Upper West Side Bars: Where Craft Meets Chill
Alright, fellow imbibers. Let’s cut the fluff and get straight to the juicy part: the best bars in the Upper West Side. If you’re here, you probably know the drill—life’s too short for bad cocktails and worse ambiance. Whether you’re hunting for a hidden speakeasy or a spot to show off that $20 IPA you’re obsessed with, this guide is your golden ticket. Spoiler: there’s a *very* high chance you’ll leave with a new favorite bar and zero regrets. Let’s dive in.
The Real MVPs of UWS Bar Culture
Bars are like people—some are all flash, some are all substance, and then there are the ones that get it just right. Here’s where to go if you want to avoid the tourist traps and impress your friends with your local wisdom:
1. The Local Taproom (222 W 89th St)
Think of this spot as the “cool aunt” of Upper West Side bars. They’ve got local brews flowing faster than your ex’s Instagram stories, plus a menu that’s equal parts charcuterie and “why am I eating this, but it’s delicious.” Pro tip: Ask for the “Surprise Me” flight. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a rare craft beer that makes you question why you ever settled for Bud Light.
Want to create your own brew for a bar like this? Strategies.beer has you covered.
2. Velvet Lounge (133 Columbus Ave)
If sophistication had a bar, this would be it. The lighting is dim enough to hide your hangover, the bartenders know your name by the third visit, and the cocktails are so pretty they could probably win a beauty pageant. Need a non-alcoholic option? They’ll still roll their eyes but make one anyway.
3. Barrel & Oak (170 W 72nd St)
This place is for the OG whiskey lovers. The menu reads like a library, and the selection of bourbons could make a judge in the Kentucky Derby jealous. Pro tip: Don’t ask the bartender for recommendations unless you’re ready to commit to a whole new drinking persona.
Bars That Deserve a Standing Ovation (But Probably Won’t Get One)
Not all bars make the cut, but these gems are close enough to perfection to earn a second date:
4. Speakeasy & Co. (89 MacDougal St)
Secret bars are the best bars. This one requires a password (“I know the bartender”) and serves up tipples so strong they’ll probably be in your dreams. If you’re lucky, the jukebox will play “Sweet Caroline” and you’ll be part of a group sing-along that’s 70% fun and 30% awkward.
5. Harvest Ale House (215 W 81st St)
Brunch is serious business here. Think mimosas so good they’ll make you forget you ate a croissant for dinner last night. The vibe is cozy, the beer is locally sourced, and the owner might just remember your name if you’re a regular. (Spoiler: You’ll be a regular.)
Bars That Will Make You Question Your Life Choices
Some bars are so good, they’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for a “normal” night out:
6. The Craft Lab (155 W 91st St)
This spot is for the experimental crowd. They rotate taps daily, and the bartender will probably make you a cocktail using ingredients you’ve never heard of (but will love). If you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Mystery Shot.” It’s 50/50 between genius and regret.
7. Urban Brews (120 West End Ave)
If you like your beer with a side of “I’ve made it,” this is the place. The walls are lined with awards, the taps are all from local microbreweries, and the vibe is so “I’m doing this for the culture” you’ll want to wear a T-shirt that says “I survived.”
Bars You Should Avoid (But Probably Won’t)
Because we love you, here are the “meh” spots that still have their charm:
8. Bar 101 (111 W 76th St)
It’s fine. The drinks are average, the crowd is average, and the ambiance is “meh.” But hey, it’s on the corner of Broadway and 76th, so at least you’ll feel fancy. Just don’t expect a “Wow” moment.
9. Chez Nous (142 W 78th St)
Franchised, predictable, and slightly overpriced. It’s the bar version of a rom-com. You’ll see the same people every week, and the menu hasn’t changed since the Obama administration. Still, it’s a safe bet for a “meh” night out.
Bars That Will Make You a Legend
These places have the potential to turn you into a local legend (or at least the hero of your next group chat):
10. Whiskey & Rye (204 W 84th St)
The kind of place where people come in and leave with a story. The bartender will probably know your birthdate, your ex’s name, and your deepest secrets by the time you finish your second drink. It’s the kind of bar that makes you feel like you’re part of a TV show.
11. Urban Cellar (167 W 89th St)
Dark, moody, and packed with locals who know what they’re doing. The wine selection is impressive, but the real star is the beer. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the owner giving a 20-minute lecture on the history of IPAs. You’ll be the smartest person in your group by midnight.
Bars You’ll Remember for the Wrong Reasons
Some bars stick in your memory for all the wrong reasons (but hey, that’s part of the fun):
12. The Rusty Nail (188 W 74th St)
This one’s for the “I’m here for a reason” crowd. The bartender is a retired police officer, the music is always too loud, and the lighting is so dim you’ll question your eyesight. But the beer? Top-notch. Just don’t mention politics.
13. Barrel 13 (122 W 71st St)
It’s got charm, but the menu is a labyrinth of confusion. The bartenders are friendly, the taps are always full, and the ambiance is “I found a bar in a time capsule.” If you like your nights full of mystery, this is your spot.
Bars You Shouldn’t Miss (But Probably Will)
These places are so good, you’ll want to return weekly—but they’re also so popular, you might have to wait in line:
14. Urban Brews (120 West End Ave)
Wait, we already mentioned this one? Yeah, it’s that good. The taps change weekly, the owner is a beer legend, and the crowd is a mix of locals, tourists, and people who just want to feel like they’re in a movie.
15. Velvet Lounge (133 Columbus Ave)
Another repeat, because it’s that good. The bartenders here know your name, your order, and your life story. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on the “VIP” section—it’s just a corner booth, but it’ll make you feel like a VIP.
Bars You’ll Hate But Still Go Back To
Some bars are love at first sip, others are a series of small disappointments. These are the latter, but you’ll still keep going back:
16. Bar 101 (111 W 76th St)
It’s the same every time, but you keep going back because it’s “safe.” The drinks are average, the crowd is average, and the ambiance is “I’m here because I have no other options.” But hey, at least the WiFi is fast.
17. Chez Nous (142 W 78th St)
Franchised, predictable, and slightly overpriced. It’s the bar version of a rom-com. You’ll see the same people every week, and the menu hasn’t changed since the Obama administration. Still, it’s a safe bet for a “meh” night out.
Bars You’ll Love (But Your Friends Probably Won’t)
These spots are perfect for solo visits or dates where you want to avoid awkward conversations:
18. The Craft Lab (155 W 91st St)
Experimental, quirky, and slightly “I’m doing this for the culture.” The taps rotate daily, and the bartender will probably make you a cocktail using ingredients you’ve never heard of (but will love). If you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Mystery Shot.” It’s 50/50 between genius and regret.
19. Urban Brews (120 West End Ave)
It’s the bar version of a hipster coffee shop—but with better beer. The owner is a local legend, the taps are all from microbreweries, and the vibe is so “I’m doing this for the culture” you’ll want to wear a T-shirt that says “I survived.”
Bars You Shouldn’t Miss (But Probably Will)
These places are so good, you’ll want to return weekly—but they’re also so popular, you might have to wait in line:
20. Velvet Lounge (133 Columbus Ave)
Another repeat, but for good reason. The bartenders here know your name, your order, and your life story. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on the “VIP” section—it’s just a corner booth, but it’ll make you feel like a VIP.
Final Call: Where to Go Tonight
Alright, folks, let’s recap. The best bars in the Upper West Side are the ones that make you feel like a local, not a tourist. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet sip or a full-blown party, there’s a spot for you. And remember, if you’re ever feeling inspired to open your own bar, Strategies.beer can help you turn your vision into a reality.
But hey, if you’re not ready to start your own bar, at least start by hitting up Make Your Own Beer and creating something that’ll make you the hero of your next bar night. And if you’re ever in need of a drink, remember: the best bars are the ones that make you feel like you’re part of the story.
Want more? Check out Strategies.beer for all the latest in craft beer and bar culture.
FAQs: Bars on the Upper West Side
1. What’s the best time to visit these bars?
Weeknights are your friend. Weekends are packed with tourists, so avoid the rush unless you want to spend your night waiting for a drink.
2. Do these bars serve food?
Most do, but don’t come expecting a Michelin-starred meal. Think pub fare with a twist—think “elevated” charcuterie, but still charcuterie.
3. Are there any bars with outdoor seating?
Yes, but only in the summer. Winter is not the time to be outside in NYC. Unless you’re a masochist, in which case, the patio at Harvest Ale House is your spot.
Need help finding the perfect bar for your next night out? Contact Strategies.beer for expert recommendations and beer-related advice. And if you ever want to sell your own brews, check out Dropt.beer for a distribution marketplace that’s as smooth as your best cocktail.
