NYC’s Most Romantic Cocktail Bars: A Valentine’s Night Guide
Where to Sip Cocktails Under Candlelight or Skyline Views
Valentine’s Day in New York City is all about ambiance—the soft glow of candlelight, a perfectly crafted cocktail, and an intimate setting that makes the moment feel cinematic. Whether you’re looking for a cozy speakeasy, a glamorous rooftop, or an old-world cocktail lounge, the right bar can turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience.
For couples seeking a romantic retreat or singles indulging in an elegant solo night out, here’s a curated guide to NYC’s most romantic cocktail bars, where the atmosphere is just as intoxicating as the drinks.
Candlelit & Intimate: The Coziest Cocktail Bars for Romance
1. Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – Classic Elegance with Live Jazz
📍 The Carlyle Hotel, 35 E 76th St, Upper East Side
Few places in NYC exude romance and nostalgia like Bemelmans Bar. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the illustrator behind Madeline, the walls are covered in his whimsical murals, creating a timeless, storybook-like setting. Pair that with live piano jazz, dim lighting, and expertly stirred Martinis, and you have the perfect Valentine’s nightcap.
What to Order: A Vesper Martini, Bond-style—crisp, elegant, and timeless.
✔ Best For: Couples who love old-school glamour and live music.
2. Dear Irving (Gramercy) – A Cocktail Lounge with a Gatsby Vibe
📍 55 Irving Pl, Gramercy
Stepping into Dear Irving feels like entering a time machine of romance. The bar is divided into different historical eras, from the roaring 1920s Art Deco section to a Versailles-inspired parlor, complete with velvet booths and chandeliers. The cocktails are as luxurious as the decor, making this a perfect date night destination.
What to Order: The Manhattan No. 2—a bold mix of bourbon, Antica Formula, and saffron bitters.
✔ Best For: Couples who love vintage aesthetics and impeccable cocktails.
3. Lullaby (Lower East Side) – Low-Key, Stylish, and Cozy
📍 151 Rivington St, Lower East Side
For those who prefer a chic but unpretentious atmosphere, Lullaby is a hidden gem. This Lower East Side cocktail lounge feels laid-back yet intimate, with plush seating, warm lighting, and an emphasis on simplicity and craft.
What to Order: The Fig & Honey Old Fashioned, made with fig-infused bourbon and a touch of smoked honey.
✔ Best For: A casual yet intimate Valentine’s outing with stellar drinks.
Skyline Views: NYC’s Most Romantic Rooftop Bars
4. Overstory (Financial District) – The Ultimate Skyline Cocktail Experience
📍 70 Pine St, 64th Floor, Financial District
Nothing says romantic NYC night out like sipping a cocktail high above the skyline. Overstory, located 64 stories up, offers breathtaking 360-degree views and an exclusive, upscale atmosphere. The cocktails are artfully crafted, making each sip feel like an experience in itself.
What to Order: The Golden Hour, featuring pineapple, chamomile, and sparkling verjus.
✔ Best For: A high-end, cinematic Valentine’s night.
5. Ophelia (Midtown East) – A Rooftop Lounge in a Historic Setting
📍 3 Mitchell Pl, Midtown East
Set atop the Beekman Tower, Ophelia is a stunning rooftop bar that combines Gatsby-era romance with modern skyline views. The floor-to-ceiling windows and plush decor create a dreamy ambiance, perfect for a Valentine’s toast above the city.
What to Order: The Lavender 75, a floral twist on the French 75 with gin, lemon, and lavender syrup.
✔ Best For: A romantic rooftop experience with vintage charm.
Secret & Seductive: NYC’s Most Romantic Speakeasies
6. La Noxe (Chelsea) – A Tiny Underground Hideaway
📍 28th St Subway Station, Chelsea
Hidden inside a subway station, La Noxe is NYC’s most intimate speakeasy, with dim lighting, Latin-inspired cocktails, and seating for just a handful of guests. This bar feels like a secret whispered between lovers, making it a perfect Valentine’s spot.
What to Order: The Oaxacan Negroni, made with smoky mezcal and cacao bitters.
✔ Best For: Couples who love off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
7. Attaboy (Lower East Side) – No Menu, Just Pure Craft
📍 134 Eldridge St, Lower East Side
At Attaboy, there’s no menu—just tell the bartender your favorite flavors, and they’ll craft something uniquely suited to you. This personalized experience, paired with the intimate space, makes for a truly memorable Valentine’s cocktail moment.
What to Order: Let the bartender decide—it's part of the magic.
✔ Best For: Spontaneous, cocktail-loving couples.
For a More Unique Valentine’s: Romantic Cocktail Experiences in NYC
Looking for something beyond just a drink? These experiences take cocktail romance to the next level.
8. Candlelight Concert & Cocktails
📍 Church of the Heavenly Rest | February 14, 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Enjoy an elegant, candlelit classical music concert, followed by cocktails at a nearby lounge. A perfect way to slow down and savor the romance.
Best Cocktail Pairing: A Champagne Cocktail—light, celebratory, and classic.
More Info
9. Aphrodisiac Cocktail Class at Art of the Cocktail
📍 Private Event Booking | Custom Locations
For those looking to create their own love potions, Art of the Cocktail offers a Valentine’s-themed mixology class featuring aphrodisiac ingredients like chocolate, ginger, and strawberries.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ The science behind love-inducing cocktails
✔ How to craft your own seductive drinks
✔ Exclusive zero-proof and alcohol-infused recipes
Book a Private Valentine’s Cocktail Class
Final Thoughts: NYC’s Most Romantic Cocktail Night
Whether you’re looking for candlelit intimacy, skyline views, or a secret speakeasy hideaway, NYC has a romantic cocktail bar for every type of Valentine’s celebration.
For those planning a truly special evening, Art of the Cocktail offers:
✔ Private cocktail experiences for couples and groups
✔ Aphrodisiac cocktail tastings featuring rare spirits and botanicals
✔ Luxury mixology events tailored for Valentine’s Day
Because the most romantic nights always start with a perfectly made cocktail.
