Manhattans are a timeless drink.
The history of the drink is fairly sketchy, as it may or may not have been created for and loved by Winston Churchill's mother while he was still in the womb or simply by a bar near Houston Street.
Regardless of its history, it's a classic, beloved drink throughout the nation.
So where can you find the best Manhattans? Uh, that would have to be its birthplace. Manhattan has a plethora of creative bars serving some of the most delicious traditional and creative craft Manhattans in NYC.
We've rounded up the best Manhattans in Manhattan for your reading (and drinking) pleasure. Bottoms up!
Flatiron Lounge (37 West 19th Street)
If you've never been to the Flatiron Lounge for a perfectly made cocktail, you're certainly doing yourself a disservice.
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Whether you've got a hankering for a traditional Manhattan or a creative craft cocktail, the bartenders at the Flatiron Lounge will make you a killer cocktail.
Employees Only (510 Hudson Street)
Want an epic traditional rye Manhattan? Head over to Employees Only. This little speakeasy is serving some of the most delicious Manhattans in Manhattan for anyone who's in the know. Then again, most people are certainly in the know these days, as this speakeasy has grown rapidly in popularity.
Their Manhattan is made with Rittenhouse rye whiskey with Italian vermouth, Grand Marnier, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Simple, traditional, and well worth the wait.
Pegu Club (77 West Houston Street)
Looking for a twist on the traditional? Try the "Little Italy" cocktail at the Pegu Club. It's very similar to the traditional manhattan, as it's made with rye, sweet vermouth, and garnished with two maraschino cherries. However, it also uses Cynar.
What is Cynar? It's an artichoke based bittersweet liqueur, though it doesn't taste anything artichokes. Regardless, this Manhattan-based cocktail is a must try for any die hard Manhattan lovers.
The Carnegie Club (156 West 56th Street)
Need a place to smoke a cigar and sip on a Manhattan while listening to the soothing, crooning voice of Frank Sinatra? Head to The Carnegie Club for one of the best, upscale, swanky nights of cocktails and cigars.
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Just be sure you're dressed to impress and have a reservation, or you won't be allowed in to sip and smoke with NYC's bourgeoisie.
On The Rocks (696 10th Avenue)
Want a seriously insane Manhattan? Why would you go anywhere else except a whiskey bar like On The Rocks where you can choose your own vermouth for your Manhattan, which is even garnished with a liquor soaked cherry?
Yea, you need to try this gem in Hell's Kitchen.
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Saxon + Parole (316 Bowery)
Have you ever even heard of a Manhattan on tap? No? Neither had we, until we stumbled upon Saxon + Parole.
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It's served along with a decanter of extra cocktail and a side of extra garnishes in case you'd like to doctor yours up, or simply want more once you've downed the first.
Nitecap (120 Rivington Street)
Looking for a nightcap? Head to Nitecap for their "Carnival Games" cocktail. Why did a drink with the title referring to a carnival make a list of Manhattans? Because it's basically a wonderful, creative craft Manhattan.
It's made with Clear Creek 8 year Apple Brandy, Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Noilly Prat Ambre Vermouth, orange bitters, and salted cane. Yea, it's crazy good.
Maysville (17 West 26th Street)
Courtesy @MaysvilleNYC
This little spot specializing in bourbon (a type of whiskey produced in America) is serving some of the best Manhattans known to, well, Manhattan.
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So rather than sip a sub-par Manhattan, how about heading to Maysville for some good southern cooking, with either a smooth, traditional Manhattan or even a habanero infused Manhattan (or both, we won't judge).
The Dead Poet (450 Amsterdam Avenue)
Whiskey: check. Free popcorn: check. Dead poets on the walls: check. Great Manhattans: triple check.
Better yet, if you share a birthday with a famous dead author, you can have your Manhattan for free. Unfortunately, some of us are incapable because apparently we only share birthdays with peasants and have to pay for our birthday Manhattans.
Thanks, December 1st babies.
Check out 8 Best Bars You Have to Check Out This April in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Asia Bars]