Top 10 Bars In NYC's SoHo
South of Houston Street, otherwise known simply as ‘SoHo,’ is known for ample shopping opportunities, from high-end boutiques to more affordable chain stores. With all of this bustle, shoppers need spots to sit back, relax, and recharge before heading back out into the concrete jungle to hunt for the latest trends. SoHo delivers, and this list showcases the best in beer, wine, cocktails, and bar food found throughout this popular shopping area.
Fanelli Café
Pub, Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Pub Grub
Fuel up at Fanelli Café for food and drinks between shopping stops. The storefront is just the beginning of the retro vibe you will experience at Fanelli’s. This place isn’t just about creating a vibe; it actually operated as a speakeasy during the Prohibition. Stepping inside will transport you back to the 1920s, with well-chosen red-and-white checkered tablecloths and walls covered with vintage sepia-toned boxing photographs. Besides the classic but not overdone vintage ambiance, Fanelli Café is beloved in the neighborhood for inexpensive drinks, delicious, no-frills bar food (try the delicious tuna melt) and Bob, the friendly bartender who remembers the regulars’ names and favorite drinks to boot.
Lure Fishbar
Visit Lure Fishbar to prove it’s not necessary to set sail on a real boat to find coastal cocktails that you’ll want to keep flowing. Lure Fishbar’s nautical-themed bar and restaurant is designed to look like a ship’s galley, complete with wood paneling and round submarine windows. Grab your mates and drop anchor here for fun named drinks like the ‘Green Tea Party’ (Absolut, green tea, citrus shiso, and mint), ‘Fire in the Hole’ (Maker’s Mark bourbon, fire roasted dates and orange bitters) and ‘Smuggler’s Blues’ (Flor de Cana, Amaro Nonino, blackberries, and cane sugar). There’s also an awesome selection of sake by the glass and bottle to complement the wide array of seafood dishes available.
Lure Fishbar, 142 Mercer Street, New York, NY, USA, +1 212 431 7676
Houston Hall
Bar, Pub, German
Ear Inn
Bar, American
Jimmy at the James
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Contemporary
Swanky, spacious, and offering spectacular views of New York City’s most notable bridges and skyscrapers, Jimmy at the James is the place to be if you want to relax in the lap of luxury. Located 18 stories above the James Hotel Soho, the rooftop bar area offers its guests the opportunity to lounge poolside and enjoy NYC DJs spinning anything you can move to, from 90s music to the latest dance beats. If you visit with friends, go for one of the cocktail pitchers that serves five; the ‘Texas Sweet Tea’ is the perfect dose of country to complement the beautiful cityscape. For a twist on a classic done well, try the ‘Mint Old-Fashioned,’ prepared with Knobb Creek Bourbon, Grand Marnier, mint sprig, orange twist, and brandied cherry. The ‘Grilled Pineapple Mojito’ is quite popular among the ritzy regulars, so order one (or three) and you’ll feel right at home in no time.
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
Cafe, Wine Bar, Mediterranean
Pegu Club
Cocktail Bar, Juice Bar, Contemporary
At the Pegu Club, cocktail lovers will be able to experience the true alchemy of a cocktail whether an old classic or new concoction, try the ‘Earl Gray MarTEAni.’ The owner promises to bring patrons back to the true art of cocktail culture through thoughtful preparation and respectful methodology. Master mixologist Harry Craddock wrote in the classic 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book that the Pegu Club Cocktail has traveled and is asked for around the world. You’d be remiss to not try it: London dry gin, bitters, lime juice, and orange curacao. It’s crisp, snappy, and potent, and bartenders take a great deal of pride in creating this and every other drink by taking their time and using the freshest ingredients. Pay a visit yourself to see what they’re crafting next!
The Handy Liquor Bar
Bar, Market, Restaurant, American
The Ship
Cocktail Bar, Bar, Contemporary
Located on an industrial street, The Ship is so tucked away that you’d probably walk right by if you weren’t really looking for it. Before getting to the main landing, located one flight down, you’ll find an elevated seating area overlooking the lower bar area. Taking design elements from its industrial surroundings for more of a submarine-like vibe than a ship, the bar’s warm lighting, lofty ceiling, dark wood, and beautifully crafted bar is a welcome departure from decor that feels too aquatic. One favorite to order is the ‘Mount Vesuvius’ with Scotch, orange juice, pineapple, and house coconut served on crushed ice with nutmeg and cinnamon, or you can explain your dream drink with the ‘Bartender’s Choice.’ If it’s not what you had in mind, they’ll make you another, no hard feelings.
The Dutch
Restaurant, Bar, North American