NYC’s drinks culture is diverse, offering some of the best options around. From award-winning cocktail bars to underground speakeasies, there is just about any kind of vibe or specialty bar you may be searching for! For this list, we’re channeling all the gin lovers who may or may not have perfected the tasting of G&Ts. These are the best gin-focused bars in NYC right now serving top-tier drinks.
1. Bathtub Gin, Chelsea
Bathtub Gin is truly a transformative experience that brings the Roaring Twenties right here to NYC. The Prohibition-era speakeasy specializes in gin-forward cocktails, including an extensive list of G&T variations. Choose between gin options from across the globe (Scotland, Vietnam, Italy & beyond) and enjoy a gin and tonic while you take in live jazz and burlesque late at night. Learn more here.
Where: 132 9th Ave
2. The Parlour, Midtown
Located in The InterContinental New York Barclay hotel, The Parlour has been serving over 80+ premium gins for nearly 100 years. They range in origin from all over the world, alongside being used in seasonal cocktails like the Barrel Aged Negroni. Plus, there’s delectable culinary options to munch on while you listen to classic jazz on Wednesdays. Learn more here.
Where: 111 E 48th St
3. The Winslow, Union Square
With over 40+ brands and styles of gin to choose from, The Winslow has mastered the art of the spirit. Largely influenced by the Spanish presentation of gin and tonics with botanical pairings, this spot uses spices, dried fruit and botanicals to its advantage to create one-of-a-kind cocktails. Plus, their British style pub food pairs nicely with the drinks, all while you participate in their trivia nights or live music performances. Learn more here.
Where: 243 E 14th St
4. Valerie, Midtown
Lined by tile, brass, marble, and smoked mirrors…it’s easy to get mesmerized when you walk into Valerie in Midtown. That’s before you even glance at their bar wall which holds 70+ gins and counting. Try out something off that menu, or opt for one of their seasonal concoctions like the Speed Slowly (beefeater london dry gin, cocchi torino, blanc quinquina, lemon, dairy, strawberries, london essence bitter orange & elderflower tonic) or 9 Valkyries (ungava gin, sake, lime, lemon verbena, honey, pear brandy, hibiscus). Learn more here.
Where: 45 W 45th St
5. The Ivory Peacock, Flatiron/NoMad
The Ivory Peacock is home to NYC’s largest collection of gin with a staggering 860 bottles available. With a cocktail program led by Head Bartenders Carlos Soto and Daniel Benitez, you can find seasonal spins on classic cocktails, their signature Emerald Bar Gin & Tonic ‘Tray’ Service, and a Sub-Zero Martini Menu.
We recommend the Dirty Gibson (St. Georgie Terrioir Gin, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Noilly Prat French Extra Dry Vermouth, House Onion Brine) or Vesper Martini (Malfy Con Limone Gin, Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin, Absolut Elyx Vodka, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Lillet Blanc). Learn more here.
Where: 38 W 26th St
6. The Belfry, East Village
The Belfry is most known for their pickleback cocktails, but the gin options are pretty great as well. Specifically the Bees Knees (Barr hill tomcat gin, honey, lemon, lavender bitters) and Velvet Swizzle (gin, velvet falarnum, basil, watermelon, lime, peychauds), although the cocktails are always changing seasonally. Learn more here.
Where: 222 E 14th St
7. Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room, Midtown
Since 1934, Rockefeller Center’s 65th floor bar has been serving cocktails and bites with a delightful view over Midtown Manhattan. There’s nothing quite like sipping a gin and tonic here as the sun goes down…trust us. Learn more here.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza 65th Floor
8. The Lovelace, FiDi
Complete with awesome gin drinks, great ambiance, and live music on Fridays, we can’t speak highly enough about The Lovelace. What started as an offshoot from Porterhouse Brew Co. years ago, it makes for the perfect after-work hangout spot or happy hour outing.
Where: 66 Pearl St
9. Ye’s Apothecary, Lower East Side
This moody and romantic spot is perfect for a first date, and their gin based cocktails are their speciality. Ye’s Apothecary’s Szechuan tapas and intimate setting makes it one of our favorite places to cozy into.
Where: 119 Orchard St
10. Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar, Midtown
Ascend into the clouds at Dear Irving on Hudson, a rooftop bar serving divine gin-forward drinks. Grab one of their gin cocktails from the Juniper Season section of their menu, like the Full Sun (nikka gin, dolin dry vermouth, giffard pêche de vigne, italicus bergamot), and enjoy the picturesque skyline views. Learn more here.
Where: 310 W 40th St