By Christine McDonald
The city that never sleeps always fulfills its promise for those who enjoy a proper drink. If you’re about to seal a deal, toast an engagement, or roast a colleague – or have any occasion to commemorate or commiserate – then peruse our snapshot of the city’s finest drinks. We explore both up-and-comers and classic haunts, a balance Manhattan so easily strikes.
By Christine McDonald
The city that never sleeps always fulfills its promise for those who enjoy a proper drink. If you’re about to seal a deal, toast an engagement, or roast a colleague – or have any occasion to commemorate or commiserate – then peruse our snapshot of the city’s finest drinks. We explore both up-and-comers and classic haunts, a balance Manhattan so easily strikes.
A Round on the House
Minetta Tavern, Maple Leaf Sazerac
Keith McNally’s reinvented Minetta Tavern marries the best of old and new with solid drinks and juicy steaks.
111 MacDougal St., between Bleecker and West 3rd Sts.
Cocktails and Dreams
ABC Kitchen, Sour Cherry Old Fashioned
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s stunning restaurant – it won the 2011 James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant – is a magical spot for drinks, dinner, or both.
35 East 18th St., between Broadway and Park Ave.
Wasted on the Way
The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel, London Calling
The duo behind the Spotted Pig runs this trendy, library-gone-wrong lounge, with serious cocktails and addictive bites.
20 West 29th, between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
Afternoon Delights
Odeon, Tabini Martini
This Tribeca mainstay, a neighborhood institution, consistently offers excellent drinks and good whiskey in an easygoing atmosphere.
145 West Broadway, at Thomas St.
Naughty but Nice
Booker and Dax, Laurel & Hardy
At the back of Momofuku Ssam, David Chang and Dave Arnold have created a bar that fuses culinary technology with mixology. We’re not sure about the science, but the drinks taste damn good.
207 Second Ave., at 13th St.
Uptown Designs
Daniel, Basil Haven
Drinking has never been so civilized.
60 East 65th St., between Madison and Park Aves.
We Did a Bad, Bad Thing
Vault at Pfaff’s, Smoking Revolver
If it was good enough for Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, then this latest iteration is just fine for us.
643 Broadway, at Bleecker St.
Neighborhood Saloon
Keens Steakhouse, Gin Martini
Step into this dark, cavernous steakhouse, which is steeped in history, and head to the long narrow bar in the back. Whether you’re alone or with friends, there’s plenty of space to belly up and enjoy an evening of strong drinks.
72 West 36th St., between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
Gold Standard
Bemelmans Bar, Manhattan
Old-school decadence drips off the glasses of this quintessentially New York hotel bar.
35 East 76th St., at Madison Ave.
Thirsty Tribeca
Brandy Library, Frapin XO VIP Cognac
Sophistication reigns supreme at this upscale homage to the finer things in life.
25 North Moore St.
