New York’s 10 Most Instagrammable Bars
The city that never sleeps? Well, if you’re not sleeping then what are you doing? Drinking, obviously, because what happens in New York… stays in New York!
Needless to say, The Big Apple is brimming with eye-catching sights, boujee hotels and doesn’t cease to impress with its bars. Whether its the infamous Beauty and Essex to a classy, speakeasy vibe in Brooklyn we’ve pretty much covered the bar scene in NYC… so, we’re inviting you to grab your spirit-of-choice and fire up your Instagram in order to soak up the bars that are simply begging to roll onto your feed.
Beauty And Essex
This Lower East Side venue has yet to escape prohibition and follows the popular trend of contemporary speakeasies through the city. Beauty feels like it may be hard to find on Essex Street, aside from bulbed sign that hangs above the pawn shop façade, but the titular declaration is realised immediately on entry as guests encounter a grand spiral staircase that descends into a lush underground containing four dining rooms, two bars, and an array of plush sofas.
Among the key features of this hidden gem are the low-toned intimate lighting, which is extenuated by the dark decor and the grand chandelier that cascades from the ceiling upon entering the interior depths. Grab a copy of Gatsby and fish out a Daisy Buchanan line for your flapper-themed post.
Where: 146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Website: www.beautyandessex.com
Library of Distilled Spirits
If you weren’t a fan of our aforementioned literary allusion, then this is the downtown library that will definitely pique your interest. The stacks at Library of Distilled Spirits are filled with over 1,000 bottles of liquor that have been distilled from all around the world. While, you may think you have your Insta-post with the most exciting encyclopaedia you’ve ever laid eyes on standing in lighted displays across the walls, just wait until your drink arrives.
The spirit savant, Dushan Zaric, who is the mind behind the library is dedicated to the crafting of cocktails, and along with manning the reference desk at his passion piece is also a co-founder of The American Bartending Institute of New York, and serves his students the most impressive of glasses. Any photos from here will have all of your followers studying.
Where: 80 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
Website: www.libraryofdistilledspirits.com
HiLot
East Villages hidden gem that is speakeasy vibe but in a new and cooler era! The HiLot is perfect for a girls night out or a cozy date night! I can’t get enough of their lavender haze cocktail and you can’t miss their occasional food pop-up. From the entrance to the bathrooms, this whole place is waiting for your feed update!
Where: 102 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009
Website: www.hilotnyc.com
Butcher And Banker
This next venue is all cash… Alright, that is admittedly a bit too corny, but who doesn’t want to grab a drink in an old bank vault? Located beneath the New Yorker Hotel, the bar is filled with chic, velvet sofas and dark tables. But, if we are all being honest, everyone (and their grandmother) is headed straight for that vault door, which is the capital attraction. This pic is the key to your social media heist.
Where: 481 8th Avenue, Vault Level, New York, NY 10001
Website: www.butcherandbankernyc.com
Westlight At The William Vale
Here’s the skyline scene that we’ve all been dying to see! This Brooklyn bar is located on the 22nd-floor terrace of William Vale, which makes it the perfect place to spot-up against the NYC skyline. Oh, and make sure that you include one of the signature, complimentary-to-use, yellow binoculars that line the perimeter of the rooftop.
Where: 111 N. 12th Street Brooklyn, NY 11249
Website: www.thewilliamvale.com
Grand Banks
The origins of Manhattan’s historic rise to global prominence is in its strategic placement along the Hudson River as a major port. The Grand Banks has put a luxurious twist on this nautical history, guests can wine and dine upon the bow of a wooden schooner. The unforgettable view that awaits guests as they float atop the Hudson includes the Freedom Tower and the New York Harbour. This oyster-inspired venue is sure to be the pearl of your profile, so the schooner you get there the better.
Where: Pier 25, Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10013
Website: www.grandbanks.nyc
Bar Viktōria
This picturesque lounge is perfect for a daytime pick me up or a cosy speakeasy night out. The stained glass window is the perfect background for your glass of chardonnay or if you’re feeling frisky, the “Airmail” cocktail is delectable. If you are feeling hungry after a couple of drinks, their dinner menu is also raved about throughout the concrete jungle.
Where: 281 Park Ave. S, Second Floor, E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Website: www.veronikanyc.com
Refinery Rooftop
Peeking out from the rooftop beams of the Refinery Hotel is the enormous steel frame of the Empire State Building. The view from the Refinery Rooftop is absolutely brilliant and perhaps qualifies as the best view of NYC’s famed building. Inside, the bar has a brick-wall backdrop and hanging string-lights that drape down from the steel beam ceiling structure. These beams are in place for a glass ceiling, which makes the unforgettable view of the Manhattan skyline visible during any and all seasons. This is perhaps the quintessential New York photo that speaks for itself, needing no introduction or caption.
Where: 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Website: www.refineryhotelnewyork.com
Le Boudoir
Another speakeasy bar to add to your instagram feed, Le Boudoir. Hidden in the picturesque Brooklyn Heights, this bar was styled after Marie Antoinette’s chambers and offers high class cocktails, snacks, and live jazz. You walk inside and are greeted by the lavish red velvet upholstered banquette with gilded styled mirrors that will for sure lead to a mirror selfie! This unique bar will give you that retro feel with to-die-for cocktails!
Where: 135 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website: www.boudoirbk.com
Ophelia Lounge
This upscale cocktail lounge is perfect for a chill night out with friends to enjoy their 360 NYC city views. Located on the 26th floor of the Beekman Tower this lounge features craft cocktails like “The Flapper” and “The Lower East Side” (my personal favourite), live djs Thursday through Saturday, and an assortment of food and snack options. The checkered black and white floors with the navy walls for sure gives this rooftop spot that speakeasy vibe that Instagram just loves.
Where: 3 Mitchell Pl 26th floor, New York, NY 10017
Website: www.opheliany.com
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