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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Midtown Manhattan's best

Interesting bars

A drink in a space that feels different from the rest of the world is a welcome distraction.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated April 2026
01
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers an elegant, 80s-inspired decor with meticulously maximal design and carefully curated lighting. Atmosphere balances a lively yet not too loud vibe with great music, including DJ sets. Guests find a thoughtful bar program featuring well-crafted cocktails and knowledgeable sommelier recommendations.

A not your average bar program offers carefully crafted cocktails in a quaint but lively dining room. The off-menu truffle burger stands out with a steakhouse style, rivaling well-known burger spots.

Miso-flavored cookies bring a salty and meaty umami twist. Food offers interesting flavors and textures. The atmosphere feels engaging and unique.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and wonderful."

"Victor and Marcus at the bar were fabulous."

"The food here has interesting flavors and textures."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant offers a $55 special three-course prix fixe menu.

3

Happy hour deals include discounted drinks and appetizers.

02
Vinyl Steakhouse image 1

Restaurant combines loud live vinyl music with a retro woodsy decor and an impressive vinyl record collection that diners can select from. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, with music often overpowering conversation. Bar offers unique cocktails and a comfortable setting, complementing the standout steakhouse experience.

Friendly bartenders like Elizabeth and Alison provide phenomenal service with great conversation and helpful recommendations. Cocktails such as the serpentine margarita and espresso martini stand out for their quality.

Fun atmosphere with vinyls playing sets a unique tone. Shelves filled with vinyl records and interesting artwork add an old school vibe.

People are saying

"The steak here is fantastic and the staff are super attentive."

"The steaks here are some of the best I've ever had."

"The Cajun Rib Eye was interesting and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions.

2

Expect high NYC prices; bring credit cards for payment.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for all guests.

03
Raines Law Room Chelsea image 1

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with an elegant, discreet entrance and intimate seating areas featuring pull-chain service at each table. Atmosphere blends posh and comfy vibes, though music leans modern pop rather than jazz. Private rooms offer cozy, fully enclosed spaces for groups.

Cozy and inviting, the lounge serves craft cocktails in a speakeasy style setting. It offers a cool atmosphere that stands out among bars.

A large selection of cocktails offers a variety of interesting choices. Seating areas are sectioned off with sheer curtains, adding a unique touch. The Libertador whiskey stands out as complex and intriguing.

People are saying

"This bar has a wonderfully cozy and inviting atmosphere."

"The speakeasy vibe makes the cocktails feel like a real experience."

"The drinks here are interesting, tasty, and quite strong."

Good to know

1

Reservations are needed to visit the place.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait inside after waiting outside for 15 minutes.

3

The venue closes at 2am, but may close earlier on busy nights.

04
Bad Roman image 1
Italian restaurant

Modern decor combines with a lively, energetic atmosphere that suits groups celebrating special occasions. Bold, Instagram-worthy cocktails and a vibrant, whimsical design create a fun vibe. Seating by windows offers views of Central Park and Columbus Circle, enhancing the experience.

Seating at the bar happens quickly, usually within 5 minutes. Staff delivers great bar service and the fresh oysters and raw bar selections stand out.

Plating shows creative presentation with dishes arranged in an eye-catching way. The space features lots of booth seating, adding to its unique layout.

People are saying

"The truffle pasta here is out of this world."

"The bartender Petros made our night special."

"The food is interesting and photogenic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at Bad Roman.

2

I recommend making a reservation at least a day in advance to avoid waiting.

3

The restaurant is located on the third floor of a shopping center.

05
Thai Villa image 1
Thai restaurant

Upscale Thai restaurant offers traditional Thai-styled decor with an elegant and warm atmosphere. Both indoor and heated outdoor seating accommodate different preferences, including dog-friendly outdoor space. The place draws a hip New York vibe that shapes its unique dining experience.

A fun little bar area offers a full menu with slightly elevated fittings. Bartenders like Tee provide knowledgeable and attentive service at the bar.

Cocktails with unique Thai flavors stand out here. The food offers an interesting and tasty experience with dishes that bring distinct flavors.

People are saying

"This Thai food is outstanding, full of flavor and beautifully presented."

"The bartenders here are wonderful and great to talk to."

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to potential wait times.

2

Lunch specials are available until 3 PM and include two appetizers.

3

Expect a 90-minute time slot for dinner service.

06
Oiji Mi image 1
Korean restaurant

Interior blends traditional and modern Korean architecture with a gorgeous bar and artful decor. Lighting and natural materials create a calming yet dynamic atmosphere despite close seating and occasional noise. Cocktails and tasting menus offer unique, high-quality flavors that complement the refined setting.

A gorgeous bar/lounge area offers a la carte ordering, including desserts. Drinks stand out as layered, balanced, and smooth, surpassing many cocktail bars.

Starters like the Pumpkin Gyeran-Jjim offer umami with warm caviar inside steamed egg, showing innovation. Wine pairings highlight unique wines, and dishes like SSam Hap feature interesting Wagyu with eggs and sauce.

People are saying

"The desserts here are phenomenal, especially the unique sweet potato donut."

"The donuts at the bar are phenomenal and worth the trip."

"I found the menu phenomenal with interesting dishes and great cocktails."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand.

2

The tasting menu costs $145 per person, excluding drinks.

3

Expect to pay around $250 each for drinks and the tasting menu.

07
Gramercy Tavern image 1
New American restaurant

Contemporary interior combines warmth and natural floral decor with a layout that splits between fine dining and casual tavern areas. Atmosphere stays classy and quieter than typical city restaurants, supporting pleasant conversations despite occasional crowd noise. A sommelier and cozy outdoor seating enhance the dining experience.

The bar offers a spectacular setting for celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays. It features outstanding service and a memorable atmosphere that complements special occasions.

Unique drinks like the Sagamore Hill cocktail with clarified milk stand out. Food includes duck meatloaf and a fava bean crepe with a creamy sauce. Wine pairings come with clear, interesting descriptions.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, with seasonal dishes and high-quality ingredients."

"I thought the burger from the Bar was good and juicy."

"The food here has an interesting combination of complex flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially during peak times and special events.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm with $6 wine and beer and $12 cocktails.

3

The restaurant participates in NYC's summer restaurant week with special menus.

08
abc cocina image 1
Latin American restaurant

Dimly lit space blends antique and modern vibes with fancy chandeliers and rustic roof beams. Loud, packed atmosphere feels like a lively party with Latin American music setting energetic tones. Communal tables encourage group dining amid a beautifully curated, textured interior.

Servers approach the bar area amicably during brunch. Bar seating includes uncomfortable chairs.

Complimentary sorbet comes in interesting flavors. Empanadas offer a unique twist with their interesting fillings.

People are saying

"The creative tacos and flavorful salsas make this Mexican food unforgettable."

"The menu's interesting flavor combinations are a standout."

"The bar staff, like Mike and Catalina, were so accommodating and friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Expect high prices; a meal for two can exceed $200.

3

The menu features evolving Latin American dishes with a Mexican influence.

09
abcV image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Spacious vegetarian restaurant with shabby chic decor, whitewashed walls, and a large kitchen window. Atmosphere is noisy and lively, often making conversation difficult. Cocktails are beautifully crafted and the food includes standout dishes like a phenomenal hemp seed burger and extraordinary dosa.

Carolyna creates magic behind the bar and keeps guests entertained. The spot offers cocktails and bites right at the bar.

Menu features unique vegetarian preparations and fresh vegan dishes with flavorful, interesting combinations like dates and certain pastas.

People are saying

"The vegetarian dishes were really flavorful and delicious."

"The cocktails here are smoky and delicious."

"The vegetarian dishes here are fresh and interesting."

Good to know

1

During restaurant week in January, there is a $60 per person deal for 3 courses.

2

The place is usually packed, so making reservations ahead is recommended.

3

They do not accept Apple Pay.

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Midtown Manhattan, New York

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