Sip & Sound: The Best Bars in New York City for Drinks and Vibes
New York City isn’t just the city that never sleeps—it’s the city that never stops sipping, spinning vinyl, or dreaming in dim candlelight and neon. From speakeasy-style haunts to modern mixology temples, NYC’s bar scene is rich with character, creativity, and killer cocktails. And what’s a drink without the perfect soundtrack? We paired each of these standout bars with the ideal music to match their mood—whether you're winding down, turning up, or floating somewhere in between.
🍸 Superbueno
Vibe: Latin-inspired, playful, artfully chaotic
Signature Drink: Mole Negroni — mezcal, mole bitters, and house vermouth
Soundtrack: Latin soul, upbeat reggaeton, and neo-cumbia
Superbueno is what happens when mezcal meets mischief. This East Village gem is a creative playground with a bar program that feels like a cultural remix. The Mole Negroni is a smoky, sultry twist on a classic—a love letter to Mexico in a lowball glass. The walls are loud, the crowd lively, and the speakers pulse with percussive Latin grooves that fuel the energy. Come with friends, leave with a story.
🍹 Sunken Harbor Club
Vibe: Nautical fantasy, hidden chamber of curiosities
Signature Drink: The Bermuda Triangle — rum blend, absinthe rinse, tropical elixirs
Soundtrack: Exotica, lo-fi surf rock, ambient nautical sounds
Step into a shipwrecked sailor's dream. The Sunken Harbor Club feels like a secret hideaway beneath the sea, with drinks that flirt with the bizarre and beautiful. Their Bermuda Triangle cocktail is a mystery in itself—deep, layered, and slightly dangerous. The lighting is low, the barware vintage, and the music—a moody mix of tiki exotica and dreamy surf—is hypnotic. Bring a sense of adventure.
🍊 Dante
Vibe: Timeless charm, café culture, refined elegance
Signature Drink: Garibaldi — Campari and fluffy fresh orange juice
Soundtrack: Classic jazz, bossa nova, golden-age Sinatra
Dante is the embodiment of quiet luxury. Voted one of the world’s best bars, it’s where old-school Italian aperitivo meets downtown cool. The Garibaldi is sunshine in a glass—bittersweet, bright, and dangerously drinkable. The soundtrack glides from Coltrane to Caetano Veloso, perfect for sipping slowly and watching the West Village go by. Ideal for dates, solo journaling sessions, or early evening rituals.
🥃 Martiny’s
Vibe: Japanese sophistication meets speakeasy intimacy
Signature Drink: Matcha Highball — Japanese whisky, matcha soda, yuzu zest
Soundtrack: Tokyo lounge jazz, ambient electronica, lo-fi chill
Tucked inside a historic brownstone, Martiny’s is both cocktail theater and meditative escape. With a three-floor layout and a quiet elegance, the bar feels like a whispered secret. Each drink is a masterwork, blending precision and artistry. The Matcha Highball is clean, herbaceous, and endlessly refreshing. The soundtrack is lowkey but perfectly curated—ideal for deep talks or quiet reflection.
🍻 Haswell Green’s
Vibe: Broadway energy meets beer hall comfort
Signature Drink: Smoked Old Fashioned — bourbon, hickory smoke, maple
Soundtrack: Live rock bands, acoustic sets, soul covers
When you want energy and entertainment, Haswell Green’s delivers. With live music every night and a sprawling, lively space just steps from Times Square, this bar is a welcome oasis from the tourist traps. The Smoked Old Fashioned brings just the right touch of theater to your glass, pairing beautifully with a bluesy riff or a soulful belter. Great for group hangs or post-show revelry.