New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Drink · Wine and whisky

The best whisky bars in New York City

Updated September 2026. 9 places.

Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but finding good scotch whisky bars in New York City (especially ones that don’t break the bank) is no easy task. Sure, there’s enough solid bourbon bars around, but how about a proper dram?

As a self-professed whisky enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting nearly 100 whiskey distilleries, including some of the most prestigious and remote places like Highland Park, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Balvenie, Bruichladdich, Glenallachie, Springbank, and so many more.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best whisky bars in New York City, 2026

  1. CaledoniaBar · UES & UWSOverall the whisky selection here was a solid “good-not-great”.
  2. Copper & OakBar · Lower East SideCopper & Oak is the younger sibling to the Brandy Library.
  3. Fraunces TavernBar · Financial DistrictThe vibes are very old world which makes sense given that Fraunces is the oldest bar in New York City.
  4. Keens Steakhouse Pub BarBar · MidtownKeens is the best scotch whisky bar in New York City.
  5. ManhattaBar · Financial DistrictManhatta is best for the views and put together selection.
  6. The Brandy LibraryBar · TribecaThe Brandy Library is everything you hope for in a serious whisky experience – extremely knowledgeable “librarians,” excellent drams, wall to wall brown, and fair(ish) prices.
  7. The Copper StillBar · West Village & East VillageThe Copper Still might be the most surprising place I’ve found to drink scotch in NYC.
  8. The Dead RabbitBar · Financial DistrictWhile it’s easily one of the best Irish pubs in NYC with an amazing Irish whisky selection, the Dead Rabbit also has an impressive selection of scotch.
  9. Travel BarBar · Carroll GardensHands down, Travel Bar is the best scotch whisky bar in Brooklyn and quite possibly the best in the city.

On the map

Where they are

7 neighborhoods, Financial District and UES & UWS most of all.

Financial District

Carroll Gardens

Lower East Side

Midtown

Tribeca

UES & UWS

West Village & East Village

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/best-scotch-whisky-bars-nyc/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Best Scotch Whisky Bars in New York City (Local’s Ranking).