6 Best Bars in New York City, New York

Background Illustration for Nightlife

New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to hit the town. Any day of the week could easily be mistaken for a Friday or Saturday; the bottom line is that when the the mood strikes, there are always plenty of choices in this 24-hour city. Whether it's raising a glass in a historic saloon, a dimly lit cocktail den, or a swanky rooftop lounge; checking out the latest band; or laughing it up at a comedy show, it isn't hard for visitors to get a piece of the action.

The nightlife scene still resides largely downtown—in the dives and speakeasies of the East Village and Lower East Side, the classic jazz joints and piano bars of the West Village, and the Meatpacking District's and Chelsea's "see-and-be-seen" clubs. Midtown, especially around Hell's Kitchen, has developed a vibrant scene, too, and plenty of upscale hangouts dot the Upper East and Upper West Sides. Brooklyn and Harlem are go-to destinations for in-the-know locals.

Keep in mind that when you go is just as important as where you go. A club that is packed at 11 pm might empty out by midnight, and a bar that raged last night may be completely empty tonight. Time Out New York magazine has a good list of roving parties (www.timeout.com/newyork), as does Urban Daddy (www.urbandaddy.com/new-york). Scour industry-centric websites, too, like Eater and Grub Street, which catalog the comings and goings of many a nightlife impresario. New York magazine and the New York Times have listings of cabaret and jazz shows, the latter mainly in its Friday and Sunday Arts sections. Bear in mind that a venue's life span is often measured in months, not years. Phone ahead or check online to make sure your target hasn't closed or turned into a polka hall (although, you never know—that could be fun, too).

Rodney's Comedy Club

Upper East Side Fodor's Choice

Named for late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, and previously known as Dangerfield’s since 1969, this entertainment spot is under new ownership and has received a complete overhaul following a COVID-19-induced closure. Now featuring an art deco design and an upscale feel, the club hosts rising stars like Josh Johnson of The Daily Show, comedy podcast tapings, and more. A menu of snacks and cocktails—with names like the Gin Carrey, the Berry Seinfeld, or, of course, the Rodney Dangerfield—are on offer, and a fuller food menu is forthcoming. Ticket prices range from free to $25, depending on the show, and are slightly discounted online.

Broadway Comedy Club

Midtown West

Expect to find established and rookie comics taking the stage at this busy, long-running club, with three rooms on two floors, and multiple shows nightly. Plenty of big names have performed here, including Wanda Sykes, Brett Butler, and Sarah Silverman. It's best to buy advance tickets, arrive early to snag good seats, and get your two-drink-minimum orders flowing before comedians start dishing out the laughs.

Caroline's on Broadway

Midtown West

This high-gloss club presents established names as well as comedians on the edge of stardom. Janeane Garofalo, David Alan Grier, and Colin Quinn have all headlined, and sometimes their sets are recorded here for TV and streaming shows.

Comedy Clubs
1626 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019, USA
212-757–4100
www.carolines.com

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video

Comedy Cellar

Greenwich Village

Every night, laughter fills this exposed-brick space beneath the writer-friendly Olive Tree Café. The bill features a range of comedians, from hilarious up-and-comers to television and movie personalities like Jon Stewart and Amy Schumer.

Comedy Clubs
117 MacDougal St., New York, NY, 10012, USA
212-254–3480
www.comedycellar.com

Something incorrect in this review?

Gotham Comedy Club

Chelsea

This 10,000-square-foot club—complete with a chandelier and roomy downstairs lounge—has scheduled shows by popular headliners such as Roy Wood Jr. and Kate Clinton, as well as occasional pop-in performances by big-name funny folks like Dave Chappelle and Lewis Black.

New York Comedy Club

Upper West Side

New York Comedy Club revamped and rebranded this former Stand Up New York club in 2024 to make room for laughs on the Upper West Side, their third location in Manhattan. Head to this low-key club that lends a stage to both aspiring comedians and veteran comics who pop in to polish their material. Catch a preshow drink in the front bar, then join the laughter in the back room for the price of a ticket (from $39 online) plus a $20 drink minimum. FYI to parents: the comedy showroom is open to guests 16 and up, as long as those under 18 are with a guardian.