Wine bars are a local preoccupation among New Yorkers, whether you’re on a first date and searching for a romantic setting or meeting up with buddies to spill the tea. We’re finding more unusual lists these days that are adorned with foreign varietals and natural wines, and we’re not mad about it. So, if you’re looking for a wine bar to visit, here are your options!
Finding the ideal wine bar can be difficult, especially in the busy atmosphere of New York City. In the stifling summer heat, New Yorkers yearn for a cold glass of white wine while basking in the sun, but when the temperatures drop, nothing compares to getting together with a few friends and curling up in a warm wine bar. When looking for a spot to enjoy our favorite wines—or ones we’ve never tried—we want a setting that is cozy enough for us to disclose our most recent secrets, but that doesn’t sacrifice atmosphere. Or, if a formal dinner isn’t in the cards, a terrific venue for a romantic night. The top wine bars in New York City are listed below.
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
Is there a more romantic thought than enjoying a glass of wine in a darkly lit bar in Paris? A girl can dream of having a scarlet lipstick stain on the glass’ side and a vintage Chanel jacket draped over the back of her velvet chair.
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels in midtown Manhattan is a good option if there isn’t enough time to board a plane and dash to The City of Light for a drink. With its raw wooden industrial tables, creative dishes like Cast Iron Leeks (drowned in brown butter), and a wine selection that would be at home in the Loire Valley, this bar offers one of the most charmingly French ambiances in all of NYC. Since this establishment serves wine from a collection of over 600 bottles, it is a favorite of individuals who are knowledgeable about fine wine.
Have & Meyer
Have & Meyer is what you get when you combine a hip, rustic penthouse apartment with exposed brick and a relaxed atmosphere with a 90+ bottle wine selection. There are antiques and curiosities strewn about at this Williamsburg favorite, contributing to the magical atmosphere. This bar’s complete lack of pretense is perhaps what makes it so alluring. Unsure of how to pronounce a specific wine variety? Not an issue. You’ve been so addicted to your favorite cocktail for so long that you’re unsure of exactly what it is you like. They control you. In summary, this Brooklyn bar has a friendly, pleasant vibe that extends to its attitude.
Gottino Enoteca e Salumeria
Although this little restaurant, or “enoteca,” may be the worst-kept secret in town, you’ll never feel like you’re waiting in line at this hidden treasure with no reservations. Gottino is the kind of place to retire to with a friend when you have several hours’ worth of workplace gossip to unload. It is built around a long white marble bar that covers practically the whole space. Pick from their constantly-evolving menu of choices by the glass or bottle, and don’t forget to try their share platters. We advise ordering the radicchio and brussel sprout salads as well as the baccala mantecato, a creamed salt cod served with freshly toasted bread, even though you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (especially their cheeses and charcuterie).
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
This wine bar is for the more adventurous drinkers among us and those with a real enthusiasm for wine tasting. It offers more than 40 wines by glass and 200+ alternatives by bottle. As well as a monthly flight program. Even while the double-height ceiling gives the room a sense of spaciousness, once night falls, the bar starts to resemble a friend’s living room.
Aldo Sohm encapsulates the enthusiasm of New York. And bundles it neatly with terrific cuisine, amazing wine, and exceptionally comfortable couches. If you’re new to town or just searching for another favorite hangout this one is perfect. Added benefits to this location? Due to its central Manhattan location, it is perfect for date nights, girls’ nights out, and after-work cocktails.
Pierre Loti
Pierre Loti is the ideal remedy for the crammed city scene. And it has three sites around the city (in Chelsea, Midtown, and Union Square). The bars honor the globetrotter, author, and romantic by serving wines and food from all around the Mediterranean and the globe. The culinary menu features delicacies like pan-seared cauliflower and zucchini walnut pancakes. While the wine menu offers over 30 different varietals by the glass and 200 by the bottle.
The Campbell Bar
This pub is for you if you want to leave the midtown Manhattan concrete streets behind and seemingly travel back in time. When visiting The Campbell Bar for a glass of wine or a cocktail, be prepared for a romantic atmosphere, a massive fireplace, and stained-glass windows. This iconic New York institution is situated in Grand Central Terminal at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, right off 43rd Street. It has been meticulously restored to its former splendor. Evenings here are sure to stretch into nights as you lose track of time while idly while away the hours amidst the plush furniture and towering palm trees—yes, palm trees. Today, a smart wine menu sits wonderfully alongside a polished cocktail list.
Black Mountain Wine House
You may get the closest feeling of being at a ski resort while staying local by curling up by the fire at this farmhouse-chic bar in Brooklyn. The rustic sun porch is popular with those in the know when the weather is nice. But the cooler months are when Black Mountain Wine House really shines. Visitors come to take pleasure in the fireplace’s dance and crackle. The anonymity is provided by the low buzz of conversation, and the small-production vintage wines available by the glass.
Ruffian
Ruffian is one of the coziest bars in the East Village’s historic district. This bar dates back to 1861. Has over 250 carefully chosen wines by the bottle and a constantly-evolving list of alternatives by the glass. Before artist and designer Elena Hull Cournot converted the space into a destination for people seeking a combination of atmosphere and top-notch vino. A visit to Ruffian will soon demonstrate that a location may be both friendly and welcoming as well as warm and inviting. While everyone may enjoy the well-thumbed wine list, keen-eyed art enthusiasts will find influences from artists. Like Pina Bausch, Os Gemeos, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Anfora
This Manhattan hangout received a Wine Spectator 2019 Award of Excellence. It has a rustic, homey environment and focuses on old-world and natural wines. Expect cheese platters and charcuterie boards that are overflowing with well-paired little bites as well as warm, welcoming service. For after-work snacks or a wine-and-cheese night that doubles as a dinner out, head to Anfora. Although this hotspot may be all about the wine, the bites here are deserving of being considered supper.
Terroir
Terroir may have a laid-back, eccentric, and positive vibe and not seem to take itself too seriously. But the wine and cuisine are another matter entirely. This laid-back, brick-lined wine bar has communal tables and creates a comfortable atmosphere with the close closeness of its patrons and low ceilings. Italian tapas, a sizable by-the-glass menu, and staff who enjoy working here as much as the patrons do are all present. If you ever want to brush up on your wine knowledge, you may also attend group wine tastings at this Tribeca institution.
The Immigrant
Only about 30 people can fit in this unpretentious bar in a former tenement house at once. Which heightens the atmosphere of intimacy. Candles flicker on each table, and there are open spaces with wooden flooring and furnishings, and exposed brick walls are there. The Immigrant is the ideal setting for a date, a drink before dinner, or late-night catch-up with friends.
June
June is a natural wine bar and restaurant in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, that offers much more than just delectable drinks. A large marble bar with a stunning vaulted ceiling and art deco charm emanating from every angle is to be expected. The atmosphere is laid-back and great for a pre-date drink to calm your nerves. As the night goes on, it becomes livelier. If you’re looking for a night away from the throng where you can just kick back and relax, this should be where you aspire to become a regular. We have yet to arrive on a night where it feels overly packed.
Lois
Two friends’ passion project, Lois, was to serve outstanding food and wine to New Yorkers who understood that affordability and excellence were not mutually contradictory. Instead of serving wine by the bottle, this place serves it on tap. Yet this smart small bar is anything but tacky. On-tap vino strives to maintain affordable costs, minimize waste, and guarantee the wine is actually fresh. The place has a welcoming vibe, the throng will move aside to let you in. And the menu’s small plates include a delectable avocado arepa that, in our opinion, is a must-have.
Gem Wine
In most places, you get the impression that you are in a restaurant or a bar (where you can also maybe drink). The companion establishment of Gem Restaurant, Gem Wine, is that elusive, ideal middle ground. You can choose from a menu of small plates that changes frequently. As well as heartier dishes like lamb tartare coated in a rich oyster emulsion. There isn’t a wine list, so you’ll need to talk to your server about what you’re searching for. There are several wines available by the glass for $15 each if you want to sample a variety. You can pick from at least one red, white, sparkling, orange, and rosé wine.
One19 Wine Bar
We suppose you could label One19 Wine Bar a speakeasy given that it is concealed behind the kitchen set-up of a faux deli (complete with quart containers and substantial refrigeration equipment). This bar offers a variety of wines on tap, moderately priced bottles that fall between $40 and $50. And a few flight options that let you sample some of the drinks they’re most passionate about. There is a full food menu with the typical snack options, such as marinated olives, charcuterie, and tinned salmon. Despite the fact that the area is very tiny and snug enough to occasionally feel like a party.
