Paul Kushner
Step into the bustling heart of Manhattan and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the Best Midtown Bars, where the energy of New York City is on full display. Midtown, a district that never sleeps, is renowned for its iconic landmarks, Broadway theaters, and world-class dining. However, it’s also home to a diverse and captivating bar scene that caters to the myriad tastes and moods of both locals and visitors. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate you through the dynamic tapestry of Midtown’s bars, where you can find everything from classic cocktail lounges with timeless charm to contemporary rooftop bars offering sweeping views of the city that never fails to amaze. Whether you’re a business professional seeking after-work relaxation or a tourist looking to soak in the vibrancy of New York, Midtown’s bars offer a captivating experience you won’t want to miss. Join us as we explore the very best Midtown has to offer, one drink at a time.
Ophelia Lounge NYC
3 Mitchell Pl 26th floor, New York, NY 10017
(212) 980-4796
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Ophelia Lounge NYC includes indoor and outdoor seating, including a rooftop bar that will give you a stunning view of the river. The indoor seating will also offer a beautiful, photo-worthy view of the cityscape. Consider ordering one of my favorite items on the menu while you enjoy the landscape outside: Highs & Lows, a cocktail with tequila, corn liquor, lime, and agave.
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
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Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar is a perfect location for anyone who wants a stunning view of the Hudson River while they sip hand-crafted cocktails. This location has plenty of drinks that take new spins on old classics. My favorite drink from Dear Irving is called the Wildest Redhead, which blends scotch, honey, lemon, and cherry heering.
Connolly’s
Multiple Locations
(212) 597-5126
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Connolly’s is a classic pub that can be found in many locations. This bar location has stunning bar seating, where you can enjoy live music and the nightlife of the city outside. Connolly’s will allow you to relax and unwind after a long day. With beer on tap and plenty of cocktails on the menu, this is the perfect after-work location.
Ardesia Wine Bar
510 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-9191
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Ardesia Wine Bar specializes in wine and casual food close to some of the most inspiring food options in the world. Sit back and enjoy some of the best-aged wines New York has to offer by stopping at Ardesia Wine Bar. This location can also give you a glimpse into the area’s culture and history.
The Campbell
15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017
(917) 209-3440
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The Campbell is an extravagant location with a high ceiling that will make you feel regal. There are dozens of classic cocktail and wine options, but I suggest the Campbell Dirty Martini. This classic drink matches the overall aesthetic and energy of the location.
Rudy’s Bar & Grill
627 9th Ave, Manhattan, NY 10036
(646) 707-0890
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Rudy’s Bar & Grill is unique since it may be one of the oldest bars in the area. This location has been operating since 1933 and has served plenty of bottled, canned, and draft beers since opening. There may not be a better mango draft beer than the Golden Road Mango Cart beer available at this location.
Beer Culture
328 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 590-2139
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It will come as no surprise that Beer Culture focuses on beer, and they have some of the best options available in the area. This location is open late and uses fresh ingredients to make stunning cocktails and other drinks. However, some of the best drinks at Beer Culture are the draft beers, including my favorite, the Acceptance.
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
151 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1143
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Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is a perfect location for those who want a cozy place to relax after a long day. This location has bar seating and a comfortable couch to relax on while sipping aged wines. You can choose among whites, reds, and sparkling varieties for the perfect match. However, I found the Fino Sherry to have a robust flavor that had me ordering a second glass.
The Rum House
228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 490-6924
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The Rum House is a fun and lively location with tons of seating and plenty of new spins on old classics. This location is ideal for those who love live piano and jazz while sipping on hand-crafted cocktails. The Rum House will transport you back in time and is perfect for fans of the roaring 20s.
The Bar Room
9 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 333-1220
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The Bar Room is a lively location that is run by a seasoned chef dedicated to crafting cocktails that will have patrons coming back for more. There are 24 seats in this location, so you may need to come early to snag a good seat. Come in and try the Stone Fruits cocktail, one of my favorites in the Midtown area.
Lantern’s Keep
49 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 453-4287
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Lantern’s Keep is a speakeasy and bar that prides itself on the best and most creative cocktails in the area, and I agree with this assessment! Stop in between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. for one of the best hand-crafted, fruit-filled cocktails in Midtown. Its history and unique location make it a standout on our list, and you won’t want to miss it if you’re bar-crawling through the city.
Pocket Bar NYC
455 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 682-9062
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Pocket Bar NYC is a small, fun, and lively location with a cozy environment. This tiny location has plenty of beer and wine to choose from, and you can pair your drink with a cheese plate for a snack. I suggest the Allagash Curieux draft beer and the Pocket Bar Rose, which is a dry and fruity treat after a long day.
Haswell Green’s
240 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 245-2801
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Haswell Green’s a fun and lively location with tons of food and cocktails to enjoy while observing the nightly entertainment. I suggest pairing a meal with one of the robust flavors this location has to offer, like the Guilty Pleasure. This cocktail mixes sweet strawberry, lime, peach, and pineapple rum.
On the Rocks
696 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-2055
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On the Rocks specializes in whiskey and blends involving whiskey. This location can offer you classic, spiced drinks, and a lively environment. I recommend trying some of their classic whiskey blends, even if you’re not usually a whiskey person! On The Rocks has a fantastic ambiance with excellent service.
Jimmy’s Corner
140 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 221-9510
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Jimmy’s Corner is a perfect, quiet location for you and your friends to meet up and enjoy a little slice of life from Midtown. This bar has tons of memorabilia on the walls and prides itself on the culture of the area, so don’t be shy about exploring the decor or asking questions. Stop in for a draft beer and comfort food you won’t find elsewhere!
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 4 reputable blogs and websites, including timeout.com, theinfatuation.com, tripadvisor.com, and theworldandthensome.com. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
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