Looking for where to drink in NYC right now? We’ve got you covered.
To help you keep up with the city’s ever-changing food scene, we created The Hit List—a curated guide to the best new spots across New York. We personally visit every place featured, sharing what to order, when to go, and why it’s worth your time.
Now, we’re raising a glass to something new: bars. From lively dance floors to cozy wine spots and laid-back breweries, we’ve been making the rounds (tough job, we know) to bring you the latest and greatest places to grab a drink in NYC.
Sonny’s Corner Bar
142 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Perfect For: Drinks, Day Drinking
After the beloved Pencil Factory shut its doors, Greenpoint locals were left heartbroken—but Sonny’s Corner Bar has stepped in to fill part of that void. Run by former fans of the original spot, this lively neighborhood bar keeps things buzzing most nights. On weekends, it opens early for daytime drinks, making it a go-to when the weather warms up. Expect packed booths, plenty of Guinness, and a solid lineup of signature cocktails.
Spring Bar
16 Madison St, New York, NY 10038
Perfect For: Drinks
Tucked along a fast-evolving stretch of Madison Street, Spring Bar is a low-key gem with a creative twist. Without a full liquor license, the bar leans on soju, sake, and mijiu to craft inventive cocktails that rival the classics. It’s a relaxed, conversational space with a small snack menu and regular events like chess and mahjong nights.
Kubo
1013 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Perfect For: Drinks, Sitting Outside
At this vibrant Filipino cocktail bar in Bed-Stuy, the night often ends in karaoke—planned or not. Kubo is a casual, welcoming spot for happy hour in the backyard, offering flavorful drinks like calamansi margaritas and the famously strong Weng Weng Tower. Pair your drinks with snacks like lumpia or even balut for a full experience.
Oddball
188 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Perfect For: Great Cocktails, First Dates
Oddball embraces its identity as a “nerdy” cocktail bar, delivering inventive drinks without the pretension. The menu encourages experimentation, with unique flavors and techniques that still feel approachable. Add in excellent snacks and spacious booths, and it’s an ideal setting for deep conversations or a stylish group pregame.
Rough Draft
126 Hamilton Pl, New York, NY 10031
Perfect For: Great Beer, Happy Hour
Rough Draft in Hamilton Heights is the kind of place where conversations come easily—whether with a date or a new friend at the bar. Focused on beer and whiskey, it keeps things simple while offering rotating seasonal brews. With events like trivia nights, pop-ups, and live music, there’s always something happening.
Uncle Roger’s
704 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Perfect For: Groups, Sports, Outdoor Seating
If you want it all in one place, Uncle Roger’s delivers. Think TVs for the game, a pool table, a massive backyard, and a disco ball for good measure. Add in smashburgers and chopped cheese fries from the kitchen, and you’ve got a lively, all-purpose hangout perfect for groups.
Siberia
1800 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Perfect For: People Watching, Night Out
A legendary dive reborn, Siberia remains one of NYC’s quirkiest drinking spots. Now located in Midtown’s 50th Street Station market, it keeps its gritty charm alive with red lighting, a jukebox, and plenty of character. Come for the drinks, stay for the stories—especially from the owner, who keeps the atmosphere as entertaining as ever.
Golden Ratio
216 1/2 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Perfect For: Cocktails, First Dates, Impressing Visitors
Golden Ratio takes a bold, sustainability-driven approach to cocktails. Expect inventive drinks featuring unusual ingredients like pine needle distillates or squash slushies. It’s a unique experience that pays off, especially since every drink is also available as a mocktail.
Stars
139 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Perfect For: Wine, Light Bites
With just a dozen seats and an extensive wine list, Stars offers an intimate, almost omakase-style experience—but for wine lovers. Choose from over 1,000 bottles or opt for a glass from a well-curated selection. Small plates like deviled eggs and shrimp sandwiches round out the experience.
Banshee
143 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
Perfect For: Drinks, Light Bites, Outdoor Seating
Banshee is a no-frills East Village bar that gets the basics right. With Guinness on draft, a strong martini menu, and standout snacks like shrimp cocktail, it’s a relaxed spot without the usual hype. Grab a seat at the bar—or head to the backyard for oyster shooters when the weather’s right.
Bottom line: Whether you’re after inventive cocktails, classic dives, or a lively group hangout, NYC’s newest bars offer something for every kind of night out.
Source: theinfatuation Edited by Bernie
