Five bars in NYC to enjoy a classic cocktail

8^th January 2016

Mariana Howard

Mariana Howard

8 January 2016

Winter in New York City can be a magical wonderland of shimmering snow and sparkling frost – or a freezing mess of slushy ice and bitter cold. Surviving the season is a lot easier when you can take refuge from the gusty winds and slippery sidewalks, so here are our suggestions for five NYC bars where you can raise a glass while warming up.

Bathtub Gin in Chelsea

Behind the wall of an unassuming and completely legit coffee shop lies a secret den of decadent delights. Bathtub Gin is literally accessed by a hidden entrance at the back of Stone Street Coffee. Once inside, time reverses back to the Roaring 20s, complete with dim lighting and sumptuous décor. Like any true speakeasy, the drinks are strong and the jazz is hot, so fully immerse yourself in the experience – order a dirty martini or an Old Fashioned and release your inhibitions by mingling with the other fashionably hip patrons.

To book at Bathtub Gin, 132 9^th Avenue, New York 10011, call 646-559-1671 or visit here.

Old Town Bar in Union Square

If you fancy a libation in a genuinely historic NYC watering hole, look no further than the Old Town Bar. A veritable institution, it has been continuously serving drinks since 1892 (even during Prohibition, when it successfully functioned as a speakeasy). The marble and mahogany bar, as well as the tin-tile ceiling, are original to the structure and its dark ambiance has long been a favourite of the literary set: Nick Hornby, Frank McCourt and Seamus Heaney have all imbibed within its storied walls. Settle in amongst the casual workday crowd, order a cold beer or whiskey and soda, and invite the bartender to share some interesting tales.

To book at Old Town Bar, 45 East 18^th Street, New York 10003, call 212-529-6732 or visit here.

Trophy Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Trophy Bar is located in ultra-trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and, true to the neighborhood’s reputation, it oozes cool without even trying. Its laid back, chill atmosphere makes it a local favourite any night of the week, but Saturday nights are when it really earns its hipster cred: soul music curator Suzy Chase from The Groove Radio takes over the DJ booth from 7 until 10pm, spinning classic soul, funk and R&B tunes for the crowd. Order the absinthe-based house cocktail Call Me Caitlyn, sway to the beats and soak up the good vibes.

To book at Trophy Bar, 351 Broadway, Brooklyn 11211, call 347-227-8515 or visit here.

Bar Urbo in Times Square

If you watch the Bravo TV show Real Housewives of New York, Urbo may already be familiar to you. Scenes from the popular reality series have been filmed at this bar, which is actually on the second floor of a gigantic tri-level restaurant/bar/event space in the heart of iconic Times Square. The crowd is a mix of well-heeled tourists and professional NYC residents, which can get quite thick on weekdays between 6 and 9pm. Sip on a gin and tonic or a Cosmopolitan while gazing upon world-famous 42^nd Street below.

To book at Urbo, 11 Times Square, New York 10036, call 212-542-8950 or visit here.

Polo Bar in Midtown East

NYC’s most exclusive spot comes courtesy of none other than legendary American fashion designer Ralph Lauren. His highly anticipated Polo Bar opened earlier this year to much fanfare, and the good news is that it absolutely lives up to its hype. However, there is a catch: the bar is only accessible to patrons who hold dining reservations – average wait time to secure a table is one month – but early or late spots on the weekends (usually between 5 and 6pm or 9 and 10pm) are much easier to get. The must-have cocktail is the Moscow Mule, served in a properly chilled, terribly chic copper mug. Indulge in your beverage as you lounge on one of the overstuffed chairs by the fireplace and succumb to the tastefully luxurious surroundings.

To book at Polo Bar, 1 East 55^th Street, New York 10022, call 212-207-8562 or visit here.

Mariana Howard