The 23 Essential Bars in New York City | #iRockParties

There probably are as many types of bars in New York as there are New Yorkers. With scores of bars opening every day, it’s a challenge to winnow down a short list of the essential ones. Still, we like to think these 23 bars represent the current best of New York’s many facets. Some, like the bar at 21 Club, are iconic, as much for the establishment as the drinks served. Others, like Angel’s Share and PDT, represent “new classics” that have shepherded the cocktail revolution forward and still offer an unmatched drinking experience today. There are also nods to great joints for beer or cider, plus a handful of newer bars (oh, hey, Pouring Ribbons!) where the drinks delight or surprise. Every spot on this list represents a place where you’d be glad to spend an evening bending elbows.—Kara Newman

*Bars are listed alphabetically.

1. AMOR Y AMARGO

This little East Village bitters bar celebrated its fifth anniversary in spring 2016, and it’s still often standing room only and still specializes in amaro and cocktails of the stiff and stirred variety. Ask proprietor and bitters expert Sother Teague about any of the multitude of bottles lining the wall.

THE DRINK TO DRINK: 8 Amaro Sazerac, in which—count ’em—eight amaros stand in for rye whiskey

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Teague started his career as a chef. Try his food paired expertly with cocktails at Two Weeks Notice, a monthly “cocktail omakase” held at the bar. Advance reservations recommended; email amoryamargo@gmail.com.

443 E 6th St, at Avenue A
New York,
NY 10009
get directions |Phone: 212.614.6818 |Website: visit site

2. ATTABOY

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This Lower East Side spot originally housed Milk & Honey. When that bar closed, Attaboy opened in the same space, run by two of its former bartenders, Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy. Reservations are no longer required for the handful of seats, but this is still the ideal place to enjoy speakeasy-style hospitality and well-made drinks.

THE DRINK TO DRINK: The Penicillin (whiskey, honey-ginger syrup, lemon) was created here during the Milk & Honey days.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: To find the otherwise unmarked space, look for the door that reads “Tailors M&H Alterations” (M&H is a nod to Milk & Honey, of course).

134 Eldridge St, btwn Delancey & Broome St
New York,
NY 10002
get directions

3. ANGEL’S SHARE

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The Survivors

This bar, secreted away on the second floor of a Japanese restaurant, is legendary as a cradle of the modern cocktail renaissance. It was one of the first in NYC to emphasize quality ingredients and well-made drinks, a tradition that continues today. Solicitous Japanese-style hospitality and impeccable drinks are still the norm.

THE DRINK TO DRINK: Classics are excellent here, but embrace the original drinks with their quirky, elaborate touches, like the Charlie Brown (Alibi whiskey, peanut butter, Averna cream and milk, topped with fresh nutmeg).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: In December, the team quietly added an annex next door to catch the overflow of guests. Enter Japanese restaurant Sharaku at 14 Stuyvesant Street and head upstairs. Note: The adjacent space is only open Thursdays through Saturdays.

8 Stuyvesant St, at E 9th St & 3rd Ave
New York,
NY 10003
get directions | Phone: 212.777.5415 |Website: visit site

4. BAR GOTO

It’s not often a bar reaches icon status on opening day. With Pegu Club alum Kenta Goto behind something as immaculately crafted as this jewel-box-size bar, it’s almost a guarantee. Attentive staff, elegant ambiance, delicious small bites (those new Kombu Celery sticks!) and visually arresting drinks make Goto a go-to for date night. The bar does not accept reservations.

THE DRINK TO DRINK: Back by popular demand, the Yuzu-Calpico Fizz features gin, yuzu preserve, calpico (a Japanese soft drink), lemon and soda, garnished with a house-made calpico marshmallow.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Kenta was awarded Best American Bartender at the 2011 Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail.

245 Eldridge St.
New York,
NY 10022
get directions | Phone: 212.375.4411 |Website: visit site

5. BETONY

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(Recently closed) Noted for its experimental drinks program under the guidance of Eamon Rockey, this high-end midtown restaurant offers complex cocktails, like its trend-setting clarified milk punch, and continues to challenge the concept of what a restaurant bar can—or should—be.

THE DRINK TO DRINK: That iconic Milk Punch, of course. The exact ingredients change with the season and availability. Last visit it was white rhum, pineapple and citrus.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: If you’re ready for a big ol’ splurge, book the chef’s tasting menu (about $200), plus the beverage pairing for another cool Benjamin.

41 W. 57th St.
New York,
NY 10019
get directions | Phone: 212.465.2400 |Website: visit site

*** To check out the remaining 23 essential Bars in New York City CLICK HERE ***

Story & Info Via: Liquor.Com

The 23 Essential Bars in New York City | #iRockParties

1. AMOR Y AMARGO

2. ATTABOY

3. ANGEL’S SHARE

4. BAR GOTO

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The 23 Essential Bars in New York City | #iRockParties

1. AMOR Y AMARGO

2. ATTABOY

3. ANGEL’S SHARE

4. BAR GOTO

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