8 Fun & Unique Bars in NYC
During my three-day trip to New York City, the city that never sleeps, I made it my mission to discover the most unique and exciting bars. Although I did not make it to every astonishing bar that exists in the giant state of New York, I did find eight personal favorites. From rooftop igloo bars to tropical-themed bars to a carnival bar located inside of a Sex Museum, read on to learn about what nightlife in New York looks like.
“New York is not a place. It is a feeling.”
“Anything is possible in New York.”
Peachy’s
Located underneath Chinese Tuxedo restaurant, Peachy’s is a hidden gem that features spectacular music and retro Asian décor. Food and drink options also have an Asian twist. In terms of ambience, music and décor, Peachy’s is at the top of my list for a good night in NYC.
ADDRESS: 5 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS: Thai Me Down - Tamarind Infused Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Amaro Montenegro, Thai Tea, Mango, Ming River Baijiu, Lemon
HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday’s 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM and Friday - Saturday’s 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
2. Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost is more than a cocktail bar, it is a unique experience that transports you to a tropical island. The establishment is very private and you can only enter by ringing the doorbell at the entrance. Once you are let in, you give the person at the front your name and phone number to which you will later receive a text when there’s a spot open for your party. Expect a 15-20 minute minimum wait. The only thing that didn’t always mesh with the décor and vibe was the music. Overall a fun establishment with smoky drinks and tropical vibes.
ADDRESS: 100 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS: Pina Colada - the bar’s take on the 1954 Pineapple and Coconut classic was created by Ramon “Monchito” Marrero at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico. It features Puerto Rican, Bermudian, and Jamaican Rums. The Pina Colada was served in a coconut milk can that I am all too familiar with due to Asian dishes growing up.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: Spam Mezu Musubi - a classic Hawaiian dish that features protein choices of spam, pastrami and tofu with sushi rice and nori. I chose spam as my choice of protein and found this dish to be a great bar bite.
HOURS: 5:00 PM-2:00 AM, 7 days per week
3. Wonderland Bar
Located adjacent to Paradise Lost, Wonderland is another stop that I would regard as an “experience bar.” The food and drinks are Asian-themed and top notch featuring a unique mixture of ingredients that you would neve dream of putting together, yet somehow work together. Everything brought out is beautifully displayed. Even the French fries which were served inside a cracked egg shell. See below for my food and drink recommendations.
ADDRESS: 96 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: Pearls of Scallop - A mixture of shrimp, crabmeat and mushroom beautifully displayed on a large scallop.
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS: Not Tom Yum - A mixture of vodka, wine, lemongrass, chili, ginger, tomato, black pepper, fish sauce, coconut milk and syrup
HOURS: 5:00PM-12:00AM, 7 days per week
Note: There will most-likely be a minimum 15-20 minute wait so keep that in mind. You will have to put your name on the list when you arrive and you will receive a text message when there is an open spot.
4. Bar at the Museum of Sex
Located inside the Museum of Sex is a carnival-themed bar that features interesting drink options that are not for the faint of heart. This bar specifically offers shots inside hot pink penis-shaped syringes (other color options available.) There is also a strip pole, a slide, and a variety of carnival activities. Although I did not visit the museum itself, I would recommend visiting both the museum and bar during your visit to get a crazy and unique bar carnival experience that you most-likely won’t find elsewhere.
ADDRESS: 1 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016
RECOMMENDATIONS: Facials - Penis shooters filled with peach vodka, OJ and pineapple juice
HOURS: 1:00 PM-10:00 PM M/T/TH, 1:00 PM-12:00 AM F, 12:00 PM-12:00 AM Saturday’s and 12:00 PM-9:00PM Sunday’s
5. 169 Bar
I was introduced to 169 through a couple of friends during my first night in New York. The eccentric mixture of decorations caught my eye immediately. The dive bar has everything from palm trees to a leopard-print pool table. In terms of the menu I did not order any food so I can not speak on that topic but I thorougly enjoyed the pickled martini.
ADDRESS: 169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS: Pickled martini - a twist on the original martini that features crop cucumber pickled vodka garnished with a spicy pickled okra.
HOURS: 2:00 PM - 4:00 AM, 7 days per week
6. Art Bar
Art Bar has all the makings of a fun and whimsical bar. One would never guess that it is actually a West Village staple that has been around for over 30 years. There is an array of fun drink options including a cinnamon toast crunch cocktail, pumpkin pie martini, butter beer and spiked cider. There are also a good selection of jello shots including candy corn. My personal favorite was the Pina Colada jello shot that is given to you in a penis shaped syringe. This was actually my favorite drink of the trip even though it was a jello shot-based drink in a syringe, it was truly magical.
ADDRESS: 52 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS: Pina Colada jello shot in a syringe
HOURS: 4:00 PM - 4:00 AM, 7 days per week
7. Cubbyhole
Located in Manhattan West Village is Cubbyhole, one of New York’s three existing lesbian bars. It is a great hangout spot with a jukebox, drink specials and eccentric colorful décor. The bar serves as a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately Cubbyhole is not at the top of my list due to it being extremely crowded with limited seating. That alone plus the temperature was quite hot in the establishment.
Note: This establishment accepts cash only but there is an ATM located inside the bar.
ADDRESS: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
HOURS: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM Monday’s-Thursday’s, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - 4:00 AM Friday’s, 2:00 PM - 4:00 AM Saturday’s and 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM on Sunday’s
8. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are sporadically dotted across New York but this one specifically is located in the heart of New York City only a few blocks away from the Empire State building. During this time of year the rooftop is decked out with Christmas decorations and features igloo bars for guests. The views from the rooftop are magnificent and offer beautiful views of the city skyline and Empire State Building. The only con was that the menu had great food options but we arrived during happy hour and the food options were very limited.
ADDRESS: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS: Bloody Mary cocktail
Did I Miss Anything?
Feel free to share your personal New York favorites that I may have missed and I’ll be sure to check it out next time I’m in the big city!
