Winter in New York can be brutal. For a finely-tuned list of where to go during the chilly season, first nab a copy of the LUXE New York guide, then rug up and hunker down in these, the city’s cosiest bars.
The name may sound ghoulish but don’t worry, Dead Rabbit is very much alive and kicking. 19th-century ‘Old New York’ inspires the sawdust-sprinkled taproom and upstairs parlour, where 72 historical tipples impress. The moniker is taken from a former Five Points gang; the expertly-crafted cocktails hark back to recipes from the 1600s. Your great-great-great-great-grandfather would approve.
Thankfully, Employees Only is actually open to all. Just push past the red velvet curtain behind the neon ‘psychic’ sign and enter this seductive, converted railroad club car where you’ll find moustached mixologists, artisanal libations, and decadent bar snacks aplenty. It’s best to visit during the week, since seats are hard to come by on the weekends.
Read More: Quintessential New York Experiences
If you’ve got a thing for upscale Americana, you’ll fit right in at The Polo Bar: a handsome clubhouse, which pays poised tribute to Ralph Lauren’s equestrian, East Coast-chic fashion brand. Expect VIPs rubbing shoulders and nibbling crab cakes (this is a NYFW fave after all); mere mortals can throw caution – and calorie counting – to the wind and order the bodacious burger. Reservations are essential.
Maison Premiere, a French Quarter throwback, sits in the heart of bustling, boho Williamsburg, with a focus aimed squarely on stellar seafood at the raw bar. Come dusk, absinthe cocktails and just-shucked oysters take the spotlight, and are best enjoyed in a tucked away table for two. Amen.
Though NY’s UES may be on the ‘tail end of the shaker scene, sultry Seamstress packs a punch with plush red leather banquettes, wood panelling and a Pam Wiznitzer’s encyclopedic knowledge of 50+ classic American tipples, each one poured to perfection. It’s cosy, candle-lit and USA-OK!
The original version of this article was written by LUXE for PenCities and updated Nov 2018.
Take a juicier bite out of the Big Apple…
