In New York City, we like getting drunk. Just because we like getting drunk however, doesn't mean we turn a blind eye to aesthetics.
You may have thought we could down a beer in a dingy heap of trash, but we won't. We might have the occasional dive bar drink, but we really thrive in the midst of an ornate environment.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of beautiful bars in this city.
We've got bars plastered with beautiful paintings, bars overlooking the whole city, and bars that are completely centered around sparkling chandeliers.
What can we say? We know what's good here. Mirror, mirror on the wall, read on to find out which NYC bars are the fairest of them all.
1. Beauty & Essex (146 Essex Street)
mrknlnd About last night. Amazing! Coolest wall I've seen!! #beautyandessex #livingthedream #NYC #travel
Beauty & Essex is a completely swanky, glitzy, retro space. The ornamentation is stunning. Like, you'll catch your breath the moment you get inside. Then, you'll be filled with this sense of awe and wonder that won't ebb in the slightest throughout your time in Beauty & Essex.
Let's just say it's called Beauty & Essex for a reason.
[anad]
It's dimly lit and has a Gastby-ish feel. If you remember correctly, Gatsby's house was super fancy. Which is precisely the feel you'll have inside Beauty & Essex. Plus, on top of the splendor of the space and the lovely, leather seating, the food is enough to provoke multiple trips from anyone.
They've got an amazing menu filled with delicacies like tuna poke tacos, chicken fried oysters, tomato soup dumpling, and incredible filet mignon.
2. White Street (221 West Broadway)
myinspireproject Back to this #fabulous #favorite place @whitestreetnyc #whitestreetnyc for a special night! Everything is just perfect and #delicious, such a treat! #gourmet #cuisine #chef #yummy #Tribeca #amazing #picoftheday #foodoftheday #interiordesign #restaurant #MyInspireProject
So, we've got to start off by saying the cuisine at White Street is really something special. The squid ink bucatini has big chunks of nova scotia lobster and coconut milk, and they've got this creamy burrata that you'll dream about.
Plus, the short ribs are absolutely revelatory. If you come to White Street for dinner, you will not leave disappointed. Like, for real. White Street's food is out of this world.
Now, let's discuss the decorum. They've got high ceilings, classic and comfortable leather booths, and lots and lots of tables. It's extraordinarily well decorated, and we would like nothing more than to shake the hand of their interior designer.
Plus, they have this incredible cocktail list, which has just got do add to the beauty, doesn't it?
3. Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar (102 North End Avenue)
conradnewyork Now, you can have your popsicle and drink it too! While the weather is still nice, stop by #LoopyDoopy for a Prosecco & Ice Pop.
Loopy Doopy gets props in multiple ways. Want to know what they are?
They get mad props for their innovative use of popsicles. They dip popsicles in prosecco, and holding your translucent wine glass against the New York Harbor is a sight to behold indeed.
[anad2]
Which brings us to our second point. The New York Harbor. Loopy Doopy is on the rooftop of the Conrad New York Hotel. It's a 16th story height, which affords you views of the skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty.
Mad props for use of natural decorum. Now let's talk about manmade decorum. Loopy Doopy is splendidly decorated with cute little seats and classy couches. Come at sunset, you won't regret it.
4. Rose Bar (2 Lexington Avenue)
anna_vinterfall In love of Rose Bar at Gramercy Park hotel🍸 beautiful design, good drinks and beautiful and fun crowd.... Go there if in N.Y #nyc #newyork #rosebarnyc #photographer #jj #ink361 #artbasel #hotelnyc #hotel #travel
Rose Bar is an unbelievably serene space. It's got amazing music, friendly bartenders, a fireplace, trendy pool tables, and beautiful artwork.
Plus, couches that are simultaneously fancy and really, really comfortable. It's like an upscale living room where you'll feel charmed and right at home.
You've got to sample the watermelon martini while you're here. Not only only is it delicious, but it'll get you pleasantly buzzed on top of that.
We weren't aware that a bar could be at once this relaxing and swanky, but Rose Bar pulls it off. It's definitely upscale; you'll feel out of place in jeans, so come looking good. The bar comes looking good right back.
,5. Louie & Chan (303 Broome Street)
thesamepaigeco Like to be scared? Rumors say @louieandchan is visited by friendly spirits of revelers coming back to party via @thirstynyc #louieandchan #halloween #halloweekend #nyc #lowereastside #chinatown #1920s #nycbar #cocktaillounge #thirstynyc #haunted #spooky #ghosts #scarystories #nycnightlife
1920s decor, anyone?
Not only is the food at Louie & Chan's heavenly, the drinks old-timey, but the atmosphere is unbelievably decorous. Really, you'll feel like you just stepped through a time portal into 1920s Paris the moment you step through the door.
Plus, the people who work there dress in the most delightful 1920s attire, which is so great. Bring your next date here, we mean it.
[anad]
Especially since the food is nothing to poo-poo at. Actually, you might find yourself worshiping the tartufata pizza, going insane over pasta with lobster, and fawning over the lamb meatballs.
Louie & Chan is truly a hidden gem. They've also got a pretty dope basement where a jazz band plays on Tuesday nights. It's one of the most lovely bars in the city, we mean it.
6. Goldbar (389 Broome Street)
The decorations at Goldbar are luscious. We're talking a wall of gold skulls and crystal chandeliers. We're talking Victorian paintings and gold chains.
Plus, the vibe is pretty great. The place isn't just full of decorum; there are also plenty of people dancing, screaming songs, jumping, and generally having a blast.
There are essentially two sections to Goldbar. There's a smaller, quieter section, then past the gold chains is a dance floor area. The paintings are peculiar, and the golden skulls are creepy in the most endearing way.
In general, it's a classy fun ambiance. Everyone here has a roaring good time, which is definitely supplemented by the fact that the bar's interior is nothing short of gorgeous.
7. Jimmy (15 Thompson Street)
Wow, okay, what can we say about that rooftop view? That it reinvigorated our wonder in this city. That injected our stomachs with the thrill life, a heart full of love for NYC?
Yeah, that's exactly what we'll say about that dope rooftop view at Jimmy. It's classy, but it's not over-the-top pretentious. If you must know, it's actually sort of hipster.
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The drinks are strong and the design is stunning. Really and truly, it's one of the most beautiful bars in the city.
Coming at sunset is especially lovely, and coming here with a date is the move. We mean it, it's a check-mate move.
Check out 5 Date Spots Perfect for Lesbians in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Downtown]

