261 Best Nightlife in New York City, New York

Transport yourself to New Orleans in this dimly lit, yet lively cocktail and oyster bar, known for an extensive absinthe selection, a food menu spanning light fare to hearty braised beef cheeks, and above all, an impressive selection of oysters hailing from both east and west coasts. Cozy up at the horseshoe-shape bar or dine at a cast-iron table inside—or in the back garden on warm days.

High up on Floor 64 of the historic 70 Pine tower is this suave cocktail lounge, where guests come as much for the spectacular views and polished service as they do for the high-end, deliciously creative libations. Pass through the fine dining room that is Saga on your way up a flight of stairs, into oval-shape Overstory, which occupies the former A.I.G. board room and whose art deco design befits this 1930s-era skyscraper. The wraparound balcony has seating, though lofty winds may limit outdoor time to just long enough for a few marvelous skyline photos. Reservations are highly recommended.

One of the first of the retro speakeasy bars in NYC, PDT ("Please Don't Tell") made a name for itself with top-line cocktails and it's "secret" entrance, and although it's not much of a secret anymore it's still a great spot for excellent drinks with a touch of cloak-and-dagger. Make a reservation online, then head to the unassuming Crif Dogs hot dog restaurant, where you'll be escorted through the phone booth's false back. The upscale cocktails are perfectly complemented by the hot dog specials from the neighboring shop that are also served here.

This polished, spacious, second-floor cocktail bar is named after the way a drink forms iridescent liquid ribbons when it's expertly poured. The menu lists options with a sliding scale that tells you how "spiritous," "refreshing," "comforting," and "adventurous" each one is, and you order accordingly. There are a few food items, too, like cheese and charcuterie, which are a good idea, because you'll be tempted to stay for another round of drinks.

There's no phone number or big sign for this speakeasy; just ring the bell to enter. Wood-burning fireplaces, deep banquettes, and curtains for privacy all contribute to the intimate vibe—perfect for a date or small group gathering. The little candlelit garden out back is lovely and put to use: herbs grown here are used in the carefully crafted cocktails. You can make reservations through the website but walk-ins are welcome.

With multiple performers at each of the three intimate venues, there's so much to hear here. Expect music of all types, often from bands or soloists just passing through the city. The lineup usually starts around 6 or 7 pm and runs 'til around midnight—meaning you can get your live music fix and catch up on sleep, too. There's typically one stage with no cover charge, making Rockwood a great spot to just drop in.

Take a break from 5th Avenue shopping at this glass-lined penthouse bar on the 23rd floor of the ritzy Peninsula Hotel, where the sumptuous decor is inspired by the historic tale of Shanghai socialite Madame Ning. Drinks are pricey and well made, plus the rooftop terrace views and posh atmosphere are worth the premium.

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this bar and small performance venue hosts multiple events each night, with live music ranging from blues, jazz, Latin, Afrobeat, indie, and more, as well as DJs, spoken word, and dance. African masks, vinyl records, and album covers adorn the walls and ceilings, and there’s ample seating with plenty of space to dance, too.These days, there's usually a crush of out-of-towners during showtimes, but the music remains stellar, and the establishment itself is the stuff of legend.

A sensation when it opened in 2007, Simon Hammerstein's Roaring '20s–style cabaret–cum–burlesque show–cum–performance art emporium remains one of the biggest players in any nightlife category. The triumvirate of gorgeousness—design, customers, and performers—explains why the experience doesn't come cheap. Check the website to make reservations and prepare for a late night.

Classy tipplers and well-dressed commuters pack into this Grand Central Terminal bar (especially during the evening rush), but you can still have a romantic time in one of Manhattan's more beautiful rooms. The restored space dates from the 1920s, when it was the private office of an executive named John W. Campbell, who entertained friends and colleagues here. Sample the good life as you sip cocktails from club chairs and banquettes. The proprietor also offers the smaller Campbell Palm Court and enclosed, outdoor Campbell Terrace; the latter is just outside in the former taxi driveway.

The hotel's discreetly sophisticated Café Carlyle hosts such top cabaret and jazz performers as Christine Ebersole, Judy Collins, John Pizzarelli, Steve Tyrell, and comedians Mario Cantone and Tony Danza. The less fancy-schmancy (though still pricey) Bemelmans Bar features a rotating cast of pianist-singers. Bemelmans is known also for its wall murals and lampshades painted by the author of the Madeline books, who traded the artwork for lodging. Both nightspots feature old-fashioned cocktails and trendy new-fashioned ones. Chic attire only (no active sportswear permitted in either one).

For exquisite cocktails in a quintessentially old–New York locale, venture to the tip of Manhattan for a night of Irish hospitality in a 19th-century-inspired saloon. The ground-floor taproom serves craft beers and whiskeys of the world, while a warren of upstairs parlor spaces shakes and stirs craft cocktails, many putting Irish whiskey to excellent use. If the drink menu isn't doing the trick, challenge one of the ace bartenders to mix up something special for your palate. The Dead Rabbit is always lively and unpretentious, and isn't hung up on dress codes or door policies typical of some New York cocktail dens—though it's still a good idea to reserve a table. There's also a solid food menu built on Irish faves, and occasional live music.

Clad with varnished wood and exposed brick that reinforce the cozy vibe, the Penrose fancies itself "the Upper East Local" and has something for everyone. In addition to a well-focused cocktail program (think cold-brew Negroni) that spills over into brunch, the bar offers a colossal fried chicken sandwich; a late-night menu served daily until 1 am; and even live jazz, blues, and folk music on Sunday nights at 7 (no cover charge).

"Drink craft beer" is the motto here, so grab a stool, saddle up to the bar or around one of the barrels fashioned into a table, and take your time poring over the video board displaying various lagers and ales, along with hard ciders and seltzers. There's a heavy focus on NYC and New York State brews. Take advantage of the daily happy hour from 4:20 to 6:20, when beer, wine, and well drinks are all $7. The kitchen stays open late, serving bar fare to soak up some of the suds.

Among the glittering lights of Broadway theaters, the Rum House is a libation destination thanks to its attention to the craft of mixing cocktails. Tucked like a tasty gem inside the Hotel Edison just off Times Square, this bar often has live piano music and always pours both creative and classic cocktails. See if you can figure out where Michael Keaton sat during scenes from the Oscar-winning 2015 film Birdman.

Inside one of the city's most recognizable hotels from the big screen (the famous tango scene with Al Pacino from Scent of a Woman was filmed in The Pierre's Cotillion Ballroom) is Two E Bar & Lounge, a former gentleman's library turned chic lounge and intimate performance space. Thursday to Sunday evenings feature live jazz (no cover), but its best-kept secret is the recurring evening showcase, Broadway at the Pierre, a cabaret series that draws cast members from Broadway's best shows. Check the event calendar for details.

This neighborhood standby has something going on just about every night. On the main floor, two bocce courts and library nooks with couches are popular hangouts. Downstairs, there are smart comedy shows with both high-profile and up-and-coming performers, eclectic talks, or DJs spinning. The outdoor patio is open in good weather. The menu of tasty burgers, wings, poutine, and pizza means the patrons tend to settle in for the evening. Events are either free or have a modest cover (from $5).

This prototypical jazz club, tucked into a cellar since the 1940s, has been the haunt of legends like Thelonious Monk and Barbra Streisand. Today, you can hear jams from the likes of Bill Charlap and Ravi Coltrane, and, on Monday night, the sizable resident Vanguard Jazz Orchestra blows its collective heart out.