Best Manhattan cocktail bars: Nine to try

New York has long set a benchmark for craft cocktails, and its venues to enjoy them span the gamut.

From OG speakeasies to agave-focused bars, amaro-forward lounges, and beyond, exploring all that Manhattan’s cocktail scene has to offer could easily become overwhelming – which is why we’ve rounded up the best spots to visit here.

If you're planning to attend Decanter's Fine Wine Encounter in New York on 6 June, why not see if you can add a couple of these great cocktail bars to your itinerary?

Best Manhattan cocktail bars

Attaboy

134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Founded in 2012 by Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy, Attaboy has remained a staple among New York’s cocktail scene for nearly 15 years. Situated in an inconspicuous location on Eldridge Street—in the former home of legendary cocktail institution Milk & Honey, no less—this clandestine lounge is known for its lack of menu, meaning each drink is customised to patrons’ unique preferences.

The bar draws deep inspiration from the great speakeasies of the Roaring Twenties, and is also credited for creating a handful of modern classic cocktails, namely the Paper Plane (bourbon, Aperol, amaro and lemon juice) and the Penicillin (whiskey, ginger, honey, lemon, and peated scotch floater).

As of last year, Attaboy’s bar space expanded to include an additional 1,000 square feet, meaning more cocktails to go around; however, due to its immense popularity, Attaboy operates as a walk-in-only, first-come, first-served space, so be sure to arrive early, ring the doorbell, and get your name on the waitlist.

Bar Pisellino

52 Grove Street, 7th Ave S at, New York, NY 10014

On warm weather days, local New Yorkers and tourists alike immediately take to the outdoor terraces of Bar Pisellino, and it’s no surprise why. Helmed by renowned chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi (I Sodi, Via Carota), this all-day establishment brings the spirit of Italian café culture to the heart of the West Village.

Complete with a standing bar, marble countertops, and ample outdoor seating across both locations—which are conveniently located next to one another—the spot’s morning coffee and bomboloni (cream-filled doughnuts) seamlessly transition to afternoon spritzes, sandwiches, and aperitivo-style cocktails.

No matter the time of day Pisellino offers some of the city’s best people watching opportunities, though both outposts remain walk-in only (and often require a bit of a wait). Arrive on the early side, put your name in, and grab a quick slice at Bleecker Street Pizza to pass the time.

Bemelmans Bar

35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021

Situated within the prolific Carlyle Hotel, Bemelmans Bar is nothing short of a cocktail institution. Frequented by Hollywood figures, politicians, and socialites alike – including JFK, Elizabeth Taylor and Paul McCartney – this long-standing cocktail outpost offers a step back in time to the New York of yesteryear. Best known for its iconic murals, strong martinis and signature snack trio, no cocktail lover’s trip to New York is complete without a stop to this benchmark bar – though be sure to allot some wait time, as the queue can get pretty robust during peak hours.

Overstory

70 Pine St, New York, NY 10005

Perched on the 64th floor of 70 Pine, Overstory serves up world-class cocktails and 360-degree skyline views from its outdoor wraparound terrace. The intimate, 24-seat bar sits above SAGA, a two-Michelin Starred fine-dining restaurant opened by the late Chef James Kent.

Behind the Overstory bar, Harrison Ginsberg whips up creative-yet-accessible favourites, including the Cold Snap (gin, dry vermouth, snap pea, peach, plum), Pink Tuxedo (vodka, cherry blossom, vermouth, strawberry, absinthe), and El Bandito (tequila, tomato water, koseret, lime, yuzu kosho).

While not a full-blown restaurant, you could certainly cobble together a satisfying meal based on the bar’s hearty snacks – think lobster rolls, beef tartare, smoked eel croquettes, and uni French toast. Come for the views, stay for the drinks and warm hospitality.

Sip & Guzzle

29 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

Tucked away on Cornelia Street, Sip & Guzzle is a bi-level cocktail bar helmed by industry pioneers Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider. A harmonious blend of Tokyo hospitality and New York flair, the bar features a ground-level tavern and sophisticated downstairs speakeasy, both of which serve up top-tier drinks and Japanese-influenced snacks.

Guzzle, the bar’s more casual concept, specialises in highballs and riffs on the classics, while Sip highlights unique signature cocktails made with unmatched precision—the Doctor Green, for example, made with tequila, green apple, tomatillo, shiso, and horseradish, quickly became an industry favourite.

Eclectic izakaya snacks are served across both concepts, featuring the likes of mochi french fries, volcano rolls made with spicy bluefin tuna, and coconut sticky rice, and the bar’s signature Bikini—playfully referred to as ‘the world’s thinnest sandwich’—made with Comté ganache, and jamon.

Superbueno

13 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

Although opened just two years ago, Superbueno has made quite the name for itself across New York’s cocktail scene – and the proof goes beyond what’s in the glass. In addition to meticulously crafted drinks with an emphasis on Mexican flavours (the Roasted Corn Sour made with corn whiskey, reposado tequila, roasted corn, guajillo, lemon and egg white is unmissable), where Superbueno truly shines is in hospitality.

Helmed by the joyful Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Jimenez, the service offered across the board matches Jimenez’s unmatched spirit, with equal delight to be found on both the cocktail and food menus. Yet despite its high level of F&B excellence, the bar still manages to maintain a light, airy and ‘at home’ feel. For good drinks and a top-tier atmosphere, this is your spot.

The Dead Rabbit

30 Water St, New York, NY 10004

For innovative craft cocktails and refined Irish pub fare – as well as one of the best, if not the best Irish coffees in Manhattan – look no further than The Dead Rabbit. Located in a three-storey space downtown, this cocktail mecca features an impressive 70-page cocktail list, with a strong emphasis on traditional punches.

The bar’s three concepts include a ground-floor taproom, first-floor parlour and upstairs speakeasy-inspired lounge, offering various atmospheres across each space. Don’t sleep on the bar’s Irish Breakfast, available all day, everyday (vegetarian options included).

The Portrait Bar

1 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001

Tucked away in the back of The Fifth Avenue Hotel, The Portrait Bar offers a welcome reprieve from the bustling streets of New York’s NoMad neighbourhood. Overseen by Darryl Chan, The Portrait Bar’s cocktail list draws inspiration from the classics, and serves them up with signature twists inspired by the team’s cumulative travels and experiences.

Highlights include the Oaxaca – Mexico, a twist on the classic margarita made with Oaxacan Gin, Empirical Ayuuk, Contratto aperitif, lime sherbet, hibiscus and chocolate, as well as the Kochi – Japan, a creative whiskey sour-like drink made with Suntory Toki, Cynar, yuzu, star anise, and sarsaparilla.

schmuck

97 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

One of the newest additions to the East Village’s lineup of eclectic cocktail bars, schmuck is an absolute must-visit for fans of unique, well-executed cocktails and equally delicious bites. The brainchild of Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy, formerly of the Barcelona-based outpost Two Schmucks, and business partner Dan Binkiewicz, schmuck’s layout is designed to mimic various rooms of a cozy house party, and comprises two main spaces, the Living Room and the Kitchen Table, each with their own decor and menus.

Standouts include the savoury Bread with Tomatoes, a highball prepared with Grey Goose, as well as the classic Schmuck Martini served with an eyedropper of olive oil to customise to your liking. With regards to bar snacks, the menu boasts strong Middle Eastern influences – be sure to try the white bean cacio e pepe.

More Manhattan cocktail bars to tempt your fancy

Agency of Record – 118 E 40th St, New York, NY 10016

Amor y Amargo – 443 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

Attaboy – 134 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Clemente Bar – 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Death & Co. – 433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

Double Chicken Please – 115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Experimental Cocktail Club – 6 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010

King Cole Bar – Two E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

Madame George – 45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

Martiny’s – 121 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003

Monkey Bar – 60 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022

PDT (Please Don’t Tell) – 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009

The Nines – 9 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012

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