Best bars in Chelsea

Entering the Trailer Park Lounge feels like stepping into a Southern diner themed bar. Amidst vintage signs and license plates, the retro yellow and red chairs create a vintage atmosphere – like you’re stepping onto a movie set of a Scorsese film (or inside the James Patterson book that featured it).

For margarita enthusiasts, Trailer Park Lounge stands out with its strong and refreshing versions, especially the frozen variety that adds to the Chelsea bar’s down-south charm. Pair your drinks with bar food classics like burgers, wings, and top-notch tater tots. Plus, nothing complements an innocent buzz like a plate of nachos.

One of the most historic bars in Chelsea is Peter McManus Cafe, the longest-running family-owned bar in New York City. A classic Irish pub establishment that’s been around since 1936 serving fantastic food and drinks. This is a perfect Irish pub to pop into and sit at the bar for a proper pint (of Guinness).

One standout menu item that must be mentioned is the burger. Speaking from personal experience, rarely does a place that self-proclaims actually have one of the best burgers in New York City. In the case of ol’ Pete McManus, the burger is actually top-notch and worth a detour.

I tried both the “Pop Pop’s Top-Shelf Cheeseburger” & the classic cheeseburger. Both were great but I preferred the classic.

Pro-tip If you like it medium-rare then order it medium to avoid a let down.

Located inside The Hotel Chelsea you’ll find The Lobby Bar, a great Chelsea bar if I do say so myself. Specializing in craft cocktails and small plates this classy watering hole is perfect for a date you’re trying to impress.

This upscale bar is the perfect addition to the iconic Hotel Chelsea which opened in 1884 and has been a neighborhood staple ever since. You can hear references to the hotel in songs by Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, and of course Leonard Cohen with his famous Chelsea Hotel #2.

It always surprises me that the place isn’t more crowded. I’m not complaining, but given the vibes and the great cocktails it seems like the kind of place that would be. Take advantage of the fact this Chelsea bar still somehow seems to be under the radar and enjoy a swanky night on the town.

Located in the cellar of Chelsea Market, The Tippler stands out as one of Chelsea’s most captivating bars. Despite its subterranean setting, the rustic charm created by brick and wood is splendid.

The bar’s construction incorporates history, with reclaimed wood from original High Line Park railroad ties, repurposed antique light fixtures, vintage library decor, and water-tower wood. The quality of the cocktails at The Tippler secure its status among Chelsea’s top cocktail bars. Try the Blue Bayou, “a margarita and paloma having a baby.”

While reservations aren’t available at The Tippler, arriving early is crucial. Finding the entrance can be a challenge—head to 15th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues and spot the illuminated “entrance open” sign across from Live Nation.

Crompton Ale House is my go-to Chelsea sports bar when I don’t want to go to a sports bar. Let me explain, while lots of sports bars are dingy, cheap, and smell like a frat house, Crompton Ale House is a clean and classy establishment. This Irish pub offers a medley of beer, wine, and spirits in a more polished setting. The copper accents, granite bar, and bookshelf-lined walls create an air of (casual) sophistication.

But don’t let the classy look fool you, this joint gets just as thunderous as a college bar on game day. During the World Cup, the bar is stuffed like a can of sardines. The food at the Crompton Ale House is also noteworthy, which makes it one of the best bars in Chelsea for casual get-togethers. If you need a suggestion, I always recommend ordering the fish and chips!

Named after the Raines Law, a New York State liquor tax aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, Raines Law Room has become a neighborhood favorite. The law prohibited selling alcohol on Sundays, except for hotels. To exploit this loophole, saloons started expanding and adding rooms to qualify as a hotel. These became known as Raines Law rooms and paved the way for one of the most intimate cocktail bars in Chelsea.

If low lights and good drinks are just about all you need for a great date night then Raines Law Room is looking to host. If you’re looking for an engaging date night, consider taking one of their cocktail-making classes.

Remember how in elementary school there was always something to do during recess? Kickball, monkey bars, and swings provided innocent fun. Well, in adulthood, I go to Slate, one of the coolest bars in Chelsea. This swanky hot spot has pool tables, arcade games, and a 20 ft. slide. You read that right, a slide!

The 16,000 square foot space means ample space for lounge-style seating, so you and your friends can get comfortable.

On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a live DJ, essentially turning the bar into a nightclub (but you’ll need tickets). There are also karaoke nights, comedy shows, and live performances. Keep an eye on the online calendar to stay on top of the schedule, or just visit for kicks and giggles since this is one of the most unique bars in Chelsea.