Insider Information to NYC’s Finest Cocktail Bar Experiences


New York Metropolis has lengthy been identified for its nightlife, the place meals, ambiance, and expertly crafted cocktails come collectively to offer an entertaining and distinctive expertise.

Vanessa Gordon, a New York native and founding father of East Finish Style, shares her favourite native hangouts for memorable cocktails, intimate settings, and unforgettable experiences.

From Midtown Manhattan to Greenwich Village, right here’s a glimpse of a few of her high picks.

Dante: A Traditional with a Fashionable Twist

Dante Negroni on Tap NYC
Photograph Credit score: Dante NYC

You point out Dante as one in every of your high spots. What retains you coming again to this iconic café in Greenwich Village?

An expertise at Dante effortlessly blends old-world allure with a vibrant fashionable Italian cocktail tradition. Positioned in Greenwich Village, this legendary café and bar is a must-visit for each vacationers and locals, whether or not for a leisurely aperitivo, a wonderfully crafted cocktail, or a full of life late-night gathering.

The historic house, courting again to 1915 evokes the heat of a traditional European café with a contact of New York Metropolis vitality. I first found Dante and tried their well-known Negroni variations once they got here to the Hamptons throughout the summer season of 2020 to curate an unique ‘APERItiki’ cocktail menu at Moby’s within the Hamptons.

My go-to order at Dante is their Chocolate Negroni with elements like botanist gin, campari, and tempus fugit creme de cacao (a liqueur made with Venezuelan cacao and Mexican vanilla).

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar: A Candy Escape in Midtown

Vanessa, Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar feels like an unimaginable spot. What makes this place stand out to you?

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar is such an enthralling and intimate place. Positioned within the coronary heart of Midtown, it seems like a comfortable escape from the hustle of the town.

What I like most is the mix of artisanal chocolate and completely paired wines or cocktails. Their Chocolate Manhattan is a private favourite—it’s made with chocolate bourbon, candy and dry vermouth, and bitters.

I recognize that they put together the cocktail proper in entrance of you; it’s such a beautiful expertise. Plus, it pairs completely with their Indignant Rooster Lollipops.

It’s an ideal vacation spot for a date evening or only a stress-free night.

Bemelmans Bar: A Step Again into New York’s Golden Period

Bemelman's Bar in NYCBemelman's Bar in NYC
Photograph Credit score: The Carlyle Resort

Bemelmans Bar is thought for its magnificence and historical past. What do you get pleasure from most about this timeless spot?

Bemelmans Bar is the epitome of New York sophistication, and I am keen on it for its timeless magnificence. 

Positioned inside The Carlyle Resort, the house has a refined, intimate vibe, and the ambiance is enhanced by reside jazz, traditional cocktails, and murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the illustrator of the Madeline sequence. 

My cocktail of selection right here is The Whistling Butterfly. It’s made with Patron El Alto Tequila Reposado, Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, and ginger sweet. It’s not solely scrumptious but additionally completely displays the glamour of the house. 

In the case of hospitality, the Rosewood Resort Group persistently affords an expertise that’s unparalleled.

Overstory: Elevated Cocktails with a View

With its location, Overstory affords a novel vantage level. Why do you advocate this place for a cocktail expertise?

Overstory is an absolute gem for individuals who recognize each nice drinks and gorgeous views. Located atop the 70 Pine Avenue constructing, it affords 360-degree views of the town — an ideal backdrop for a complicated night.

The ambiance is artwork deco, excellent for a pre-dinner aperitif. I like their The Final Frontier cocktail, which blends gin, sherry, and mandarin for a refreshing and clean expertise. In case you’re within the temper for one thing comforting, the Chai Spot with bourbon, cognac, and Assam is ideal. 

It’s an ideal spot to unwind with mates or for a particular evening out.

LouLou: Whimsy and Hidden Speakeasies

LouLou Cocktail in NYCLouLou Cocktail in NYC
Photograph Credit score: LouLou

Loulou feels like a enjoyable, whimsical spot. What makes it distinctive in your eyes?

I first got here throughout LouLou throughout their pop-up at The Maidstone Resort within the Hamptons, and I used to be hooked. 

Their cocktails are playful and distinctive, reminding me of a carefree afternoon in a French backyard. The Down the Rabbit Gap cocktail with Upstate Vodka and Aperol is a standout. 

For a extra adventurous expertise, you’ll be able to go to Adélaïde’s Salon, a hidden speakeasy with reside jazz, burlesque performances, and desk service. The doorway is thru a classic Coca-Cola machine, which provides to the intrigue. 

It’s an incredible escape for anybody searching for one thing slightly completely different in New York’s nightlife scene.

Nubeluz: Glamour within the Sky

Inform us about Nubeluz — it looks like a spot that mixes luxurious and unimaginable views.

Nubeluz is a type of locations that’s effortlessly glamorous. Positioned at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, it boasts 270-degree views of the town. 

The setting is smooth and fashionable, making it the proper place for a complicated evening out. 

Their cocktail menu displays the town’s various character, impressed by completely different neighborhoods. My favourite drink there’s L’Appel Du Vide, which is made with Gray Goose Vodka, lemongrass, vanilla, coconut, cava, and lemon. It’s refreshing and distinctive. 

With its wraparound terrace, it’s the proper spot for late spring and summer season nights.

The Seville: Stay Music and Craft Cocktails

Lastly, what attracts you to The Seville for a nightcap?

The Seville has such a vibrant, horny vitality. Positioned inside The James Resort Nomad, it’s the proper place to cap off a dinner at their sister restaurant, Scarpetta, which is thought for its refined pasta dishes. 

The Seville affords reside music, craft cocktails, and a full of life vibe. On Cuban nights, I like the Pineapple Smoky Daiquiri, which options lime and saffron honey. It’s a drink that transports you to an island paradise. 

One other standout is the Banana Categorical, which mixes Don Julio Alma Miel and espresso for a novel, dessert-like expertise. 

The Seville actually brings collectively nice drinks and leisure in a full of life ambiance.

CocktailCocktail
Photograph Credit score: ivanmateev/depositphotos

Vanessa Gordon’s favourite spots across the metropolis mix sophistication, playfulness, and allure. Whether or not you’re in search of a quiet cocktail in an intimate setting or a full of life venue with jaw-dropping views, these NYC cocktail bars provide one thing for each temper and event.



Alex Sumuel GrovesAlex Sumuel Groves

Journey Journalist, Digital Writer, Creator

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Journey Journalist, Yahoo! Creator, MSN Associate, Society of American Journey Writers member, and the creator behind Wander Worthy. She covers trip locations, information, traits, and the occasional “off the map” story.


Hamptons Interactive BrunchHamptons Interactive Brunch


Vanessa Gordon

Hamptons Journey & Way of life Knowledgeable

Vanessa Gordon is the CEO of East Finish Style and founding father of the Hamptons Interactive Brunch occasion sequence. She obtained her Grasp of Arts Diploma in Educating English as a Second Language from New York College.

She has been featured in The New York Instances, Yahoo, Dad and mom Journal, Reader’s Digest, New York Put up, Metro UK, Whole Magnificence, CNN Underscored, and lots of extra. She lives within the Hamptons along with her household. Discover Vanessa on Instagram @VanessaPGordon. 



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