Recommended By

Justin Noel

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An underground and understated cocktail haven that boasts French Colonial-inspired drinks, from Absinthe drips to premium mezcal cocktails. Expect an impressive cast of permanent and guest bartenders from around the states to consistently wow you with creative concoctions and lighthearted conversation. Head bartender Justin Noel holds the band together and will gladly recommend a quality cocktail to complement anything on their food menu. Try the Rising Sun Swizzle (Yamazaki Japanese Whisky, Allspice Dram, lemon juice, honey syrup, bitters) to start the evening off right. (Recommended by Marshall Altier, Justin Noel)

Notable bartender: Justin Noel

Recommended By

Karin Stanley

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It looks like your average neighborhood bar, but Dram is the kind of bar that has more than a little something for everyone. The cocktails are approachable through the fun and friendly service and clear ingredient lists. Tons of craft spirits, interesting beers, and house-made concoctions sit alongside some standard staples. As you look around, you’ll probably notice the same is true of the guests. Let Thomas Chadwick and his giant rolodex of animated booze-nerd bartenders be your guide. Order up your something fancy or something neat, and enjoy comfortably. (Recommended by Karin Stanley, Meaghan Dorman)

Notable bartenders: Thomas Chadwick, Frank Cisneros, Nicholas Jarrett

Recommended By

Maxwell Britten

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Employees Only is a cocktail mecca built to mimic the frivolity and fun of the best Prohibition-era speakeasies. Located in NYC’s West Village, EO (as it’s known to bartenders and those in the know) is a fashionable see-and-be-seen place to enjoy a Billionaire Cocktail (bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, absinthe, grenadine). Some people go for the charcuterie and steak tartar. Others go for bartenders like Dev Johnson and Steve Schneider or Dushan Zaric. Bartenders here have trained for three years before stepping up to the bar and taking your order, so make sure to ask them for a recommendation. (Recommended by Maxwell Britten, Justin Noel, Duane Fernandez Jr., Marshall Altier)

Notable bartenders: Steve Schneider, Dev Johnson, Dushan Zaric

Recommended By

Steve Schneider

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A lounge in the classic sense is illuminated by yellows, bold colors and grand archways. The Flatiron Lounge is revered as one of the original spots where the cocktail resurgence took hold. While the drinks are mostly classic, in no way are they stale. Legendary Bartender/Owner Julie Reiner’s new crop of bartenders are full of talent and eager to blow your mind. Can’t decide? Fresh ingredients and true flavors are enjoyed on nightly cocktail flights, a perfect way to sample along a theme. The Flight to Hawaii, for instance, demonstrates the beauty of well-made rum drinks. (Recommended by Steve Schneider, Marshall Altier)

Notable bartender: Julie Reiner

Recommended By

Meaghan Dorman

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Escape the madness of Midtown with a hand-crafted cocktail from Theo Liberman and his crew at Lantern’s Keep. The rich paneling and structured, masculine feel is softened by romantic art and candlelit tables. The cocktail list, like the decor, harkens to the past for the ideals of simple ingredients and small-batch spirits. Meaghan Dorman of Raines Law Room created the cocktail program here to honor the style of drink that bartenders in America were making when temperance drove them abroad. Try the Poet’s Dream (gin, dry vermouth, Benedictine, and orange bitters), and you’ll see why this bar and the hospitality will not be soon forgotten. (Recommended by Meaghan Dorman)

Recommended By

Marshall Altier

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Interested in a totally down-to-earth place where you’ll want to be best friends with the bartenders, meet some cool and relaxed people, and sip on classic cocktails, all in the middle of SOHO craziness? Then Mother’s Ruin is the place for you. There’s a reason why this cozy little place has become a popular hang out. TJ Lynch has assembled a bar staff of huge personalities dishing unique and sophisticated cocktails. You will surely enjoy the perfection and creativity of their drinks, in an atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. (Recommended by Marshall Altier, Enzo Lim, Steve Schneider)

Notable bartender: TJ Lynch

Recommended By

Maxwell Britten

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Crafted in the spirit of New York inns around the turn of the century, Prime Meats has German roots with an American artisan flair. The exposed brick and an unfinished look adorn the standing room bar in a city where many bars prohibit the act – a refreshing environment that promotes mixing and mingling. The pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktails are top-notch. Nothing like enjoying a Manhattan while slurping oysters and bone marrow, and relaxing with good company. (Recommended by Maxwell Britten)

Notable bartender: Damon Boelte

Recommended By

Duane Fernandez Jr.

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The Tippler’s industrial interior is brought to life by an eclectic crowd enjoying everything from frozen Lushiesto to a more classic style cocktail they refer to as “Tight, Rich, and Boozy.” The transformed basement just reopened after 100 years, and what a housewarming party they throw every night. The cocktail list, much like the crowd, is playful and cheeky. Hospitality is the focus with Christian Sanders, Ms. Franky Marshall and the rest of the crew behind the bar. A place where you know you are getting a great quality drink, no matter what you order, and a fun time is inevitable. (Recommended by Steve Schneider, Duane Fernandez Jr.)

Notable bartenders: Christian Sanders, Ms. Franky Marshall