The Psychology of NYC Bar Hopping: What Your Choice of Bar Says About You
In a city with thousands of bars, where you start your night says a lot about you. Are you the trendy rooftop type, chasing the perfect Instagram shot? Do you crave the mystery of a hidden speakeasy, or do you prefer the no-nonsense charm of a classic dive bar?
Bar hopping in NYC isn’t just about drinks and vibes—it’s a personality test. Your first stop of the night sets the tone, reveals your social style, and might even hint at how the night will end.
So, where are you starting? Let’s analyze your bar-hopping psychology, one drink at a time.
1. Trendy Rooftop Bars – The Social Aesthete
📍 For those who like to see and be seen, preferably with a skyline view and a cocktail in hand.
If your night kicks off at a high-rise rooftop bar, you’re here for aesthetic, energy, and exclusivity. You love elevated experiences—literally and figuratively—and you know that a well-made drink tastes better with a skyline backdrop.
✔ Personality: Outgoing, style-conscious, thrives on social energy.
✔ Vibe: Curated playlists, ambient lighting, and an air of exclusivity.
✔ Drink of Choice: Espresso Martini, French 75, or a custom craft cocktail.
🍸 Where to Go:
🔹 The Fleur Room (Chelsea) – Breathtaking views and a luxe cocktail menu.
🔹 Somewhere Nowhere (NoMad) – Rooftop club energy meets mixology magic.
What This Says About You:
You love a good first impression—both making one and experiencing one.
You probably post your first drink on Instagram before taking a sip.
Your night will either be a perfectly curated experience or go off the rails completely—there is no in-between.
2. Dive Bars – The Unpretentious Individualist
📍 For those who believe that a great night starts with cheap beer and no dress code.
If your night begins in a dark, unpolished dive bar, you’re not here for fancy cocktails or bottle service—you’re here for good company, cheap drinks, and an authentic experience. You appreciate places where the jukebox is loud, the bartenders don’t care who you are, and the whiskey pours are generous.
✔ Personality: Low-maintenance, effortlessly cool, values authenticity.
✔ Vibe: Neon beer signs, sticky floors, and a mix of old-school regulars and hipster newcomers.
✔ Drink of Choice: A cold beer with a shot of Jameson or Fernet.
🍺 Where to Go:
🔹 The Library (East Village) – A true NYC dive with a killer jukebox.
🔹 Welcome to the Johnsons (Lower East Side) – Like drinking in your friend’s basement (in the best way possible).
What This Says About You:
You don’t need fancy drinks or curated aesthetics—you just want a solid night out.
You’re either telling wild stories or just taking it all in from the corner booth.
Your night will likely end with a greasy slice of pizza at 3 AM.
3. Speakeasies – The Nostalgic Explorer
📍 For those who love secrets, storytelling, and well-crafted drinks.
If your night starts at a hidden speakeasy, you are here for experience, exclusivity, and a little bit of mystery. You’re the type who values quality over quantity, and you know that the best cocktails are the ones made with precision and intention.
✔ Personality: Detail-oriented, adventurous, appreciates craftsmanship.
✔ Vibe: Dimly lit, intimate, and quietly buzzing with sophistication.
✔ Drink of Choice: A stirred, spirit-forward classic like a Negroni or a Manhattan.
🍸 Where to Go:
🔹 Attaboy (Lower East Side) – No menu, just tell the bartender what you like.
🔹 PDT (Please Don’t Tell) (East Village) – Hidden behind a hot dog shop, accessible through a phone booth.
What This Says About You:
You love a hidden gem—the thrill of finding a secret bar makes the drink taste even better.
You’re either leading the group confidently or subtly testing who belongs in your inner circle.
Your night is likely to be smooth, sophisticated, and end with an incredible nightcap.
4. Absinthe Bars – The Artistic Intellectual
📍 For those who appreciate a little surrealism with their spirits.
If your night begins with a sugar cube and a slow-drip absinthe ritual, you’re drawn to history, creativity, and the allure of the unconventional. You’re not just here for drinks—you’re here for an experience, a story, and maybe even a little inspiration.
✔ Personality: Imaginative, introspective, drawn to the arts.
✔ Vibe: Old-world elegance meets bohemian energy.
✔ Drink of Choice: Absinthe, of course, or an anise-forward cocktail like a Sazerac.
🍸 Where to Go:
🔹 Maison Premiere (Williamsburg) – The ultimate absinthe experience in a New Orleans-inspired setting.
🔹 The Green Fairy (West Village) – A tiny absinthe bar where the spirits (literally) flow.
What This Says About You:
You probably have a favorite obscure poet or filmmaker.
You are likely to start deep, philosophical conversations by drink two.
Your night could end with a toast to the cosmos or an impromptu 3 AM tarot reading.
5. Jazz Bars – The Cultured Connoisseur
📍 For those who know that great nights deserve a soundtrack.
If you start your night at a low-lit jazz bar, you appreciate timeless experiences, good music, and a perfectly balanced cocktail. You love places where you can soak in the ambiance, listen to live music, and sip something strong without the chaos of a packed nightclub.
✔ Personality: Thoughtful, refined, enjoys the classics.
✔ Vibe: Dark wood, soft lighting, and the smooth sound of a saxophone.
✔ Drink of Choice: A classic Martini, Vieux Carré, or Boulevardier.
🍸 Where to Go:
🔹 Smalls Jazz Club (Greenwich Village) – Intimate, legendary, and always has a great lineup.
🔹 Dizzy’s Club (Columbus Circle) – Jazz with a view, featuring top-tier performances.
What This Says About You:
You know how to pace yourself—your nights are long, slow, and rich with conversation.
You’re likely the person people go to for great life advice.
Your night ends with a final sip of whiskey and a smooth exit into the city lights.
What Your Bar Choice Says About You
Where you start your night sets the tone for everything that follows. Are you the rooftop socialite, the speakeasy detective, the dive bar realist, or the jazz-loving connoisseur? Maybe you switch it up based on the night, or maybe you’ve got your go-to first stop locked in.
Either way, in a city with endless options, every bar tells a story—and the one you choose says more about you than you think.
So… where’s your first stop tonight?
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