Best Bars In New York City That Opened In 2015
New York City may not be a tough place to find a drink, but it sure can be a hard place to run a successful bar with staying power. These five newbies on the New York City bar scene have all the elements of success. From ironic to classic, there's something here for everyone. Here are five of the best bars that opened in 2015. Now make like a New Yorker and try all five in one night.
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Stay Classy New York
174 Rivington St.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 677-7733
www.stayclassynewyork.com
Bring your sense of irony to this Will Ferrell character themed bar, which includes an extensive, hilariously named cocktail menu based on inside jokes and well-known lines from Ferrell's movies. The bar also features an art gallery dedicated to the comedian's sometimes very quirky onscreen persona. Called a "landscape of ridiculous things" by co-owner Zach Neil, Stay Classy New York is most likely the only place on the planet where you can drink specialty drinks like Smelly Pirate Hookers and Mugatu Mules.
Drexler's
9 Ave. A
New York, NY 10009
(646) 524-5226
www.drexlers.nyc
A cozy and elegant two-storied affair, Drexler's is the new downtown spot for imbibing truly creative cocktails, like the Beat Surrender, concocted from perfectly cooled Stoli, lemon, sugar, fig preserves, champagne and angostura bitters; they also offer a wide range of draft beers. The eats at Drexler's are deceptively basic, yet sublimely delicious. The menu -- featuring categories like meat, cheese, bread and spreads -- will rock your world. Make reservations and make sure you come hungry.
Bar Goto
245 Eldridge St.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 475-4411
www.bargoto.com
This is not your grandma's sake bar. Bar Goto specializes in elegant, craft cocktails and Japanese comfort bar food. Beautifully executed food has made this elegantly minimalist Eldridge Street bar a downtown staple for the weekday drinks set -- which in New York, is just about everybody. The clean, subtly tasting Sakagura martini is a must-try, and the miso wings will have you returning night after night. If you have a strong dislike for crowds, we suggest you get there early.
Grand Army Bar
336 State St.
New York, NY 11217
(718) 422-7867
www.grandarmybar.com
An unpretentious atmosphere, coupled with a highly sophisticated, creative cocktail menu gives this new Brooklyn bar a level of smooth refinement, Brooklyn-style. The local Boerum Hill set won't go anywhere else for brunch, gobbling up fresh oysters like there is no tomorrow. If you enjoy surprises, you must try the absinthe-tinged, bourbon-based Little Blue cocktail, served in an icy blue metal mug or the Bosses' Cabinet rotating cocktail.
Livingston Manor
42 Hoyt St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 987-3292
www.livingstonmanorbk.com
Sandwiched between a check cashing joint and a graffiti-enhanced apartment building, spacious and beautiful Livingston Manor is a welcoming breath of trend in the heart of Brooklyn's slowly gentrifying downtown. A significant nod to local craft beers, plus an uber creative cocktail menu, featuring frothy concoctions like the mescal and chili-rimmed Blinking Light and egg-white based bourbon Bugsville Fizz, make this your must-stop before the next Nets game at nearby Barclay's Center.
Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
