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The Best Bars for Foodies in New York

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated 15 December 2023
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps, and for good reason: there's always something going on. The city is home to some of the most unique nightlife in the world, and the best bars in NYC range from local dives to high-end restaurants, to everything in between. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to rooftop views, classic hotel spots to white-tableclothed steakhouses—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a spot; we wish we could join you.
Temple Court
4.8 (1405)
$50 and over
American
Financial District
Curated by Tom Colicchio and located in the landmark Beekman Hotel, Temple Court makes our list of the best bars in NYC because of its sensational design and its unparalleled commitment to unique offerings with both its food and its spirits. In addition to beer and wine, Temple Court offers a variety of ciders and spirits.
Top review
OMAR
Dined on 19 May 2025
Thank you for the experience , our dinner and the service was outstanding , every detail was perfect for our 30th wedding anniversary, to all of the staff thank you
Curated by Tom Colicchio and located in the landmark Beekman Hotel, Temple Court makes our list of the best bars in NYC because of its sensational design and its unparalleled commitment to unique offerings with both its food and its spirits. In addition to beer and wine, Temple Court offers a variety of ciders and spirits.
Top review
OMAR
Dined on 19 May 2025
Thank you for the experience , our dinner and the service was outstanding , every detail was perfect for our 30th wedding anniversary, to all of the staff thank you
Bar Mercer
4.7 (1)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
SoHo
Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description:
Top review
Michelle
Dined on 8 Jun 2025
I feel like this is a sleeper spot! picked it on a whim and it landed as a 9.9 on my beli ranking. the branzino was incredible i could have practically licked the plate. the starters were delicious too. I think they can work on their martini but all in all it was an absolutely delicious meal!
Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description:
Top review
Michelle
Dined on 8 Jun 2025
I feel like this is a sleeper spot! picked it on a whim and it landed as a 9.9 on my beli ranking. the branzino was incredible i could have practically licked the plate. the starters were delicious too. I think they can work on their martini but all in all it was an absolutely delicious meal!
Dirty French NYC
4.3 (1350)
$50 and over
French
Lower East Side
Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick have curated this restaurant, located in the legendary Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side, and created a one-of-a-kind dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Within the Dirty French lies the Lobby Bar, curated by Thomas Waugh, famous for his work with the Major Food Group.
Top review
BoVIP
Dined on 7 Jun 2025
i love this place for early breakfast as you get a good meal and pleasant atmosphere in this hotel restaurant. the scrambled eggs, sourdough bread, and fluffy pancakes are sooo tasty. french roast coffee. takes me to paris every time.
Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick have curated this restaurant, located in the legendary Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side, and created a one-of-a-kind dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Within the Dirty French lies the Lobby Bar, curated by Thomas Waugh, famous for his work with the Major Food Group.
Top review
BoVIP
Dined on 7 Jun 2025
i love this place for early breakfast as you get a good meal and pleasant atmosphere in this hotel restaurant. the scrambled eggs, sourdough bread, and fluffy pancakes are sooo tasty. french roast coffee. takes me to paris every time.
Locanda Verde Tribeca
4.6 (2546)
$31 to $50
Italian
TriBeCa
This TriBeCa hotspot offers modern Italian cuisine and a matching modern Italian wine list. It's one of the pricier bars on this list, however, and getting a reservation is extremely difficult. However, if you're lucky enough to get in here, it's well worth the money spent.
Top review
CarolineVIP
Dined on 3 Jun 2025
Our server was the best and always love the ricotta cheese with bread and the lamb bolognese!
This TriBeCa hotspot offers modern Italian cuisine and a matching modern Italian wine list. It's one of the pricier bars on this list, however, and getting a reservation is extremely difficult. However, if you're lucky enough to get in here, it's well worth the money spent.
Top review
CarolineVIP
Dined on 3 Jun 2025
Our server was the best and always love the ricotta cheese with bread and the lamb bolognese!
The Lobster Club
4.8 (377)
$50 and over
Japanese
Midtown East
For a different type of Upper East Side bar, check out The Lobster Club, which is located on East 53rd Street. Offering high-end Japanese fare, including sushi and teppanyaki dishes, The Lobster Club offers a wide selection of sake, Japanese beer, and light wines to complement the Asian fare.
Top review
KathrynVIP
Dined on 3 Jun 2025
The food and service were excellent!!!! I will definitely be back!
For a different type of Upper East Side bar, check out The Lobster Club, which is located on East 53rd Street. Offering high-end Japanese fare, including sushi and teppanyaki dishes, The Lobster Club offers a wide selection of sake, Japanese beer, and light wines to complement the Asian fare.
Top review
KathrynVIP
Dined on 3 Jun 2025
The food and service were excellent!!!! I will definitely be back!
Masseria dei Vini
4.6 (3009)
$31 to $50
Italian
Midtown West
Unlike many Italian restaurants that specialize in pan-Italian fare suited for the American palate, Masseria dei Vini near Columbus Circle boasts strictly Puglian fare and exclusive Italian wines suited for a more refined palate.
Top review
GeraldVIP
Dined on 27 Nov 2024
My go to Italian restaurant!!! The managers and staff are all wonderful… attentive, professional and friendly! Food is always well prepared and plated beautifully… and they provide an interesting wine list.. Great place for an intimate dinner or family gathering!
Unlike many Italian restaurants that specialize in pan-Italian fare suited for the American palate, Masseria dei Vini near Columbus Circle boasts strictly Puglian fare and exclusive Italian wines suited for a more refined palate.
Top review
GeraldVIP
Dined on 27 Nov 2024
My go to Italian restaurant!!! The managers and staff are all wonderful… attentive, professional and friendly! Food is always well prepared and plated beautifully… and they provide an interesting wine list.. Great place for an intimate dinner or family gathering!
Boucherie - Union Square
4.5 (2716)
$31 to $50
French
Gramercy Park
Located in the heart of the West Village, Boucherie prides itself on having patrons experience authentic French culture and cuisine. As a result, the bar features absinthe and various mixed drinks with absinthe as the main ingredient. If you're looking for one of the best bars in NYC for absinthe, you've come to the right place.
Top review
Michelle
Dined 2 days ago
Went here for a birthday last night. They have us a nice table and followed the birthday request. Great food, lovely atmosphere.
Located in the heart of the West Village, Boucherie prides itself on having patrons experience authentic French culture and cuisine. As a result, the bar features absinthe and various mixed drinks with absinthe as the main ingredient. If you're looking for one of the best bars in NYC for absinthe, you've come to the right place.
Top review
Michelle
Dined 2 days ago
Went here for a birthday last night. They have us a nice table and followed the birthday request. Great food, lovely atmosphere.
The Clocktower
$50 and over
English
Gramercy Park
Centrally located near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, The Clocktower is curated by master Chef Jason Atherton and located in the New York EDITION building. In addition to offering cleverly-named signature drinks (The French Connection and All Along The Clocktower, to wit), it boasts a wine list that is more than 30 pages long!
Top review
KevinK
Dined on 26 May 2023
The service and food were amazing. Everything was on-point from the moment we arrived to when we left. The beef Wellington and salmon stake were perfect. The only suggest I have is to turn down the music a tad as I couldn't hear half of what my wife was saying. Otherwise, the ambiance and decor were great as well. The bread served at the beginning of the meal was so flavorful and delicious.
Centrally located near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, The Clocktower is curated by master Chef Jason Atherton and located in the New York EDITION building. In addition to offering cleverly-named signature drinks (The French Connection and All Along The Clocktower, to wit), it boasts a wine list that is more than 30 pages long!
Top review
KevinK
Dined on 26 May 2023
The service and food were amazing. Everything was on-point from the moment we arrived to when we left. The beef Wellington and salmon stake were perfect. The only suggest I have is to turn down the music a tad as I couldn't hear half of what my wife was saying. Otherwise, the ambiance and decor were great as well. The bread served at the beginning of the meal was so flavorful and delicious.
Upland
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Gramercy Park
This is perhaps the only bar on this list that's based in New York City but prides itself on its California influences. Changing its menu with the seasons, Upland is located near Madison Square Park and boasts a robust wine and spirits list alongside its full bar.
Top review
SusanFVIP
Dined on 16 Nov 2019
We totally enjoyed our dinner at Upland. The entire evening was perfect. The food was outstanding. My husband never likes the menu when we go out and he loved everything we ordered. We shared a salad, pizza, pasta and chicken. Our waiter, Sam, was fabulous and the manger, Jennifer, came over and she was delightful. thank you for a wonderful evening. Susan & Alan Fishman
This is perhaps the only bar on this list that's based in New York City but prides itself on its California influences. Changing its menu with the seasons, Upland is located near Madison Square Park and boasts a robust wine and spirits list alongside its full bar.
Top review
SusanFVIP
Dined on 16 Nov 2019
We totally enjoyed our dinner at Upland. The entire evening was perfect. The food was outstanding. My husband never likes the menu when we go out and he loved everything we ordered. We shared a salad, pizza, pasta and chicken. Our waiter, Sam, was fabulous and the manger, Jennifer, came over and she was delightful. thank you for a wonderful evening. Susan & Alan Fishman
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