Drink · Bars by neighborhood · 2026
The best bars in Manhattan.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 8 places.
Known as the City that Never Sleeps, New York City’s nightlife is known the world over. As a local, I’ve explored every angle of bars in Manhattan, and this the guide I wish someone had given me. You have to give credit where credit is due. NYC has some of the best bars in the world. As a local, I wanted to share my personal list of the best bars in Manhattan.
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.
- ApothekeBar · ChinatownRegardless of the drinks you choose to order at this classy cocktail bar in Manhattan, one thing is certain, you can’t be disappointed.
- Bemelmans BarBar · Upper East SideIn a lot of ways Bemelmans Bar is exactly what a New York City bar should be.
- Caffe DanteBar · West VillageAfter visiting Dante on several occasions, I can confirm that their drinks are some of the best (and strongest) I’ve had in the city.
- Fraunces TavernBar · Financial DistrictWhenever I visit this great NYC bar I’m always surprised by the lack of tourists.
- MaceBar · Greenwich VillageBut fair warning, getting reservations at Mace requires a miracle, book in advance.
- McSorley’s Old Ale HouseBar · East VillageThe menu at this famous Manhattan bar is limited to two options. dark and light ale.
- The CampbellBar · MidtownToday, regular folks like you and me get the benefit.
- The Lab at Patent PendingBar · NoMadServing some of the most exciting cocktails in Manhattan, the Lab is all about creativity.
Apotheke
Bar · Chinatown · 9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Regardless of the drinks you choose to order at this classy cocktail bar in Manhattan, one thing is certain, you can’t be disappointed.
Bemelmans Bar
Bar · Upper East Side · 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021
In a lot of ways Bemelmans Bar is exactly what a New York City bar should be.
Caffe Dante
Bar · West Village · 551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
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.
Fraunces Tavern
Bar · Financial District
Whenever I visit this great NYC bar I’m always surprised by the lack of tourists.
Mace
Bar · Greenwich Village · 35 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
But fair warning, getting reservations at Mace requires a miracle, book in advance.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
Bar · East Village · 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
The menu at this famous Manhattan bar is limited to two options. dark and light ale.
The Campbell
Bar · Midtown · 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017
Today, regular folks like you and me get the benefit.
The Lab at Patent Pending
Bar · NoMad · 49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Serving some of the most exciting cocktails in Manhattan, the Lab is all about creativity.
Best bars in Manhattan, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 8 Memorable Manhattan Bars Everyone Should Visit.