Must-see nightlife in New York

  • Allen Street Hardware Cafe

    Buffalo

    One of the more sophisticated options in Allentown, with a good restaurant (mains $17 to $22) and eclectic local music which usually begins around 9pm.

  • Sweetness 7

    Buffalo

    On Buffalo's edgier west side, this indie cafe is known for its coffee, freshly baked goods and other light meals. The atmosphere is relaxed and arty.

  • Ralph's Coffee

    Union Square, Flatiron District & Gramercy

    Tucked away in the Club Monaco store is this cute little tiled-floor coffee joint offering espressos, cold brews and pastries.

  • Lux

    Western New York

    Get to know the locals at this fun and friendly dive bar that is a favorite hangout for the young and cool set in Rochester.

  • OTB

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    A world away from the grungy, betting-slip-strewn 'off-track betting' parlors of yore, OTB pays vague homage to racing thoroughbreds with some equine…

  • Partners

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    The flagship of a small chain roaster bringing aromatic pour-overs, smooth flat whites and punchy cortados (espresso with a dash of milk) to the streets…

  • 61 Local

    New York City

    Employing a classic Brooklyn bar aesthetic with its warehousey, bare-brick interior, 61 Locals pulls a laid-back crowd thanks to mellow-mannered bar staff…

  • Standard Biergarten

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Come see what the new generation of lawyers, stockbrokers and PR professionals look like with their hair down. The Standard Biergarten is a rowdy good…

  • ABC Beer Co

    East Village & Lower East Side

    At first glance, ABC looks like a dimly lit beer shop (indeed bottles are available for purchase); but venture deeper inside and you'll find a small indie…

  • Travel Bar

    New York City

    When you want a bit of a break from your travels, drop into this chill Carroll Gardens establishment and drink yourself around the world – select a…

  • Der Stamm Kneipe

    New York City

    This casual beer hall with checkered floors, lots of windows, a small garden out back and a lively, mixed crowd is located a few blocks east of the…

  • Blue Bottle Coffee

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    While many argue in favor of Brooklyn's home-grown coffee spots, there's a reason this West Coast roaster-brewer also has many fans. Blue Bottle prepares…

  • Prohibition

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    This buzzing drinking den features a live band every night on the front-room stage, though decibel levels are low enough that your ears won't bleed. The…

  • Ruby's Bar & Grill

    New York City

    The oldest and only dive bar on the Coney Island boardwalk, Ruby’s has been around since 1934, and in the family of the eponymous Ruby since 1972. It's a…

  • Sant Ambroeus

    Upper East Side

    Sidle up to the rust-colored marble counters and enjoy your espresso standing in the Italian manner. This coffee-bar outpost of the Milan-inspired…

  • Lemon's

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    This bar atop the Wythe Hotel has a sunny color scheme, vacation vibes and magnificent picture-window views of Manhattan. There's a respectable cocktail…

  • Blue Parrot

    The Hamptons

    A low-key Tex-Mex hangout in East Hampton that counts Jon Bon Jovi as a partner – who'd a thunk it? Margarita and sangria by the pitcher, and a happy hour…

  • Tradesman

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    Walk through the dim, wood- and brick-lined interior to find yourself in an expansive, plant-filled backyard, replete with giant spool tables and string…

  • Third Rail

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Near NYU, tiny Third Rail takes its coffee seriously, using single-origin Stumptown roasts and several different espresso blends (each gets its own…

  • Floyd

    Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn & Dumbo

    This glass-front bar is home to young flirters who cuddle on tattered antique sofas while beer-swillers congregate around a 40ft indoor bocce court (games…

  • Lucy's

    East Village & Lower East Side

    Located just around the corner from St Marks Pl, Lucy's has all the makings of an iconic East Village haunt. The bar is named after the owner, who can…

  • Ty's

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    New York's gay-bar scene has a reputation for catering to young, model types, but in the West Village you'll find many bars with a more welcoming…

  • McSorley’s Old Ale House

    East Village & Lower East Side

    Around since 1854 (it's thought to be New York's oldest continually operating bar), McSorley’s feels far from the East Village veneer of cool. You’re more…

  • Icon Bar

    Queens

    New York's famous gay nightlife scene doesn't end once you leave Manhattan. Clubby-ish Icon Bar brings strong drinks and flirtatious ambience to Astoria…

  • Workshop

    Upper East Side

    This uptown bar with a downtown vibe offers a full selection of local craft beers, specialty cocktails and a boatload of tools on the wall. There's a…

  • Dirty Precious

    New York City

    Dirty Precious balances a discerning taste in drinks with the warmest of welcomes. Cocktails are bursting with flavors, like the peppery, efferverscent …

  • Smooch & Bisou Bisou

    New York City

    By day, as Smooch, this tiny triangle of a cafe turns out expertly made espressos as well as cakes, salads and sandwiches. Five nights a week it then…

  • Thousand Islands Winery

    New York

    Conveniently located on the outskirts Alexandria Bay, Thousand Islands Winery has a fun, accessible atmosphere and award winning wines. It is open year…

  • Union Grove Distillery

    Catskills

    Tastings and tours are free at this small distillery, named after a town sunk under the nearby reservoir. It specializes in vodka made from apple cider…

  • Clem's

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    A retro rock soundtrack and vintage fittings ease punters in to this easygoing Williamsburg watering hole. It has a long bar, overseen by friendly…

  • Ginger’s Bar

    New York City

    This bright blue-and-yellow watering hole is a hub for the local lesbian community and comes complete with a friendly bartender, a jukebox, a pool table,…

  • Dynaco

    New York City

    Across the seasons, Dynaco's subdued lighting confers a romantic feel but a wood-burning stove acts as a focal point during the winter months. A pressed…

  • Bar Veloce

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Sip your wine, eat a panini, watch the well-dressed world walk by, or strike up a conversation with an interesting stranger (or two). Small and friendly…

  • Malachy's

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    Giving new meaning to the word ‘dive,’ this crusty local holdout has a long wooden bar, classic rock on the speakers, a lineup of (mostly male) regulars…

  • Catskill Distilling Company

    Catskills

    An intoxicating range of small batch spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, gin and vodka are distilled here. You can take a tour, sample the spirits or…

  • Ten Degrees Bar

    East Village & Lower East Side

    This small, candlelit St Marks charmer is a great spot to start out the night. Come from opening to 8pm for two-for-one drink specials (otherwise, it's …

  • Oslo Coffee Roasters

    Upper East Side

    A somewhat-remote outpost of the Williamsburg-based roasters, Oslo whips up magnificent brews, espressos and lattes – all fair trade and organic, of…

  • Waterworks Pub

    The Adirondacks

    It may be a bit rough around the edges, but Waterworks Pub has a very welcoming vibe that makes for a pleasant drink (or three). Head upstairs to dance,…

  • Beans & Leaves

    Staten Island

    Staten Island might be trailing behind the rest of the city in the craft coffee stakes, but friendly neighborhood joint Beans & Leaves bucks the trend…

  • Three Seat Espresso

    East Village & Lower East Side

    It's really more like a dozen seats but who's counting? Pop into this sunny shop opposite Tompkins Square Park for frothy lattes and cappuccinos and a…