Inside the King Cole Bar at the St Regis New York, photographed on 14 February 2016; an archive view of one bar featured in this article. Photo: Adam Jones · Image source · Interior of Old King Cole Bar - St. Regis Hotel - Midtown - Manhattan - New York City - USA (24737072610) · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized. Thumbnail cropped. Mural: Maxfield Parrish, Old King Cole (1906), identified by the St Regis New York.
For a classic New York night out, pair one grand hotel bar with one small cocktail bar downtown. Start with the murals at the King Cole Bar or Bemelmans uptown, then head to the Lower East Side or East Village for Attaboy or PDT. Finish at a late rooftop such as Le Bain if you still have the energy.
Bars in New York open and close often. The venues below were checked as operating in 2026, but always confirm hours and reservation rules on the bar's own page before you go. You must be 21 or over to drink in the United States, and you will usually be asked for ID.
The bars at a glance
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see the full table.
| Bar | Area | Style | Getting in |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Cole Bar | Midtown (St Regis New York) | Hotel bar with a 1906 Maxfield Parrish mural | Walk in; expect queues in the evening |
| Bemelmans Bar | Upper East Side (The Carlyle) | Hotel bar with Ludwig Bemelmans' murals and live piano | Walk in; arrive early |
| Attaboy | Lower East Side | Small bar with no menu; bartenders make drinks to your taste | Walk in; waits are common |
| PDT | East Village | Speakeasy entered through a phone booth in Crif Dogs | Reservations through Resy |
| The Dead Rabbit | Financial District | Irish pub downstairs, cocktail parlour upstairs | Walk in for the taproom |
| Employees Only | West Village | Late-night cocktail bar and restaurant | Reservations for dinner only |
| Le Bain | Meatpacking District (The Standard, High Line) | Rooftop club and terrace | No reservation needed; 21+ only |
Classic hotel bars
King Cole Bar, St Regis New York
The King Cole Bar is named after the mural behind the bar, Maxfield Parrish's Old King Cole (1906), shown at the top of this page. The bar also claims to be where the Bloody Mary was introduced to New York, under the name "Red Snapper". Dress smartly, and expect to wait at busy times.
Bemelmans Bar, The Carlyle
At The Carlyle on the Upper East Side, Bemelmans Bar is covered in whimsical murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of the Madeline books. Live piano or jazz plays most evenings, and there may be a cover charge when music is on. Arrive early in the evening to get a table.
Downtown cocktail bars
Attaboy, Lower East Side
Attaboy is a narrow bar on Eldridge Street with no printed menu: tell the bartender what you like, and they will make a drink for you. It is regularly listed among the best bars in North America and is open late every night. There are no reservations, so expect a short wait at peak times.
PDT, East Village
PDT ("Please Don't Tell") is one of the city's best-known speakeasies. You enter through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs, a hot dog shop on St Marks Place. Seating is limited, so book through Resy rather than relying on walk-in space.
The Dead Rabbit, Financial District
Near the South Street Seaport, The Dead Rabbit combines a ground-floor taproom, known for its Irish coffee and Guinness, with a more formal cocktail parlour upstairs. It is a good choice if you are staying downtown or finishing a day in Lower Manhattan.
Employees Only, West Village
Employees Only, at 510 Hudson Street, is a long-running West Village bar with a kitchen that serves late. Reservations are taken for dinner only; the bar is walk-in.
A late rooftop: Le Bain
Le Bain is on the top floor of The Standard, High Line, at 848 Washington Street. In autumn 2026 it opens Wednesday to Saturday until 4:00 and on Sunday until midnight; it is closed on Monday and Tuesday. You do not need a reservation to get in, but tables come with a minimum spend, and it is 21+ only.
Plan the night
- Early evening, uptown: a drink at the King Cole Bar or Bemelmans before dinner.
- After dinner, downtown: take the subway to the Lower East Side or East Village for Attaboy or a booked table at PDT.
- Late: continue west to Le Bain on a Wednesday to Saturday night.
Hotel bars are expensive, so budget for cocktails of $25 or more. Remember to add tax and a tip of around 20%. For neighbourhoods and transport, see our New York City travel guide and New York from the water.
Classic NYC bars: FAQ
Do I need a reservation for New York cocktail bars?
Not for most hotel bars or Attaboy, which are walk-in. Book PDT through Resy, and arrive early anywhere popular at weekends.
What is the drinking age in New York?
21. Bring photo ID, as bars routinely check it, and some venues only accept a passport from overseas visitors.
Which NYC bar is best for a first visit?
Bemelmans or the King Cole Bar for a classic New York atmosphere, and Attaboy for a cocktail made to your taste.
Sources and planning checks
Venue details were checked on 5 November 2026 against the bars' own websites where available (PDT, Employees Only, Le Bain) and against 2026 bar guides for the others. Bar hours and policies change frequently, so check before you go. Choices and the suggested route are editorial judgments.
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