These Are the Best Bars in New York City Right Now—Including Some T+L Editor Favorites

Travel + Leisure

23-05-2025

Fresh off the 2025 edition of North America's 50 Best Bars, New York City once again proved why it's one of the world's greatest drinking cities. The annual awards, held at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, unveiled its prestigious list during a spectacular live ceremony—and NYC dominated, claiming an impressive 11 spots in the top 50, more than any other destination.
Superbueno, the Lower East Side cantina celebrating Mexican-American heritage, held firm at No. 2 for the second year in a row. The festive watering hole also clinched the coveted title of Best Bar in Northeast USA 2025, and co-owner Nacho Jimenez says it's a testament to his team's hard work—and to the power of community.
'It's a great honor, particularly to represent Mexican-American culture in the bar world and have all these eyes on us,' he told Travel + Leisure . 'This recognition validates the hard work our team does day in and day out, and the passion they've shown to our guests and to the brand. It truly means a lot to hold onto both these titles in just the two short years that we've been open.'
Superbueno takes an elevated approach to spotlighting Mexican identity and flavors. 'We've carved out a space for ourselves that didn't previously exist,' Jimenez added. 'Our drinks are inspired by iconic Mexican ingredients and dishes, seen through the lens of a sophisticated New York cocktail culture.'
First-timers can expect a well-rounded menu that speaks to various palates, but if you need a starting point, go for the Vodka Y Soda (a bright and refreshing guava highball) or the Fresca Tonic (a gin, sotol, hazelnut tonic, and honeydew agua fresca creation) that also comes in a non-alcoholic version.
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Rounding out the top 10: The West Village's Sip & Guzzle made a bold debut at No. 5—earning the highest new entry recipient honors—and the Financial District's sky-high stunner Overstory came in at No. 6. 'Sip & Guzzle is such a fun concept with delicious food to pair with the top-notch drinks,' Susmita Baral, a senior editor at T+L said. 'Upstairs is Sip and downstairs is Guzzle—and both floors have unique menus."
For the first time this year, North America's 50 Best Bars expanded its rankings to showcase venues listed from 51 to 100, further celebrating the outstanding talent across the continent's cocktail industry. Here are the other New York City bars recognized in the lineup—some T+L favorites from this list include Employee's Only, Shinji's, The Long Island Bar.
The Clemente Bar (No. 11)
Martiny's (No. 15)
Employee's Only (No. 18): "It's still iconic after all these years and has the best steak tartare in the city and highly effective martinis," Paul Brady, T+L's news director, said.
Double Chicken Please (No. 19)
Maison Premiere (No. 33): "Cheaper than buying a plane ticket to New Orleans and always a good idea," said Brady of the New Orleans-style establishment.
Katana Kitten (No. 42)
Angel's Share (No. 43)
Dante (No. 46)
The Dead Rabbit (No. 57)
Dante West Village (No. 60)
The Long Island Bar (No. 64): "Long Island Bar is a Brooklyn institution for a reason—the tiny booths and colorful string lights give it a cozy, nostalgic vibe," said Kelly Hires, the associate director of brand communications at T+L, said. She recommends the 'A Martini' and the seasonal summer frozen Pina Colada.
Attaboy (No. 66)
Bar Snack (No. 85): "This place feels like you stepped into your uncle's Texas basement in the '70s ... but he happens to also be the best bartender around," Morgan Ashley Parker, T+L's associate editorial director of commerce, said. "I first came for the snack-sized daiquiris that inspired the bar's name, but I return for unique cocktails (ahem, Salad Negroni) and tasty bar snacks like spicy peanut butter noodles worth canceling a dinner reservation so you can simply stay here and drink more."
Shinji's (No. 90): "It's a bar in a small space with a huge presence, giving patrons a chance to immerse themselves in a unique imaginative world with Japanese inspired cocktails and (very) fresh seafood," Kareema Bee, a senior video producer at T+L, said.
The Portrait Bar (No. 93)
Paradise Lost (No. 95)
Bar Contra (No. 98)