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Best Nightlife in New York (2026)

Nightlife in New York runs from historic taverns to rooftop bars and late-night clubs, and the city's jazz scene is among the best anywhere. The Village Vanguard has hosted the greats in its small basement room since 1935, with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra every Monday, while Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle pairs classic cocktails with piano and a jazz trio beneath murals by the illustrator of the Madeline books. McSorley's Old Ale House in the East Village has served its own ale since 1854.

For views, Westlight sits 22 floors above Williamsburg with the Manhattan skyline in front of it, and Le Bain & The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line turns from sunset drinks into a late-night dance floor. Downtown, The Dead Rabbit combines an Irish pub and a cocktail parlour that was named the world's best bar. The legal drinking age is 21 and photo ID is checked, so carry it. Book rooftop bars and jazz sets ahead, especially at weekends, and remember that some historic bars are cash only.

6 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 nightlife in New York

  1. Village Vanguard Jazz club, West VillageA tiny, wedge-shaped basement jazz club on Seventh Avenue South that has hosted the music's greats at the same address since 1935.
  2. Bemelmans Bar Classic hotel piano bar, Upper East SideThe Carlyle hotel's elegant piano bar, painted with whimsical murals by Madeline illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, with nightly piano and late jazz.
  3. McSorley’s Old Ale House Historic ale house, East VillageDating from 1854, this sawdust-floored East Village tavern serves its own house ale and is one of New York's oldest continuously run bars.

Bar

2. Bemelmans Bar

Classic hotel piano bar$$$$Upper East Side

The Carlyle hotel's elegant piano bar, painted with whimsical murals by Madeline illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, with nightly piano and late jazz.

View details — Bemelmans Bar

Bar

4. Westlight

Rooftop cocktail bar$$$Williamsburg, Brooklyn

A 22nd-floor rooftop bar atop The William Vale in Williamsburg, serving cocktails and small plates with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.

View details — Westlight

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6. The Dead Rabbit

Irish pub and cocktail bar$$$Financial District

A three-storey Irish pub and cocktail bar on Water Street in the Financial District, named world's best bar in 2016, with a taproom below and a cocktail parlour above.

View details — The Dead Rabbit