Legendary bars in New York
6 legendary bars in New York, chosen and checked by the Atlas. The hotel bars, speakeasies and cocktail rooms that set the standard, from Bar Hemingway at the Ritz to the best of The World's 50 Best Bars.
Schmuck
A playful New York bar from the team behind Two Schmucks in Barcelona. Ranked No. 11 in The 50 Best Bars 2026.
Sip & Guzzle
A two-level bar with a lively room upstairs and a quieter, more intimate one below. Ranked No. 14 in The 50 Best Bars 2026.
Double Chicken Please
The bar that turned cocktails into dishes, with a front room and a back room. Ranked No. 53 in The 50 Best Bars 2026.
Employees Only
A West Village classic, open late, behind a fortune-teller's window. Ranked No. 78 in The 50 Best Bars 2026.
King Cole Bar
The St. Regis bar beneath Maxfield Parrish's mural of Old King Cole, where the Red Snapper, the hotel's Bloody Mary, was introduced in the 1930s.
Bemelmans Bar
The Carlyle's bar, its walls painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the Madeline books, with live piano most evenings.
Good to know
Go early or book
The best bars are small. Arrive at opening time or reserve where you can.
Trust the bartender
Tell them what you usually drink and let them choose. It is the fastest way to the best drink in the room.
Respect the room
Many classic bars ask guests not to take photographs or make calls at the bar.