NIGHTLIFE & SPIRITS
BEST MARTINI
OSCAR WILDE
45 W 27th St
(212) 213-3066–www.oscarwildenyc.com
What is it about a martini that makes it so
difficult to get it just right? Why is it the
signature drink of 007? Whether you take
yours shaken or stirred, do take some time
to ponder a different famous Brit while
enjoying your martini: the infamous Oscar
Wilde. With astonishing and eccentric claims
to fame like the longest barn New York and
being located at the former HQ for prohibition
enforcement, what more appropriate muse for
this establishment that the indomitable spirit
of Oscar Wilde?
BEST MOJITO
CAFÉ HABANA
17 Prince St
(212) 625-2001–www.cafehabana.com
For the past 20 years, Café Habana has been
serving up good times around good food.
Their tasty selections will surely have you
coming back for more. This Café Habana spot
was made out of an old school New York City
diner, which blended together with Cuban-
Mexican inspired food makes it a one-of-akind
spot in NYC. Their mojitos are one for
the books–this classic drink goes well with
any of Café Habana’s menu items. They don’t
take reservations at Café Habana, so be sure to
head down there to grab a seat!
BEST MUSIC VENUE
IRVING PLAZA
17 Irving Pl
(212) 777-6800–www.irvingplaza.com
Music lovers looking for a fun night out should
look no further than Irving Plaza. The historic
building was constructed over 150 years ago
at 17 Irving Place and has served multiple
purposes during its lifetime. The building was
originally four different brownstones which
were combined into a hotel in 1870. Nearly
60 years after that, the hotel was gutted and
transformed into the ballroom-style theater
we see today. Through the years, Irving
Plaza has served as a union meeting house, a
performance space for folk dance troupes and
a Polish Army Veteran community center. In
1978, Irving Plaza became a renowned rock
music venue hosting acts such as the Talking
Heads, the Ramones, U2, Bob Dylan, Eric
Clapton, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and
Red Hot Chili Peppers.
BEST NEW BAR OF THE
YEAR
PAPER DAISY
41 St Marks Pl
(212) 777-1447–www.paperdaisy.nyc
Sometimes describing the atmosphere
of a space doesn’t do much justice to the
experience you are trying to describe, and
that’s ok. Some feelings and experiences just
can’t be put into words. What makes Paper
Daisy the best new bar in the city this year?
Maybe it’s the exceedingly delicious craft
cocktails, or the comfy black stools reaching
up to the long hardwood bar tracing the
contours of room. Or maybe it’s the great
music coming from the shiny record player
as you sit back and enjoy a conversation with
some good friends. Or maybe you just have to
experience it for yourself to understand why it
feels so good to spend a few hours saddled up
at that bar.
BEST NIGHTCLUB
TOP OF THE STANDARD
848 Washington St
(212) 645-4646–www.standardhotels.com
Party the night away at the best nightclub in
Manhattan! At Top of the Standard, the Le
Bain is a penthouse discotheque and rooftop
bar on the top floor featuring world-famous
DJs, a state-of-the-art sound system and
exhilarating views of the city. The iconic
room features specialty cocktails, afternoon
tea, a small bites menu, and live jazz music.
During the summer, there’s a plunge pool
on the dance floor and a creperie on the
grass-covered rooftop. If you’re interested
in attending, admission is determined at the
entrance and is not guaranteed to hotel guests.
All guests must wear smart casual attire
that is well-tailored and fitted clothing with
appropriate footwear.
BEST OUTDOOR
ATMOSPHERE
PIER A HARBOR HOUSE
22 Battery Pl
(212) 785-0153–www.piera.com
For a city surrounded by water, there is a
surprising lack of options for diners keen on
watching the sun set over the Hudson River,
which is why Pier A Harbor House is something
of a cherished rarity for diners on Manhattan
Island. But wait, there’s more! Not only Does
Pier A have the first floor Oyster House where
patrons can dine on the water, there are three
distinct floors with different amenities! Be
sure to check out the new colonial themed bar
called Blacktail on the second floor, and for a
particularly spectacular venue, the third floor
can be rented out for events.
BEST ROOFTOP BAR
REFINERY ROOFTOP
63 W 38th St
(646) 664-0372–www.refineryrooftop.com
Name a more iconic way to party in New York
City than at a rooftop bar. We’ll wait. Nothing
coming to mind? That’s because there is
absolutely nothing more spectacular than a
view of the city skyline than from right inside
the city itself! If you are in the mood to kick
off your birthday or celebration the proper
New York way, why not do it right at Refinery
Rooftop, which with its views and location is
undoubtedly the best rooftop bar in the city!
BEST SINGLES BAR
BLACK DOOR
127 W 26th St
(212) 645-0215–www.blackdoornyc.com
32 BETHPAGE BEST OF THE CITY 2020 • WINNERS GUIDE • BESTOFNEWYORKCITY.COM
Are you single and ready to mingle? Black
Door offers a stylish, low-key space where
you can mix with local singles in New
York City. Whether you’re looking to meet
someone new or are meeting up with a date
for the first time, Black Door gives you a
relaxed environment where you won’t have
to shout over the other patrons just to have
a conversation. Plus, they have regular live
music performances at the bar, making it a
great potential first date spot. Sip on a drink
at their huge bar while you get to know the
singles in your neighborhood, and maybe
you’ll get to come back to the bar for a future
date!
BEST SPORTS BAR
OFFSIDE TAVERN
137 W 14th St
(917) 388-3956–www.offsidetavernnyc.com
Is there anything better than a reliable sports
bar? Not only is Offside Tavern one of the
most fun places in Manhattan to spend a
happy hour or Saturday afternoon drinking
and playing games, it’s also an Islanders bar
where every regular and postseason game is
aired! It’s one thing to run a bar with lightning
fast bartenders and high quality service, but to
also be an Islanders bar where you can cheer
alongside with fellow bar patrons? It’s a dream
come true!
BEST WINE BAR
142 SULLIVAN
142 Sullivan St
(212) 477-2404–www.142sullivan.com
Looking for a great wine bar to impress your
friends and family that dropped by for a
visit? 142 Sullivan has got you covered. Kick
back and enjoy a selection of their wine while
you pick out your favorite vinyl from their
collection to chill out to while you sip on your
drink. And don’t forget to check out their food
menu to grab a bite that you can pair with
your wine! If you’re feeling adventurous, try
out one of 142 Sullivan’s wine-based cocktails.
This quaint gem of a bar in SoHo will have you
coming back for repeated visits.
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