9 Best Bars in New York City, New York

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).

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Midtown West Fodor's Choice

Located mid-block on the pedestrian corridor that is 6½ Avenue, this sophisticated lounge pours more than 40 by-the-glass and 200 by-the-bottle wines. Aldo Sohm, considered one of the world's top sommeliers, also oversees the wine program at legendary Le Bernardin around the corner. Enjoy a delicious small-bite lunch and dinner selection that, in this case, pairs with the wine menu (not the other way around). Better still, sip varietals while gazing at this bar's original works by Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and other New York artists.

The Owl's Head

Fodor's Choice

Located on a quiet block off busy 5th Avenue, this intimate wine bar—named for the nearby waterfront park—was inspired by a love for wine, food, and design. Exposed-brick walls, a polished tin-stamped ceiling, and a chalkboard wall displaying the day’s carefully selected pours, craft beers, and small plates (made from locally sourced ingredients) give the place a casual vibe. Look for the mural out front, painted by a local artist.

Brookvin

Park Slope

This cozy wine bar owned by the Big Nose Full Body wine store on the same block has knowledgeable staff who are happy to help you choose, and offer tastes, from the selection of wines by the glass, half bottle, or bottle. Friends who want beer or cocktails have options, too. The food menu includes shareable options like cheese and charcuterie plates, pâtés, meatballs with polenta, or mac 'n' cheese. Happy hour lasts until 7 pm on weekdays and until 5 pm on weekends. There's a pleasant back patio.

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The Castello Plan

With cozy communal tables and a narrow seasonal patio, this wine bar attracts casually sophisticated neighbors with more than just the eclectic wine list. There are also inventive cocktails and a curated selection of bottled beers and wine, as well as cheese and charcuterie and other small and large plates.

Olympia Wine Bar

DUMBO

The tables are candelit and the flowers are fresh at this neighborhood spot run by an owner of 68 Jay Street Bar. The kitchen turns out crostini, salads, and cheese and charcuterie boards; and in addition to wine, the bar offers craft beer and smart takes on all things shaken or stirred.

Sofia Wine Bar

Midtown East

This family-owned wine-bar is a neighborhood gem with wine sourced from all over the world, and the homemade recipes and handmade pizzas create an authentic Italian vibe. The dimly lit venue features a mix of unique art amid this intimate space full of exposed brick, rustic wood furnishings, and chandeliers. Global wine lovers and locals alike appreciate the vast selection of old- and new-world wines (by the glass or bottle), including a special wine of the month, that all can be paired with made-from-scratch small plates. While their classic margarita pizza is a perfect selection, their burrata pizza with a fresh plum tomato sauce is quite delicious.

Temperance

West Village

This two-room spot is one of the best wine bars in the Village, thanks, in part, to the fact that it offers over 100 different wines by the glass. So you can spend an evening here switching up your libations and locations, going from Napa to Rioja to the Republic of Georgia to even Slovakia. Tasty snacks include beef meatballs, cacio e pepe cheese puffs, and Calabrian chili-topped deviled eggs.

The Ten Bells

Lower East Side

When The Ten Bells opened back in 2008, the unusual wine list attracted people in the wine industry and wine nerds, as well as locals who loved the $1.50 oysters and $20 carafes of wine at happy hour (still a thing) and tapas-style food. Now that natural wines have become trendy, the dark cozy space is busier than ever.

Terroir Wine

TriBeCa

A neighborhood favorite, this relaxed fine wine bar is impressive to oenophiles and welcoming to everyone thanks to an extensive list that includes well-priced options by the glass, bottle, or sizable tasting pours. The bar is easy to walk right by on charming Harrison Street, but once inside you will find seats at the bar for wine-centric conversations with the sharp staff or more private nooks for a romantic evening of wine and cheese (or more substantial dishes). Don't miss daily 4–6 pm, and 10 pm–closing time happy hours.

New York City

New York City

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