The Best Bars in Manhattan, 8 I'd Actually Go Back To

Dante Caffe dates back to 1915. It served as a staple for the community before slowly fading into oblivion before two Australians decided to breathe new life into the historic institution in 2015. The result was striking, Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 (4 years after re-opening) and appeared on the list again 2020.

The menu is well picked with small fare but the drinks is where this popular NYC cocktail bar truly shines, but scoring reservations is no easy feat (especially Friday when live jazz serenades cocktail-nursing locals).

After visiting Dante on several occasions, I can confirm that their drinks are some of the best (and strongest) I’ve had in the city. The dirty martini is particularly memorable but my partner is partial to the negroni.

Locations551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014 & 79-81 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Happy Hour Dante offers a generous daily happy hour between 3pm and 5pm. Dante West Village offers martinis for $10 and Caffe Dante offers negronis for $10.

When it comes to iconic bars in New York City, Bemelmans Bar gets my vote. Found in the posh Carlyle Hotel, this NYC bar is best known for the alluring murals that adorn the walls.

The murals were hand-painted by none other than the beloved illustrator behind the famous Madeline books, Ludwig Bemelmans (for whom the bar is named). The beautiful murals were commissioned in the 1940s and depict Central Park in all four seasons.

Peel your eyes away from the handsome walls and you’ll notice the pianist serenading patrons. Allow your eyes to wander and watch generous pours of perfectly-executed drinks make their way from one table to the next.

In a lot of ways Bemelmans Bar is exactly what a New York City bar should be. The staff are dressed to impress, the bar is dimly lit and the aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class. It’s the only place to celebrate a special occasion.

If you’re looking to impress out of town guest then you need not look further than The Campbell, located in Grand Central Terminal. There’s a few reasons the Campbell is considered one of the best cocktail bars in New York City, but let’s start with the basics.

First, arriving to the bar is an experience itself. A grand marble staircase drops you off at what appears to be an office fit for an oligarch, which isn’t too far of a stretch from the truth. The space was previously used as John Campbell’s private office, he was a notable railroad magnate that spared no expense in making himself feel like a million bucks.

Today, regular folks like you and me get the benefit. The Campbell serves as an elegant bar with sky-high ceilings and memorable drinks, bust most notable is the classic Manhattan, which they’ve perfected throughout the years.

Ask locals about the best bars in New York City and the honest ones will mention, the dishonest ones still want to keep it a secret. The appeal at this Manhattan bar is the overall vibe, mixologists in lab coats create inspired cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t lack imagination or romance.

The menu is broken down into six distinct sections. Health & Beauty, Aphrodisiacs, Pain Killers, Euphorics, Stimulants and Stress Relievers. Cocktails are referred to as prescriptions, feeding into the whole old-school European apothecary experience.

Regardless of the drinks you choose to order at this classy cocktail bar in Manhattan, one thing is certain, you can’t be disappointed. Using organic produce and house-made ingredients, everything tastes refreshing and satisfying.

Started by adventurous duo Nico de Soto and Greg Boehm, Mace has graced the list of World’s 50 Best Bars for several consecutive years since opening in 2015.

The concept of this trendy cocktail bar in Manhattan is simple, infuse every cocktail with adventure. The menu features extravagant libations made with exotic spices from around the world. But fair warning, getting reservations at Mace requires a miracle, book in advance.

Opened sometime between 1854 and 1862 (the exact year is debated), McSorley’s Old Ale House is one of the most historic bars in New York City. Indeed, it’s the oldest Irish Salon in New York City and has hosted notable patrons throughout the years. Famous names include Abraham Lincoln, Ulyssess S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, John Lennon, Houdini and E.E. Cummings.

The bar has two mottos. “We were here before you were born” and “Be Good or Be Gone.” However, before women were allowed in bars in the 1970’s, McSorely’s motto was, “Good Ale, Raw Onions and No Ladies.”

Located in the East Village, everything about this iconic bar in New York City oozes with old-world charm. In fact, not a single item has been removed from the walls since 1910. You can find Houdini’s handcuffs on a bar rail and wishbones hung by young men going off to World War I.

The menu at this famous Manhattan bar is limited to two options, dark and light ale. Some things never change, and (frankly) shouldn’t.

The Patent Pending is a very popular NYC speakeasy, but what some folks don’t realize it that there’s now a second bar tucked behind it called The Lab. Opened in 2021 and seating only 30, the space is tiny (does “intimate” sound more romantic?) but memorable.

This newly-opened Manhattan bar is housed in the building where Nikola Tesla lived. This the very building where he performed various experiments on radio waves. Today you can experience the world he surmised a century ago whenever you pull out your phone and connect to WiFi. This bar is located in the heart of innovation and action and simply can’t be missed.

Serving some of the most exciting cocktails in Manhattan, the Lab is all about creativity. I’m partial to the Suspicions of Espionage (Peruvian Pisco, Single Malt Scotch, wildflower, passion fruit and egg white) and the Radio Waves (Tequila, Mezcal, basil, Thai chile, lime and cucumber).

Fraunces Tavern has been in operation since 1762, effectively making this one of the oldest (but not the oldest) bars in New York City.

This famous New York City bar holds historical significance that can’t be beat, it hosted George Washington several occasions. Most notable when Washington came here to bid his troops an emotional farewell after the Revolutionary War victory in 1783.

Washington invited soldiers from the Continental Army to join his in the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern and a surviving account of the parting is well documented by Benjamin Tallmadge, who was present.

Whenever I visit this great NYC bar I’m always surprised by the lack of tourists. This seems more like a local joint, which never ceases to amaze me considering the history behind it. Make sure to visit the museum located upstairs, which history buffs are sure to appreciate. It’s home to fascinating relics and they even recreated the way the room would have looked when Washington bid farewell to his troops.