It’s been said that one can visit a new bar every night in New York City and never run out. Whether or not that tipsy thought is true, the Big Apple certainly has some quality watering holes to kick back and evade the winter chill. From a brand new Lower East Side piano-driven hideaway to a quality restaurant and bar located in a busy distillery, here’s your handy guide to the most unique and buzzy drinks the city that never sleeps has to offer.

 

The Grid Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Company

686 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

By now you’ve probably heard of Great Jones Distilling Co. Open since 2021, it’s known to be Manhattan’s first whisky distillery since prohibition which hawks their delectable bottles of Bourbon, has an eye-popping bar, and a winter pop up, to boot. However, on the ground floor of the operation’s impressive NoHo complex is The Grid, a gorgeous spot for brunch and dinner where the food is just as expertly crafted as the company’s booze considering Executive Chef Adam Raksin takes pains to source ingredients from all over upstate New York.

Order: A Great Jones Bourbon Manhattan along with a plate of Short Rib Benedict. You may as well get a bottle to-go, too.

 

 

 

Silver Lining

145 Bowery, New York, NY 1000

Inspired by iconic artist Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory, this new Lower East Side piano bar comes from nightlife mavens the Tao Group and is located in the Moxy hotel. Here, the star draw is the nighty live entertainment and the piano at the front of the space, with crooners busting out covers of all your favorite songs. The cocktails are top-notch too.

Order: A Midnight Breakfast, their spin on an Espresso Martini made with bourbon and topped with a cocoa puff.

 

 

Little Oaxaca

74 Bayard St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

A new concept located inside the gorgeous Williamsburg, Brooklyn Mediterranean restaurant Fandi Mata, Little Oacaxca opened last fall to unveil its status as an impressive mezcaleria, where planners are deeply passionate about the spirit. Walk up a tile-lined staircase to the restaurant’s spacious upper level and feast your eyes on a 50-bottle mezcal list, each with something different to offer for disparate palates, from smoky sips to the lighter side and everything in between. It all makes for a delightful way to warm up after a cold day.

Order: La Clandestina, a mezcal exclusively distilled for the space.

 

 

Le Bain

848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014

There’s no doubt that the biggest parties in New York City are happening at The Standard’s penthouse event space, Le Bain. Dance parties Wednesday through Sunday hosted by New York’s top party planners and DJs always draw a line outside, but once you’re in you’ll be in awe by what they refer to as “exclamation-inspiring views” of New York City all around you. The bartenders here are workhorses and can whip you up a quality Grey Goose Vodka Soda to a range of delicious house concoctions from an inspired menu.

Order: A cocktail they dub the Get Down (Mezcal, Amaro, Passion Fruit, Lime, Ginger Beer), and then do exactly that.

 

 

54 Below

254 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019

This cabaret located in the very space Studio 54 used to inhabit is a surefire way to flee New York’s winter and into a cozy and inmate basement where some of Broadway’s top performers sing their hearts out. With two shows every night, the theater district hideaway’s calendar is packed with a who’s who of stars who come to perform on its small stage, including the legendary Patti Luppone who just delivered a series of live-streamed shows. It’s a dinner show after all, so enjoy the music while you partake in a wide menu of classic cocktails and a menu full of American favorites.

Order: Take the classy route with their signature 54 Below Manhattan, made with Rough Rider Rye, Alessio Rosso, Grand Marnier and Angostura Bitters.

 

 

Shelter

168-170 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

A Brooklyn favorite which also has locations in Miami and Uruguay, Shelter is an ultimate cold-weather destination thanks to its cozy space which boasts two massive fireplaces that are heavenly when the weather is nasty outside. With cabin-like decor and a menu of pizza and empanadas (yes, they have a wood-burning pizza oven for that, too), come in for brunch, dinner, or during one of their regular dance parties.

Order: A carafe of house wine and bask in the glow of the nearby flames.