Three Creative Cocktail Bars in New York City

The Welcome Guideยฎ Staff
Trumpet of Death Cocktail at Thyme Bar

There are plenty of reasons to visit a cocktail bar in New York City. Maybe youโ€™re looking for a place to impress a date or business client. Maybe you want to try something new and adventurous from a master mixologist. Or perhaps youโ€™re just looking for a good, stiff drink.

Whatever your reason, youโ€™ll find no shortage of options when it comes to cocktail bars in NYC. But with so many choices, it can be tough to know where to start. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™ve put together this handy guide to the best cocktail bars in the Big Apple. So pull up a stool and get ready to sip on some of the best cocktails in the city. Cheers!

Creative Cocktails in NYC

Thyme Bar

Cocktails are great, but theyโ€™re even better when paired with fantastic foods. Thyme Bar offers an eclectic selection of dinner opยญtions from various cuisines like the โ€œForest Arancini,โ€ the โ€œBerkshire Pork Belly Slidยญers,โ€ and the soba noodles. Suppose youโ€™re in the mood for a more extensive meal. Try the tastยญing menu that allows you to build your dinยญing experience (diners will enjoy an Amuseยญbouche along with their choice of a Le Jardin cocktail. an item from the food menu. a Floยญriography Cocktail, and a dessert). The cocktails here are some of the prettiest youโ€™ll find in New York City, with showstoppers like The Flower Bomb, the Trumpet of Death, The Noir and Primrose & Rye, to name just a few.

Coconino Rain at Thyme Bar New York |
Coconino Rain (Courtesy Thyme Bar)

Bemelmanโ€™s Bar

Bemelmans Bar is a chic and elegant spot located in the The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel,ย in New York City. The bar features stunning murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the beloved Madeline childrenโ€™s books, and draws in celebrities and high-profile individuals with its extensive drink menu. Select nights even feature live entertainment, including a pianist starting at 5:30 p.m. and a jazz trio later on in the evening. Classic Bemelmanโ€™s libations include the โ€œEarthaโ€ and โ€œMadelineโ€™s Vesper,โ€ while signature concoctions include โ€œLudwigโ€™s Bunny Negroni,โ€ and mocktails options include โ€œMiss Clavel.โ€ There is a cover charge for these live performances, with prices varying depending on the artist.

Madeline's Vesper at Bemelman's Bar New York |
Madeline’s Vesper at Bemelman’s Bar (Courtesy The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel)

Ophelia Lounge

Ophelia Lounge is a glamorous rooftop cocktail lounge located on the 26th floor of a historic building. In addition to its Art Deco design and stunning views of the East River, Ophelia boasts a unique history as a 1920โ€™s women-only club and hotel. The cocktail menu features creative interpretations of classic cocktails from the era, adding to the loungeโ€™s upscale and nostalgic atmosphere. The lounge features high ceilings with cathedral windows overlooking the East River and jewel-toned blue walls that create an elegant atmosphere. Besides the fantastic cocktails and plush interior, you can’t beat the view.

The Mood Swing at Ophelia Lounge New York |
The Mood Swing (Courtesy Ophelia Lounge)