25 Lively West Village NYC Bars To Experience This Year

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Are you in New York’s West Village and don’t know where to find the best bars? You just landed at the right place.

This lineup of 25 of the liveliest West Village bars can help you find exactly what you are looking for this week.

Whether it’s the ultimate spot for cocktails, date nights, or a group of fun friends, I’ve got you covered.

25 Best West Village NYC Bars

So, head on below to find just the right kind of bar you want to explore in the West Village.

1. Katana Kitchen

Phone: +1-704-838-1193

Address: 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

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If you want to experience something different, the Katana Kitchen is where you should explore. The Japanese-style bar caters to a range of crowds, whether couples on date night or people who want to grab some grub.

In fact, Katana Kitchen is one of the best eater west village bars for destination cuisines. The Katana bar doesn’t only offer a good variety of drinks.

You can also sample a generous variety of pub grub and snacks. The Izakaya-style bar offers a great choice of cocktails. However, to best enjoy Katana Kitchen, order some of their popular grub to pair with the cocktails.

Whether Nori Fries, spicy Kim Chi Fries, Garlic Salmon tacos, or Hibachi Scallops, you can rest assured to keep your palate impressed at Katana.

You can pair your favorite grub with a host of drinks offered, whether the house special gin & tonic, Amaretto Sour or Japanese whiskey, to name a few.

2. St Tropez

Phone: +1-917-970-9090

Address: 304 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

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If you want something more European, the St Tropez French Restaurant may just be what you need.  This French restaurant stands out as one of the best wine bars in the Manhattan area, offering a calmer ambiance as opposed to a busy bar.

The wine bar’s cozy and festive ambiance goes along great with its offerings.

The bar offers a good selection of Provencal French food and a top-notch extensive list of French wines. If you don’t want to immerse yourself in a large food spread, you can pair affordable French small plates with a crisp glass of wine.  

On the other hand, its classy look paired with floor-to-ceiling windows completes the bar’s unique and comfortable setting.

3. B’Artusi

Phone: N/A

Address: 520 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

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For a change of scenery, try B’Artusi, if you want to experience Italian wine and cooking at its finest. This intimate Italian wine bar is the smaller bar version of the larger L’Artusi Restaurant establishment.

Like the restaurant, the bar focuses on offering the Italian experience with its selection of over 200 Italian wines and small plates. While its features an intimate and cozy setup, the bar also lets you enjoy the environment how you want.

You can choose to sit in the dimly lit date night ideal indoors or the covered outdoor seating area. As expected, B’Artusi doesn’t disappoint in its choice of Italian wines or small plate Italian food.

Whether it’s Italian chopped salad, tuna crudo, or a decadent tiramisu French toast, the bar does an impressive job to make it one of the best eater west village bars for Italian food and drinks.

4. The Spaniard

Phone: +1-212-918-1986

Address: 10 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

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If you are a whiskey lover, the Spaniard should be your ultimate bar spot when in the West Village. Inspired by classic New York bars, the Spaniard offers a good selection of whiskey complemented with delicious bar food.

The whiskey-rich bar offers a selection of whiskeys, including American favorites, like bourbon and Tennessee whiskey or scotch, Japanese, and Canadian, to mention a few.

You can also sample various whiskey-based cocktails and single shooters or pair your drinks with the extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. The bar is set in an extensive lace with various seating arrangements, including booths.

In fact, it’s this combination of food, booze, and setting that makes it one of the best west village bars for bar food and light bites and even hosting different gatherings, like birthdays.

The Spaniard boasts a good balance of old-school service with unmatched modern vibes to make it a perfect spot for different types of patrons.

However, the Spaniard is a popular spot among patrons, so book your table in advance to avoid the disappointment of hanging around the bar waiting for a seat.

5.   The Happiest Hour

Phone: +1-212-918-1986

Address: 121 W 10 St, New York, NY 10014

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If you are a sucker for cocktails, the Happiest Hour is the ideal West Village bar for you. Considered one of the best west village cocktail bars, the Happiest Hour also functions as a full-service restaurant. 

The Happiest Hour is not only impressive from its extensive food and cocktail menu.

The settings also create the right environment for an enjoyable experience. The bar is adorned with a retro-style interior set up, featuring a breezy feel with doodled coconut trees, reminiscent of the sandy beach resorts.

On the other hand, the menu features an extensive list of all-American diner-style food, including the bar’s award-winning burgers, sandwiches, and chopped salads.

You can also sample a good amount of appetizers and snacks, like bonsai chicken bites, loaded tater tots, and even grub for vegetarians, like buffalo cauliflower.

 The extensive lineup of classic and inventive cocktails will also leave you satisfied, whether you want rum, Mezcal, tequila, vodka, or whiskey-based drinks. You can even find artistically crafted cocktail options, like the tea-based tropic tea cocktail or a large cocktail serving, the cocktail pitcher.

6. Art Bar

Phone: +1-212-727-0244

Address: 52 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

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The ArtBar is the best West Village bar for creatives looking for their one haven around the neighborhood. As regular patrons put it, ArtBar is where art meets high spirits.

The bar’s setting ambiance is not like your regular every day bar. With its unique design, the West Village bar lets you enjoy your night the way you want.

The bar’s layout offers overstuffed couches in the living room with a fireplace where you can get cozy and relax while the modern digital jukebox lets you jam to your favorite tunes.

If you really want to get into a partying mood, the lively bar area is where you can join a crowd of similar patrons. You will also find a good display of local and international artists’ work to complete the look.

But, would ArtBar really be complete without extending its artistry to its food and drink menu? Whether it’s downing a decadent pumpkin pie or peppermint martini during happy hour or enjoying the broad selection of comfort foods, the ArtBar never disappoints.

7. Julius’

Phone: +1-877-746-0528

Address: 159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

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This lineup of the best West Village bars wouldn’t be complete without Julius’. Considered one of the best gay bars in the neighborhood, Julius’ offers an excellent balance of grub, drinks, and goof entertainment.

The bar also welcomes patrons of all generations. Whether an older patron looking to enjoy a draft on the long wooden bar or a younger patron wanting to explore the juke ox’s rich arsenal of good music, there’s always space for you.

The bar’s historical background and ambiance are reflected in the interior design. You will find historical black and white wall art, wooden barrel stools, and wagon wheeled ceiling.

Nonetheless, you will enjoy the selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, along with classic pub grub, such as burgers, grilled sandwiches, and onion rings. Stock up on some bills, however, as Julius’ is cash only.

Fun fact: Julius’ is one of the oldest bars in Newyork, having been launched more than a century ago in 1862. Its rich history is reflected in the bar’s sense of community and the interior wall design lined with historical materials.

The bar has even been used as a backdrop for historical films, such as Can you Ever Forgive Me?

8. Anfora

Phone: +1-212-518-2722

Address: 34 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

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The Anfora bar is an excellent west village bar destination for patrons that want to sample a variety of wine options. In fact, you will be impressed even more with Anfora if you are all about natural and clean consumption. 

After all, the wine bar specializes in natural wine with zero additives and minimal wine and bottle manipulation.

The restaurant works with small scale farmers to pick the best destination wines that reflect their terroir and origin.

But, this dimly lit wine bar with beautiful window seating doesn’t just offer wine. The eater west village bar also features a good amount of beer, cider, and cocktail.

On a casual date, you can also enjoy the immaculate small plates, including ricotta crostini, flatbread, meats, and cheeses.

9. Ollie

Phone: +1-917-484-1302

Address: 64 Downing Street, New York, NY 10014

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The Ollie West Village Newyork bar embodies everything modern and is an excellent reflection of the West Village neighborhood. The bar offers an all-around balance, whether you want to enjoy handcrafted cocktails or healthy vegan-friendly Cali-inspired grub.

What better way to enjoy smooth music over the weekend than while downing a healthy vegan dish with artistically crafted specialty cocktails? The bar is known for its extensive variety of eclectic cocktails blended using unique mixes like blackberry jam with vanilla and chocolate bitters.

You can even find nonalcoholic varieties if you don’t want any boozy drinks. The same uniqueness is expressed in the generous supply of vegan food, whether roasted Brussels sprouts or a vegetable sandwich.

10. The Otheroom

Phone: +1-212-645-9758

Address: 143 Perry St, New York, NY 10014

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If you are contemplating a romantic place for a quiet night with your significant other, there’s no better place than the Otheroom.

Now, the Otheroom is not where you go to get wild on the dance floor. Instead, the bar offers a relaxing and tranquil setting that’s perfect for a romantic date night or intimate dinner party.

The bar offers the perfect haven for patrons to get away from the city’s fast-paced hustle and bustle. In fact, the entire bar features quaint candlelit and dark seating spaces – so, expect to see couples just like yourself there.

 The cozy setting is also always complemented by good in-house music. But, when it comes to the food, don’t expect a spread. The Otheroom is still a bar.

So, in addition to the good selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, you will also find some grub highlighted on the bar’s small chalkboard menu.

11. Pieces Newyork

Phone: +1-212-929-9291

Address: 8 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

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The Pieces Newyork Gay Bar caters more to patrons that want to turn the night up! Are you up for a drag show? Want to see some glitter and crazy fun performances? Pieces Newyork was built just for this.

If drag shows aren’t your thing? (Why wouldn’t it??), you can take advantage of the bar’s happy house weekdays from 2 to 8 pm or its generous weekend liquid brunch.

So, whether you enjoy the $8 long island ice teas during the popular weekend liquid brunch or the daily themed night drag shows, you can never NOT enjoy Pieces Newyork.

12. The Village Tavern

Phone: +1-212-741-1935

Address: 46 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014

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The Village Tavern is the ultimate West Village Sports bar for patrons looking to enjoy a game while chugging draft beer. However, the Village Tavern is not your regular sports bar. Instead of an extensive space-jammed setting, the Village Tavern has a pretty distinct look while still maintaining its sports ambiance.

 The bar is packed with TVs and a pool while a fireplace and stained glass windows add to its coziness. When not following up on intensely competitive games on the TV, you can enjoy some music from the jukebox and choose from the extensive menu of beer, wine, cocktails, and pub grub.

13. The Four Faced Liar

Phone: +1-212-206-8959

Address: 165 West 4th St, New York, NY 10014

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The Four Faced Liar, just like its name, lets you experience a whole new bar ambiance. This popular Manhattan spot is one of the most popular Irish West Village Bar.

But, to keep up with the times, the bar offers a more modern Irish pub feel. In fact, the bar embodies the true characteristics of any Irish bar with typical décor, music, friendly servers, and a sense of community.

The bar wouldn’t be complete without the classic creamy Guinness or pale ale being served. You will also find a good supply of Irish whiskey.

To keep yourself entertained you can take advantage of any of the bar’s entertainment options, whether the live poetry nights, in-house board games, or sports game live broadcasts on the TV screens around.

14. Cubby Hole

Phone: +1-212-243-9041

Address: 281 12th St, New York, NY 10014

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The Cubby Hole is one of the best lesbian West Village bars and the best known in NYC. Over the years, Cubby Hole has evolved to cater to the entire LGBTQ community.

While it doesn’t compare to other larger West Village bars, this small cash-only bar still guarantees an enjoyable experience.

The bar is a popular location for patrons who love dancing. You will also be impressed with the beautiful décor and vibrant ambiance inside.

While it remains fairly quiet during the week, the Cubby Hole is popular, busy, and well-packed during the weekend. You should even expect a line at some point during the night.

15. Lelabar

Phone: +1-212-206-0594

Address: 422 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

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Lelabar offers an elegant and beautiful instagrammable casual wine room reflected not only through its visually appealing setting.

Its exquisite menu of food and drinks also makes it one of the best eater West Village Bars, The dimly lit setting is accentuated by the bar’s oval-shaped layout and creates the illusion of the highest-end bar.

The menu also featured an impressive lineup of the best wines and cocktails that blend well with cheese and charcuterie plates along with the selection of meats offered.

So, order your fromager D’affinois or Rosette de Lyon French dried sausage with a sommelier-recommended wine for a beautiful unwinding of your evening.

16. Marie’s Crisis Café

Phone: +1-646-470-6040

Address: 59 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

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Marie’s Crisis Café is something out of the movie, a fantastic destination for impressing visitors from out of town. Established in the late 20s, today, the bar is a popular piano gay bar, popular for its sing-along culture and a favorite of Broadway patrons.

If you want to experience a fun and lively night out in a less traditional way, check out Marie’s Crisis Café. You can still find a good selection of the best beer, wines, and cocktails at this cash-only bar, too.

17. The Little Branch

Phone: +1-212-206-0594

Address: 20 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014

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The Little branch makes it to the list of the world’s best bars and is popular for its impressive mixology. If you are a cocktail aficionado, the Little Branch should be on your to-do list for places to visit in the West Village.

The bar features a uniquely scenic and intimate underground setting with a strict capacity on a first come first serve basis.

The strictly limited capacity makes it a great intimate space for a date or small group gatherings. On your lucky night, you can even enjoy some jazz performances.

18. Employees Only

Phone: +1-212-242-3021

Address: 510 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

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Whether it’s the psychic that greets you at the door or classic American cuisine served, the Employees Only bar guarantees a memorable experience in the West Village.

The bar features an intelligent design with the illusion of exclusivity using a simple “Psychic” neon sign plastered at the front door as its only sign.

Inside the bar, however, things are totally different. You can indulge in a long line of interesting drinks (After Midnight is my personal favorite) or chomp down a mouthwatering seared rib eye as you enjoy the background music and lively crowd.

19. Due West

Phone: +1-212-206-0594

Address: 189 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

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If you have varying interests throughout the day, the Due West bar was created for patrons like you. the bar offers a refreshing ambiance and caters to various patron needs, be it catching a game during the day or dancing the night away.

The bar also comes with qualities anyone would love, friendly staff, lower prices, and a fantastic selection of cocktails, beers, wine, and hard liquor.

You can even find some grub as you watch the game or lounge in the evening, from a juicy short rib slider to delicious oysters.

20. Hudson Bar & Books

Phone: +1-212-229-2642

Address: 636 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

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As the name suggests, the Hudson Bar & Books features an elegant and whimsical ambiance for patrons looking to lounge about, have a few drinks, and grab some grub.

The bar features an imposing but, relaxing library setting lined with built-in bookshelves that makes the surroundings cozy.

You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors and order a selection of their satisfying crafted cocktails. Try out their bookish titled Smithsonian cocktail with a slice of pizza for a lazy evening.

21. Village Vanguard

Phone: +1-212-255-4037

Address: 178 7th Avenue S, New York, NY 10014

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Are you a sucker for jazz clubs? Check out the village Vanguard and you won’t be disappointed. The renowned bar has existed since the 60s and doesn’t disappoint with its weekly fair share of jazz performances.

To help you complement these memorable performances, the bar offers a generous selection of the best boozy and non-alcoholic drinks, whether classic cocktails, beer, or mocktails, to mention a few.

22. Blind Tiger

Phone: +1-212-462-4682

Address: 281 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

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Whether it’s day drinking or night eating, The Blind Tiger is an all-day West Village Bar that caters to patrons of all kinds. However, this watering hole is mostly popular for its beer.

The bar stocks up on a variety of uncommon draft beers, perfect for sampling or pairing with the selection of bar food offered.

The bar’s versatile setting lets you enjoy the ambiance in various ways, whether conversing with other drinkers, enjoying the game on TV, or listening to some in-house music.

23. Stonewall Inn

Phone: +1-212-488-2705

Address: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

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The name Stonewall isn’t an unfamiliar one if you know more about the history of the LGBTQ movement, particularly the 1969 riots.  Iconic doesn’t describe the Stonewall Inn enough – it’s definitely a must-visit the next time you are in the West Village.

The gay bar is located near the Gay Liberation Monument and reflects every little bit of the movement. You will be impressed with the welcoming and inviting ambiance, sense of community, welcoming staff, and everything you’d imagine an iconic gay bar to be!

24. Johnny’s Bar

Phone: +1-212-741-5279

Address: 90 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

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If you are a fan of maximalist bars with walls strewed about with decor and electric music playing in the background, you will love West Village’s Johnny’s.

This classic Newyork bar features walls packed with bumper stickers, permits, and colorful lights for that inviting and fun ambiance.

It’s a perfect setting for birthday celebrations or crazy nights on the town with a crowd of friends. Whether you want to chug down pints or sample cocktails, this classic bar is an ideal location.

25. The Garret

Phone: +1-212-675-6157

Address: 296 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

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The Garret offers a refined drinking experience,  a perfect location for someone looking for a more high-end and relaxed setting. The bar accommodates different needs, be it a date, group gathering, or showing an out-of-towner a good time.

The bar offers an extensive menu of cocktails, wine, and delicious small plates. Beware, however, the bar gets a little busy on some nights and can play loud music.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the ultimate locations for the best bars in Newyork, West Village makes the cut.

The best part of this neighborhood is that there is something for everyone. Whether it’s drinks, the ambiance, or the overall package, you can certainly find this in the best west village bars.

Chad Smith

Meet Chad Smith, a seasoned bartender with a passion for mixology. He's the founder of Tin Roof Drink Community, a blog where he shares expert tips, creative recipes, and fosters a vibrant community of cocktail enthusiasts and aspiring bartenders. Join Chad as he takes you on a flavorful journey through the world of drinks. Cheers!

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