Leave dreary city sights behind you this Summer season and escape to dimly lit and steamy speakeasies! Numerous bars are open and ready to transport city-goers to a beach, a colorful seduction dungeon, a sparkly champagne cloud in the sky, and more enthralling destinations without booking any flights.
Experience one or all of the themed bars we’re highlighting to join the best of New York’s nightlife scene this season.
The Skinny (174 Orchard Street, Manhattan)
Get your boogie boards ready and head to the Wild At Heart Beach Club Summer pop-up at The Skinny! Guests will be treated to a tropical oasis with palm tree wallpaper from floor to ceiling, a greenery-covered wall with protruding hot pink skulls, a ceiling covered with oversized upside-down cocktail umbrellas and beachy themed cocktails including Mermaid's Wish and Asphalt Oasis. Make time to attend their Retro Beach A-GO-GO Party on Thursdays, complete with dancers and $10 specialty cocktails, or their Friday night Burlesque show upstairs at The "Lady Orchard Lounge".
Daintree (25 W 38th St, Manhattan)
Set your sights on the highest jewels in New York City’s skyline at Daintree! The cocktail lounge and rooftop located on the top floor of Hotel Hendricks in Midtown offers one of the best sunset views of the city. Take in visuals of Manhattan’s most legendary buildings while sipping on cocktails like The Taipan, a drink made with Hiatus tequila, Pineapple Gum, Espelette Pepper, Yuzu, Lime, and Shiso. They’re also serving up plates like the 1/2 Dozen Beau Soleil Oysters with Trout Roe and Cucumber Mignonette and the Steak Katsu Sliders with Napa Cabbage and Nori Togarashi Dressing.
Pine & Polk (300 Spring Street, Manhattan)
Hidden drinks and bites are being served within the newly-opened Pine & Polk, a space for gourmet foods and late-night cocktails. The space means to combine the west coast's cool, crisp vibes with the richness and depth of our beloved east coast metropolis. Aside from an exciting drink menu, they also offer five savory grazing boards, including The Salt and Sea, which includes potatoes and roe, grilled shrimp, tinned tiny scallops, spicy sauce, saltines, and tomato horseradish aioli. Customers can choose from a menu of 12 signature cocktails and six renamed classics, such as the It's a Champagne Cocktail.
Moxy Times Square (485 7th Ave, Manhattan)
The Moxy Times Square opened in 2017, and the hotel's 18th-floor Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge followed soon after. The Hidden Gem is now one of NYC's star post-prohibition speakeasies. The venue highlights include carousel seating that rotates, a raunchy putt-putt course complete with risque animal statues, and a garden. They also serve small appetizers like duck carnitas tacos and a variety of cheeky drinks including All Spice No Drama, which includes Bombay Sapphire, Strawberry Shrub, Allspice Dram, and Rosemary.
The Woo Woo (266 W 47th St, Manhattan)
The Woo Woo is a time machine that takes you back to 1985, when the city was at its grunge-punk peak, complete with a dash of arcade nostalgia. Guests are greeted by neon-painted steps covered with graffiti-sprayed messages of love and acceptance by New York-based artist Brandon Cruz, and the vibes keep coming once inside. Try the There’s Always More Fish Tacos, complete with Atlantic Cod, Cilantro, Aioli, Jicama, and Radish Salad, and the dazzling Purple Rain cocktail, differentiated by its use of Pink Peppercorn, Celery, Mint, Lemongrass, Citrus, and Gin.
Hidden Lane (129 E 15th St, Manhattan)
Surrender to florals, sweet sips, and a twinkling garden during your next night out! Hidden Lane boasts an amazing bar menu and is noted for offering a diverse range of shots. Their most popular being the PB+Lejay, created with Peanut Butter Whiskey and Lejay Liqueur, followed by the Green Tea shot, produced with a blend of Whiskey and Peach Schnapps. They also offer happy hour specials on House Margaritas from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm and 2$ off on Draft Beers and Cocktails.
Visit their websites to learn more about each venue and how to book reservations in advance. Check out our latest piece, Exposing NYC’s Cheap Delicious Italian Eats, if you're looking for boozy dinners heavy on carbs and red wines.