My favorite bars in NYC
There are a million things to do in New York City. The top thing might be drinking……. And I have done my fair share. Here are my favorite bars, cocktails, locations, vibes and links to their websites.
Brady’s- Upper East Side
If you follow me on social media, obviously I am going to tell you to go to Brady’s. It is an awesome family owned local dive bar where I have spent birthday’s, Matt and I’s engagement party, celebrating my first half marathon (celebrating a lot of things actually and celebrating nothing at all) and everything in between. The owner and bartenders are the heart of the upper east side. I love them dearly. The vibe is homey, especially when you cue up your favorite song on the juke box and run into Terry sitting at the bar alone by himself. If you go, tell them Morgan sent you and take a shot of fireball for me.
The Campbell- Midtown
I normally will not tell you to hang out in midtown because it is very touristy and underwhelming compared to what else New York has to offer BUT this “speak easy” is a really cool, old-timey, New York bar that I really love. Located in Grand Central Station (which is beautiful by itself) it gives very mafia, old New York vibes. I use speak easy lightly because it is not hidden like a traditional speak easy, but is a little tucked away. There is standing room but if you know you want to see Grand Central and grab a drink around a certain time, they take reservations and that guarantees you a table. The only bad thing about this bar is that they do not carry Grey Goose (so only bad for me) so order a “GG Manhattan.”
The Basement- Chinatown
Now this is a real speak easy! You walk down some steps into a vending machine and you walk into the most fun bar in Chinatown. They have drinking games like beer pong, a table for flip cup (ask the bartender for cups), machine games in the back and free popcorn. My friends and I have spent plenty of nights and money here- so worth it. “Made in Brooklyn” is my favorite cocktail they have, and honestly my top 5 favorite cocktails in the city. I love a cucumber cocktail though. If you go with a group, you should get a bottle of Soju and take it like shots- strawberry is probably my favorite.
Champers- SoHo
Calling all champagne lovers!!!! This bar is a fucking vibe!!!! Located in arguably the coolest neighborhood in Manhattan, you have to stop here for a flight of champagne and a bump of caviar. This spot is an awesome date spot, night with the girls or just to stop in when you are done shopping in SoHo. The vibe is classy but not stuffy with champagne decor everywhere including a champagne bell on the wall. Also, I want to plug their Instagram because their page is fun af!! They always post funny champagne memes.
Rudy’s- Hell’s Kitchen
I will write why you should go here in one sentence: For $5, with the purchase of every beer you get a hotdog. ALSO, Anthony Bourdain’s favorite bar- rip. Once you see the pig outside, you are there. CASH ONLY.
Boucherie- Midtown, Gramercy & West Village
There are four locations- all pretty much the same except the one in midtown is the largest and the petit one has a limited menu. All have beautiful flower and french decor AND probably my favorite cocktail in the city, “LA VIE EN ROSE.” They also have one of the best old fashioned’s that they add their signature twist to. It is the perfect spot to cocktail before dinner or even for dinner. Their food is always a hit- but go for the cocktails.
Della’s Wine Bar- Tribeca
If you are wine-y and not so much cocktail-y or if you are both, Della’s is the cutest wine bar with a superb cheese selection that changes with what is in season and always fresh. Italian and family owned, Della’s is the perfect spot to have some wine with your friends or partner in the Tribeca neighborhood (which is cool to see anyways- you will probably see someone famous). The vibe is homey, welcoming, and makes you want to gossip with some great wine and great cheese. One of my favorite small businesses.
Book Club Bar- Lower East Side
I LOVE Book Club Bar. It is a book store, coffee shop and bar by night. They hold the coolest events here- book clubs, drinking and drawing classes, poetry performances, drinking and writing exercises, and more. I have been more in the mornings for coffee and to work but Matt and I went to a drinking and drawing class one time and it was such a fun and unique New York experience. Plus, if you do a class you get $8 off any drink. I highly recommend going here either for a coffee or for a drink. It is so cool!
There are a million more bars in New York. Send me your favorites and your recommendations!
