Do you want to know where to find the best bars in Chelsea, New York? Then you’ve come to the right place because we’ll take you to the hottest speakeasy bars, pubs, wine bars, and small venues where New Yorkers congregate. There are many bars in Chelsea, so there is bound to be something for you!
Chelsea has a plethora of excellent drinking establishments. There are plenty of piano-backed karaoke bars, high-flying rooftop bars in Chelsea, and excellent frozen drinks to go around.
Many of the best Bars in Chelsea on this list are located near each other, so you can definitely include pub-hopping in your itenary list.
Best Bars in Chelsea
1. Bathtub Gin
Bathtub Gin, a gin-focused speakeasy, is located through Stone Street Coffee. As the name implies, a copper bathtub is ceremoniously displayed in the center of the bar.
Stick to any of the many gin-based cocktails, from tableside martinis to punch bowls and elevated gin and tonics, or simply drink it neat, with gin labels from all over the world.
There’s also beer and wine, as well as shareable small plates like crispy calamari, steak tartare, and fresh burrata drizzled with aged balsamic. This is one of the most popular bars in Chelsea.
2. The Tippler
Do you have any plans to visit bars in Chelsea, New York City soon? If that’s the case, you might want to plan a multi-day itinerary that includes a bar crawl. Check out The Tippler Bar in Chelsea if the concept appeals to you.
The Tippler is a bustling Chelsea Market restaurant on West 15th Street. It’s a charming and atmospheric tavern that’s especially popular with millennials for drinking and dining.
Apart from its excellent list of the cocktail bar, premium beers, and other excellent alcoholic beverages, this establishment has a charming design with brick walls and rustic accents.
3. Bar Veloce
Simple, uncomplicated, and straightforward is sometimes all you need. Bar Veloce is the name of the restaurant. The wine bar has several locations throughout the city (including one in JFK) to accommodate all of your wine-bar needs.
Allow the knowledgeable bartenders to recommend a glass of red, white, or rosé, and then take a seat at one of the many bar stools with a panini.
4. Frying Pan
This “lightship,” which was once a floating lighthouse used by the Coast Guard on the Hudson River, sank while docked in Maryland and spent three years submerged. The vessel was later salvaged and is now a floating boat bar near Chelsea Piers that serves burgers and buckets of beer from May to October.
Order booze and nautical bites right on the bi-level railroad barge from Pier 66, then relax on the Frying Pan or its accompanying fireboat caboose, which is moored alongside. Steamed clams, fish and chips are just a few of the seafood snacks available on the food menu though– after all, you’re on a boat.
5. Raines Law Room Chelsea
Are you the type of night owl who doesn’t stick to one bar on a night out? Take a ride next to Raines Law Room Chelsea to get the most out of your party in Chelsea, New York City.
Raines Law Room Chelsea, located on 17th Street, is a trendy bar with a semi-secret entrance. You’ll be wowed by the sophisticated prohibition-era interiors and vintage decors once you step inside. Try the specialty cocktails at Raines Law Room Chelsea, including sweater weather, pushing Daisies, wildest redhead, New York State of mind, and others.
6. Gallow Green
Gallow Green is a cozy, open-air wining, rooftop bar, and dining option with plenty of greenery, located on the rooftop of the eclectic McKittrick Hotel. It is among the best bars in Chelsea.
Fresh raw oysters, fish and chips, duck shepherd’s pie, grilled salmon, burgers, steak au poivre, and a variety of salads and soups are among the classic favorites served at the restaurant.
Delicious sorbets, flavored ice cream, sticky toffee pudding, bread pudding, and chocolate mousse are available for dessert. To go with the delicious food, there’s a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
7. The Chelsea Bell
If you don’t stop by The Chelsea Bell, your bar-hopping adventure will come to a halt. The Chelsea Bell is one of the top bars in Chelsea, located at 316 8th Avenue, is a fun and hip neighborhood nightlife destination with a chic industrial interior design. It has several flat-screen TVs, each of which shows sports programming.
This opulent cocktail bar creates its signature concoctions and also serves craft beers, vodka, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. In addition, bar bites are available to complement your excellent drinks.
8. The 18th Room
The 18th Room’s facade in Chelsea, New York City, can best be described as contemporary, sleek, and chic. It is one of the best bars in Chelsea. This cocktail bar’s management ensures a fantastic social experience by providing excellent service in a beautiful setting.
The speakeasy is fitted with green leather banquettes and bartenders who are willing to craft bespoke cocktails depending on your preferred liquors and flavors. Although the impromptu cocktails are always exciting and fun, order a drink from the set menu to narrow down the infinite options.
More importantly, the live music that plays in the background while customers drink and sway to the melody creates euphoria. The 18th Room is not only a popular spot for drinks, but it’s also where some couples can go for romantic dates.
9. Patent Pending
Need more ideas for your upcoming bar hopping in Chelsea excursion? Check out Patent Pending’s vibes and drinks.
West 27th Street is home to Patent Pending. This contemporary cocktail bar, one of the best bars in Chelsea, has a mysterious vibe and a hip electric theme. It is accessed through a hidden door.
Furthermore, its lighting is a sight for sore eyes. In addition, this trendy bar has a rotating menu that changes seasonally. Some of its autumn and winter cocktails are inspired by Edison, the flash of inspiration, the impossible idea, the Nobel snub, and more.
10. Porchlight
Porchlight, a buzzy, Southern-inspired bar with a back game room and stiff cocktails, is the latest addition to Danny Meyer’s sprawling empire on Chelsea’s western outskirts.
Play Jenga and Yahtzee while sipping a long island iced tea or the How Now (chocolate milk-washed Old Duff Genever, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, vermouth, and Angostura bitters), and then nosh on warm smoked-cheddar biscuits, hush puppies doused in hot honey, and a Texas bowl of red chili.
11. Vault Manhattan
If you’re looking for a relaxing cocktail bar in Chelsea, New York, consider Vault Manhattan. You can expect exceptional service at Vault Manhattan, not only because of the professionalism of the staff but also because of their well-known friendliness. The bar is also well-known for its truly relaxing ambiance, including soft lighting, red brick design elements, soothing music, and comfortable seats.
There are numerous drinks, ranging from refreshing cocktails to well-known beer brands. You can also drink red and white wines or go for something stronger like bourbon or tequila.
12. American Whiskey
American Whiskey locations can be found in NYC’s Tribeca and Chelsea location. Guests can slug whiskey inside a three-story booze lodge, unlike any other sports bar you’ve ever visited. Fans adore the leather and oak-accented main bar, as well as the mounted bison heads and 36 flatscreen TVs.
Bring your A-game because this place serves one- to two-ounce shots of more than 100 different types of domestic whiskey. Basketball fans will appreciate the NCAA specials, so be sure to ask about them!
13. Fishbone
At Fishbone, you can enjoy an elevated nightlife experience. This fantastic cocktail bar, located in the busy area of 161 8th Avenue, is the ideal spot for a late-night drinking session with friends or a romantic partner. It has a contemporary interior design with colorful graffiti on the walls. This is one of the most fantastic bars in Chelsea.
The food menu is primarily comprised of seafood specialties, hence the name. When it comes to drinks, this hangout spot serves up delectable festive rum cocktails.
The upstate Hemingway, the Montauk lighthouse, the fig old-fashioned, and other signature drinks include 24 karat gin, the upstate Hemingway, the Montauk lighthouse, and others. Guests can also purchase premium wines.
14. Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge
Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge hosts a high-end party. This exquisite hangout spot has picturesque views of the Big Apple’s skyline and is located on the top floor of Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC at 18 9th Avenue. The interiors of the place are highlighted by a stunning bar with an exhibition of a variety of alcoholic drinks.
Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge hosts high-energy parties with DJs spinning upbeat music that encourages guests to dance.
15. Corkbuzz Restaurant and Wine Bar
Corkbuzz, a wine bar in the heart of Chelsea Market, one of the best bars in Chelsea, is a great place to rehydrate and refuel after a day of exploring. There’s a long list of wines by the glass and bottle, including New Zealand, German, and Austrian wines, as well as beer, cocktails, and spirits to choose from.
Monday through Friday, from 5 to 6 p.m., there’s an $8 wine and $5 beer happy hour. Platters of cheese and charcuterie, roasted beet salad with goat cheese morsels, and seared tuna flanked by paprika aioli round out the menu.
Closing Thoughts
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to bars in Chelsea, as you’ve already seen. Have you been to any of these bars in Chelsea? Is there anything else you think should be on the list? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
