Paul Kushner
Times Square is renowned for its dazzling lights, Broadway theaters, and the vivacious pulse of New York City. It is the busy center of Manhattan. This famous setting is home to a plethora of bars that provide a haven from the bustle of the city, making it the perfect place to celebrate, relax, or just enjoy a quiet drink. This is your ticket to finding the top bars close to Times Square, each with their own special charm and ambiance. These bars have something to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively happy hour spot, a post-theater nightcap, or a pre-show cocktail. Join us as we tour the best bars close to the city’s most vibrant square, Times Square, to make sure your trip there is one you won’t soon forget.
The Iridium
1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
(212) 582-2121
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The Iridium, on Broadway between 51st and 52nd Streets, is a great place to catch a live show while enjoying fantastic drinks and food. Many famous musicians have performed here, and it’s a particularly great spot if you enjoy blues shows. There’s not a bad seat in The Iridium, so don’t worry about coming at a certain time!
Rosie O’Grady’s
800 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
(212) 582-2975
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Rosie O’Grady’s, on 7th Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets, is one of the most popular bars in Times Square for a good reason and has been running since 1973. This spot caters to a more mature crowd, and it’s excellent for steak and seafood dinners. Get the Manhattan while you’re there, on top of dinners like lobster ravioli or blue point oysters.
The Long Room
120 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 997-3933
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Another Irish restaurant in the same area is called The Long Room. What makes this pub special is that it has a “clubby” nightlife feel to it, which brings in a loud, boisterous crowd. If all of that sounds like your cup of tea (or, rather, your glass of whiskey), then head there for a wide variety of drinks and eats.
The Rum House
228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 490-6924
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Visiting Times Square is one of the most popular bucket list items for NYC visitors, and The Rum House is one of the most popular cocktail bars in the area — for good reasons! This cocktail bar, near Father Duffy Square, offers a lovely candlelit space and excellently crafted classic cocktails like dark & stormy, Moscow mule, and old fashioned.
Bar 54
135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 364-1234
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Bar 54, right in the heart of Times Square, is a swanky rooftop bar providing creative cocktails that are to die for. I love the sprawling city views and the comfortable pillowed seating, but I mostly appreciate the ability to create a cocktail based on your own unique vision and preferences.
Jimmy’s Corner
140 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 221-9510
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Jimmy’s Corner, near RiseNY, is one of the best bars in Times Square due to its unique history and gritty atmosphere. This dive bar, which opened in 1971, was a favorite of Muhammad Ali — and it’s where he watched the “Thrilla in Manila” fight on TV.
The Skylark
200 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
(212) 257-4577
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The Skylark, on the 30th floor of a Midtown Manhattan building, provides unobstructed views of the cityscape in every direction. This bar is perfect for anyone looking to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of the city streets and relax with a few drinks. Try the Skylark Cocktail — you won’t be disappointed.
Cloud Rooftop Bar
6 Times Square, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036
(212) 204-5787
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St. Cloud Rooftop Bar, located atop the Knickerbocker hotel, provides stunning views of Times Square and the Broadway theater district. The bar serves craft cocktails and small plates, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city. I truly feel like I’m on “Cloud 9” when sipping on the Volcano Ash cocktail and munching on their delicious lobster roll.
Yard House
575 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
(646) 434-2448
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Yard House is one of the best bars near Times Square for sports fans, thanks to its large TVs and expansive bar. The menu features classic American dishes like burgers and wings, as well as a wide selection of beer — over 100 on tap! So If you’re wondering where to get a drink and watch the game, look no further than Yard House, near One Times Square.
Haswell Green’s
240 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 245-2801
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Haswell Green’s is one of the most fun places to go out for live music, thanks to its two stages and lively atmosphere. This bar, near the Gershwin Theatre, is a hip, vintage cocktail bar with an inviting vibe and delicious. If the pizza isn’t enough, grab their shrimp tacos as well!
The Lambs Club
132 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 997-5262
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The Lambs Club, adjacent to the Chatwal Hotel, is a glamorous cocktail bar with a gorgeous interior — it’s one of the most beautiful bars in Times Square. The drinks are just as exquisite, with classics like the negroni and old fashioned, as well as more unique concoctions like the Lambs Club cocktail.
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
151 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1143
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Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, located near the Park Hyatt New York hotel, is one of the best places to get a drink in Times Square. The bar has an impressive wine list, as well as a menu of small plates, like the Burrata with tomato confit — it’s the perfect snack to share.
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
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Dear Irving on Hudson, on the top floor of the Aliz hotel, is one of the coolest rooftop bars in Times Square for both the views of Midtown and the swanky ambiance. I love sipping on a glass of chilled Chardonnay and eating their crispy rice tuna.
Connolly’s
121 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 597-5126
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If you’re hoping to discover one of the most fun places to get drinks in Times Square, look no further than Connolly’s. This Irish pub, located near the Minskoff Theatre, is always packed with people enjoying a pint of Guinness and some traditional pub fare, like bangers and mash.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 957-4530
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Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is one of my favorite bars in Times Square, ideal for anyone looking to escape the typical New York City bar scene. This bar transports you to another era with its Victorian-inspired interior, complete with a grand piano and antique furniture. The menu features classic cocktails, like the gin martini, as well as a selection of wine and beer.
Sean’s Bar And Kitchen
42 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 764-9090
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There are tons of Irish pubs in NYC, as you might expect, but Sean’s Bar And Kitchen are one of the most popular and well-loved. This inviting, cheerful bar is an excellent choice for happy hours, where you can drink up fresh brews and Moscow mules and get full off of chicken pot pie.
Paradise Club
20 Times Square, 701 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036
(347) 544-5163
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Paradise Club, right by LoL Times Square Comedy Club, is one of the best nightclubs for an exciting array of live entertainment shows. They feature live bands, stand-up comedy shows, and DJs that help you dance the night away! It’s a particularly fun spot for tourists to check out on the weekends when the atmosphere is bustling. Go early to try the tuna tar tare before getting crazy!
O’Donoghue’s Times Square
156 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 997-2262
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Another popular Irish pub in the heart of Times Square is O’Donoghue’s. This pub has a more mellow, relaxed, and casual vibe, which I appreciate when I feel exhausted from the hustle of the city center. I highly recommend trying out their Irish Stew or ordering their sampler platter if you go with friends. And in addition to great beer, as you might expect, they also have a notable wine selection.
The Perfect Pint
123 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 354-1099
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The Perfect Pint, near the Hyatt Centric, has a fitting name because it really is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold one in Times Square. This bar has a cozy and comfortable feel, with dark, warm wood finishings and an inviting rooftop bar. I tend to get the Irish coffee when I feel like I need a pep in my step.
Dutch Fred’s
307 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 918-6923
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Dutch Fred’s has a classic yet inspiring design and is one of the best bars in Times Square if you love delicious meat dishes alongside your cocktails. My recommendation is to sample their small plates — buffalo chicken spring rolls, grilled meatball lollipops, etc. — then couple that with a tasteful cocktail like the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with blackberry purée.
The Brazen Tavern
356 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 445-0131
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The Brazen Tavern is a simple yet sleek two-story tavern with plenty of drink and food options that’ll satisfy the whole crew. This spot, near McCaffrey Playground, offers margaritas, Moscow mules, and much more. I recommend getting the glazed wings if you’re a meat eater or the veggie burger if your not.
Living Room
1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
(212) 930-7483
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If you guessed that a place called the Living Room would be exceptionally cozy — you guessed right! This lounge, across the street from the Broadway Grand Gallery, provides upscale cocktails in a chic, booth-filled space. The bartenders are excellent, so you can be sure you’ll get a drink that suits your tastes.
Lantern’s Keep
49 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 453-4287
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Lantern’s Keep is a dining-room-styled cocktail bar suitable for people with old-school, elegant tastes. I like going to this sophisticated spot near Bryant Park for date nights, but I can also see people visiting for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special events.
The Mean Fiddler
266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 354-2950
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The Mean Fiddler, between 8th and 7th Avenues, is a tourist-friendly bar with an impressive menu of traditional Irish dishes. The Mean Fiddler is one of the many fun places to get drinks, whether you’re looking to watch sports on their TVs, snack on waffle fry nachos, or dance the night away to a live DJ.
Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar
232 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 765-8981
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Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar has been around for decades and has a classic New York City feel with dark wood paneling, multiple levels for rooftop dining, fireplaces in private rooms, and an inviting beer garden — what more could you ask for? The hanger steak, Irish cheese fries, and Penne Rustica are my top food picks, while the Irish Coffee, Purple Haze, and Watermelon Mojitos are my favorite drinks.
R Lounge
714 7th Ave, New York, NY 10036
(212) 261-5114
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R Lounge, on 7th Avenue between 48th and 49th Streets, is a chic bar located in the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel. This place is perfect if you want to slip away from the craziness of Times Square for a bit and relax in a more intimate setting while sipping on handcrafted cocktails and tomato soup.
Gleason’s Tavern
206 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 302-2167
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Gleason’s Tavern, on 41st Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, is one of the most historic bars in New York City. This sleek, sophisticated, and dark bar offers the perfect setting for drinking Jameson and chatting with friends and lovers.
5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar – Times Square
560 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
(332) 242-4826
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I love the name of 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar almost as much as I love its bright, airy, and contemporary design. I frequent this spot, near Champs Sports, on Saturdays when the vibe is particularly lively. But regardless of when I go, I make sure to order either their charcuterie board or wagyu sliders — or both!
Playwright
202 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 262-9229
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Playwright, near M7 M’s World New York candy story, is a fun, lively Irish American pub that pays great homage to the Broadway history and culture of New York City. There are even photos and newspaper clippings plastered all over the walls to give you a feel of the area you’re in, making it a great spot for tourists to check out on holiday.
Playwright Celtic Pub
732 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
(212) 354-8404
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Playwright Celtic Pub, near John Golden Theatre, may have a similar name as the bar above but a more chilled-out atmosphere. The food is as good as the drinks, with shepherd’s pie being a top pick for my friends and me.
Castell Rooftop Lounge
AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
(929) 284-3761
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If you’re looking for a sleek rooftop cocktail bar, check out Castell, near Madame Tussauds, New York. This hip bar has excellent cocktails, such as the DIRTY with manzanilla olives and the Signature Gin Tonic with a fever tree.
The Stinger Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
300 W 44th St, New York, 10036
(212) 803-4545
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The Stinger Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, located in the InterContinental Hotel, is one of my favorite places to drink in Times Square. The signature cocktail, The Stinger, is amazing, incorporating Grey Goose vodka and house-made demi-sec mead foam for a decadent craft beverage.
Blue Bar
59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
(212) 840-6800
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Last but not least is Blue Bar, named after the blue lights that cover the room. This lounge, within the historic Algonquin hotel, is a lovely choice for drinking classic martinis in a funky, unique setting.
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 5 reputable blogs and websites, including tripadvisor.com, urbandaddy.com, tracykaler.com, timeout.com, and matadornetwork.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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