Finding the perfect spot for drinks is just as important as finding the perfect restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a place to stop by for a preshow drink or a postshow nightcap, or if you’re just hanging out in the Theatre District, this is our ultimate guide to the best bars in the area.
Best for Happy Hour
Valerie
This bar is housed in a beautiful, opulent space and calls itself an “elevated cocktail experience.” There are two levels of bar and lounge seating, including their art deco–inspired Gatsby Lounge. If you’re looking for a retro vibe, this is definitely the place for you. Valerie’s happy hour is a neighborhood favorite, Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The selection includes $11 cocktails and $1 oysters. Stop by between work and your evening show!
Closest theatres: Belasco Theatre, Hudson Theatre, Minskoff Theatre
45 West 45th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), valerienewyorkcity.com
Best for Preshow Drinks
Glass House Tavern
A longtime staple for theatergoers, Glass House serves incredible New American cuisine, but their bar area is certainly a highlight! They have a dedicated bar menu for lighter bites if you don’t want to commit to a full meal. Their contemporary space makes the perfect place to relax before a show. We recommend coming with a group of theater-loving friends and grabbing one of their round booths. They’re often open past midnight, making this the perfect place to stop by and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail before or after a show.
Closest theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
252 West 47th Street (near 8th Avenue), glasshousetavern.com
Best for Postshow Drinks
The Rum House
Located in the bottom of the Edison Hotel, The Rum House is a candlelit cocktail bar that features live music every night. If you want to keep the night going after an evening at the theatre, stop by and enjoy some live jazz with your drinks. Their original cocktails include the Love Island and the Summers Back in the City. They are more focused on the drinks and experience than the food, so make sure not to come hungry.
Closest theatres: Lena Horne Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
228 West 47th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues), therumhousenyc.com
Best Pub for a Casual Vibe
Hurley’s Saloon
Irish pubs don’t get much better than this three-story restaurant and bar. They have a full menu including all your favorite comfort dishes and a prix-fixe theater special. Hurley’s is a more casual spot to gather with friends in the Theatre District. If you’re bringing a larger group, try one of their private rooms or visit their rooftop garden! Their outdoor dining options are incredible in the warmer months, but they also get beautifully decorated for the holiday season. It’s the perfect spot year-round.
Closest theatres: Walter Kerr Theatre, Longacre Theatre
232 West 48th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues), hurleysnyc.com
Best for Creative Cocktails
Pebble Bar
This brand-new cocktail bar is located in a four-floor townhouse near Rockefeller Center. Historically a favorite spot of New York icons such as Johnny Carson and David Letterman, the space has been revamped as a swanky bar offering light bites and drinks. Their cocktail menu serves as an homage to the icons who inspired the bar, with drinks like the Ginny Fallon and the Kerouac Daiquiri. Here, you’ll find a vibe that is both sophisticated and cool.
Closest theatres: Eugene O’Neill Theatre, Ambassador Theatre
67 West 49th Street (at 6th Avenue), pebblebarnyc.com
Best for Dinner With Drinks
Bond 45
While Bond 45 is most well-known for their expansive menu of specialty pastas and veal chops, we had to include them on our drinks guide as well. If you’re looking for a delicious, filling dinner to accompany your preshow drinks, this is the spot. The sprawling restaurant was designed by Broadway set designer David Korins and often hosts special events. Definitely try the Bond Spritz or their Peach Frozé!
Closest theatres: Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Marquis Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre
221 West 46th Street (near Broadway), bond45ny.com
Best for a City View
The Skylark
Located on the 30th floor of a Midtown high-rise, this cocktail lounge and event space has a lovely ambiance and an unbelievable view. With their drink menu, they also offer a selection of bar bites with tacos, truffle fries, burgers, and more. Reservations are recommended — especially if you want the best spot! You can watch the sunset over the Hudson River or admire some of the city’s most iconic buildings. If you’re looking for a sweeping, panoramic view with your drinks, this is the spot for you.
Closest theatres: Nederlander Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre
200 West 39th Street (near 7th Avenue), theskylarknyc.com
Best for a Quick Bite
The Independent
This stylish restaurant brings New American fare to a vintage-inspired space. Make sure to try their handcrafted cocktails (also available as mocktails), local beers, or wines. They have an extensive menu of shareable plates featuring oysters, wings, deviled eggs, and much more. Head here if you want something to snack on before or after a Broadway show!
Closest theatres: Nederlander Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre
147 West 40th Street (at 7th Avenue), theindependentnyc.com
Best for Rooftop Drinks
Dear Irving on Hudson
This rooftop bar is located all the way up on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel. Sit in their vintage-inspired lounge or out on their balcony, and get an amazing view from … everywhere. Their cocktail menu includes a section dedicated to local spirits and a selection of yummy mocktails. Grab some light bites while you’re at it. Keep in mind that reservations are required, but this allows for the space to keep its intimate vibe.
Closest theatres: Nederlander Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre
310 West 40th Street (near 8th Avenue), dearirving.com
Best for a Chill Vibe
Bar Centrale
A neighborhood favorite speakeasy, Bar Centrale is the perfect escape from the typical chaos of Times Square. It’s hidden inside an old brownstone apartment and known for being a favorite post-show spot for Broadway performers. In addition to classic cocktails, they serve up a food menu including flatbread pizzas and fish tacos. If you’re looking for something intimate with an exclusivity factor, head over to this hidden gem.
Closest theatres: Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Imperial Theatre
324 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), barcentrale.nyc
Want some ideas for Broadway-themed cocktails you can make at home? Take a look at our fun list here.