Cozy Up: The Best Bars to Keep Warm in Downtown NYC
Don’t let the frigid temperatures freeze your social calendar—escape the cold with warming winter cocktails and natural wines at these perfect hideaways.
In the dead of winter, NYC knows how to keep the energy alive. Don’t let the frigid temperatures freeze your social calendar—this city is overflowing with cozy spots where you can sip beautifully crafted cocktails and escape the cold, especially in ever-vibrant Lower Manhattan. Whether you’re seeking a chic, people-watching cocktail lounge or a locals’ favorite intimate dive, downtown offers the perfect hideaways.
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This intimate East Village bar, tucked away on East 6th Street, feels like a hidden gem you’d stumble upon in Tokyo’s laidback, thrift shop-heavy ‘hood of Shimokitazawa. Meet the newly-opened Adore, where you’ll find a curated selection of natural wines perfectly paired with tasty Japanese and Korean small plates—think Yaki Curry, Tonkatsu, and Kimbap. As for the vibe? Retro, Instagrammable, and impossibly cozy perfection—outfitted with funky, comfy couches, moody lighting, and vinyl spinning in the background. Whether you’re here to sip, savor, or simply soak in the ambiance, this aptly named bar is the kind of cozy spot you’ll want to claim as your new favorite in the city.
320 E 6th St; T. (646) 454-0084
Up Stairs
Tucked above a Chinatown bus stop, locals’ favorite Up Stairs is so hidden it doesn’t even have a website or Instagram—just word-of-mouth and loyal regulars. Enter through a nondescript door, climb a narrow staircase, and you’ll find yourself in a no-frills underground spot with a wraparound bar, high-top tables, two mics, and no stage. Write your song request on a piece of paper, hand it to the bartender, and cross your fingers that your song’s in the extensive list, available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. The menu is surprisingly robust, offering everything from mozzarella sticks and dumplings to garlic ribs and rib-eye steak. Several celebs have popped in over the years (and Drake got turned away by the doorman for not having an ID), but it’s the creative downtown crowd that gives this place its heart—and the fun energy, comfort food, and dangerously strong cocktails that keep them coming back to belt their heart out until the wee hours without a care in the world.
59 Canal St #2FL; T. (646) 559-0098
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Opened in 2018, stepping into Joyface feels like you’ve time-traveled to a 1970s house party—if that party had a disco ball, a waterbed, and a wild cat painting or two. This always-buzzing retro cocktail lounge is decked out with wood paneling, funky-chic furniture, and a vibe that’ll have you smiling (hence the name). Take a seat under the glimmering disco ball by the fireplace, sip a martini or three, and let the groovy vibes of Avenue C take over your night.
104 Loisaida Ave; T. (917) 261-2166
Located inside Tribeca’s stylish Roxy Hotel, this ornate, sprawling lobby bar is one of the city’s most inviting spots for a cocktail (or three). With its glitzy, old-school jazz club vibe—minus the cigarette smoke—the space exudes uber-charm and sexy sophistication. Whether you’re a hotel guest or a local in the know, you’ll find yourself sinking into plush, low-slung leather seating and sipping craft cocktails while a resident pianist or rotating jazz musicians set the mood. Hungry? Pair your Roxy Manhattan with something tasty from their “Night Owl” menu, like a roasted sea bass or a meat and cheese board.
2 Avenue of the Americas; T. 212-519-6600
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Cellar 36 is the perfect hideaway for escaping the cold and settling in for a laid-back night of natural wine and small plates. Located in the Two Bridges neighborhood, this intimate wine bar is outfitted with exposed brick walls, with seating at both communal long tables and the bar. Co-owners Nodar Toronjadze and Fernando Martinez—both alums of The Ten Bells—have curated a wine list that goes beyond the usual suspects, offering organic and biodynamic bottles from places like Georgia, Chile, and Japan, plus tasty bar bites. It’s a great spot to unwind while enjoying a glass of natural wine and some excellent people-watching. Bonus: Don’t miss their happy hour from 5–7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, where you can score $1 oysters and $20 carafes.
36 Market St
The Maiden Lane is a warm and cozy neighborhood gem in Alphabet City, located just across from Tompkins Square Park. A hit with the locals, this always-busy spot is the surprisingly ideal place to unwind with a glass of natural wine or a small-batch beer, all while nibbling on perfectly curated small bites. The beyond-popular yet low-key haunt is a great place to escape the cold, enjoy affordable drinks paired with everything from sandwiches (try their gooey grilled cheese!) to tinned fish, and soak in the neighborhood’s easygoing charm.
162 Avenue B; T. (646) 755-8911
WORDS Alex Catarinella
PHOTOGRAPHY cellarthirtysix.com