The list in my order
9 I’d go back to. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.
Katana Kitten
- Address531 Hudson St, New York, NY
Katana Kitten is a celebrated Japanese dive bar serving inspired craft cocktails. Under the direction of mixologist Masahiro Urushido, the West Village bar makes frequent appearances on the list of the best bars in the world.
The bar’s signature cocktail is the Hinoki martini (Grey Goose, Spring 44 Mountain Gin, Fino Sherry, Junmai Daiginjo, and cyprus tree essence), one of the most unique martinis in NYC.
Good to know Katana Kitten makes our list of the 10 best martinis in New York City.
Angel’s Share
Billed for ushering in the craft cocktail movement, Tony Yoshida’s Angel’s Share (now closed) dates back to 1993. The bar closed in 2022 but re-opened in 2024 by Yoshida’s daughter Erina Yoshida.
A walk-in only establishment, locals gladly line up to get their grubby little hands on innovative cocktails like the Flirtbird (barley shochu Mizu No Mai, shiso, yuzu juice, agave nectar, plum salt rim) and Speak Low (Bacardi Carta Blanca, Bacardi Ocho, Pedro Ximenez sherry, matcha).
Word to the wise. If you’re keen on smoky drinks, don’t sleep on Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (bourbon, aromatised wine, herbal liqueur, bitters, smoke).
Mace
- Address35 W 8th St, New York
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 the West Village is simple, infuse every cocktail with adventure. The menu features extravagant libations made. But fair warning, getting reservations at Mace requires a miracle, book in advance.
Little Branch
Opened in 2005, Little Branch is considered an early pioneer of the speakeasy scene in NYC. Exuding seductive old-world charm, the seating capacity at this walk-in only establishment is (intentionally) limited.
Enter through the nondescript corner door of an abandoned building and you’ll be transported to a dimly-lit, jazz-infused basement cocktail bar. This popular West Village speakeasy is known for excellent classic cocktails and skilled bartenders artfully crafting tailored libations.
The vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated (perfect for date night), with live jazz select nights of the weeks. It’s perfect for anyone on the hunt for a refined (yet unpretentious) night on the town.
Dante
- Cost$10 martinis/negronis during happy hour
- Address551 Hudson St & 79-81 MacDougal St
For the cocktail enthusiasts among us, Dante needs no introduction. This popular neighborhood haunt was named the best bar in the world in 2019 (4 years after re-opening) and appeared on the list again 2020.
There’s two locations in the neighborhood. Caffe Dante and Dante West Village, it gets confusing because the bars are only a few blocks apart. But, there’s an important distinction between them.
Dante is one of my favorite cocktail bars in the West Village. Before getting pregnant, my husband I had a tradition of going every Friday after work, we can’t wait to get back into the swing of it.
Good to know Dante offers a generous happy hour between 3- 5pm daily. Dante West Village offers martinis for $10 and Caffe Dante serves negronis for $10.
Employees Only
- Address510 Hudson St, New York, NY
Employees Only is a speakeasy moonlighting as a tarot card reader. Opened in 2004, the bar is considered a pioneer in the craft cocktail movement. The bar was rated the 30th best bar in North America and 47th best in the world. Whether you’re after tried-and-true classics or find yourself in the mood for something unique, this charming West Village cocktail bar should fit the bill.
The Up & Up
- Address116 MacDougal St, New York
Dive bar meets cocktail bar at the Up & Up. Home to a meticulously-crafted menu full of sophisticated drinks (with equally exciting names like Cursed with Curiosity and Flatter to Deceive), this subterranean bar gets a lot of play in my monthly rotation.
Comfortable and relaxed, the bar puts an emphasis on intimate gatherings over large groups (the maximum party size is six people). Service is reliably friendly and you won’t feel rushed, giving you ample time to linger. Better still, the Up & Up doesn’t blast music like most Greenwich Village bars, making it easier to hold a conversation.
During my last visit I ordered the Hold Please (mezcal, watermelon shrub, creme de cassis, grapefruit and lemon juice) while my husband enjoyed the Honorable Mention (rye, rancio sec, amaro averna, sherry and Angostura Bitters.) Per usual, both drinks were excellent!
Bar Moga
- SubwayC, E to Spring St, 3 min
- Address128 W Houston St, New York
This stylish West Village cocktail bar pays homage to moga (Japanese women who followed Westernized fashion and lifestyles following World War I). Modeled after a Taisho era jazz bar in Japan, the inviting atmosphere exudes sultry Art Deco vibes, with plush velvet seats and dim lighting.
Offering a stylish retreat to a bygone era cocktails, there’s no shortage of exciting libations on offer. From the signature Moga (Suntory Toki Whisky, rhum, aged plum liqueur and bitters) to the tempting Sakura Martini and refreshing Yuzu Fizz.
The Blind Tiger
- Subway1 to Christopher St-Stonewall, 2 min
- Address281 Bleecker St, New York
Craft beer lovers can’t seem to get enough of the Blind Tiger’s impressive rotation of 28 draught brews and large selection of microbrews. Unassuming from the outside, it’s easy to walk by without noticing the bar in the middle of the day. Come evening and it’s a different story.
Locals spill into the streets, masterfully tracking down open tables, parking themselves when the opportunity finally presents itself. While not a cocktail bar by any pigment of the imagination, the Blind Tiger is such a special neighborhood bar, I feel like I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention it.
