Best Cocktail Bars in Manhattan, NYC

Manhattan's cocktail bars range from candlelit speakeasies to neighborhood rooms with live jazz. These picks run from an amaro-heavy bar counter and a binder of rare whiskeys to gin-and-oyster pairings and late-night music lounges.

1. 

   Rank 1Soso's

   SoHo

   4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 GooglePrice level $$$

   A small SoHo cocktail room for a round between shopping stops, with fun music, and a squash dish that one reviewer called a surprise hit.

2. 

   Rank 2AURA Tapas & Cocktail Bar

   East Village

   4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 GooglePrice level $$

   Mediterranean-leaning tapas such as calamari and mac and cheese come with the cocktails here, and one reviewer singled out a bartender as a drinks mastermind.

3. 

   Rank 3Barlume Downstairs

   Gramercy

   4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 GooglePrice level $$$

   Down a set of steps near Union Square, this tight space suits two or three people for a quick drink at happy hour.

4. 

   Rank 4Twist Bar

   Meatpacking District

   4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$

   Order at the bar for faster service and a guided pick: one reviewer had a gin drink chosen for them, and the charred shishito peppers make a good snack.

5. 

   Rank 5Bateman's

   East Village

   4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 Google

   Classy with a slightly divey edge, this East Village room pours heavy, creative cocktails, and regulars rave about the olives and the espresso martini.

6. 

   Rank 6Copper & Oak

   Lower East Side

   4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$$

   Whiskey drinkers come for a massive binder of rare bottles and quiet, dim brick-walled seating, though groups often get turned away.

7. 

   Rank 7Bar Goyana

   East Harlem

   4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$$

   East Harlem's colorful, music-filled spot pairs creative drinks with Brazilian bites, and it draws a lively crowd for World Cup matches.

8. 

   Rank 8Monkey Thief

   Hell's Kitchen

   4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$$

   Asian-inflected cocktails such as the banana-pandan Curious George fill a refreshed, low-lit Den, along with spiced corn nuts at the bar.

9. 

   Rank 9ARORA - L'art Du Cocktail

   Upper East Side

   4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$$

   Park Avenue piano lounge where a piano and bass duo works the room, signature drinks lead the menu and high tea is also served.

10. 

    Rank 10Two Perrys

    Alphabet City

    4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 GooglePrice level $$

    Candlelit Alphabet City bar where hands-on owners clearly care about the menu, and it works for groups or a quiet drink for two.

11. 

    Rank 11Bar Revival

    Lower East Side

    4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$

    Laid-back Ludlow Street hangout known for happy hour and brunch, with pancakes that won one reviewer over and a crew suited to private parties.

12. 

    Rank 12Chin Up Bar

    Lower East Side

    5.0 out of 5 on Google5.0 GooglePrice level $$$

    Gin anchors the menu at this carefully designed room; try the winter melon Louder East Side with oysters or the potato bread.

13. 

    Rank 13Pinky Swear

    Lower East Side

    4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$$

    Part gallery and part lounge, the space shows furniture and art by its artist collective, and the savory donuts on the small plates menu get special praise.

14. 

    Rank 14Armada

    Lower East Side

    4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 GooglePrice level $$

    Irish hospitality meets an Orchard Street setting, with outdoor tables when the weather allows, a guava drink reviewers rave about, and bar bites that surprise.

15. 

    Rank 15At Cave

    East Village

    4.9 out of 5 on Google4.9 GooglePrice level $$$

    A small, cozy-yet-elegant room where both signature and classic cocktails come out well balanced, and the shrimp dish draws praise.

16. 

    Rank 16Cafe Skye LES

    Lower East Side

    4.8 out of 5 on Google4.8 GooglePrice level $$$$

    A compact Lower East Side bar pouring creative cocktails and natural wine, where reviewers rave about booking the whole warm room for birthdays and intimate celebrations.

17. 

    Rank 17Amor y Amargo

    East Village

    4.7 out of 5 on Google4.7 GooglePrice level $$

    For amaro lovers, this dim standing-room bar mixes stiff, bitter Negroni riffs; describe what you like and let the bartender steer.

• Lower East Side8 spots
• East Village6 spots
• Hell's Kitchen5 spots
• Chelsea3 spots
• Alphabet City3 spots
• Upper East Side2 spots
• SoHo2 spots
• Tribeca2 spots
• East Harlem2 spots
• Kips Bay2 spots