Ten New York bars our editors recommend for February 14 — without a forced two-hour table or a red rose surcharge.
Valentine's Day is when most New York bars suspend their normal menu and replace it with a four-course set lunch that requires a deposit. The picks below are different. These ten New York venues run Valentine's Day the way they run any other Friday — great cocktails, normal pricing, an honest welcome — which is exactly what makes them better Valentine's bars than the ones charging double.
The New York bars our editors send Valentine's Day bookings to
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
In Lower East Side, Double Chicken Please the japanese cold noodle arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
The Dead Rabbit (in Financial District) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In Lower East Side, Attaboy the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Death & Co (in East Village) the conference is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Undercote (in Flatiron) the korean whiskey sour is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Maison Premiere (in Williamsburg) the maison sazerac is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Maison Sazerac
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Pegu Club sits in SoHo, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Dante in Greenwich Village, the garibaldi arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Katana Kitten (in West Village) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Please Don't Tell in East Village, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Bacon-Infused Old Fashioned
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More Cocktail Bars in New YorkThe full editor-curated list of Cocktail Bars in New York, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
Two Valentine's Day notes. Book a 6.30pm or 9.30pm slot — the 7-9pm window is overrun. And ignore venues that require pre-paid set menus on Feb 14; the cocktail bars on this list do not, and the experience is better for it.
Other seasonal New York guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual New York occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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