If you live in New York City, there are some bars you simply need to hit up. It's that simple, point blank.
Don't wander the streets aimlessly wondering where you should visit, only to enter some randomly overrated bars in the end.
Oh, and if you just moved here and you're trying to get with it, this is how.
Bottom line is, if you want to consider yourself a real New Yorker, cross the 21 iconic NYC bars below off your bucket list, and fast.
On this list, we've got contemporary must-go-to's and bars just exploding with NYC history.
And if you have visitors coming into NYC, you need have a drink with them at one-- if not all-- of these iconic bars. That's really all we have to say about all this.
Now get out there and start drinkin'. Bottoms up, people!
1. PonyBar (various NYC locations)
PonyBar's got one location on the Upper East Side and one location in Midtown that's so far west it's almost in the Hudson River.
It's really one of the best bars in NYC for anyone who loves beer. They've got tons of craft beers constantly on rotation, and every beer is $6. Their food isn't bad either.
If you're looking to black out or just put on a buzz, and beer drunk is your favorite drunk, you absolutely need to get to PonyBar.
2. Blind Tiger Ale House (281 Bleecker Street)
karri_d Dear Chief, smell ya later. #peekskillbrewery #blindtiger #allhailthechief #nycraftbeer #drinklocal #blindtigeralehouse #peekskillbrews #craftbeer @peekskillbrewery
This the OG of the New York beer scene. Sure, it's only been around since '95, but it's renowned for its beer program and delicious bar food.
It's a great place to try new beers, since they have an insane selection. The point is, they set the bar high for craft beer.
3. Rooftop Bar at The Met (1000 5th Avenue)
With a 360 degree view of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, and an extremely relaxed atmosphere, this bar is definitely a must-visit when the weather is nice.
As if there weren't already enough wonders underneath the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this bar offers an additional treat atop its roof.
4. Campbell Apartment (15 Vanderbilt Avenue)
campbellapartment Step into our world in one of New York's most glamorous bars. (π·: @nycgov) #campbellapartment #grandcentral
Would you expect this secret little gem to be tucked into a corner at Grand Central?
Well, since Grand Central is practically heaven, maybe you would expect it, but this speak-easy style bar is a charmer. Even if it is slightly pricey.
We've only got one word to the wise when it comes to Campbell Apartment: order the prohibition punch.
5. McSorley's Old Ale House (15 East 7th Street)
McSorley's is simply the best.
With a no messing around policy wherein you drink either light or dark beer, wood shavings coating the floor, and the chillest prices in the entire city, come to McSorley's for the most hardcore NYC vibe you'll find anywhere in the city.
You're pretty likely to end up at a table with a different party, which is always great for making friends.
6. Blondies (212 West 79th Street)
seeblakeeat #NBAplayoffs, top rated wings, waffle fries, and beer. #letsgowarriors #clearlyimaheatlifer ππππΊ #seeblakeeat #seeblakedrink #nycdrinks
This is an amazing spot for wings and beers.
Blondies also shows up big in categories like waffle fries and burgers. If you're looking for a quintessential NYC bar in which to kick back with a beer, delicious wings, and check out a sporting event, you've just found your spot.
7. Supply House (1647 2nd Avenue)
Supply House is an Upper East Side gem with a relaxed vibe. They've got live music on every weekday, chill prices, and a variety of beers.
Get here with some pals on a weeknight if you love live music and great food.
,8. Employees Only (510 Hudson Street)
With craft cocktails that'll rock your world, and an expertly curated menu, this speakeasy style serves insanely delicious food and drinks amidst a lovely decor.
This is an amazing bar for a romantic dinner or catch up with a few friends.
9. Please Don't Tell (113 Saint Mark's Place)
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This is the most famed and celebrated of NYC speakeasies, mostly because in order to gain admission to this bar you must do so through a phone booth.
They also serve hotdogs from Crif Dog which adds to the atmosphere and enhances the taste of their delicious, specialty crafted cocktails.
Getting reservations here are the move if you have more than six people.
10. Rolf's (281 3rd Avenue)
If you love German food, be advised. The weiner schnitzel and spatzel at Rolf's is extremely satisfying. Also, the eggnog and mulled wine at Rolf's is, in a word, phenomenal.
During the summer, the outdoor section at Rolf's is decorated like a German fairytale.
11. Rudy's (627 9th Avenue)
smutlife Right Next To The Ol' Mars Bar, I Put Rudy's In The Creature Cantina Category... Miss Going In This Spot... β ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ ββ #cantina #ripmarsbar #rudysnyc #grim #freakshowcentral #dontstaytoolong #hellskitchen #happyhour
This is the most fantastic dive bar in NYC. Looking up "NYC dive bar" in the dictionary would absolutely yield a picture of the giant pig sitting outside Rudy's door.
They've got pints of their house draft (Rudy's Blonde) for sale for $2.50, an almost unheard of price in this expensive metropolis.
Rudy's has everything you really need in life; a juke box, cheap beer, and friendly bartenders.
12. Whiskey Tavern (79 Baxter Street)
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This Chinatown bar rocks the show when it comes to pickle back shots, tater tots, and bacon fried pickles. Plus, they've got Jenga and Connect 4.
If you're a pickle enthusiast who just so happens to be a game enthusiast, Whiskey Tavern will become your heaven.
13. White Horse Tavern (567 Hudson Street)
Apparently Jack Kerouac came to the White Horse Tavern so many times that someone wrote "go home Jack," on a wall in the bathroom.
This place is practically exploding with NYC history, as it was frequented by a ton of famous NYC writers and where Bob Dylan played for tips before he was famous.
Dylan Thomas died on the street right outside this famous institution bar.
14. 21 Club (21 West 52nd Street)
aeixx #21clubnyc to start off #nycrestaurantweek π Reminds me of #keenssteakhouse, I now have a thing for places with crap all over their ceilings ππ» #nycfoodie #foodie #foodieforlife #nyc
21 Club is fancy. It's elegant. So elegant, in fact, that you're not allowed to wear jeans or sneakers in.
Regardless, it's swanky, it's old school, and it's a delight. It opened in the prohibition era and has been serving fancy food and getting patrons wasted for over 80 years.
,15. P.J. Clarke's (various NYC locations)
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In an ocean of NYC burger joints, P.J. Clarke's stands out as the one that's among the most delicious, the one that's cooked to perfection.
They've always got a fresh raw bar, and an old school ambiance. P.J. Clarke's is an NYC joy.
16. The Ear Inn (326 Spring Street)
peter.marquie #TheEarInn on spring street #nyc Bring your good nature, but leave the cell phone in your pocket. #Greenwich #streetphotography #colorstreetphotography #color #streetphotographynyc #notripod #nightphotography #nightstreetphotography #city #night #instagood #instapic #love #neon #huffpostgram #petermarquiephotography #nightimages #night_shooterz #tribeca #rsa_streetview #beststreets
This late night spot always has delicious beers on tap, extremely friendly bartenders, and an incredible variety of drinks.
It's also the second oldest bar in NYC, so there's always that. The Ear Inn is an awesome spot to hang, drink, and laugh with friends.
17. The Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher Street)
Stonewall is an institution. Like really, it was just deemed an official NYC landmark because it's the place where the gay rights movement started.
Now, decades later, it's still a staple of the NYC gay life scene. It's huge, inviting, and they've got weekly events like Big Gay Happy Hour, Drag Spectacular, and incredible Flip Cup Karaoke.
Don't wait until you find yourself in the West Village to visit Stonewall. Go to the West Village to visit Stonewall.
18. Fanelli's Cafe (94 Prince Street)
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This old-timey bar in Soho serves hearty food, a delightful chicken club, and an extremely sold burger.
It's the fifth oldest bars in NYC, great drinks, and amazing service that's second to none. It's also unexpectedly affordable.
19. Subway Inn (1140 2nd Avenue)
It's a dive bar that was originally located in 1937 that closed, but now they have a new location with the same sign.
It's going to take a few months to return to it's stale beer smell, but the interior looks much the same as its former glory.
20. Fraunces Tavern (54 Pearl Street)
madcapheiress25 The restaurant in the historic Fraunces Tavern. Built in 1719 by Etienne DeLancey (son-in-law of NYC mayor Stephanus van Cortlandt), the building was sold in 1762 to Samuel Fraunces who converted it into a tavern. It was here that the Sons of Liberty held their secret meetings and where George Washington bid farewell to his troops on December 4, 1783. During the 19th-century, several fires occurred and the building's appearance was altered. In 1905, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of NY purchased the building, which was declared a landmark in 1965. Today it houses the restaurant and a museum. #restaurant #AmericanRevolution #nychistory #landmark #igersofnyc #frauncestavern #nyc #newyorkcity
The history at Fraunces Tavern is bursting out of this bar like it does no other. This is where George Washington said goodbye to his officers. They've got incredible chicken pot pie, tuna tartare, and other delicious menu items.
The candlelit dining atmosphere at Fraunces Tavern is lovely for any occasion.
21. Pete's Tavern (129 East 18th Street)
Want to talk about old-time New York style? If so, you've got to get to Pete's Tavern. It's one of the oldest bars in NYC.
You'll be in good company. You can't miss the pictures of celebrities who've been here plastering the wall in this quintessential bar.
Plus, there steak fries are absolutely divine. Who could hate that?
Check out 8 Hotel Bars to Cross Off Your Fall Bucket List in NYC.
[via MB Vintage New York]