2017 Summer Nightlife Picks for NYC

Best Sports Bar

Stout NYC

Photo: Stout NYC

Besides serving the best tasting burger sliders and broadcasting almost every game you want to watch, Stout is only one block from Madison Square Garden, making it the un-official official pre-game and post-game bar. And if you don’t feel like splurging on tickets to the game, feel free to watch the game at Stout while choosing from one of their more than fifty Irish and Scottish whiskeys.

Honorable Mention: Triona’s

Best Rooftop Bar

St. Cloud Social Rooftop

The St. Cloud Social Rooftop at The Knickerbocker Hotel puts you right in the middle of New York’s skyline. The menu includes some obvious items such as Gin mixed cocktails and upscale bar food like tomato brioche and eggplant polpette. But you’ll also spot some less than typical items like Cuban cigars and pina colada and margaritas popsicles.

Honorable Mention: Gallow Green

Best Nightclub/Lounge

Slate NY

Slate is perfect for that large group of friends with varying personalities. Slate NYSlate is one of the larger bars in the city so you’ll less likely have to deal with the overcrowding that can occur at many other locations. And while the bottom floor is perfect for those who enjoy a calm round of pool or a giant Connect Four with their drink, the top floor is a full lounge space that becomes a filled dance floor by the end of the night.

Honorable Mention: PH-D Rooftop Lounge

Best Cocktail Bar

The Dead Rabbit NYC

The Dead Rabbit has completely transformed the typical cocktail bar atmosphere, by combining top-notch hospitality, high quality cocktails, and an Irish bar vibe. With drink combinations like True Blue, made of Irish Whiskey, Apple Brand, Guinness, PX Sherry, and White Miso, it’s not surprising that this spot has been praised for their alcohol expertise.

Honorable Mention: House of Wax

Best Speakeasy

Raines Law Room

It may seem at first that you’re walking into a basement apartment,  but you end up somewhere that is so much better. Raines Law Room not only captures the semi-hidden aura of 1920 speakeasies, but the entire design of the bar is crafted as prohibition-era New York. Adding some modernity to the menu, Raines Law Room allows guests to “build their own Old Fashioned”. You can expect a short wait when visiting but reservations are available Sunday-Tuesday.

Honorable Mention: Bathtub Gin