The best bars in New York, according to Feed Me readers.
The best spots to drink, dine, dance, schmooze and flirt.
Hello everyone. I am writing this from the back of a taxi on my way home from the airport. The driver handed me a paper map and asked me to point to where I live. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.
Last night,
and I went out with friends in New Orleans. Our friend Jake ordered a martini at Jewel of the South that came with a tiny olive-sized quail egg inside. Afterwards we got dinner at Acamaya. I was inspired by their flan recipe, which uses cream cheese. I read W. David Marx’s Blank Space on the flight home, and we’ll be talking about it tonight at St. Joseph’s University.Today’s letter includes: The best bars in New York according to Feed Me readers, New York women are using their kitchens as their closets, and Orchard Street’s favorite menswear brand is collaborating with Zara.
A few weeks ago, Feed Me sent our readers a survey on the state of partying. Unlike past surveys, we focused this one on New York. 612 people responded thoroughly – the average time to complete the whole thing was 18 minutes.
One question we asked readers: what’s the most exciting place to go out in New York right now? People responded with a wide range of options: moody downtown restaurants and uptown oyster bars, Bushwick rave spots and Fort Greene wine bars, West Village members clubs and East Village dives. Some are new and buzzy (Ha’s, Cove), others are old classics that still hit (we’re looking at you, 169 Bar).
Now, by popular demand, we’re releasing our full list of the most recommended spots in New York, along with some notable mentions and a clickable map. Where are you going first?
1. Rodeo and Funny Bar (12 mentions)
“Rodeo in Crown Heights has very cool events and vibes in general. It’s shifting the center of the neighborhood away from Franklin Ave.” (F, 25-34, restaurant marketing, Crown Heights)
“I went to Funny Bar the other night, and it was honestly a special experience. It’s a moody jazz bar with crayons for drawing on the table, a limited but delicious menu, and perfect drinks. And - as of now - you can make a reservation for a normal time without a ton of notice. Blessed!” (M, 35-44, strategy consultant, East Village)
2. Time Again (11)
“I think Time Again has the best social energy to be honest which is going to be a probably pretty repetitive answer. But I think in a city like NY it’s super situational.” (F, 25-34, hospitality, East Village)
3. People’s, Public Records, Balthazar, Le Dive
“People’s - the only place I consistently enjoy going these days and always see people I know.” (M, 25-34, private equity, Greenpoint)
“Best place to meet people is Public Records by far.” (F, 25-34, comms strategist, between Cobble Hill and Westchester)
“I’ve been meeting guys at the bar at Balthazar, lunch and late night. That place will never not be exciting. And don’t forget if you go alone, you get a free glass of champagne on Keith.” (F, 25-34, chef and consultant, South Slope)
4. Eel Bar, Ha’s, schmuck., Bar Oliver, The Odeon, Theodora (8)
“I’m loving Bar Oliver, it’s not new, actually it’s very overrun but that’s also part of the charm. It has an air of Europeaness that I love, since I escape to Europe/Overseas whenever I get the opportunity. It’s just cool without being extremely sceney, yet you still run into an array of friends and friends-of-friends.” (F, 25-34, creative strategist, Bushwick)
“The Odeon is the best ratio of good time/getting in power. I don’t want to work for a table.” (F, 25-34, Boerum Hill)
“K sorry to say but Ha’s Snack Bar changed my life” (F, 25-34, marketing, Fort Greene)