The list of bars in New York with a dynamic ambiance, innovative cocktail menu, and delectable bites seems to only be growing. We have four suggestions for bars that you cannot miss during your next jaunt around the city.
Gair
A new upscale cocktail bar is making noise in DUMBO, on the renowned corner of Washington Street and Water Street. Gair iconically sits on one of the most photographed spots of the city, making it the perfect staple for tourists and locals alike. Located in a former children’s store, the bar’s new industrial-chic design pays homage to the deep history and concrete architecture of the area. Inside a horseshoe-shaped basalt bar top acts as the center of the space, with floor-to-ceiling windows often stealing the spotlight. The beverage menu offers inventive cocktails like the Old Man and the Sea, with Japanese whisky, soy, nori, and umami. Pair your drinks with the seasonally-inspired small bites, or heartier offerings, like the smash burger. The laidback atmosphere is fit to impress a date, hold a business meeting, or rejuvenate after a long day of touring the town.
41 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY
Superbueno
SUPERBUENO is the latest cocktail bar to snag the limelight in the East Village. With colorful pops of pink and yellow, the energetic space emulates the vibrant streets of Mexico City with ease. A wall of colorful Luchador masks lines one side of the room, while hand-painted signs are scattered around others – all made by Mexican artists. Expect to find a shareable menu of traditional Mexican street foods with a New York touch. Try the birria grilled cheese or the quesadilla bombas, a deep-fried tortilla version of your usual quesadilla. As for drinks, Superbueno boasts an impressive list of cocktails that pay homage to traditional ingredients like tamarind, huitlacoche, and mole. Inspired by esquites, order the Roasted Corn Sour for a drink that combines corn whiskey, reposado tequila, roasted corn, and egg white for a creative sip.
13 1st Ave., New York, NY
Little Oaxaca
Brooklynites will be elated to learn that a vibrant mezcaleria is gaining buzz above the trendy Mediterranean eatery, Fandi Mata. Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg is Little Oaxaca – an intimate bar that transports you to the lively streets of Oaxaca, Mexico. Peer over the mezzanine’s railing to soak in the botanical views, blue-lined staircase, and rustic bohemian decor. Little Oaxaca boasts 50 different artisanal mezcals and agave-based cocktails. The bar features a curated list of exclusive Mexican labels, specifically imported to the U.S. for this restaurant. Tequila-lovers cannot go wrong with any of the innovative drinks here. Try the Uno Más, a mix of the lost explorer mezcal, a corn liqueur, grapefruit, and citrus. The best part? If you’re still craving more nibbles, any of the menu items downstairs at Fandi Mata can be ordered up to Little Oaxaca in a heartbeat.
74 Bayard St, Brooklyn, NY
SOL Mexican Cocina
Inspired by the best of Baja, California, comes SOL’s New York City opening in the pulsating Flatiron district. This beloved west coast eatery cites NYC as its seventh outpost. The two-story institution will be steps away from the historic Flatiron building and Madison Square Park. The sizable space manages to foster an intimate dining experience with dark design hues and wooden accents. Their innovative menu prides itself on serving seasonal dishes, and over a dozen homemade salsas. Try a tangy sip of the hand-muddled Pineapple Serrano Margarita, juxtaposing spicy serrano peppers with sweet pineapple. It pairs perfectly with many of their bites, like the Grilled Sweet Corn, featuring carved tableside with butter, lime, chiles, cotija cheese, and a chipotle drizzle.
220 5th Ave, New York, NY
