New York’s Hautest Cocktail Lounges To Try Right Now

With a never-ending abundance of hot spots, New York City is the go-to destination when it comes to indulging in decadent cocktails. When deciding on where to indulge, the options are endless, but if you’re looking for a place that checks all the boxes for what makes a lounge worth visiting (delicious and innovative drinks, moody ambiance, impeccable service, etc.), we’ve checked them out, and these are a few of the hautest ones in the city right now. From intimate date nights to girls’ nights out to luxurious celebrations, these are the very best cocktail bars in New York right now.

Celene’s 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Celene’s

Nightlife and hospitality veteran behind Gurney’s, Surf Lodge, and more, Dylan Grace, has teamed up with Zachary Zimmerman, known for his work behind The Box and Up & Down, to create the city’s coolest new lounge, Celene’s. Blending the vibe of Studio 54 with that of a chic Parisian salon, Celene’s channels a retro-futuristic aesthetic with an open loft layout and intimate nooks. With Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood featuring a cultural and culinary revival, Celene’s is making a name for itself as more than just a bar or a club, offering a late-night experience for a 25-and-up crowd with elevated cocktails, a curated music program, and a main lounge tucked behind a metal curtain. The lounge’s street level is open to the public, while upstairs, access to a discreet floor operates on a referral-only basis, which hums with late-night energy and a curated vibe. This isn’t to amplify exclusivity but rather to create a sense of chemistry and community where the night doesn’t just continue but deepens — setting a new standard for the best cocktail bars in New York.

Bar Bianchi 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Liz Clayman

The teams behind The Nines, Le Dive and Elvis have opened this summer’s newest sip destination, Bar Bianchi, in the East Village. Inspired by the vibrant piazzas of Northern Italy, this thoughtfully designed bar effortlessly fuses the energy of New York’s wine culture with the timeless elegance of Italian tradition. The interior captures the charm of 1920s and 1930s Italian design layered with the optimism of 1960s modernism. When it comes to food and drink, the menu focuses on trattoria-styled dishes that pair well with that of Italian staple cocktails like spritzes, negronis, and sgroppinos alongside a natural selection of wine.

Pearl Box 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pearl Box

When it comes to the best cocktail bars in New York, go back in time to an era reminiscent of the 1970s at this intimate cocktail bar set in the heart of Soho. Ideal for your next date night, the sexy atmosphere features hardwood walls, green accents, leather seating, a marble countertop, and red carpeting inspired by Carlo Mollino. Guests are invited to enjoy intricate cocktails using seasonal ingredients alongside caviar service, light bites, and nostalgic candy treats. 

Ten11 Lounge 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ten11 Lounge

Newly opened alongside Zoi Mediterranean, the Ten11 Lounge is hidden behind a dimly lit staircase offering New Yorkers a sense of escapism within the Flatiron neighborhood. A large custom bar top and the tables are lit through a lightbox topped with Onyx, presenting a moody, dim-lit energy. The space will evolve throughout the night with the earlier times suited for after-work drinks or dates and will then seamlessly blend into a hot spot destination for a sophisticated night out. Guests are welcome to sip on expertly crafted cocktails like their decadent “Smoke and Mirrors” drink – a take on a classic old-fashioned with The Macallan 12, Greek liquor, Mastika Skino, and Italian liquors Amaro Nonio and Apero served with caviar under a smoky glass coche.

Tigre

Photo Credit: Tigre Courtesy of Eric Medsker

If you’re looking for chic, swanky, but still effortlessly cool, Tigre is the Lower East Side’s latest obsession. From the team behind Maison Premiere, Tigre whisks its guests to a polished, microsuede lounge channeling the downtown glamour of New York City. With contemporary and sophisticated cocktails, the lounge offers a range of nostalgic classic ‘Then’ drinks to modern, innovative ‘Now’ sips alongside an intricate martini menu. If you’re looking to indulge while impressing your date, Tigre isn’t the place to miss.