Top 10 Must-Try Whiskey Bars In Manhattan, New York

Hudson Bar and Books is a dedicated whiskey and cigar bar with several locations across Manhattan, as well as Prague and Warsaw. The drinks menu offers a stellar selection of Scotch, with several decently priced options. Choose from the MaCallan 24, Glenmorangie, and Hibiki. Pair your selection with a cigar, and unwind.

The Whiskey Ward is a local favorite. Exposed brick walls, wooden bar chairs, and the pool table give this bar a rustic, relaxed vibe. Boasting a lengthy lineup of over 200 whiskies, including new and limited selections, this bar opens your eyes and taste buds to some seriously unique pours at reasonable prices. Whiskey aficionados can enjoy Masterson’s Rye or a Japanese Akashi White Oak, while cocktail devotees will love the top shelf Premium Bulleit Rye and Sparkling Bourbon Cocktail. Newcomers can choose a favorite with a whiskey flight sampling.

With the largest Scotch collection in Manhattan, Brandy Library is a must-try for any whiskey connoisseur.Their menu features 450 types of whiskey, displayed on the wall throughout the dimly lit bar. Patrons can enjoy single malts, blended malts, blended Scotches, and single and blended grain Scotch whiskies. Spirit sommeliers are on site to guide you through their fine selection of elixirs. Enjoy the smooth flavors of the 1945 Darroze Armagnac or a 1914 Pierre Ferrand cognac while listening to classic tunes.

One of Manhattan’s most historic locations, Fraunces Tavern was famously visited by George Washington. The bar is romantic yet lively with a fireplace setting a cozy and tranquil ambiance. Featuring a historic mural, the space is decorated with W. Dunsmore’s art of the Revolutionary War. With soothing jazz music in the background, relax as you enjoy your favorite dark spirit. Remember to tour the upstairs museum while indulging in their selection of top self whiskeys, or their signature Dubliner cocktail.

Whiskey Tavern is a neighborhood favorite due to its energetic vibe and impressive whiskey selection. Located in Chinatown, it offers reasonably priced savors like Buffalo Trace, Lagavulin, and High West, as well as classic cocktails like the Whiskey Sour, Traveling Secretary, and Bourbonrita. Check out its sister bars on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn.

This chic and contemporary American pub fosters a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Featuring a superior selection of whiskeys, Rye House offers rare vintages like Bulleit 10yr KY, Widow Jane 10yr, Ardbeg Corryveckan, and Yamazaki 18yr. Its signature cocktail, Clara Bow, is a great balance of sweet and tart, and it makes for a refreshing side to some savory truffle popcorn, while the punch with jalapeño-infused bourbon is another must-try. The bartenders will ensure that your experience is a thrilling one and that you try both sophisticated and eccentric dark spirits before the night is over.

With a 16-page menu, Vintry Wine & Whiskey is truly devoted to whiskey. Enjoy some exquisite pours like Balvenie 17, the Macallan 18, or the 18 year-old Laphroaig. If you fancy a sweet savor, try some of their signature cocktails like 1860’s Flip, Hot Sazerac, Vintry’s Hot Toddy, or Gingerade. Pair your drink selection with a cheese plate, which is served with apricot preserves, nuts, and bread.

With high ceilings and a luxurious back-lit whiskey wall, Maysville is something of a modern lounge named after the birthplace of Kentucky bourbon. Indulge in a wide selection of bourbons, from Wheated Bourbon, Corn Whiskey, White Whiskey, and Wheat Whiskey, or opt for a signature cocktail like Sazerac Rye, Angel’s Envy, Eagle Rare Bourbon, and Berkshire New England Corn.

A haven for the whiskey-obsessed, Caledonia offers a discerning selection of Scottish favorites. The bar emanates an intimate, warm atmosphere, serving as the perfect go-to for a glass of Jameson, Caol Ila, or Glenlivet. If you don’t like your whiskey straight, opt for their cocktails like the Penicillin, the Smokey Whiskey Sour, or even a hot chocolate with whiskey.

Located in Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell Apartment is an extravagant cocktail bar exuding old New York City glamour. Go back to the Prohibition Era with beautiful stained glass windows, eccentric woodwork and wall art, dark hardwood beams across the walls and ceiling, and a massive antique bar. Listen to some classics and cool jazz while sipping on classic cocktails like a Kentucky Ginger, Old Fashioned, Sazerac, or Manhattan.