Top 5 Cocktail Bars in New York

210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

“We swung by Clover Club while we were in Brooklyn. It's one of the top 50 best bars in North America, and it didn't disappoint. The neighborhood had a fantastic vibe, even though we were there at night. I can totally see why folks love it. The bar was buzzing, but it was a tad dimly lit for my taste. However, the cocktails were a hit. They've got quite an extensive menu. Sadly, our bellies were already bursting, so we couldn't dive into the food. But rumor has it, their grub is top-notch too.”

205 State St, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States

“It was so much fun and the best burger I have had in a long while! The service was great. He advised I try a drink I hadn't before and he was so very right! And the texture of the cheesecake was spot on. I have zero complaints”

55 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States

“Devin and Jermaine were absolutely pleasant! I am visiting from out of state and felt at home they were so great and dear Irving was a great vibe ! Thank you .”

253 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

“I walked in on a Monday afternoon and was a very soothing vibe. Mild music playing around with a less than average crowd density since it was afternoon. The music picks up after evening and gets really busy. I tried the cocktails and chicken cheese naachos. The food was great and so were the cocktails to say the least. Alex took good care of me and was super attentive and loving, kudos to her! Would definitely visit again.”

345 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

“Very atmospheric place with a live jazz, quiet, busy, and loud. We have stopped there just for a drink and stay there as place was lots of fun. However, I wasn't much impressed with their drinks and food. We have ordered mussels and I can tell you that I have better ones. But that was compensated by the live jazz and atmosphere.”

387 South St, Highland, NY 12528, United States

“We were recommended this place by someone who has been here a lot. We go inside and the hostess didn’t even smile. We felt very unwelcome- then she said they didn’t have any tables. Didn’t even give us a wait time, and told us we can sit outside at a picnic table. But we won’t have a server we have to order at the bar…. Ok weird for a restaurant. It’s cold but we make do with the scenery and watching everyone look cold eating their meals. Tables were left with dishes when we arrived and we personally had to buss the table from previous customers. Rarely did I see a server clean after people left. After an hour it was just us- and we’re surrounded in dirty dishes with plenty of food left behind. It wasn’t until we finished where someone came out and cleared the entire back. They only had 3-4 tables outside. Other couples were lounging in poolside chairs like it’s a BBQ in July. With the higher prices I was assuming the food to be amazing. I ordered the burger which was $20 and plain with only lettuce. You had to pay for any additional toppings even cheese or onion. I got the mustard potatoes as a side and so did one other person. We did NOT like this concoction. Too much mustard and it was just nasty. My burger was so small and lacked flavor. The bacon jam I ordered was not bacon jam it was weird I didn’t enjoy it. Definitely not worth $20+. I was quite upset with this. In addition, when I ordered inside at the bar I told the bartender 2 orders of the sausage platter and one burger. Only 2 meals were brought out, so while we politely waited to eat, our food is getting cold in the 50 degrees it was outside. Overall the service was poor, food was poor, and too expensive for the quality. If you’re going to do this overflow outdoor section, have some respect for these customers. And have a better system. We were truly disappointed. All the reviews online and from our friend who suggested this place said it was amazing service is great and the food. Not for us unfortunately. If we were inside, I wonder if the service and treatment would’ve been the same…”

507 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

“This is my 3rd time coming to Carneval and I love it here! The drinks are always strong and the music is great, if you’re in the neighborhood definitely check it out. Great service, our waitress Mafe was great very attentive and friendly!”

170 W 231st St, Bronx, NY 10463, United States

“all i gotta say is 10/10 would recommend! as soon as i opened the door i was greeted and seated. my friend and i shared the chopped cheese spring rolls and they were good! i had the classic burger and my friend had the crispy chicken sandwich. passionfruit margarita is always a must and it was made very well! andira was a great waitress as well, look for her when you go!”

556 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States

“Start off with the Gabaghoul by KCBC, then Nectaron by Wayward Lane, eventually finish with Timber Ales Fields of Fall which is almost like a sipping cognac. Ask Fred for advice, water and any queries concerning the music playing. They …”

20 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States

“We walked in on a Friday ~5:15pm without a reservation and were happy to score two janky stools by the door. Cool. Dark. Well worn. Really felt like a speakeasy. Someone was late for their shift, so a lone bartendar was working extra quick/hard to serve everyone until help arrived. Our cocktails were excellent!”

900 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

“I enjoyed karaoke here, but just be aware that this establishment charges you sales tax for the subtotal including auto gratuity (for parties of 6 or more). In other words, it’s not the subtotal that’s being taxed, it’s the subtotal + auto gratuity that’s being taxed in the end. That said, the service is great but the interior atmosphere is a bit plain. No ambient lighting and no tambourines. If you just come for a no-frills karaoke session, you’ll be good to go. I really liked the fact that we didn’t have to buy a drink minimum, though. I would come again for the service but the room decor could use some work.”

293 Alexander St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States

“Best cocktails in Rochester. The atmosphere was so chill. You can actually hear your friends. Loved waitresses very helpful.”

344 Bowery, New York, NY 10012, United States

“This is one of my favorite bars in NYC - very chill either indoors or out front. Good cocktails but also a nice craft beer selection. Almost never too crowded. A gem in a neighborhood that’s sometimes oppressively full of tourists. If I’m in lower Manhattan and I have time I’ll roll by for a drink.”

24 Caroline St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, United States

“While we visited Saratoga we were seeking a New York style craft cocktail and dining experience. We loved the variety of menu options that covered vegan through surf and turf. The oysters were magnificent and the cocktails were comparable to Manhattan's Ritz-Carlton but priced reasonably. Loved it so much we recommended it to fellow travelers who asked for a recommendation. We will make sure to stop by again when we are in town! I may even call in advance to make sure i have my beloved gin-gin fizz waiting 😉”

1 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, United States

“Stumbled upon this gem, and can’t wait to return! I haven’t been to the city since pre-Covid- and made reservations online with an oyster bar for happy hour- only to get there and it’s no longer in existence- i asked Google for “oysters near me” and it directed me to two- Sel Rrose happened to be in the direction of our next stop- we were thankfully surprised- great atmosphere, the staff was knowledgeable and made killer cocktails! Best Bourbon Manhattan I’ve had! As a chef, I’m picky, the oysters were fresh! The cucumber mignonette was refreshing with the sweet petites! And the bread service was anything but boring! Highly recommend!”

247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, United States

“GREAT happy hour option. $1 oysters and a $20 carafe of wine. The place got filled up at the bar pretty quickly, but it has a back room with a long table and an outdoor area. Might be my next oyster spot! (And will still come back for tapas too)”

212 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, United States

“Good music here and a vibe with lots of young people. We waited less than 10 mins to get inside on a Saturday night. Lines moves super quick.”

1288 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221, United States

“Do not come here if you want to get any work done. It’s a bar, not a cafe.”

151 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States

“I was ecstatic to give this a visit on our trip to the big apple- the end result was just alright. We didn’t have a reservation, and we’re seated at our choosing (the bar) Kevin was attentive, and helpful with which wine to navigate next with. Four stars as -the aracini was a bit dry, needs more sauce or perhaps over cooked slightly. The plate needed a little finish wipe (nothing to cry over), the bursted tomatoes were a highlight of this dish with the pesto -truffle pasta lacked sauce too, and not much flavor, another dish that was just ok -short rib was spot on of the three, the mushrooms were delicate and delightful; the short rib pulled apart without tugging, too very little to no fatty pieces present -a plus note, all dishes had beautiful presentation to them -our neighbors had the tower, which was a unique way of cheese + charcuterie Overall, experience was pretty good, wine list was plenty to offer, especially when there’s wine you don’t normally get to try, atmosphere was cozy. I would absolutely come here for a glass with a friend or book. Wanted to try the wine flight, ran out of time.”

35 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

“Absolutely magical. I can’t recommend highly enough.”