The Ultimate Guide to NYC’s Best Bars

Ask 10 New Yorkers to name their favorite bar, and you’ll likely get as many answers as there are days in the week. That’s because New York City is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and drinking experiences. From swanky cocktail bars to intimate listening rooms, the city has something for everyone.

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With over a thousand bars to choose from, narrowing down the options can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve scoured the city to bring you the most exciting drinking destinations in New York City. From the Financial District to Chinatown, we’ve got you covered.

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Lei Wine Bar

Located in the heart of Chinatown, Lei Wine Bar is a 28-seat wine bar that’s as intimate as it is impressive. Named after the late sister of its owner, Annie Shi, this wine bar is a deeply personal venture that showcases Shi’s passion for wine and hospitality. With a wine list that boasts over 350 bottles, Lei Wine Bar is the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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The menu is equally impressive, with a curated selection of hot and cold dishes that pair perfectly with the wine list. From farmer’s market ingredients to inventive Chinese cuisine, Lei Wine Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their wine game.

Reservations are open 14 days in advance, but walk-ins are welcome nightly. Arrive early to avoid a wait, and be prepared to be blown away by the warm and inviting atmosphere of this Chinatown gem.

Bar Chucho

Located in the Two Bridges neighborhood, Bar Chucho is a buzzy new bar that’s proof that a Michelin star doesn’t have to mean a stuffy bar program. Named after a sotol-and-osha-root drink from northern Mexico, this walk-in-only bar is the perfect destination for friends and family looking for a casual night out.

The bar program is equally impressive, with multiple Michelada options, a sotol margarita cut with Granny Smith apple and cilantro, and an Irish twist on a caraijllo with whiskey from the Emerald Isle. It’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends, making it one of the rare bars that works just as well on a weekday after work as it does for your Saturday nightcap.

With a team behind Corima and its Park Slope tortilleria, Vato, Bar Chucho is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and exciting drinking experience.

Overstory

Located in the Financial District, Overstory is a two-story bar that’s as impressive as it is accessible. With a curated bar program that delivers cool boozy concoctions, Overstory is the perfect destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts.

The service is almost unparalleled, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence that’s rare in the industry. And with views of the Big Apple that are almost as worth a visit as their cocktails, Overstory is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their drinking game.