Death & Company.

Much like Attaboy, Death & Co. doesn’t accept reservations and wait times can easily exceed two hours during weekends. Dimly lit and sophisticated, when Death & Co. opened in 2006 the bar quickly established itself an undisputed modern cocktail vanguard.

A mere four years later, the popular speakeasy was recognized for having the World’s Best Cocktail Menu and voted World’s Best Cocktail Bar. Needless to say, Death & Co. has been influential in shaping cocktail trends across the world and is remains one of New York City’s best cocktail bars to this day.

Voted the Best American Cocktail Bar and acknowledged for having the World’s Best Cocktail Menu, Death & Company is arguably the most popular cocktail bar in the East Village. You can’t make reservations in advance, so you’ll need to put your name on a waitlist and mill about until you’re called.

Don’t let that deter you, the wait is worthwhile. The talented bartenders will make you forget everything that came before you stepped foot inside. The extensive menu can feel overwhelmed. Drinks are organized by categories like “light & playful” and “boozy & honest.”

Fill through the pages until you strike a note that fits your mood. From there, your options will narrow down to a handful of cocktails. If all else fails, ask the bartender for a recommendation, they always have something exciting up their sleeve.

New York City nightlife is about finding your spot, that one place that just feels right.