The Best Bars for Foodies in New York

by The OpenTable Team

Updated December 15, 2023

New York City is known as the city that never sleeps, and for good reason: there's always something going on. The city is home to some of the most unique nightlife in the world, and the best bars in NYC range from local dives to high-end restaurants, to everything in between. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to rooftop views, classic hotel spots to white-tableclothed steakhouses—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a spot; we wish we could join you.

Temple Court

4.8

4.8 (1369)

$50 and over

American

Financial District

About the restaurant

Curated by Tom Colicchio and located in the landmark Beekman Hotel, Temple Court makes our list of the best bars in NYC because of its sensational design and its unparalleled commitment to unique offerings with both its food and its spirits. In addition to beer and wine, Temple Court offers a variety of ciders and spirits.

Top review

Phoebe

Dined 5 days ago

The overall experience at Temple Court is exceptional. Surprisingly, the prices are more reasonable than those of most high-end restaurants in NYC, despite being a luxury dining space within a hotel. The romantic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for couples or anyone seeking a pleasant and peaceful setting for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The servers and hosts are attentive and detail-oriented, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Temple Court is a solid 10/10 in every aspect.

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Experience

Christmas Eve

Experience

Cocktails & Family-Style Dining Experience

Experience

Large Party Plated Experience

Bar Tulix

4.3

4.3 (9)

$50 and over

Contemporary Mexican

SoHo

About the restaurant

Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description:

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 6, 2024

Delicious! I tasted everything served to our table of 4, and it was all very good. Would like to see more complete plates on the menu. It is odd to order everything ala carte at a Mexican restaurant.

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Experience

Weekend Brunch Prix-Fixe

Dirty French NYC

4.4

4.4 (1350)

$50 and over

French

Lower East Side

About the restaurant

Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick have curated this restaurant, located in the legendary Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side, and created a one-of-a-kind dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Within the Dirty French lies the Lobby Bar, curated by Thomas Waugh, famous for his work with the Major Food Group.

Top review

Laura

Dined 5 days ago

Absolutely incredible foods, great vibes and decor, the best waiter is George!!! (Pronounced Horhay) get the duck I swear it the best!!!

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Experience

Christmas at Dirty French

Locanda Verde Tribeca

4.4

4.4 (2522)

$31 to $50

Italian

TriBeCa

About the restaurant

This TriBeCa hotspot offers modern Italian cuisine and a matching modern Italian wine list. It's one of the pricier bars on this list, however, and getting a reservation is extremely difficult. However, if you're lucky enough to get in here, it's well worth the money spent.

Top review

Petervip

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

There was a child’s birthday party with a person singing into a Karaoke machine

The Lobster Club

4.7

4.7 (358)

$50 and over

Japanese

Midtown East

About the restaurant

For a different type of Upper East Side bar, check out The Lobster Club, which is located on East 53rd Street. Offering high-end Japanese fare, including sushi and teppanyaki dishes, The Lobster Club offers a wide selection of sake, Japanese beer, and light wines to complement the Asian fare.

Top review

Jomar

Dined 4 days ago

Everything was good and great amazing dinner with my wife!

Masseria dei Vini

4.8

4.8 (3013)

$31 to $50

Italian

Midtown West

About the restaurant

Unlike many Italian restaurants that specialize in pan-Italian fare suited for the American palate, Masseria dei Vini near Columbus Circle boasts strictly Puglian fare and exclusive Italian wines suited for a more refined palate.

Top review

Geraldvip

Dined 7 days ago

My go to Italian restaurant!!! The managers and staff are all wonderful… attentive, professional and friendly! Food is always well prepared and plated beautifully… and they provide an interesting wine list.. Great place for an intimate dinner or family gathering!

Boucherie - Union Square

4.6

4.6 (2552)

$31 to $50

French

Gramercy Park

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the West Village, Boucherie prides itself on having patrons experience authentic French culture and cuisine. As a result, the bar features absinthe and various mixed drinks with absinthe as the main ingredient. If you're looking for one of the best bars in NYC for absinthe, you've come to the right place.

Top review

MITZI

Dined 5 days ago

Beautiful restaurant, very friendly staff most importantly accommodating, truly appreciate all the help had to change reservation 3 times due to flight delayed .

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FILET MIGNON AU POIVRE

The Clocktower

$50 and over

English

Gramercy Park

About the restaurant

Centrally located near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, The Clocktower is curated by master Chef Jason Atherton and located in the New York EDITION building. In addition to offering cleverly-named signature drinks (The French Connection and All Along The Clocktower, to wit), it boasts a wine list that is more than 30 pages long!

Top review

KevinK

Dined on May 26, 2023

The service and food were amazing. Everything was on-point from the moment we arrived to when we left. The beef Wellington and salmon stake were perfect. The only suggest I have is to turn down the music a tad as I couldn't hear half of what my wife was saying. Otherwise, the ambiance and decor were great as well. The bread served at the beginning of the meal was so flavorful and delicious.

Upland

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Gramercy Park

About the restaurant

This is perhaps the only bar on this list that's based in New York City but prides itself on its California influences. Changing its menu with the seasons, Upland is located near Madison Square Park and boasts a robust wine and spirits list alongside its full bar.

Top review

JeremyKvip

Dined on Nov 12, 2019

Great food, great atmosphere. Shame they ran out of the hen of the woods mushrooms!

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