The Best Bar Bathrooms in NYC

Bar bathrooms aren’t just optional extras—they’re essential. And not only because of regulations. Alcohol is a known diuretic, so if you’re drinking, you’re going to need the restroom sooner or later. While “breaking the seal” may be a myth, the reality is simple: you’ll have to go. Yet many bars neglect their facilities, turning them into grimy, sticker-covered afterthoughts you only visit when you have no choice. Others, however, treat their restrooms with care, transforming them into spaces that are surprisingly memorable—almost destinations in their own right. Those are the ones worth celebrating.

As for me, I’m uniquely qualified to judge bar bathrooms. I have a medically overactive bladder and have tried just about every treatment available. Add to that my habit of drinking a lot of water—once even more than a doctor recommended—and you can imagine how often I’m making trips to the restroom. It’s rare for me to visit any bar or restaurant without going at least once, if not several times. What once felt like an inconvenience has finally found its purpose.

Here are 6 of the best bar bathrooms in New York City.

1. BAR SNACK

After your Spice Bag, a pint of Guinness, and maybe a cocktail (Salad Negroni, anyone?), you’ll find yourself drawn to the back of the bar, where colored lights invite you in. If luck is on your side, there won’t be a queue of people ahead snapping their obligatory selfies—because this restroom is a showstopper. Decked out like a disco ball, it features mirror-paneled walls, a spinning chandelier, and a perfectly placed mirror for that outfit shot.

Owner Iain Griffiths hand-applied the entire finish, a process that took 48 non-consecutive hours. “People definitely take their time in there,” they admit, “and for that I apologize to anyone at Bar Snack who really needs to go.” If you’d rather skip the wait, head downstairs, where the vibe shifts to a playful googly-eyes theme.

2. OXOMOCO

For a more understated take on the disco aesthetic—paired with plenty of margaritas and Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine—make your way to Greenpoint. At Oxomoco, the bathroom reflects the restaurant’s overall mood, featuring painted walls and a pendant-style mirror ball that ties it all together.

3. NOWON

We’re starting to notice a pattern here… The disco ball–decked stall at Nowon’s East Village spot leans more Korean karaoke bar than Saturday Night Fever—and we’re all for it. After digging into the restaurant’s famed cheeseburger, a plate of chopped cheese rice cakes, and a few rounds of soju, don’t be surprised if you feel inspired to belt out a tune on your way in or out.

4. THE BARONESS

Near or far, wherever you are, there’s always a chance that Celine Dion might wander into your bar—and even use the bathroom. That’s exactly what happened at this Long Island City spot, inspiring the owners to turn their restroom into a full-blown tribute to Titanic.

Inside, you’ll find portraits of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and Dion herself, along with a replica of the iconic Heart of the Ocean, handwritten song lyrics, and even a cheeky stance on the infamous door debate (yes—Jack could have fit).

5. THE HUNTRESS

As if topping a diva tribute wasn’t enough, sister bar to The Baroness, The Huntress, takes things even further with a bathroom inspired by Game of Thrones. The space is drenched in moody lighting and packed with themed details—from a dragon’s head to a massive portrait of Peter Dinklage—all anchored by an iron throne of swords encircling the “seat” itself.

6. CREVETTE

While the newest opening from the team behind Dame and Lord’s is technically a full-fledged restaurant, the vibe is so good—it carries right into the restrooms—that I ended up buying a piece of the artwork hanging on the walls. Upstairs, one stall is wrapped in blue tile and the other in yellow, while downstairs both are drenched in bubblegum pink with bright green floors. Nautical touches, floral accents, and playful fixtures pull it all together, giving off serious Pinterest-board energy—in the best possible way.

Source: vinepair