260 Best Bars in New York City, New York

Everybody's en route either to or from a show at this "old reliable" tavern on boisterous Restaurant Row, celebrated in the musical version of All About Eve. You might even spot a Broadway star at the classic bar—with its robust scotch and whiskey menus—or in the dining room. Still, one of the best things about Joe's is not the show crowd but the hilarious "flop wall," adorned with posters from musicals that bombed, sometimes spectacularly. (Check out the ones for Paradox Lust, Got Tu Go Disco, and Dude, the unfortunate sequel to Hair.)

Named for the Public Theater's near-mythic impresario Joseph Papp, and located inside the renovated, historic Public Theater, Joe's is the ultimate cabaret lounge for A-list and longtime-favorite downtown performers who revel in the intimate setting—and for New Yorkers keen to discover marvelous, innovative shows and artists rarely enjoyed elsewhere. The venue serves good food and solid cocktails and has nary a bad seat, be it at a table, a booth, or the bar. If you want to occupy one, though, buy tickets and/or reserve your spot beforehand.

One of the last true dive bars left in the West Village, you can spot Johnny's bar by the neon sign that lights up Greenwich Avenue, simply reading "BAR." Inside, the narrow space is bedecked with bumper stickers and posters and there's always some classic rock, soul, and funk on the jukebox. As befitting of any dive, well drinks are poured with a heavy hand and bartenders are always happy to chat.

This two-floor Japanese cocktail bar hits the mark on all notes. Perch yourself at the bar on the second floor, and watch the bartenders shake up sensational Japanese-accented libations, such as a shiso-laced G&T or a "Meguroni," with genever (a ginlike liquor), aged umeshu (a fruit liqueur), and Caffo bitters. There's also a menu of satisfying izakaya-style snacks like uni-topped deviled eggs and charred Japanese eggplant.

Maxfield Parrish's justly beloved 1906 mural of "Old King Cole" and his artful court (made famous by the 18th-century nursery rhyme) adds to the already considerable elegance at this romantic and essential Midtown lounge. Try the Bloody Mary—since this is where the drink was introduced to Americans as a "Red Snapper" back in 1934—and be ready to pay for the privilege of drinking in this legendary establishment.

The dimly lit sister property of a bar of the same name in Paris is the quintessential wine bar, with exposed-brick walls and shelves stocked with (predominantly French, though by-the-glass options are more varied) wine (the complete list is over 600 bottles). Cheese, charcuterie, and other small plates are the perfect accompaniment.

Crowning The Standard Hotel, this two-floor club might not be that easy to get into, but once you're in, you'll be breathing the same oxygen as A-list celebs, lanky models, and the people who love them. The music veers to the house and techno variety, and the views of the Hudson River are spectacular. Oh yeah, did we mention there's a Jacuzzi? Be sure to bring your bathing suit.

End or start your night with views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline at this new rooftop bar. LilliStar is an Indo-Australian-inspired venue with DJ's spinning vinyl, creative cocktails, and tasty light bites. Make sure to try the Rendang Bao, filled with short ribs that have been braised for 24 hours. The cocktail that's a must try is the Kuya Krusher, made with Ketel One vodka, sorrel (hibiscus) juice, and spiced ginger—it's perfectly refreshing, especially on warm summer evenings.

This lipstick-red, high-ceiling spot is a roomy lounge and playground (as in, billiards, shuffleboard, and darts). There are screens for sports, a long bar, and weekend dance parties—all without a cover charge. Extra points, too, for the bar's name, which cites TriBeCa's warehouse zoning law.

Regardless of whatever "Marie's crisis" was or is (each employee seems to have a different story), all the customers here know all the words to show tunes you've never even heard of. Down enough drinks at this ultra-fun West Village joint and you'll be singing along, even if you don't know all the lyrics.

A beloved neighborhood institution, McSorley's is one of New York's oldest saloons (established in 1854) and the motto on the current menu says, "We were here before you were born." The menu is simple: there's just two kinds of beer—McSorley's Light and McSorley's Dark—and the pub food is better than you'd expect. Weekends get busy (don't even think about getting in the door on St. Patrick's Day) but it's perfect for a cozy afternoon. Note that it's cash only.

You have to squeeze past the sardine-packed hipsters in the front bar to reach the stage, but it's worth it. Not only does this top-quality venue specialize in cool bands on the indie scene, but it was also where the late, great Jeff Buckley used to stop by to do spontaneous solo shows. Other big-name musicians follow in his footsteps with occasional pop-up shows of their own.

The enticing, two-story, speakeasy-style bar is in a former antiques store—and, like its West Village sibling, Little Branch, there's no sign outside to announce its presence. Cocktail lovers find the brick town house anyway, and inside, linger over snacks, live jazz, and a long list of sophisticated drinks.

When the women behind hit NYC cocktail bars Clover Club and Leyenda took over the old Milady's dive bar, they kept its predecessor's name, but elevated its decor, drinks, and bar bites. Their inventive cocktail menu now offers “cheeky” mini pours and “full figured” libations, all listed with their ABV, so you can go strong or light.

This intimate tri-level music venue in a former mayonnaise factory has excellent acoustics, so it's no surprise that it draws die-hard fans of rock and indie music with its quality lineups. There's balcony seating and an additional bar upstairs.

Think of Nowadays as a club with a conscience. This sprawling, indoor/outdoor space on the border between two neighborhoods (Bushwick and Ridgewood) in two boroughs (Brooklyn and Queens) and right next to a huge cemetery is up for just about anything. You'll find it packed during daylight hours with families enjoying drinks, Asian-inflected bites and ramen at picnic tables, or pulsing in the evenings with civic-minded Brooklynites taking in a lecture or documentary screening before dancing the night away. Sunday is the most popular here, with an all-day outdoor DJ dance party called Mister Sunday that draws a diverse crowd.

The proudly unpretentious Old Town is redolent of old New York, which makes sense since it's been around since 1892. The low-key atmosphere and pub-style grub make it a perennially popular spot but it can feel a bit bro-y when the after-work crowd descends.

Twenty-six stories above street level, Ophelia is the pinnacle of The Beekman Tower. An impressive space for after-work drinks and romantic dates alike, the bar has a greenhouse-style terrace with spectacular 360-degree views of Midtown and the East River. The emphasis is on mixology and cocktail presentation, and the signature drink, Ophelia’s Ascension (with Maker's Mark and mezcal), is a crowd favorite. While the ambience will draw guests back, service can be iffy. If you can, make a reservation and arrive in time to catch the sunset.

If the life-size statue of Oscar Wilde sitting on a bench out front doesn't catch your eye, the flamboyant interior surely will. Step inside to behold Manhattan's longest bar (at 118½ feet) and one of the city's most visually striking establishments, where every inch seems occupied by art and objects that blend busy Victorian and baroque styles, colors, and materials—from antique clocks and stained glass to a giant carved-marble fireplace (and Wilde quotes). The building was once home to the 1920s Prohibition Enforcement HQ, but now the bar serves expertly concocted, authentic, Prohibition- and Victorian-era tipples. The pub-style food is good, too.