in Places, NYC, West Village

The Ultimate Guide to West Village NYC Bars

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West Village is a historical neighborhood in NYC known for its stylish boutiques, charming brownstones, and lively nightlife scene. The bars are all trendy and inviting but offer different decor, beverages, and overall vibes.

toasting whiskey drinks at West Village NYC bars

If you’re looking at where to go out for a drink or two, I’ll share some of my top spots in the area so you don’t have to spend an enormous amount of time researching.

Here are the best bars in West Village, NYC.

Blind Tiger

281 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 462-4682
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Blind Tiger, near the Comedy Cellar, is one of the most fun places to get drinks, especially if you and your friends are beer fanatics.

They have a wide, rotating craft beer selection, and the space is so cozy you’ll never want to leave. There’s even a fireplace!

The Garret

296 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (917) 398-2354
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The Garret is a visually striking cocktail bar with dark finishing and bright window lighting that creates the perfect contrast.

I love going to enjoy craft cocktails like The First Lady or The Spicy Tequila Drink during the afternoon or early evening.

Surprisingly to some, their main food item is a Five Guys burger, which I’m okay with! It always hits the spot.

Katana Kitten

531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (347) 866-7739
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Katana Kitchen, close to St Luke in the Fields Garden, is an amazing bar in West Village NYC due to its spacious bi-level seating areas and fanciful cocktails.

I’m a fan of both dirty dive bars and elegant cocktail bars, and I feel like Katana Kitten somehow offers the best of both worlds.

I recommend getting their highball, martini, or amaretto sour.

LB

20 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 929-4360
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Near James J Walker Park, you’ll find LB, a cozy, underground cocktail den featuring a wide variety of thoughtful concoctions. Their menu is concise but mighty, and I’ve never had a bad drink here.

The bartenders are also fun to chat with, and sometimes they have live jazz bands that complement the atmosphere in this low-lit, cash-only setting.

Anfora

34 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 518-2722
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Anfora is another space with intentional moonlighting in West Village, across from Jane Street Garden.

I love coming here for romantic dates, as they offer an extensive natural wine list and an ideal environment for intimate conversation.

Employees Only

510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-3021
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This classic speakeasy needs no introduction, as it’s one of the most popular nightlife spots in all of NYC. Their legendary cocktails, like the Manhattan and the Martini, never disappoint.

It also has a psychic outside the entryway who can give a reading for you, making it a truly unique night out!

So if you’re searching for one of the top fun places to go out, head to Employees Only, near another legendary spot — the Friends Apartment.

The Otheroom

143 Perry St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 645-9758
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The Otheroom, found on a quiet street near Christopher Street, is a dark and intimate bar serving plenty of wine and beer.

I usually go for the wine, but they have a nice variety of cocktails like negronis. It’s not a huge or flashy place, but you’ll have to go for yourself to immerse in the good vibes.

Marie’s Crisis Café

59 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (646) 470-6040
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Marie’s Crisis Café is, without a doubt, the best place to sing your heart out in NYC. This historic piano bar has been around since 1929 and is still going strong today.

If you’re a musical theater lover, this is the place for you. It’s cash-only, so prepare both your vocal cords and your wallet for one of the most fun places to go out in West Village!

Julius’

159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 243-1928
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Julius’, found near The Stonewall Inn, is one of the oldest gay bars in NYC and has been around since 1864 (as a bar — earlier as. a grocery store), and caters specifically to mature males.

The unpretentious atmosphere, juicy burgers, great jukebox selections, and proud history keep people coming back time and time again.

Corner Bistro

331 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-9502
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The Corner Bistro, located near the Hudson River Greenway, is one of the best dive bars in West Village. It’s no-frills, with cheap drinks and delectable, juicy burgers.

It’s on the smaller side, so be prepared to get cozy with your fellow patrons. But that’s all part of the charm!

The Spaniard

190 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 918-1986
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The Spaniard is a wooden, cozy bar near West 4th Street and 7th Avenue. It’s a great place to come for a low-key night out, with a wide selection of beers and a menu of American dishes.

I’m a huge fan of the Smash burger, steak tartare, and everything on the brunch menu. They also have the best espresso martinis in the area!

White Horse Tavern

567 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 989-3956
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White Horse Tavern is a tiny watering hole near Bleecker Playground that I like to go to for a relaxed drink or two.

This bar is quite historic, originating in 1880 and still going strong to this day. It brought in writers in the past and now brings in a diverse, friendly crowd.

Village Vanguard

178 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 255-4037
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The Village Vanguard is a world-renowned jazz club that has been around since the 1960s.

Located near NYC AIDS Memorial Park, it’s one of the top places to see a show in NYC and has hosted some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.

This will surely become your go-to spot if you love live music, jazz trios, and well-made classic cocktails.

LELABAR

422 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 206-0594
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I love LELABAR, right by James J Walker Park, due to its visually-appealing oval shaped design, decadent charcuterie board, and extensive wine list with wines from all over the world.

If you’re a wine, cheese, and meat fan like myself, don’t hesitate to check out this spot, especially during happy hour.

Bandits

44 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (917) 398-3042
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Bandits, on the corner of Bedford and Leroy, is an excellent choice for both burgers and cocktails (which I find is one of my favorite combinations of all time)!

For the cocktail, I highly recommend trying their Purple Rain highball or the Lola Bunny, which includes toasted cumin seed.

For the burger, you’d be remiss not to immediately order the Smash Burger upon arrival.

Hudson Bar and Books

636 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 229-2642
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Hudson Bar and Books, near the Whitney Museum of American Art, is a great place to go for a classic cocktail or cigar.

This spot has a charming, old-timey feel to it, with dark wood paneling and tufted leather banquettes.

If you’re looking for a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC — and perhaps pretend like you’re reading a book while drinking a martini — this is it.

The Stonewall Inn

53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 488-2705
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The Stonewall Inn is one of the most historic bars in NYC, having played a pivotal role in the gay rights movement, more specifically during the 1969 riots that launched the movement.

Oftentimes, people call places “iconic” when they’re not, but that’s not the case here.

The staff at Stonewall, which is intentionally located near the Gay Liberation Monument, is welcoming and inviting, the drinks are delicious, and the whole space makes you feel delightful.

Cubbyhole

281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 243-9041
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Cubbyhole, on the corner of West 12th Street and 4th Avenue, is one of the best lesbian bars in NYC.

This cash-only establishment is a great place to come for a lively night out, with a wide selection of bottles and cocktails and a chipper crowd even on a Monday.

Due West

189 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (646) 687-4609
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Due West is a higher-end yet trendy bar and grill near the Stonewall National Monument. They have an excellent cocktail menu and play great music throughout the day, but especially at night.

Hudson Hound

575 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 796-6213
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As its name suggests, Hudson Hound is located near the Hudson River on Hudson Street. This pub is cozy by design and made even cozier with the inclusion of an indoor fireplace.

It’s the perfect bar for wintertime drinks and hearty American-Irish comfort foods like Irish breakfasts and hamburgers.

Johnny’s Bar

90 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 741-5279
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If you don’t understand the big deal around “chic, modern, minimalist” design, then you’ll probably love the eclectic, kitschy look of Johnny’s Bar.

It’s filled with bumper stickers, permits, and colorful lights, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for those looking to have a good time.

I recommend going with a few friends and ordering more than a few pints!

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting West Village, I recommend visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art, strolling through the High Line rail line park, and having a laugh at the Comedy Center.

But I also highly recommend checking out one (or several) of the fantastic bars on this list. What do you think are the best bars in West Village, NYC? Drop them in the comments!

Best Bars in West Village, NYC

  1. Blind Tiger
  2. The Garret
  3. Katana Kitten
  4. LB
  5. Anfora
  6. Employees Only
  7. The Otheroom
  8. Marie’s Crisis Café
  9. Julius’
  10. Corner Bistro
  11. The Spaniard
  12. White Horse Tavern
  13. Village Vanguard
  14. LELABAR
  15. Bandits
  16. Hudson Bar and Books
  17. The Stonewall Inn
  18. Cubbyhole
  19. Due West
  20. Hudson Hound
  21. Johnny’s Bar
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Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Paul Kushner

I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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