The Art of Drinking Alone: NYC’s Best High-End Bars for Solo Sipping
Drinking alone is often misunderstood. In reality, it’s one of the most underrated luxuries in a fast-paced city like New York. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, savoring a cocktail without distractions, or simply enjoying your own company, solo bar-hopping is an act of self-care, independence, and appreciation for the craft of mixology.
Far from being a lonely experience, sitting at a bar alone allows you to fully engage with the atmosphere, the flavors, and the moment—without the need for small talk or social obligations. If done right, it’s an indulgent, introspective, and even empowering way to experience NYC’s bar scene.
If you’re ready to embrace solo sipping, here are the best high-end bars in NYC that offer exceptional drinks, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that welcomes the solo drinker.
Why Drinking Alone Can Be the Ultimate Luxury
There’s something freeing about walking into a bar, ordering exactly what you want, and soaking in the experience on your own terms. No waiting for friends to arrive, no compromising on drink choices, no forced conversation. It’s just you and the cocktail in front of you.
The Benefits of Solo Sipping:
✔ Complete Control – Drink what you want, stay as long (or as short) as you like.
✔ A Deeper Experience – Without distractions, you can truly taste and appreciate a well-made cocktail.
✔ Unexpected Encounters – Sitting solo at the bar often leads to engaging conversations with bartenders and fellow patrons.
✔ A Moment of Reflection – Sometimes, the best company is your own.
NYC has no shortage of places to sit alone, sip something incredible, and enjoy the moment. These bars are elegant, welcoming, and perfect for solo drinkers.
1. Maison Premiere – An Old-World Escape
📍 Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Few bars in NYC capture the romance of solo drinking better than Maison Premiere. Inspired by New Orleans' French Quarter and classic Parisian cafés, this absinthe and oyster bar is the perfect place to sink into a dark corner, order a perfectly stirred Martini, and lose yourself in the old-world charm.
✔ Best seat: At the bar, where you can chat with knowledgeable bartenders about their impressive absinthe collection.
✔ Perfect solo drink: A Vesper Martini or a Sazerac, both strong and contemplative.
✔ Why it’s great alone: Low lighting, vintage décor, and a menu that rewards slow sipping make it perfect for an introspective evening.
2. Attaboy – The No-Menu Experience
📍 Lower East Side
For those who appreciate precision in mixology, Attaboy is a must. This intimate, standing-room-only speakeasy doesn’t have a menu. Instead, you tell the bartender your flavor preferences, and they craft something just for you.
✔ Best seat: The bar (if you can snag one) for one-on-one interaction with expert bartenders.
✔ Perfect solo drink: Whatever they make for you—it will be tailored to your taste.
✔ Why it’s great alone: The small, personal setting makes solo sipping feel natural, not out of place.
3. The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel – A Stylish Solo Retreat
📍 NoMad
If you want to drink alone without feeling alone, The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel is a perfect choice. It has an easygoing but upscale vibe, where creatives, travelers, and locals all blend into the scene.
✔ Best seat: A corner spot with a book or a journal in hand.
✔ Perfect solo drink: A Vieux Carré—complex and perfect for slow sipping.
✔ Why it’s great alone: The buzz of the room makes solo drinking feel social, even without conversation.
4. Amor y Amargo – The Bitters Lover’s Paradise
📍 East Village
If you love bold, bitter, and spirit-forward cocktails, this is the spot. Amor y Amargo specializes in amaro, vermouth, and Negronis, creating cocktails with depth and character.
✔ Best seat: The bar, where you can watch expert bartenders mix drinks with surgical precision.
✔ Perfect solo drink: A classic Negroni or a bespoke amaro-based cocktail.
✔ Why it’s great alone: The small, intimate space is designed for true cocktail enthusiasts, not large groups.
5. The Up & Up – A Cozy, Underground Hideaway
📍 Greenwich Village
For a quiet, dimly lit retreat with expertly crafted cocktails, The Up & Up is a gem. It’s the kind of bar where you can sink into a seat with a beautifully balanced drink and let time slow down.
✔ Best seat: The bar or a tucked-away corner for ultimate solo comfort.
✔ Perfect solo drink: A Bee’s Knees or a Paper Plane—bright, balanced, and thoughtful.
✔ Why it’s great alone: No loud music or big crowds, just expertly made cocktails and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Solo Drinking: An Art, Not an Act of Loneliness
Drinking alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely—it means you’re intentional about your experience. It’s about tasting a drink, soaking in the atmosphere, and enjoying the moment exactly as you want it.
Whether you’re:
Winding down after work with a well-made Old Fashioned.
Exploring a new bar without the distraction of conversation.
Giving yourself permission to enjoy your own company.
There’s something beautifully personal about taking yourself out for a great drink.
Host a Private Event with the Art of the Cocktail
Whether you’re drinking alone or with a crowd, a well-crafted cocktail makes all the difference. At Art of the Cocktail, our expert mixologists create bespoke cocktail experiences for private events, corporate gatherings, and luxury celebrations.
We bring high-end mixology, custom cocktail menus, and a personalized bar experience straight to you. Let us craft the perfect drinks for your event, whether it’s a standing-room-only cocktail party or an intimate, seated tasting experience.
Contact us today to create a one-of-a-kind bar experience for your next event.
Drinking alone is an art, not an afterthought. It’s about slowing down, savoring a moment, and fully appreciating the craft of a great cocktail.
The next time you find yourself craving a moment of solitude, skip the couch and take yourself out. Find a bar that welcomes solo drinkers, order something exceptional, and let the city fade away—one sip at a time.
