Midtown New York has made a comeback in the past couple of years, with a plethora of bars and restaurants opening that make the area a cool destination to go to.
Here are 10 of our top picks to check out if you're looking for the best Midtown Bars in NYC.
Valerie
Image credit: Valerie Bar | Instagram
Valerie is a beautifully-designed bar with interiors that pay homage to Manhattan’s Golden Age and its existing timeless architecture. If you’re a gin lover, this spot’s for you—they offer an extensive library of over 70 variations of gins and counting. If you prefer another liquor, they also have a robust cocktail program, with over 35 signature libations to try.
Parker & Quinn
Image credit: Parker & Quinn | Instagram
Located in the Refinery Hotel within the Garment District, Parker & Quinn is a stylish bar known for its classic cocktails and elevated pub fare. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can also get a tasty nibble while you sip on your cocktails.
Pebble Bar
Image credit: Pebble Bar | Instagram
Calling out Pete Davidson fans—if you’re visiting New York City, don’t forget to check out Pete’s bar in Midtown, Pebble Bar. It is a cocktail bar housed in an iconic three-story townhouse serving up excellent cocktails, seafood, and classic bar snacks. The second floor is standing room only and reserved for walk-ins, the perfect space to mingle with new people, while the third floor is an intimate dining room and bar with an open kitchen.
The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store
Image credit: The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store | Instagram
Located by Koreatown, The Ragtrader & Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store is a garment factory turned bar and restaurant with a playful ambiance and a menu that pays homage to its prohibition-era roots. Head downstairs to enjoy live music performances at their speakeasy piano bar for the ultimate NYC experience.
The Campbell
Image credit: The Campbell | Instagram
If you’ve watched Gossip Girl, you’re probably familiar with The Campbell—the bar from the premiere episode scene with Serena & Nate. Hidden in plain sight within the Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell’s stunning interiors pay homage to the legacy of Jazz Age financier John W. Campbell with the thirteenth-century Florentine-inspired design details.
Dear Irving on Hudson
Image credit: Dear Irving on Hudson | Instagram
If you’re looking for an elevated rooftop experience, look no further than Dear Irving on Hudson, located on the 40th and 41st floors of Aliz Hotel in Times Square. It is Manhattan’s highest open-air hotel bar and lounge, boasting jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Similar to their Gramercy location, the menu offers creative cocktails, wines, beers, and small plates.
Ophelia
Image credit: Ophelia | Instagram
Perched on top of the iconic art deco Beekman Tower in Midtown East, Ophelia is a chic rooftop lounge featuring glamorous décor, crafted cocktails, and stunning views. The rooftop lounge offers a terrace that wraps around the bar, boasting a 360-degree view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and East River. The cocktail menu pays homage to the old glory days, featuring modern reinventions of classic and signature cocktails.
Tanner Smith’s
Image credit: Tanner Smith's | Instagram
Located in the heart of Theater District, Tanner Smith’s is a Prohibition-era-styled cocktail lounge named after a New York gangster from the early 20th century. They serve exceptional cocktails alongside their rotating craft beer selections and wine list, as well as a delicious menu of American classic foods. They host bottomless bootleg brunch from Thursdays to Sundays if you’re keen to have some mid-day fun with good food & drinks.
The Mean Fiddler
Image credit: The Mean Fiddler | Instagram
There’s no shortage of Irish bars in the city, but The Mean Fiddler in Times Square is one of our favourites. The atmosphere is always lively and they serve the best deals for bottomless brunch, outdoor brunch, and happy hour. They also have a bunch of big screen TVs and karaoke downstairs so you’ll never get bored here!
The Skylark
Image credit: The Skylark | Instagram
The Skylark is a stylish rooftop lounge offering breathtaking views of the city, including Times Square and Empire State Building. Only open to the public on weekdays, this lounge offers a unique guest experience with its multi-level indoor spaces, stunning contemporary interiors, delicious cocktails, and an open-air rooftop terrace.