A Guide to My Favorite Cocktail Bars in New York City
The Happiest Hour
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
The downstairs had some really great and comfortable seating. The upstairs had some big tables, but the place was packed when we went. It would have been impossible to snag one of those.
Drinks:
One of the best cocktail bars I have been to. Their menu is really cool. You select your flavors and then they can recommend which spirit goes best or you can order your favorite. A new take on a cocktail menu.
Overall Rating: 10/10
If you are looking for a really cool cocktail bar to chat with your friends, look no further than the Happiest Hour. Try to reserve a table or get there early, so you are not standing.
Magic Hour: Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Neighborhood: Times Square
Ambiance:
By now, you have definitely seen this bar on someone’s Instagram. It is really cool but really pricey. It has a carousel, mini-golf, and incredibly large drinks.
Drinks:
I have only been during the day and we ordered a massive drink, but I think after going one time, I have experienced the fun and will not return unless I have another event. I am curious to see how the crowd changes at night time.
Overall Rating: 8/10
The Moxie is a fun experience and close to the train, but it is not a go-to spot. I would suggest everyone go here once with a group to experience their massive drinks.
LB
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
A great date night bar in the West Village. The ambiance was exactly as the internet described: dark, candlelit, in a basement. It is technically a speakeasy which is why there is no website. This spot is definitely great for a romantic vibe and a little too intimate to go with friends. The best group to go here would be double dates.
Drinks:
The drinks were a little expensive, but they were worth it. I ordered a Tom Collins and it was delicious, big, and strong. If I am going to pay for a drink, it cannot disappoint and LB’s Tom Collins definitely did not.
Overall Rating: 10/10
It is hard to find a more romantic bar than this one and their cocktails are amazing. Be sure to get there early to get a table. Standing at this spot is not great since you are right near the door and bathroom in a small hallway.
PHD Dream
Neighborhood: Meatpacking District
Ambiance:
When I walked in, I had a feeling it was not going to be for me. It was a little before peak time, but the place was filled with mostly men. A lot of the men were older and creepy. There was not a single soul who looked like they were having a good time. Needless to say, we left almost immediately. I have no desire to return.
Drinks:
The drinks were wildly expensive, which I expected, but the crowd was not worth the money.
Overall Rating: 4/10
This spot is overrated and made me feel uncomfortable. I would avoid it.
The White Horse Tavern
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
A very cool spot. They have a lot of outdoor seating that varies from inside a fixture with heated lamps to outside subject to the wind without a heated lamp. You could guess which one we had. We felt very lucky to even get a seat after walking around asking for places for almost an hour. After we sat down, the staff was very kind. I felt they were nicer than usual.
Drinks:
We ordered our drinks and some guacamole. I ordered a Paloma that had more of a bitter taste than normal. The guacamole was delicious. It may have been the highlight of our time if we weren’t interrupted by a marching band playing music. They added so much to the vibe on the sidewalk. I wish there were more traveling musicians to liven up our sad Covid Friday nights out.
Overall Rating: 7/10
The one big downside of the White Horse Tavern is that their drinks are weak. I would go back for the ambiance or for dinner, but never again to get drinks.