Everyone loves a good after work drink, right?
And in New York City, finding a bar steps away from your office isn’t a hard thing to do.
But what is hard is finding a post-work bar that checks all the boxes. It has to have the right ambiance. It has to have good prices. And it has to be fun enough to make you forget about all the stress that you faced earlier in the day.
On the surface, that sounds easy. But in reality, it’s a harder task to accomplish than you might think.
Luckily, we’ve searched high and low to find the best after-work bars perfect for a quick drink or a lengthy vent session. And don’t worry. We aren’t sending you to Times Square.
The 10 Best After-Work Bars In NYC To Get Your Booze On
Smithfield Hall
Smithfield Hall is a bustling sports bar in the heart of New York City. This exciting watering hole is just minutes away from a number of high-traffic areas. Meaning that wherever you work, it’s likely you’re in walking distance to this spot.
This Chelsea bar is a great spot for after work drinks in the city because of its location and awesome specials. The bar has a happy hour that runs every day with specials on beer, wine, and well drinks. And while you’re at it, snack on a plate of cheese fries!
This is a really great spot to get together with friends after work. Chow down on some comfort food, enjoy some cheap drinks and watch a game or two. You won’t be disappointed.
As Is
As Is is a craft beer bar located in Hells Kitchen. It’s got dozens of beers on tap and a host of bartenders who all are passionate about the beers they offer. If you’re a beer lover, this is definitely the after-work bar for you.
The ambiance here is rustic and classic. You’ll feel refined and sophisticated drinking a tall pint in this quaint watering hold.
And the best part? This bar offers a happy hour every day of the week.
You don’t have to be a beer-lover either. This spot also offers cocktails, wine, and tasty snacks to curb those post-work cravings.
The Standard Biergarten
This isn’t your standard hotel bar. At The Standard hotel, there are a number of different bar options to choose from. There’s the rooftop bar, the modern grill and the hotel bar itself. But one of the best spots for an after-work cocktail or pint is definitely the beer garden.
This German-inspired outdoor spot is great for drinking a hearty pint — in a boot glass or a standard pint mug! It’s a fun and creative little outdoor destination that everyone in the office would be happy to waste a few hours in.
If you’re looking for a spot with an interesting ambiance, this beer garden is a must-visit bar in NYC.
Mess Hall
Mess Hall is a New York City staple. It’s located in Harlem so it’s a bit of a journey for some, but it is definitely worth a visit at least once.
This cozy spot offers a homey, neighborhood ambiance. And the extensive list of cocktails, beer and bar snacks is enough to keep you entertained for hours.
This is a cocktail bar that emphasizes modern flare with a personality that is impossible to resist. And once you visit once, you’ll be sure to come back with the rest of your work BFFs.
Reunion
Reunion is a modern surf bar located in the high-traffic area of Hell’s Kitchen.
Hell’s Kitchen is full of bars and restaurants, but this spot certainly stands out for its creative theme, innovative cocktails, and impressive after-work happy hours.
The offerings are influenced by French and African flavors, and you can feel that in the air as you enter.
Whether you’re looking for a quick beer, a fancy and flirty cocktail or some fried deliciousness, you’ll find it at Reunion.
The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit is a regal cocktail bar that offers sophistication, magnificence, and opulence in a majestic and fantastical space
This is the perfect Financial District destination for your after-work release. Enjoy delicious bites, tasty cocktails, and the perfect New York City atmosphere.
The post-work crowd is lively and energetic — so you know you’re going to have a good time.
Stay Gold
Stay Gold is a playful cocktail bar with an outdoor garden that is perfect for your next Instagram story.
It’s a classic, vintage-inspired spot that has locals and tourists alike fascinated and intrigued.
This Gramercy Park watering hole has a daily happy hour — so not only will you be able to feel like a million bucks, you’ll be able to order more than just one picture-worthy cocktail.
If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind after work, Stay Gold is a fantastical destination that will check all of your boxes.
Seamore’s
Seamore’s is a casual seafood spot with a number of locations throughout the city. But don’t let the chain nature of this restaurant scare you off! It’s a great little place to catch up with friends and enjoy a great after-work happy hour.
Get your hands on happy hour wines, oysters and more — making this spot an easy choice for your post-work adventures.
Spend an hour or three at this essential NYC bar! Just don’t forget to pace yourself.
Ten Degrees Bar
Ten Degrees Bar is a tiny, little wine bar nestled in the East Village. Its a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with great wine and even better cheese boards.
If you’re looking for a quiet, almost romantic place to grab a drink with friends or go on a date after work, this is the spot for you.
And the happy hour deal is well worth a visit too! There a killer two-for-one deal on drinks that will definitely get you happily tipsy just in time for your nightly reality TV binge.
The Mermaid Inn
The Mermaid Inn has three locations — one in the East Village, one in Greenwich Village and one in the Upper West Side. And all of these locations are a great choice for your next after-work outing.
The Mermaid Inn is a seafood restaurant with an amazing happy hour special on drinks and food. If you’re looking for a little of both, you can’t pass up this spot.
Enjoy discounted drinks, dollar oysters and a number of other delicacies like fish tacos in a creative and casual setting.
Seafood lovers, rejoice! You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy some good food, good drinks, and good company after work.
