Bars and lounges

What You Need to Know About Bars in New York

• After a long day of rushing through the streets of New York, relax in one of the city’s many bars. In the absence of a precise census, it is estimated that there are about 2000 bars in New York. However, this figure lacks precision because some restaurants also have a bar area.
• One thing to know, in any case: you must be at least 21 years old to enter a bar in New York. If you are traveling to New York with your family and want to enter a bar, admission will be denied to those under 21, even if they do not intend to drink alcohol. This rule applies only to bars and not to restaurants.
• Another specificity of New York: alongside regular bars, you can discover Rooftop bars and Speakeasies. Rooftop bars are located on the rooftops of buildings, offering often spectacular views of the city. See our selection of the best Rooftop bars in New York. Speakeasies, on the other hand, are bars inherited from the Prohibition era, with hidden entrances and an intimate atmosphere. See our selection of the best speakeasies in New York.

The 5 Best Bars in New York

1. Bitter End

   Bitter End is the oldest rock club in New York City! Founded in 1961, this legendary place has seen the beginnings of many rock legends. A few famous names: Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, and even Lady Gaga. Not to forget Woody Allen who played the clarinet here. A special place that might allow you to listen to the talents of tomorrow! The Bitter End is also part of the steps of our guided tour on jazz in New York.

   

   Address: 147 Bleecker Street, between Thompson and LaGuardia.

   Neighborhood: Greenwich Village.

   Metro: Houston St.

2. Chelsea Table & Stage

   Chelsea Table & Stage is one of the most reputable piano bars in New York. It is located inside the Hilton New York Fashion District hotel, but you obviously do not need to be a hotel guest to go there. On the other hand, you must absolutely book your evening in advance because the room is small and people come from all over the world to enjoy an evening in this place. To book, visit our page dedicated to the piano bar Chelsea Table & Stage.

   

   Address: 152 West 26th Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Chelsea.

   Metro: 28 St.

3. Foxy John’s

   This bar opened its doors in early 2015 just steps from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building. It aims to be both a pub and an American bar. So you can have a drink as well as eat a dish, notably tacos or burgers. If you like music, go on Saturday: the evening comes alive with a band playing live.

   Address: 143 East 47th Street, between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 51 St.

4. Smithfield Hall

   Smithfield Hall is a sports bar, a bar specializing in sports. Dozens of screens allow you to follow the current sports matches. Priority is obviously given to New York teams, especially the basketball teams of the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. You can also follow the baseball matches of the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, and the ice hockey matches of the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. American football is also in the spotlight, with of course the matches of the New York Giants and the New York Jets, the two New York teams playing in the NFL.

   Address: 138 West 25th Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Chelsea.

   Metro: 28 St.

5. SoHo Cigar Bar

   Here is an address for you if you are a smoker! While New York strictly applies an anti-tobacco law, this address has indeed received permission to let its customers smoke, whether it’s cigars, cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. As a bonus, the warm decor recreates the cozy atmosphere of the clandestine lounges of the 20s. Note that the bar offers you a menu of cocktails and dishes.

   Address: 32 Watts Street, between 6th Avenue and Thompson Street.

   Neighborhood: SoHo.

   Metro: Canal St.