Drink · Bars by neighborhood · 2026
The best bars on the Upper West Side.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 11 places.
As a long time resident of the Upper West Side, I’m not immune from the constant criticism the neighborhood receives for being a food (and bar) desert. I’ve spent years tracking down the best bars on the Upper West Side, and I’m finally sharing my favorites. While I’m inclined to agree (I don’t think our neighborhood’s food scene is worth a detour), I do believe we have some local gems that keep neighborhoods happily boozy and fed for years on end.
For example, the variety of bars on the Upper West Side span the gamut. From cozy dive bars to chic. With that said, allow me to share my quick roundup of the best bars on the Upper West Side.
- Amsterdam Ale HouseBar · Upper West SideThe Amsterdam Ale House is a no-frills neighborhood staple, we’ve caught many games here over the years.
- Bodega 88Bar · Upper West SideWith a variety of options to suit everyone, the bar serves delicious cocktails and ice cold beer.
- e’s BarBar · Upper West Sidee’s Bar is on constant rotation in my arsenal of neighborhood haunts.
- Nobody Told MeBar · Upper West SideThe creative seasonal concoctions at this popular cocktail bar on the Upper West Side are always inspired, it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu.
- TessaBar · Upper West SideOffering a romantic ambiance with string lights, dimly-lit brick walls and cozy leather booths, Tessa is one of the most romantic bars on the Upper West Side.
- The Bar at Maison PickleBar · Upper West SideMaison Pickle is known for serving some of the best brunch on the Upper West Side, but the bar is not to be trifled with either.
- The Dead PoetBar · Upper West Side
- The Milling RoomBar · Upper West SideIn a neighborhood without many swanky joints, I consider the Milling Room one of the best cocktail bars in the Upper West Side to take a date.
- The Owl’s TailBar · Upper West SideThe Owl’s Tail is a swanky cocktail parlor serving incredible small bites (deviled eggs make an appearance at every table) alongside inspired craft cocktails.
- Tiki ChickBar · Upper West SideTiki Chick is one of my favorite bars on the Upper West Side.
- Vin Sur VingtBar · Upper West SideIt’s one of my favorite wine bars on the Upper West Side, perfect for an afternoon with a girlfriend.
Amsterdam Ale House
Bar · Upper West Side · 340 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
The Amsterdam Ale House is a no-frills neighborhood staple, we’ve caught many games here over the years.
Bodega 88
Bar · Upper West Side · 573 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
With a variety of options to suit everyone, the bar serves delicious cocktails and ice cold beer.
e’s Bar
Bar · Upper West Side · 511 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
e’s Bar is on constant rotation in my arsenal of neighborhood haunts.
Nobody Told Me
Bar · Upper West Side · 951 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
The creative seasonal concoctions at this popular cocktail bar on the Upper West Side are always inspired, it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu.
Tessa
Bar · Upper West Side · 349 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Offering a romantic ambiance with string lights, dimly-lit brick walls and cozy leather booths, Tessa is one of the most romantic bars on the Upper West Side.
The Bar at Maison Pickle
Bar · Upper West Side · 732 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Maison Pickle is known for serving some of the best brunch on the Upper West Side, but the bar is not to be trifled with either.
The Dead Poet
Bar · Upper West Side · 450 Amsterdam Ave #2, New York, NY 10024
However, it’s the impressive selection of draft and canned beers, along with cleverly-themed cocktails inspired by classic books, that make The Dead Poet stand one of the best bars in the Upper West Side.
The Milling Room
Bar · Upper West Side
In a neighborhood without many swanky joints, I consider the Milling Room one of the best cocktail bars in the Upper West Side to take a date.
The Owl’s Tail
Bar · Upper West Side · 215 W 75th St, New York, NY 10023
The Owl’s Tail is a swanky cocktail parlor serving incredible small bites (deviled eggs make an appearance at every table) alongside inspired craft cocktails.
Tiki Chick
Bar · Upper West Side · 517 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Tiki Chick is one of my favorite bars on the Upper West Side.
Vin Sur Vingt
Bar · Upper West Side · 66 W 84th St, New York, NY 10024
It’s one of my favorite wine bars on the Upper West Side, perfect for an afternoon with a girlfriend.
Best bars on the Upper West Side, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 14 Best Bars on the Upper West Side (For a Tipsy Night Out).