Photo provided

Best Bars in New York City

Making a trip to the Big Apple? Here are Falstaff's six favourite watering holes offering everything from old world cocktails and fabulous views to cabaret.

BEMELMANS BAR

Snag a seat at the bar, surrounded by golden murals painted back in 1947 by Ludwig Bemelmans. Order a martini and let the piano music transport you to a bygone era of cocktail glamour at this Upper East Side classic. Expect to wait a while to get in if you go mid-to-late evening, but the people watching will make up for it.

35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021, +1 212 570 7120, rosewoodhotels.com/en/the-carlyle-new-york/dining/bemelmans-bar

THE RAINBOW ROOM, BAR 65

For one of the best views in town, you can’t beat Bar 65 at the top of the Rock. Enter at 49th St, head up the escalator to the mezzanine level and up in an ear-popping elevator to sip Champagne in plush surroundings with the city spread out at your feet. Call ahead to book a table and snag the best view – minimum order applies.

30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York, NY 10112, +1 212 632 5000, rockefellercenter.com/attractions/rainbow-room

DANTE

For over 100 years, Dante was a popular West Village café until a 2018 makeover transformed it into one of the world’s best bars. Order cocktails made from the prized vintage spirit collection or try the (much Instagram-ed) Garibaldi, a frothy, freshly squeezed orange delight.

79-81 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012, +1 212 982 5275, dante-nyc.com

THE CAMPBELL BAR

Grand Central Station’s most iconic bar has had a glamorous refurbishment, making it the perfect place to catch up over a classy drink, whether or not you have a train to catch. Opulent details, an imposing mediaeval-style fireplace and exotic palm trees offer an escape from the busy heart of Midtown.

15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017, +1 212 297 1781, thecampbellnyc.com

THE BAR ROOM AT TEMPLE COURT

The bar of Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed Temple Court restaurant is located under a giant atrium in the heart of the Beekman Hotel. Pull up a green and gold leather chair and take in the downtown atmosphere. Perfect for on-point after work cocktails and hatching big deals.

5 Beekman Street, New York, NY 10038, +1 212 658 18483

THE DUPLEX

Some nights you want to sip a glass of wine in a rarefied atmosphere. Others, you want a cold vodka in a hot room, with a pianist belting out Rainbow Connection and 20 of your new best friends singing along with the (crazy talented) bar staff. That’s when you head to the city’s longest running cabaret and piano bar and inclusive haven.

61 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, +1 212 255 5438, theduplex.com/site

Katherine Knowles
Discover more
Find out more