NYC Drinks Guides

Hidden behind an unmarked metal door on the Lower East Side, Attaboy is the epitome of a speakeasy cocktail bar. There's no menu—just tell the bartenders what flavors you like, and they'll craft a personalized cocktail just for you.

Dante, a historic Greenwich Village institution since 1915, has been reinvented as a world-class aperitivo bar. Named World's Best Bar in 2019, Dante serves perfect Negronis, martinis, and spritzes in a charming, casual atmosphere.

Dear Irving offers a journey through time with rooms designed after different eras. From the JFK room to the Marie Antoinette salon, this Gramercy Park gem serves exceptional cocktails in a glamorous setting with buzzers for service.

Death & Co is a classic cocktail bar that has defined the craft cocktail movement in NYC. With a speakeasy-style atmosphere and expert mixologists, this East Village institution serves some of the most innovative and well-crafted drinks in the city.

Doris is the kind of bar that nails the sweet spot between effortlessly cool and genuinely welcoming. It's trendy without trying too hard—a place where the drinks are solid, the crowd's stylish, and the decor feels like it was curated by that friend who's backpacked everywhere and always has the best playlists. On certain nights, a DJ spins old-school R&B and house, adding to the laid-back but vibey atmosphere. During the week, it's mellow enough to post up with a book while you wait for your date, soaking in the soundtrack and scene. And when the weather's right, the backyard is a total win.

After years as a nomadic brewery, Evil Twin found a permanent home in Ridgewood, Queens. Their greenhouse-inspired taproom offers a wide range of experimental beers, from pastry stouts to fruited sours and innovative IPAs.

Tucked away in an industrial area of Queens, Finback Brewery has earned a devoted following for their New England IPAs, imperial stouts, and barrel-aged beers. Their spacious taproom features long communal tables perfect for groups.

Grimm began as a nomadic brewing operation before opening their permanent brewery and taproom in East Williamsburg. Known for vibrant artwork and exceptional quality, they specialize in farmhouse ales, sours, and IPAs.

Craving an Irish pub with a bit of character? Hartley's is a hidden gem nestled in the brownstone-lined streets of Clinton Hill, and it nails that classic pub feel with a slightly offbeat charm. Think no-nonsense drinks and bartenders with just the right amount of grumble. There's a handful of tables if you want a quieter corner, but the bar's always open for a more casual setup. Some even swear it's home to the best Guinness pour in Brooklyn. With occasional live music and an unpretentious vibe, Hartley's makes for an easy, low-pressure first date with plenty of room for conversation—or just listening.

If you're after expertly crafted cocktails and a dose of retro charm, Lise & Vito is the move. This cozy spot strikes a great balance—intimate enough for good conversation, but with enough breathing room that your awkward icebreakers won't become public entertainment. The menu leans hard into cocktails, with a lineup that's bold, balanced, and made to impress. As the night goes on, the energy picks up—making it the kind of place where a first date can easily turn into an all-night adventure.

If you're looking for a no-frills bar with that signature Brooklyn cool, Maracuja delivers. It's effortlessly laid-back, with just the right amount of edge—think charmingly gruff bartenders, classic drinks done right, and a vibe that doesn't try too hard. There's a couple of pool tables if you're looking to show off your break (or just break the ice), and the red-lit, booth-filled space gives it all a low-key, moody feel. Add in a crowd of locals who actually look like they live in the neighborhood, and you've got the ideal setting to figure out if it's a fling, a friendship, or something more.

Other Half Brewing has established itself as one of NYC's premier craft breweries, specializing in hazy IPAs and innovative stouts. Their Brooklyn taproom offers a rotating selection of fresh releases in a laid-back, industrial space.

Few things feel more romantic than a cozy wine bar tucked on the corner of a quiet, tree-lined street—and Pinkerton hits that sweet spot effortlessly. It's ideal for a first date that's laid-back but still carries a little charm. The vibe strikes a nice balance between casual and intimate, making it easy to relax without losing the romance. While weekends can get crowded, weekdays are reliably mellow, with plenty of space to snag a table. The menu is refreshingly simple, anchored by a standout wine list that's both thoughtfully curated and reasonably priced—no awkward check-splitting here. Bonus: the outdoor seating is a dream in warmer weather.

The Dead Rabbit combines an authentic Irish pub with a sophisticated cocktail parlor upstairs. This Financial District establishment has won numerous awards for its innovative drinks menu, presented as a graphic novel.

Threes Brewing combines a brewery, bar, event space, and backyard into one welcoming package in Gowanus. They focus on approachable lagers and pilsners, alongside more experimental styles, and regularly host food pop-ups.