Dante dates back to 1915. It served as a staple for the community before slowly fading into oblivion before two Australians decided to breathe new life into this beloved NYC institution. The result was striking, Dante was named the best bar in the world in 2019 (a mere 4 years after re-opening) and appeared on the list again in 2020. The menu is well curated with small fare but the drinks are the stars of the show, you'll want to make reservations in advance!

Started by an adventurous duo, Nico de Soto and and Greg Boehm, Mace has graced the list of World’s 50 Best Bars for three years in a row and doesn't show signs of slowing any time soon. The cocktails are inspired by the world travels of the founders, featuring unusual ingredients and exciting spices from around the world. There's no denying that Mace churns out some of the most creative cocktails in NYC, don't sleep on the bar's namesake libation, Mace (made with beet juice).

Hand painted murals, never-ending list of celebrity patrons, a charming live pianist and aged leather banquettes offer an air of sophistication and class few bars can emulate well (and not for lack of trying). Peel your eyes away from the handsome murals on the walls and you’ll notice the pianist serenading patrons. Allow your eyes to wander and watch generous pours of perfectly-executed drinks make their way from one table to the next. This is the only place to be for a special occasion.

Found in the West Village, Katana Kitten has quickly earned a reputation with locals for inventive and playful cocktails. Known for its unique fusion approach, where Japanese bartending precision meets the casual and free-spirited American bar vibe, the cocktails are exciting and memorable. The mastermind behind the magic is Masahiro Urushido, the bar's owner and creative mixologist, responsible for crafting the best highball cocktails in New York City.

This bar's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries earns makes it a beloved staple for most cocktail-loving locals. Showing a strong distaste for tradition, Double Chicken Please is best known for deconstructing popular dishes and transforming them into beverage form. The current menu boasts drinks called Mango Sticky Rice, Japanese Cold Noodle and Cold Pizza. Regardless of your libation of choice, pair it with the Taiwanese-inspired fried chicken sandwiches for a memorable night.

Located in the Lower East Side, this spot was once home to a famous NYC cocktail bar called Milk & Honey (credited for being a pioneer of the speakeasy and craft cocktail movement. After Milk & Honey relocated in 2013, Attaboy emerged, helmed by two of Milk & Honey's former bartenders. It didn't take long for Attaboy to catch on -- it was named the best bar in North America in 2022. There's no menu, simply tell the bartender what you like and watch the magic happen.

Opened in 2006, Death & Co established itself as a vanguard of the modern cocktail movement when it opened its doors on New Years Eve. This dimly lit speakeasy offers a sophisticated, timeless vibe few can resist. The menu is easy to navigate, simply find the section that piques your interest most, whether that be “light & playful” or “boozy & honest" and see where the night takes you.

Since opening its doors in 2015, Bar Goto has carved out a niche with its unique blend of Japanese-inspired cocktails coupled with a cozy, intimate ambiance. The bar specializes in seamlessly integrating Japanese ingredients and flavors into classic cocktails, giving beloved staples a modern twist. One of Bar Goto's most famous libations is the Sakura Martini, definitely one of the most unique cocktails in New York City!

The West Village is spoiled for choice when it comes to charming cocktail bars and speakeasies, but there's something truly special about Employees Only. A staple in the neighborhood's nightlife scene since 2004, the hospitality is unmatched, and the vibe is always lively (yet intimate). Whether you’re a fan of the classics like negronis and martinis or lean towards specialty cocktails, Employees Only is bound to impress with delicious libations served in a Prohibition-era ambiance.

Apotheke is a unique cocktail bar that stands out for its apothecary-themed concept and inventive mixology. Opened in 2008, the bar is set in a former opium den which adds a touch of historical intrigue to the ambiance. The bar's specialty lies in the use of fresh, organic ingredients and an array of exotic herbs and botanicals, reminiscent of a chemist's laboratory. The cocktails are crafted with the precision of a pharmacologist, aimed at healing and rejuvenation (it's very fun).