
Whether you’re looking for a mocktail this Dry January or longing for something new to do in NYC, there are some alcohol-free options available! Booze-free bars and retailers have been an emerging trend in the city for a few years now, and we wanted to round up our favorite spots for our sober curious friends. No matter if you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic IPA or a stunning and colorful mocktail, we’ve got some ideas for you!
1. Hekate Café & Elixir Lounge, East Village

Abby Ehmann, the founder of Hekate firmly believes that “booze shouldn’t be the only basis for socializing.” At her dive bar located in the East Village, this elixir lounge is proudly serving all sorts of alcohol-free cocktails, beers, and more. Try one of their standouts like the “New Years in Hades” (seasonal margarita) or “Sanito Coquito” (coconut-based coquito), all while in a cozy atmosphere around like-minded people.
Where: 167 Avenue B
2. Kosmic Community Anti Bar, East Village

This anti-bar just opened up in the East Village last summer, and it’s already catching our attention! Their mantra is “modern meets nostalgic with a wellness twist” and we have to agree with that…thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and eye-catching interior.
If the amount of beautiful stained glass, sunny backyard with a water fountain, and even phone booth doesn’t do it for you, the drinks certainly will. During the day they offer coffee and tea and at night it turns into an N/A bar with cava, N/A beers, and non-alcoholic homemade mocktails.
Where: 115 Loisaida Ave
3. Soft Bar + Cafe

Reality TV star Carl Radke (Bravo TV Summer House) recently launched his own N/A concept with a menu of “soft & functional cocktails to enhance mood.” Soft Bar + Cafe is set to open its door this month in Brooklyn, but while they wait to launch their brick-and-mortar they are hosting soft launch events from January 9 – 12.
Soft Bar is collaborating with The Clover Club on those dates to soft launch their N/A cocktail samplings, wellness activations, music, mixology, and more! Learn more about it here!
Where: 208 Smith St, Brooklyn (The Clover Club soft-launch)
4. Absence of Proof, Pop-Up

Absence of Proof is a pop-up event series across NYC that offers a vibrant environment for the sober-curious! When its founder Elizabeth Gascoigne decided to stop drinking years ago, she conceptualized her own form of socialization that has quickly taken off. After being named to Adweek’s Creative 100, her slew of massively successful events usually return to NYC for Dry January. Stay tuned here for this year’s zero-proof social hour announcements!
5. abcV, Flatiron

If you’re looking for locally sourced mocktails, abcV offers a variety of tonics and elixirs that pair nicely with their organic-based food menu. Their elegant and dreamy interior is the perfect atmosphere to relax in, all while hanging with friends or going for a nice meal. It’s important to note that this spot isn’t entirely booze-free, but they do have some menu items that are non-alcoholic!
Where: 38 E 19th St
6. Listen Bar, Pop-Up

Listen Bar is another pop-up “bar” that occasionally makes its way through NYC several times a year. Most recently, they hosted a Sober October collab with Butcher’s Daughter, and they’re planning some events for 2025.
They also offer virtual classes that take you through the art of booze-free mixology and how to make their signature mocktails. Although their previous event was a few months back, be sure to stay tuned to their Instagram to see when their next NYC activation will be!
Where: Pop-Up locations
7. Spirited Away, LES

Spirited Away was a pandemic idea that came to life in 2020 and has been selling non-alcoholic products ever since. They sell items like ready-to-drink cocktails, bottles of spirits, packs of canned drinks, and so much more. They also host tons of in-store events including tastings, parties, and live DJ sets! Many consider this spot one of the first non-alcoholic bottle shops in NYC, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing over here!
Where: 177 Mott St
8. Minus Moonshine, Prospect Heights

Last but not least is Minus Moonshine, another retail space conceptualized by its two owners Melissa and Aqxyl. Their store features an assortment of different brands, probably thanks to the passion they put into scouting out the best beverage companies in the industry. Their non-alcoholic wine selection is one of the most impressive in NYC and their beers and spirits aren’t bad either. They host community events every once in a while too, so be sure to check out their social media to see when things are happening!
Where: 433 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn