Post Overview: Best Bars in SoHo NYC
SoHo, you beautiful thing. It’s hard not to romanticize life while strolling the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, especially after a tipsy night out with friends.
The best bars in SoHo have hosted countless nights of enough laughter to make me sore. I’ve fallen in and out of love over drinks and dreamt bigger than I ever thought I could (thank you, tequila).
That’s why I love bars in SoHo. They’re the perfect blend between neighborhood joints with bartenders who befriend regulars and upscale, elegant establishments where you can’t help but feel like a moviestar.
And I’m looking to share the best bars in SoHo with you so you can feel just as warm and fuzzy as I do! I’m going to give you an insiders guide to the can’t miss spots whether you’re looking for cheap drinks, sports or a date-night.
Yeah yeah, enough of the small talk. What do you say we get to the good stuff?
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Bars in SoHo NYC
#15. Balzem
Of all the delicious Mediterranean restaurants in NYC, Balzem just might be the best. The SoHo wine bar is perfect for a romantic night out thanks to its warm lighting, brick walls and lively atmosphere.
Expect a quaint but lively candlelit dinner, that can be either a quick bite or an hour-long chat. I always find it easy to have great conversations at Balzem, no matter who I’m with (I blame the wine).
And just because it’s one of the best wine bars in SoHo doesn’t mean the food is an afterthought, on the contrary the Mediterranean cuisine is exquisite. I struggle deciding whether to wolf my meal down or savor every bite like it’s my last.
For those who have always wanted to try octopus, try it at Balzem. It may be the best in the city and is my favorite dish at the SoHo wine bar. Ask the server for recommendations on wine to pair it with and you’ll never want to leave.
Address: 202 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
#14. JIMMY
One of the best things to do after a long day of exploring NYC is to stop by the JIMMY rooftop bar. Grab a drink (or two – no judgment here!) and rest your legs at one of the best bars in SoHo.
Offering both enclosed and open air seating areas, the rooftop bar is open year-round. My suggestion is to visit around sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views of Manhattan.
There’s an outdoor pool (open to the public after 5PM, M-F) that adds to the summer vibe when the weather is nice. There’s also a working fireplace that makes the bar cozy on cold, winter days.
If you need a recommendation I’m partial the pineapple mojito, which is made with Brugal extra dry rum, pineapple, mint and lime. It’s on the sweeter side, and if you have like fruity drinks you’re sure to love it.
Be sure to make reservations in advance, since this is one of the most popular bars in SoHo. Regardless of whether you’re visiting for a date night or with friends, JIMMY offers the perfect place to dress up and enjoy the city views.
Address: 15 Thompson St, New York, NY 10013
#13. Local
I was hesitant to include Local as one of the best bars in SoHo, mostly because I wanted to keep it to myself. The neighborhood watering hole is still a bit of a hidden gem, but it wouldn’t be fair if I gatekept it.
The quiet joint is petite and charming, perfect for an impromptu date night. The menu is small but tasty, and there is free popcorn if you need something light to snack on.
Local only serves beer and wine which can be a deal breaker for some folks. In my opinion the simplicity is a nice reprieve from flashy and trendy drinks and helps makes Local one of the best bars in SoHo for an easygoing evening.
If you arrive and all the tables are full fret not, the outdoor patio is well heated and nearly just as cozy as the inside. Plus, the steady influx of booze is sure to keep your belly warm.
Address: 144 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
#12. SoHo Room
A hole in the wall tavern, SoHo Room is surprisingly one of the best bars in SoHo. There isn’t much in the way of flashy attractions, just friendly service and cold beer.
You wouldn’t want to visit SoHo Room if you’re looking for a craft cocktail experience. Rather this is the kind of place you order the nachos and a beer and stay a while to watch the game.
If you sit at the bar the bartenders are kind and friendly, making for easy going small talk with newcomers and regulars alike. In the back of the bar there are tables where you can comfortably get together with friends and spend hours catching up.
All in all, SoHo room is one of the best bars in SoHo for those looking for a casual neighborhood joint. If you’re looking to enjoy a cold beer without having to deal with the theatrics of dressing up, you need look no further.
Address: 203 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#11. Little Ways
I first visited Little Ways after a friend told me they have a drink named after Harry Styles (yes, I’m a fan) that’s made with watermelon and mezcal. Safe to say I loved it because I’ve been back countless times since!
Little Ways is one of the best bars in SoHo because it’s cute and cozy in the afternoon but turns into a mini club at night. It’s the best of both worlds, you can enjoy dinner and drinks before dancing your way into the next morning.
The menu is small but diverse enough that everyone in your party should be able to find something to eat. However, as one of the best bars in SoHo, the real reason to visit is for the drinks.
There are only a few cocktails available but they’re all flavorsome, unique and strong. Like I mentioned, I love the Harry Styles drink but the espresso martini at Little Ways is a close second.
Address: 343 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
#10. Grand Bar & Lounge at SoHo Grand Hotel
Perfectly posh, the Grand Bar & Lounge can be found in the luxurious SoHo Grand Hotel. Full of comfortable couches and chairs the space radiates a swanky vibe and it’s hard not to take out your phone for pictures.
As one of the best bars in SoHo, the Grand Bar & Lounge makes amazing classic cocktails. If you’re in need of a recommendation I think the espresso martini is *chef’s kiss* and the best you’ll find at any of the popular bars in SoHo.
There is also a decently sized menu that serves traditional American fare like steak, burgers and salmon. Since the Grand Bar & Lounge is a hot commodity reservations are a must – the last thing you want is to arrive and have to wait hours for a table.
Plus, if after your dinner date you decide you’re not ready to go home the SoHo Grand Hotel also has a club room. Simply walk over for an evening of drinks and dancing at one of the best bars in SoHo (you’ll want reservations here too).
Address: 310 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
#9. PS at Pine and Polk
When you first walk into Pine & Polk you might think it’s a beautiful, small, local grocery store. More than half the products come from women and minority owned businesses, and they put an emphasis on healthy options.
What you may not know is that the chocolate bars lead to a different kind of bar – a speakeasy! PS at Pine & Polk presents itself with the same charm and polished vibe as the store. Boasting a modern and elegant look it’s no surprise it’s one of the best bars in SoHo.
Wine, cocktails, beer and spirits are aplenty and there is even a small food menu. Although I wouldn’t recommend visiting for dinner, there are shareable options that can hold you and your friends over while you sip your drinks.
True to the speakeasy aesthetic, PS at Pine & Polk is dim-lit and intimate. The space is shockingly big considering how the small the grocery store front is, and the lounge-style seating makes it easy to want to stay a while.
Since this is one of the newer bars in SoHo there’s a lot of hype surrounding the speakeasy. I strongly encourage reservations to be sure you’ll get a table and not have to settle for a beer to-go from the grocery store.
Address: 300 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
#8. St Tropez
If there’s one thing the French know how to do it’s cook unforgettable food, and you know what pairs best with a hearty meal? A bottle of wine. Lucky for us St Tropez happens to be one of the best wine bars in SoHo.
After every visit I just want to walk into the kitchen and personally thank the kitchen staff and their precious hands of gold. You know it’s a good meal when you leave with your belly full and a buzz. 😉
In the summer the windows are opened giving St Tropez an open-air vibe, and the sunlight’s warmth radiates into the restaurant. If you’re lucky enough to be sat outside it’s hard not to feel like you’re on vacation!
Since St Tropez is one of the best wine bars in SoHo you’ll have plenty of bottles to choose from. There’s white and red, as well as champagne for celebrating special occasions. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t like wine, leave them at home (just kidding), there is also a small beer menu available.
Address: 194 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#7. Kenn’s Broome Street Bar
Have you ever had a hamburger served in pita bread? By blending the soft chewiness of the pita with a juicy hamburger patty Kenn’s Broome Street Bar puts a simple but unique twist on the most traditional bar food.
Besides the pita-burgers there isn’t much that makes Kenn’s Broome Street Bar stand out. The bar is so “normal” its become a popular destination for tourists looking for the quintessential New York City dive bar experience.
The neighborhood joint has been one of the best bars in SoHo for 50 years thanks to great service, city views and a flavorsome drink list. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local, Kenn’s Broome Street Bar is a great place to unwind with a cold one.
Address: 363 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
#6. Ear Inn
Okay before I get an earful I know the Ear Inn is in Hudson Square, but if you’re looking for the best bars in SoHo it’s only a few blocks away and warrants a visit.
Located on the ground floor of the historic James Brown House (James Brown was an African-American Revolutionary War veteran, and aid to George Washington) the Ear Inn has been in business since 1817.
Originally selling homemade beer and whiskey to sailors docking at the nearby piers, the bar has remained a popular watering hole for centuries. Today the bar serves delicious burgers, beers and pastas to the tune of live jazz.
If you’re looking for one of the best bars in SoHo and are looking to bask in a little bit of history make a beeline towards Ear Inn. And even if you don’t care about the history, it’s a great bar that serves refreshing booze!
Fun fact: Wondering how Ear Inn got its name? Since the building is a designated landmark the owners aren’t allowed to make any changes without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.
The owners simply opted to get rid of the round parts of the capital B on the sign out front, to make it read Ear instead of Bar and avoid the paperwork of a new sign.
Address: 326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
#5. Butterfly SoHo
One of the most beautiful bars in SoHo, Butterfly SoHo is perfect for a date, especially if you’re trying to impress. The bar & lounge has an intimate atmosphere with a buzzing crowd regardless of the day of the week.
Butterfly SoHo looks like the kind of place Carrie Bradshaw and her gang would visit. Locals swarm the SoHo bar with their most fashionable outfits looking to impress, and you won’t be out of place if you decide to wear heels.
As far as drinks go the menu consists mostly of cocktails and wines. If you’re feeling extra-celebratory you can order champagne, or play it simple with one of the few beers available.
Since Butterfly SoHo is one of the best bars in SoHo it’s always safe to expect crowds. I strongly encourage reservations to be sure you’ll get a table.
Address: 60 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
#4. Toad Hall
Toad Hall is a dive-bar through and through. The perfect spot for an inexpensive night out, there’s a pool table, brick walls and enough photos hung up behind the bar to make a yearbook.
Since Toad Hall is one of the best bars in SoHo you’re always guaranteed to run into a wide array of locals unwinding with a drink. Bartenders and regulars exchange stories and the bar exudes a level of homey comfort.
This is the kind of bar where the staff drink too, which can be a turn-off for some folks but to others it’s a sign of a fun spot. Toad Hall is casual, laid-back and one of the best bars in SoHo for those looking for a good time.
In the evening the neighborhood joint can get loud, swelling with folks looking to get in on the (relatively) inexpensive drinks. Classic cocktails and beer are the name of the game, but don’t expect any food. Be sure to have dinner plans lined up before of after swinging by.
Address: 57 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
#3. Spring Lounge
Spring Lounge is a picture perfect SoHo bar. I don’t mean that it’s pretty or full of modern accents, I mean that you can see the bar’s full 100 year old history on its walls. Let me give you the quick run-down.
The place originally opened in 1920 as a store, illegally selling beer during prohibition. In the 1940’s the store was named “Chappy’s,” and in the 60’s it was named “Wilson’s 10:30.” The unique name came by way of the nightly craps games held the basement at 10:30.
It finally came to be named The Spring Lounge in the 1970’s but is sometimes called “shark bar” by locals thanks to the shark hung above the bar. But the history is just part of the reason Sping Lounge is one of the best bars in SoHo.
The neighborhood watering-hole has a slogan, “life’s short, drink early” so it opens up shop at 8AM. This is one of the best bars in SoHo to stop by for some good ol’ fashioned day drinking, without the fear of judgement.
You can expect to find beers and traditional cocktails at Spring Lounge. Nothing over-the-top fancy, just friendly service, a homey bar and a lively crowd.
Address: 48 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#2. The Crosby Bar
Boasting enormous windows facing charming SoHo streets, The Crosby Bar is a stunning place to enjoy a drink. The colorful accents help set the tone for a fun get-together with friends.
Featuring a full service kitchen, the Crosby Bar is a great place for brunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. If you’re looking for one of the best bars in SoHo for a date-night, you’ve found it.
But that’s not to say you can’t pop in for just a drink. Pulling out a stool and sitting at the bar is always a delightful experience thanks to attentive bartenders and expertly made cocktails.
The downtown crowd gives The Crosby Bar a buzzing atmosphere, filled with lively chatter and laughter. As one of the best bars in SoHo it’s not hard to see why the hotel bar is always brimming with happy locals!
Address: 79 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
#1. Mother’s Ruin
On the surface Mother’s Ruin looks like any other run-of-the-mill watering hole. But thanks to an impressive drink menu and the best bar food in New York City the neighborhood joint has become one of the best bars in SoHo.
Serving an array of innovative cocktails Mother’s Ruin isn’t your daddy’s neighborhood dive bar. Sure it’s laid-back and welcoming, but that doesn’t mean the drinks are boring.
My favorite cocktail at Mother’s Ruin is called Man After Midnight. Made with bourbon, pineapple, allspice and lemon it’s the perfect drink whether I’m looking to party or just hang out.
The food is nothing to scoff at either. Mother’s Ruin just may be responsible for the best wings in New York City. If you’re not looking for a meal just order the waffles fries, they’re crispy, with just the right amount of salt.
Address: 18 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Best Bars in SoHo (Post Summary)
- Mother’s Ruin
- The Crosby Bar
- Spring Lounge
- Toad Hall
- Butterfly SoHo
- Ear Inn
- Kenn’s Broome Street Bar
- St. Tropez SoHo
- PS at Pine and Polk
- Grand Bar & Lounge at SoHo Grand Hotel
- Little Ways
- SoHo Room
- Pine and Polk
- Local
- Jimmy
- Balzem
Map of Fun Bars in SoHo
And there it is my friends! The best bars in SoHo NYC, according to yours truly. Let me know if there’s any you recommend I try – if it’s good I just might add it to the list.
Cheers.
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