Paul Kushner
Embark on a nocturnal exploration through the city that never sleeps as we unveil the definitive guide to the Best Late Night Bars in NYC. When the sun dips below the skyline, New York transforms into a playground for night owls seeking lively atmospheres and distinctive libations. From iconic speakeasies tucked behind unassuming facades to pulsating dance floors in trendy neighborhoods, this article navigates the diverse tapestry of the city’s late-night scene. Whether you crave sophisticated cocktails, live music, or an eclectic crowd, our curated selection promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of NYC’s after-hours culture. Join us as we spotlight the establishments that keep the city alive long after midnight.
Freddy’s Bar
627 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 768-0131
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Freddy’s Bar is a casual, eclectic dive bar near the Purple Playground in Brooklyn that closes at 4 am. It’s known for its super friendly neighborhood atmosphere, and I can attest to how good it feels the moment you arrive. I recommend ordering a couple of cold beers, meeting some new folks, and checking out a live show in the back room.
LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11101
(718) 786-5400
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LIC Bar, near Murray Park located in Queens, is another friendly neighborhood joint with a lovely backyard garden. This bar closes at 2 am, giving you plenty of time to hang out after a bar crawl in the area or get a late-night beer after a long day of work.
169 Bar
169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
(516) 986-7938
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Just south of Seward Park on the Lower East Side location, you’ll find 169 Bar, a quirky establishment with an iconic leopard print pool table. I like coming here for a round of pool when I’m feeling late-night friendly competition, as it doesn’t close until around 4 am. I recommend ordering one of the rotating draft beers.
Karaoke City
22 W 32nd St 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001
(646) 791-8318
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Karaoke City is one of the most fun places to get drinks, especially if you love singing your heart out until the wee hours of the morning. This industrial-chic bar is near the Empire State Building, so the vibes are just as lively as you’d expect. I like teaming up with a group of friends and booking in a private karaoke bar for the most fun.
Fools Gold NYC
145 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
(212) 673-2337
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Fools Gold is a modern pub near the New Museum, offering delicious burgers, tacos, and other bar bites along with innovative cocktails. My favorite things to order here are The Pineapple Insistence with grapefruit tequila and the Gold Label Burger with sriracha aioli. This combination of spicy and sweet is to die for, especially around midnight after a bar hop.
The Up & Up
116 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 260-3000
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The Up & Up is a moody, trendy bar near the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village. I love coming here around 11:00 pm to midnight to get a nightcap in a sophisticated setting. It’s a great spot if you’re leaving a dinner date but don’t want to go home just yet.
Apotheke Chinatown
9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
(212) 406-0400
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Apotheke Chinatown is one of the best late-night / after-hours bars in NYC because of its creative menu. The menu at this bar, which is located near Columbus Park in Chinatown, emphasizes treating yourself to what you need. Whether it’s a “painkiller” or an “aphrodisiac,” you’ll be in good hands at this bar until 2:00 am.
The Campbell
15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017
(917) 209-3440
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The Campbell is an elegant bar near the Chrysler Building with a pristine, royal vibe and an upscale menu to match. I only come here on special occasions when I feel like treating myself to some of the finest cocktails in the city. I recommend John Campbell’s Martini.
The Dead Rabbit
30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
(646) 422-7906
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I had to get over the name of The Dead Rabbit before finally deciding to go, and I’m so glad I did. This vintage 2-story taproom and parlor, near the National Museum of the American Indian, is an incredible spot to be at the end of the night due to its seasonal craft cocktails and intricate, unique design.
Raines Law Room Chelsea
48 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
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Raines Law Room is a speakeasy bar in Chelsea, near Union Square, and one of the most romantic places to have a drink late at night. The dim lighting combined with the fancy atmosphere and well-kept furniture makes this place an ideal place to sip Prohibition-style drinks. Just make sure you ring the doorbell!
The Rum House
228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
(646) 490-6924
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The Rum House is a Times Square treasure. With its wood paneling, candlelight, and vintage decor, this bar is a great place to get away from the late-night bustle of this area. I recommend ordering one of the rum cocktails, as they have an extensive list of rum for every type of taste. They even have a list of Jamaican rum that’s longer than the signature cocktail lists at some bars.
Keybar
432 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009
(212) 478-3021
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If you’re looking for a less swanky, more chilled-out late-night atmosphere, head to Keybar when most people have gone to bed. I love visiting this Ease Village bar to cozy up next to the fireplace at 2 or 3 am and sip on an array of creative cocktails. If I’m not there late-night, I’ll be there for their lively happy hour deals with BOGO drinks!
Juke Bar
196 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-7464
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Like Keybar, Juke Bar is another East Village watering hole that closes at 4 am. They have a live music band on Sundays, so that’s when I like to go to listen to music, drink craft beer and cocktails. I hang out here with friends until late at night. I recommend ordering the “Mr. Thursday” cocktail because it hits the spot every time!
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 6 reputable blogs and websites, including timeout.com, donyc.com, theinfatuation.com, newyorkdrinksguide.com, matadornetwork.com and 10best.usatoday.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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