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Reviews bars New York Manhattan

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Manhattan is home to a wide variety of bars. Cocktail bars, wine bars, sports bars or speakeasies – in Manhattan you can find it all. Get personal recommendations on bars in Manhattan with the Nova Circle app. Connect with your friends and people who share your interests to find the best spots for you. 
Reviews bars New York manhattan
Cocktail liunge manhattan

Cocktail lounges

Try craft cocktails with experimental ingredients prepared by skilled bartenders. In cocktail bars in Manhattan you can savor both a sophisticated ambiance, and a carefully concocted drink, perfect for celebrating a special occasion. A standout is PDT (Please Don’t Tell) in the East Village, where you enter through a phone booth in a hot dog shop.

Dive bars

Offering a stark contrast, dive bars are the backbone of Manhattan’s nightlife, providing a space where friends can grab a beer and relax without the frills. These bars, like 169 Bar on East Broadway, have a tough, friendly vibe and are perfect for a laid-back night out.

For more personalized recommendations, use the Nova Circle app – your single place for discovering destinations all over the world or in your hometown. Download the app to get spot on recommendations from friends and people like you.
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As a foodie with an interest in art and fashion, I’m constantly on the hunt for the best food and drink spots, art museums and the ultimate shopping destinations. When looking for inspiration, I always trust recommendations from friends above all. With Nova Circle it’s now a breeze to find new places that are in tune with what I like, from those I trust.
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Pauline Krogsbøll
Love this app! As a foodie myself, living in NYC with endless options - ”where should we eat/go for drinks today?” is a constant question. l always trust recommendations from friends more than anything and with Nova Circle it’s so easy to find new places that are genuinely good, recommended by all the people I trust.
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Sports bars

Spots like Standings in the East Village are a haven for sports enthusiasts. In sports bars you will typically find multiple screens, ensuring you do not miss a game whether you have stopped by alone after work or with a group of coworkers on a Wednesday night.

Wine bars

If you prefer a glass of wine, Manhattan's wine bars like City Vineyard at Pier 26 offer a great selection, coupled with food menus for a perfect early evening to night transition.

Speakeasies

Hidden behind unmarked doors or disguised as another business, speakeasies like The Back Room offer a prohibition-era experience. These bars are all about the details – from the vintage decor to the classic drinks menu.

Or find your own hidden gem with the help of your friends. With the Nova Circle app you can make your own list of the best bars in Manhattan – or check other people’s lists to find that secret place you will never find among review sites on the Internet.
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Sports bars Manhattan

Bars in different parts of Manhattan

The many parts of Manhattan have slightly different vibes meaning you can easily find something that suits you. Or simply check with your friends on the Nova Circle app to get recommendations that are tailored to your preferences.

The Financial District in Lower Manhattan is home to historic pubs and bars where the sense of old New York still lingers on the walls, such as Fraunces Tavern, where you can literally feel the history.

Bars in Midtown cater to post-work gatherings with a mix of high-end cocktail places and casual spots perfect for a quick drink and dinner after a long day at the office.

In neighborhoods like Harlem, in Upper Manhattan, the scene shifts to a more laid-back vibe with jazz clubs and bars like Paris Blues, where the community gathers to enjoy live music and soul food.

Typical drinks and cocktails

When in Manhattan, take the opportunity to try a few typical drinks of New York City:

Manhattan: A mix of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. A must-try!

Cosmopolitan: Made famous by New York City's nightlife. A refreshing mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice.

Old Fashioned: Though not originating in New York, it is a beloved choice made with bourbon or rye, sugar, and bitters.

Tequila-based drinks: For something different, tequila bars like Mayahuel in the East Village serve up an array of tequila and mezcal drinks, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual.


Cocktails in Manhattan

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Find the best bar in Manhattan with the Nova Circle app

Nova Circle is your social app for discovering new places all over the world. Connect with your friends or people who share your preferences to get the best tips on hotspot or hidden gems, according to the people who know you best. Just download the app and start uploading your own best experiences and share with your circle of friends.
  • Location Pin 2 Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com Organize all your favorite spots
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  • Create curated lists
  • Get inspired by genuine recommendations

Frequently asked questions – reviews bars New York Manhattan

Manhattan's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. It is a great part of New York where you can experience the pulse of the city. Whether you are in the mood for a high-energy cocktail bar in the East Village, a laid-back dive bar, or an upscale wine bar, Manhattan has it all. Each area has its own unique vibe, from the packed scenes on Friday nights in dive bars where regulars and newcomers gather, to sophisticated spots where you can order innovative cocktails.

In terms of pricing, bars in Manhattan tend to be more expensive than in other parts of New York, such as Brooklyn or Queens. The cost of drinks reflects the premium location. The menus often feature everything from crafted cocktails and fine wines to local beers, with prices varying widely depending on the establishment.

There are many New York City classic drinks you might want to try. The Manhattan cocktail, a mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, is a quintessential choice that originated in the borough itself. The Martini, though debated in origin, has found a special place in the city's bars and restaurants. For something uniquely New York, the Cosmopolitan gained popularity in the 90s and has been associated with the city ever since, particularly with scenes depicting the nightlife of New York in popular media.