NYC’s Top Spots for Espresso Martinis
New York City is famous for being the city that never sleeps. So what better way to stay up all night than to guzzle down some delish Espresso Martinis?
Wanna know where to find the best Espresso Martini in New York? Look no further.
Whether you’re clubbing on the Lower East Side or keeping it real in Bushwick, the places listed below have excellent drink selections and a terrific ambiance that you can only find in NYC.
Caffe Dante
Part of what makes Caffe Dante so special is that it’s been around for 105 wonderful years. Opened in 1915, this restaurant/bar quickly became the number-one hangout for Italian immigrants, bohos, writers, and artists.
Where is North America’s Best Bar? – Explore Dante www.youtube.com
Caffe Dante boasts several accolades, including its ranking as “The Best Bar in North America.” Not too shabby, eh?
Located on Macdougal Street, Dante sits right across from several iconic venues, including 92 Macdougal Street — the townhouse where Bob Dylan lived from 1966 – 1968. With classic cafe fare, funky atmosphere, and amazing cultural history, what more can you ask for? Plus, they happen to have the best Espresso Martini in all of NYC, which is just a big ol’ added bonus.
Lena
Located on the Lower East Side, Lena is a French bistro and bar. This spot opened in 2017 and is simply brimming with elegance and sophistication. If you want to get all dressed up for a night out in the town, keep up the class with this lovely Parisian spot. You’ll feel like you’re in France.
At Lena’s, you can enjoy your Espresso Martini amid the coziest surroundings in the Lower East Side. Hungry? How bout an order of their mouth-watering French Onion soup? The Mushroom Risotto, and wrap it up with Crème Brûlée. According to their Instagram page, Lena hosts happy hour every day till 7 PM. Bon Appétit!
Dear Irving
Not only does Dear Irving serve a delectable Espresso Martini, but the Hudson location — nestled on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aziz Hotel — has a sleek setting and a jaw-dropping view of the twinkling Manhattan skyline.
If you’re looking for more of a dimly-lit vintage vibe, check out the Gramercy location instead. (There are two Dear Irvings in the city). While the Hudson location has a chic, modern feel to it, the Gramercy version of Dear Irving feels like you’re immersed in the Victorian Era. Whichever location you pick, both are sure to result in the perfect New York adventure.
Ray’s Bar
Let’s hear it for Ray’s Bar! Located right in the heart of the Lower East Side, this hometown-style bar takes pride in its Espresso Martinis. Ray’s recently teamed up with Dunkin’ to collab on their first ever Dunkin’ flavored Espresso Martinis! How about that?
At this dive bar-esque spot, don’t be surprised if you run into Succession’s very own Cousin Greg. After all, he owns the bar. So does American Psycho’s Justin Theroux.
But don’t let the celebrity names and subsequent hype fool you. This place is no fancy schmancy NYC Trend Hub that you’re used to randomly stumbling upon. Ray’s entire gimmick is that there are no gimmicks. It offers the same divey feel you’d find in any old bar in the most provincial parts of America.
(P.S. Be sure to check out the basement “speakeasy” downstairs.)
The Peculier Pub
Like Ray’s, The Peculier Pub is also one of those rare Manhattan bars that boast a hometown/dive bar feel. Peculier Pub is the perfect hangout spot, with its multi-colored fairy lights and ever-flowing Jukebox selection. (Seriously, they have the best music.)
Not only does this spacious pub have the best Espresso Martini drinks, it carries beers from around the globe. You can get specially made drinks from India, Haiti, Italy, and more. Take your pick. Cheers.
Fiction Bar/Cafe
Taking things over to Brooklyn, Fiction Bar/Cafe is an oasis for Espresso Martini lovers. Because it’s both a bar and a coffee house, you can be sure that they know what they’re doing when it comes to this special drink. With its cozy, cushy furniture, unique menu selection, and lively decor, this is a smashing space for New Yorkers to kick back, natter with friends, or savor some alone time in the greatest city in the world.
During the day, Fiction is one of the most work-friendly places in Manhattan. You can sit there and tap away at your keyboard for hours, and you’re unlikely to get scolded for it. (The staff is super friendly at Fiction.)
PS. Does this venue also feel kinda familiar? That’s cuz it’s featured on HBO’s Girls. Living the true Brooklyn life.
Public Hotel
What’s great about Public Hotel is that it lives up to its name in that it’s open to the public. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy the luxury of the Public Hotel, located on the Lower East Side. Anyone and everyone is free to hang out downstairs or upstairs, which you access by taking their famous lit-up escalators.
Upstairs, you’ll be greeted by a lively scene of New Yorkers basking in the contempo environs and astonishing views. (Espresso Martinis are a highly popular drink menu item.)
Marlton Hotel
The Marlton Hotel is in a historic building located just a 5-minute stroll from Washington Square Park. This 100-year-old hotel is steeped in literary culture and happens to be the exact spot where beat writers such as Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady wrote some of their best stuff. Over the decades it was constantly filled with artists who came for the cheap rooms and studio apartments. Back in the day, it was far from glamorous, it was a seedy flophouse.
With its crackling fireplace, cozy furniture, and old-money aesthetic, Marlton feels like you walked into the heart of Greenwich Village literary salon. There’s an Espresso bar, a cocktail bar, and, you guessed it — one-of-a-kind Espresso Martinis! What’s not to love?
