however, they also do good happy hour specials between 3pm and 8pm most nights.
Open daily 11am-4am.
Photo courtesy of Christian Jensen.
With rooftop view and cool cocktails, Tequila Park is an incredible place to pass a summer’s evening in Manhattan. Unsurprisingly the drink you should be ordering here is a margarita as well as some evening nibble from the Taco shack. The bar is located on a rooftop patio of the Hudson Hotel in Midtown so the views are worth a trip in and of themselves. If they still leave you craving more however, the hotel also has the Sky Terrace located on the 15th floor.
Open Tue-Sat 4.00pm-late.
Photo courtesy of PJ Clarkes.
PJ Clarkes is a New York classic and has seen everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Frank Sinatra pass through their doors. Since its founding in 1884, the bar has expanded to several locations in New York and beyond but its Third Avenue location is the original. The bar’s old fashioned vibe is nicely offset against some slick presentation with their food and there’s a real feel that this place is a timeless classic. The cocktails too have a nice old-fashioned vibe and we’d recommend the grasshopper when you stop by.
Open Mon-Sun, 11.30am-4am.
Photo courtesy of Sean Davis.
Located just off of 8th Avenue on W 23rd Street, Trailer Park Lounge is always a crowd pleaser. The method is simple: cheap eats, fun drinks, and some hilariously tacky décor to act as an icebreaker if you’re stuck for conversation. If you’re looking for a dive bar or a low key night, this is definitely worth look in.
Open Mon-Wed12.00pm-1am, Thurs 12.00pm-1.30am, Fri-Sat 12.00pm-2.00am
Photo courtesy of Ted Eytan.
When it comes to parks and Manhattan, most people wax lyrical about Central Park. Now don’t get me wrong, Central Park is amazing in every way. But my favourite park in NYC is Bryant Park in the middle of Midtown. Although this part of the city has to be a contender for one of the busiest places in the world, Brant Park always manages to stay tranquil. The café is also a one of the best spots to enjoy an al fresco beer during the summer months.
Open Sun-Thurs 11.30am-11pm; Fri & Sat 11.30am-midnight.
Photo courtesy of Bernt Rostad.
Are you into your beer? I mean really into your beer? Not in the alcoholic sense of course, more the craft beer connoisseur sense. If so, this is the pub for you. The Gingerman has endless brews that include ‘Doc’s Dry-Hopped Hard Apple Cider’, ‘Kelso Edible Ale’ and ‘Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale’. Enough said.
Open Mon-Thurs 11.30am-2am, Fri 11.30am-4am, Sat & Sun 12.30pm-4am.
Photo courtesy of The Comedy Cellar.
Founded in 1982 and hosting comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K and Chris Rock in the past, The Comedy Cellar is one of NYC’s top comedy clubs. This is the perfect place to go for an evening if you don’t want an alcohol-fuelled one. Three shows take place from Sunday to Wednesday with more taking place at the weekend. Check their website for listings and to make a reservation in advance. You might see a star in the making in the process.
Photo courtesy of IntangibleArts.
There was some debate amongst the Homestay team about including an Irish bar on this list but Swifts it seems has passed the test and won our favour. While Irish people tend to avoid the themed Irish bar like the plague when they are abroad, New York is the city that is the exception to this rule. Swift’s stands out for us as its one of the few Irish bars in Manhattan that is truly like a proper Irish pub. If you’re looking for a bar with a lot of character in NYC, Swift’s has it in abundance.
Open daily 12 noon - 4am
Photo courtesy of Marc Liyanage.
If Swifts is the place to go for a quiet pint that (in our case) reminds you of home, Ava Lounge in the heart of Midtown is the place to go to forget yourself. With a strict dress code and glamourous rooftop terrace, iIt’s quite a plush affair. You’ll be glad you dressed up to the nines when you’re looking out over Times Square below and sipping on that dry Martini, we promise.
Open Mon-Wed 4pm-3am, Thurs-Sat 4pm-4am, Sun 4pm-2am
Photo courtesy of John Picken Photography.
While Swifts was a bar that harks back the traditional bars of Ireland, Stout is a more contemporary affair. It’s huge, with TVs everywhere making it a sports favourite. The burgers here are also top notch and the beer list, with bottles from all over the US, is endless. The soundtrack is usually good too- think Snow Patrol, U2 and Radiohead.
Open daily 11.30am-4pm
Photo courtesy of Ludovic Bertron.
Boasting the only rooftop bar that overlooks the Hudson River, The Brass Monkey has multiple levels and multiple beers which results in multiple ways to enjoy an evening. The wooden interior gives it a very homely feel, while the new Copper Room is where beer enthusiasts can sample the newest brews.
Open daily 12 noon – 4pm
In the midst of the madness of Manhattan’s East Village is The Immigrant, a low-key affair that is perfect for taking it easy and catching up over a glass of wine, some of which are served on tap. Housed in a former tenement space, the bar is small, giving it an intimate, homey feel. They also serve snacks too if you’re feeling peckish.
Open Sun-Wed 5pm-1am, Thurs 5pm-2am, Fri & Sat 5pm-3am
Photo courtesy of Paul Arps.
Modelled after a traditional German beer hall in Cologne, this bar in Manhattan’s LES is the perfect place for a cold, golden beer thanks to its outdoor beer garden. There are 12 imported German beers on tap along with all the German nibbles and snacks you’d expect from a beer hall too. Worth checking out if you’re looking for something that little bit different.
Open Sun-Tues 12 noon-1am, Wed 12 noon – 2am, Thurs 12 noon – 3am, Fri & Sat 12 noon – 4amnhattan bars on a map
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