Top Chinatown Cocktails: Local Bars & Nightlife Insights
Infatuation
Where To Eat Hot Dogs In NYC? Plentiful, relatively cheap, and easy to eat as you jaywalk or wait for a bus, hot dogs are an essential part of New York City cuisine. And Chicago Dogs are officially part of New York City’s hot dog ecosystem, and the ones at Dog Day Afternoon in Windsor Terrace are some of the best. This kitschy little shop keeps a Vienna Beef diagram next to the register, so you can cross-check your dog and make sure it matches up. The poppyseed bun is especially soft and flavorful, and the combination of a Chicago dog with an orange whip on the sidewalk outside the restaurant is one of our favorite meals on a warm day.
Infatuation
If you’re looking for an impressive place to get a table when you didn’t plan weeks in advance, here is a great option. Noho’s C As In Charlie is one of those places that should be harder to get into, but we're grateful that it's not. The neon-red space can make even a Tuesday feel sexy and all of their Korean-Southern dishes cost $16 or less. The next time you need a little weekend energy on a weeknight without having to refresh the reservation page at exactly 9am, plan to come here—especially if you're into the idea of ox bone cream pasta, glaze fried chicken, and seoul'sbury steak with galbi jus and gruyére grits.
newyorkcity.explore
Astoria, Queens is hosting a free Community Cookout Movie Night Series this summer, bringing together local businesses Tikkun BBQ, Astoria Horror Club, and the 31st Avenue Open Street Collective. For three weekends in June, July, and August, the 31st Avenue Open Street will feature free horror movie screenings starting at 8 pm, along with free food like hot dogs and BBQ chicken provided by Tikkun BBQ. The series kicks off this Saturday, June 29th with a showing of the classic vampire film The Lost Boys. Organizers will also be handing out free harm-reduction supplies like Naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie nights.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Nothing says 'summer' like roof pools NYC. The perfect way to make the most out of a weekend in the big city, is to combine street-level fun with swimming and views at a chic NYC rooftop pool. What used to be Gansevoort Park is now Royalton Park Avenue. The rooftop pool is however the same, and this 2oth floor terrace can boast with one of the best rooftop pools NYC has available. One floor above the Rooftop at Royalton Park Avenue you’ll find this gem. Located in the middle of Manhattan (on Park Avenue, as the name suggests) with mighty views over the skyline with Empire State Building as a cool backdrop.
Secret NYC
Take in an enchanting concert by flickering candlelight ⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in New York. Fever’s popular Candlelight Concerts are better than ever this summer! Take a trip to Long Island and enjoy a Candlelight Summer in picturesque venues such as Guild Hall and With tons of dazzling concerts.
Secret NYC
Catch the year’s last Manhattanhenge Manhattanhenge is when the setting sun aligns with the street grid of Manhattan, illuminating every cross street on the north and south sides of the borough, and the year’s final Manhattanhenge will be on Thursday, July 11th, with the half sun version on Friday, July 12th.
katya ann
Fresh & AFFORDABLE AUSSIE STYLE hand rolls in the West Village 🍣💯✨ for just $12 you can get 3 rolls 😍 8 flavors to choose from with a monthly special! 📍Save this spot for your next takeout night in NYC!!
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC
katya ann
Cha Cha Matcha: another FAVE in the city with multiple locations! The most fun & cute interior design and all whisked on the spot. Minimal food options but tons of fun specialty drinks + matcha soft serve. Make sure to grab a matcha to go before your next train ride in Moynihan station!
ResX
BuvetteNYC The perfect place to brunch in the West Village ☕️ Our server insisted that we get the last order of Pain Perdu (brioche bread with berries & crème) and it did not disappoint!🤤 ✨Pain Perdu ✨Crq Monsieur ✨Jambon Cru ✨Belgian Waffle
Infatuation
A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfied—and with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because that’s where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and you’ve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
Infatuation
Carnitas Ramirez has us feeling as elated as we did after watching Dune: Part Two. The small East Village spot from Taqueria Ramirez specializes in carnitas, and they're worth the line you’ll have to wait in. The whole pig is cooked snout-to-tail in big steel vats just behind the counter, and you can pick which parts you want on each $5 taco. Grab at least a few surtida tacos—a multi-textural adventure with bits from the entire pig. For a more focused taco, we like the tender lengua and the savory chamorro. Get a $3 side of chicharron to crumble on top, and load up on the salsa verde at the salsa station.
Crown | NYC
Have you gone for the kiss on a NYC Ferry ride?
newyorkcity.explore
Discover the vibrant umbrella installation at Hillel Place Plaza! 🌂🌈✨ 💡 Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the colorful umbrellas at Hillel Place Plaza create a stunning and whimsical canopy that transforms the space into a lively and artistic oasis. This installation not only adds a splash of color to the urban landscape but also provides a unique backdrop for photos and a joyful atmosphere for visitors. Whether you're strolling through the plaza, relaxing under the umbrellas, or enjoying the surrounding shops and cafes, this installation brings a sense of fun and creativity to the neighborhood.
nycity__ig
BIRDMEN staying hydrated at Lincoln Center 💦 “Birdmen” by Close-Act Theatre are three gigantic, stilt-walking puppets that roam the campus as part of the BigUmbrella Festival today and tomorrow, July 6 and 7, 2024. These clips were captured this morning. They will perform again today at 5 PM and tomorrow, July 7 at 4 pm and 7 pm. Stay hydrated like the Birdmen!
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Local Community in Willowbrook Near NYC - Engage in Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts
Infatuation
The Best Late Night Food In NYC: Love Korean BBQ Is it lame to say that the name of this Koreatown restaurant is exactly how we feel about it? Yeah, but it’s too late now. Open until 4am on Friday and Saturday, this fun three-story place has spinning rainbow-colored lights, a bar in the basement, and DJs every weekend after 6pm. They have several combos ($109 to $229) to choose from, which come with a cornucopia of vegetables to throw on the grill. Our favorite is the one with both beef and pork. Add some smoky, peppery japchae and their custardy truffled steamed egg—we’d come here just for those two things.
Infatuation
Lucia Pizza of Soho This is New York, which means you don’t have to settle for a mediocre slice of pizza late at night—instead, you can get one of the best slices. Lucia Pizza's Soho location is open until 3am, Thursday through Saturday (1am during the winter months), and even if you're stumbling and bleary-eyed, you’ll appreciate the moment they take to shower your pizza with basil and parm. There are a lot of standout slices here, so we recommend getting a few—something with red sauce, then also the vodka sauce slice, or the creamed spinach one. It's 350 feet from the A/C at Canal Street, in case that's your next move.
ResX
If pasta is your love language, you’ll want to try the Ricotta Gemelli with chili oil by Saint Theo’s Restaurant 🌶️ This dish is back on the dinner & brunch menu everyday by popular demand! Recs☑️ 🍋Ricotta Gemelli 🍋Lemon Linguine 🍋Branzino 🍋Fusilli Calabrese 🍋Chicken Milanese
ResX
Tucci - New York is NoHo’s newest Italian spot and it does not disappoint! The standout items are the shrimp scampi in an unforgettable lemon garlic sauce and the chicken parm with vodka sauce! Reservations are in high demand, but keep an eye out for openings.
Secret NYC
Cool Down With Broadway Sings Featuring Hits By Taylor Swift & ABBA OK we know Taylor Swift is in Europe but for select dates in July, Swifties can sing and “Shake It Off” to hits at Broadway Sings Taylor Swift. Broadway’s finest singers team up with a 14-piece orchestra to belt out a stellar setlist only on July 14th this month. You can also be a “Dancing Queen” when Broadway Sings ABBA on July 13th and 18th! Highlights 🎤 Enjoy a stunning live concert bringing Taylor’s greatest hits to life ⭐ Performed by stars from Broadway shows such as Hamilton, Six, Waitress, Kinky Boots, Wicked, and Merrily We Roll Along 🎻 Listen to brand new, refreshing interpretations of your favorite songs played by a full orchestra 🍸 Enjoy delicious cocktails and a full menu of food for dinner: $25 food/drink minimum per person, no matter the age (brunch menu available at 1pm shows!) 🎵 Take in the remarkable atmosphere of a beautiful, renowned music venue
katya ann
MUST TRY ITALIAN restaurant in The West Village, NYC 🍝🤌🇮🇹 Ci Siamo: gorgeous, spacious, & chic spot in Hudson yards. Must try the focaccia, onion torta & rapini agnolotti!!
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Somewhere Nowhere NYC is a multi-level and vibrant rooftop escape, found on the top floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel. Here you find a magical, whimsical and 5,516-square-feet indoor garden lounge for fun through the evening and night, but also a top floor open-air rooftop terrace, equipped with a luxurious rooftop pool. Being the tallest hotel rooftop pool in NYC, it is no surprise that Somewhere Nowhere offers you the chance to swim with some amazing and panoramic 360° views over the Manhattan skyline. Get comfy in one of the loungers and enjoy tropical cocktails and tapas-style light bites. After a day of relaxation, you will be ready to join in on the fun with live DJs at the rooftop bar.
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The Restaurant Guide
Café Chelsea is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their patio is in full bloom 💐 The art displayed throughout the Café is part of the Hotel Chelsea's collection of art by guests who once lived at the hotel. See you for brunch this weekend. 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Infatuation
Blue Hour Many have tried to recreate that most iconic — and dare we say, revolutionary — of handheld foods: Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme. (Super Burrito’s Dankwrap comes to mind.) Blue Hour, a takeout window inside a Bushwick gas station, truly nails it. Their “Cwunch Wap Supweme” is compact, contained, and has a tostada inside that stays crispy, even after your walk home. You’ll also feel less like a human trash bag after eating it, thanks to high quality—and 100% halal—ingredients. Along with the menu’s other late-night New York classics (chicken over rice, chopped cheese), the wrap is also under $10. If you’re wondering why BP is suddenly making fancy fried chicken sandwiches and passionfruit lemonade—they’re not. This place is from the Little Flower team. It’s open until 10pm on weekdays, and 3am on weekends.
Infatuation
We’ve been looking forward to Bánh By Lauren’s opening for months—and the pandemic-era popup business turned elegant Chinatown bakery does not disappoint. Their signature pandan honeycomb cake is as pleasurably chewy as a lively conversation, while the moist, flavor-packed chinese sausage, cheddar & chive scone may be even more exciting. There’s also a Vietnamese-inspired coffee menu to play around in: We’ll be drinking the big-time refreshing, sweet-and-sour iced Lime Drip all summer. The bakery is currently open from Thursday to Sunday.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Elsie Rooftop really brings a slice of fashionable 1920s cocktail bar to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Set on the 25th floor of an office building near Bryant Park, the rooftop comes with an upscale and glamorous indoor lounge, surrounded by a wraparound terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyscrapers. The rooftop bar serves progressive mixology cocktails, along with wines, champagne and an upscale seasonally focused light fare menu.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Upscale and intimate dining room and lounge above the Meatpacking District. Found right in the heart of the buzzing Meatpacking District, STK Steakhouse Downtown NYC offers a chic and high-energy dining & lounge experience. Best of all, it does so all the way up to the rooftop. The stylish, lush and intimate 4th floor STK Rooftop blends bar, lounge and table seating, all surrounded with prime views over the Meatpacking District, Hudson River and the High Line. The rooftop comes equipped with a retractable glass enclosure, which means that the upscale dining room and lounge is available for elevated experiences all year-round. The rooftop menu features classic and refreshing STK cocktails, a fine selecton of wines and bubbles, as well as a great array of signature dishes, ranging from raw bar selections and Surf & Turf, to a beef program that focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks. Inviting to an infectious high energy vibe, STK Rooftop is dynamic venue, offering social happy hours, memorable dinners under the stars, vibrant DJ nights, and an elevated weekend brunch.
The Restaurant Guide
One of the best burgers in NYC come Cecchi's Out. Cecchi’s is a modern take on the classic New York bar & grill at West 13th St. Welcomes you into their beautiful, warm environment while serving up some of the best American classics! They mastered the classic New York vibe with the ambiance of this place: perfectly dim mood lighting, half circle leather booths, art deco wall murals reaching the ceilings.
iknowaspotfor.nyc
A SPOT FOR outdoor coffee date Abraço a neighborhood favorite 🫶 cozy vibes inside too but i love their outdoor picnic table set up, especially with my lack of outdoor space at my own place for a good ol coffee sunbathe When i first moved to east village, i was waiting with my roomie on st marks for our table at a restaurant and started chatting with a man walking his dog. We had moved in maybe the week before so when he had been in the neighborhood for years we gently begged for recs - “you drink coffee?” (yes duh) “hands down abraço” And has been a personal fav for me since ☕️ they also have beer + wine which i always forget so this is my note to self to come back for drinks… PS there’s a no laptop rule so don’t try to come to WFH
See alsoDiscover the Best Cocktails in Willowbrook: Local Bars & Rooftop Nightlife Near NYC
Secret NYC
Camp under the stars on Governors Island! Treat yourself to this lovely glamping experience on NYC’s perfect island getaway: Governors Island! Over the years, Collective Governors Island Luxury Camping Retreat introduced plenty of new and exciting amenities that included “live music nights, tarot readings, crafting, morning yoga, bike rentals, chair massages, plenty of lawn games, campfires and cocktails” throughout the season—but this year, the experience is offering even more incredible amenities than years prior. All visitors are invited to join their happy hour on the Sunset Terrace and reserve a spot for their grill menu highlighting local purveyors and farms. There’s even an option to get late night takeaway drinks at a discounted price to enjoy in your tent.
Secret NYC
Hop Aboard NYC’s first-ever floating Mexican restaurant! NYC’s First & Only Floating Mexican Restaurant Is Open On The Hudson. All aboard for some tequila and Mexican-inspired street food! La Barca Cantina has returned on the Hudson for another season. La Barca Cantina offers Mexican fare and delicious cocktails afloat! Hop onboard the three-story boat at Pier 81 on the Hudson River and sail around the city for incredible skyline and sunset views with New York Cruise Lines. And it has officially set sail! The boat offers custom artwork by Tlisza Jaurique, the first Mexican-American woman to exhibit at the Met, an incredible top deck for guests to take in the scenery, and most notably, an expansive agave-based spirits menu.
Unveil Hidden Cocktail Gems in Chinatown NYC
When it comes to hidden gems for cocktails in Chinatown, NYC, there's no shortage of local delights to discover. Enjoying a night out in this neighborhood means more than delicious cuisine; it opens up a world of unique cocktail bars, trending rooftop bars, and a nightlife brimming with surprises. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a new spot to enjoy a drink, Chinatown’s bar scene offers local insights and secrets that will enrich your evening out.
Exploring Local Cocktail Bars
One of Chinatown's biggest charms is its abundance of hidden local cocktail bars. These spots often blend unique ingredients and creative mixology techniques, producing some of the best cocktails in NYC. Locals often recommend visiting Apothéke, a speakeasy-style bar that offers inventive cocktails inspired by apothecary traditions. The experience isn’t merely about the drinks; it's a journey into an environment draped in mystique and history.
Another must-visit is Double Chicken Please, a bar known for its whimsical takes on classic drinks. Tucked away behind an inconspicuous storefront, this spot features an avant-garde cocktail menu that changes seasonally. Each drink here tells a story, unfolding flavors in the most unexpected yet delightful ways.
Rooftop Bars with Stunning Views
For those looking to enjoy cocktails with a view, Chinatown and its surrounding areas are home to several trending rooftop bars that offer spectacular cityscapes. The Crown, located atop Hotel 50 Bowery, is a great starting point. This rooftop haven provides panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline while you sip on their signature cocktails like the Mulberry Street or Bowery Sangria.
If you venture slightly outside the traditional boundaries of Chinatown, you'll find Mr. Purple, a popular rooftop bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic cocktail offerings. With an industrial-chic design and both indoor and outdoor seating, Mr. Purple creates an ideal spot for enjoying a night out, especially when the weather is favorable.
A Taste of Chinatown Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Chinatown's nightlife comes alive with a blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. Beyond bars, you can discover karaoke spots and live music venues that add an extra layer of fun to your night out. For those who enjoy a more communal drinking experience, 169 Bar offers a lively dive bar atmosphere where the cocktails are strong and the crowd is eclectic. The bar's quirky décor and affordable drinks make it a beloved spot among locals.
Another key venue in the nightlife scene is Basement, a subterranean club famous for its house and techno nights. It’s a great place if you seek to dance the night away in a more underground setting. The energy here is palpable, often drawing a crowd that appreciates both the beats and the bespoke cocktails available at the bar.
Local Insights and Hidden Treasures
Beyond the obvious hotspots, Chinatown harbors many hidden treasures known primarily to locals. Kikihub, a platform for anonymous local chat, is an excellent resource for gaining these local insights. The charm is often in the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path spots. Places like Peachy's, an intimate and cozy space beneath Chinese Tuxedo, offer a calm retreat where the bartenders craft exceptional cocktails with precision and flair.
Meanwhile, curious adventurers might find themselves at Attaboy, an unmarked, unpretentious cocktail haven where the bartenders take the helm to concoct a drink based on your preferences. Such places are cherished by those in the know for their authenticity and dedication to the craft of mixing drinks.
Vibrant Dining and Drinking Experiences
Combining dining with cocktail culture, Chinatown has several restaurants that also serve crafted beverages worth exploring. Chinese Tuxedo, set in a former opera house, offers not only a visually stunning dining experience but also an impressive cocktail menu that perfectly complements their innovative Chinese dishes.
A lesser-known yet fantastic spot is La Taverna, a tiny but cozy European-style café with a good selection of wines and beautifully prepared cocktails. Tucked away from the bustling streets, it's an ideal venue for those looking to enjoy a quieter evening.
Chinatown’s cocktail scene truly has it all—from speakeasies to rooftops, dive bars to refined dining experiences, making it an essential part of NYC nightlife. Through platforms like Kikihub, you can unlock more local secrets and insider tips, ensuring your visits to Chinatown are always filled with delightful discoveries and unforgettable drinks.
