- March 21, 2024
Cocktails & Conversations: Iconic Bars in NYC
New Yorkers are very proud people. We believe we live in the best city in the world, with the best food, the best people, and, of course, bars in NYC outrank them all.
New York is home to some of the oldest bars in the world, some over 200 years old. In fact, as the second-oldest bar in the city, the White Horse Tavern is part of the storied history that sets the Big Apple’s bars apart from the rest.
Bars in NYC: A Quick History
America’s drinking history passes directly through the center of New York. Like so many other parts of the city, it has gone from gritty to stylish and back again.
Bars were predominantly for men. However, speakeasies brought with them a fresh clientele: women. Women had always been restricted to drinking at home, but bars in NYC have always been hubs of community. With Prohibition, if women wanted access to alcohol, they had to go where the booze was. Speakeasies’ social allure drew people into brand-new, energetic public areas. These were places where people from all walks of life could perform and showcase their talent when there was nowhere else that would accept them.
Bar stools, live jazz, and a new wave of cocktails catered to a wider clientele, especially after the fall of Prohibition. These establishments were hubs for the arts, hosting live music, poetry readings, and other cultural events. They allowed people to share ideas with those from different backgrounds, promoting social exchange and inclusion.
The White Horse Tavern: A Legend Among New York Bars
Many West Village bars in NYC have come and gone, but the White Horse Tavern has been here since 1880, the second-oldest tavern in New York City.
Once a longshoreman’s tavern for the men who worked the piers along the Hudson River, “The Horse” rose to fame among authors and artists in the early 1950s. Dylan Thomas, the most well-known, said that it reminded him of some of his favorite places back in Wales. The Tavern is one of the few surviving bars from a bygone era – it has long been a haven for those seeking to experience life at that time.
Some of the most important figures in jazz and the newly emerging folk and rock music scenes soon followed. So did Jack Kerouac and the Beat Poets, as well as other literary giants like James Baldwin. Even Bob Dylan became a patron at the Tavern. Ever dreamed of what it would be like to sit where the greats once sat? We’ve got a seat waiting for you any night of the week.
The bar is a landmarked site that still has a lot of its original woodwork and tin ceiling, as well as period checkerboard floors and leather booths. From the second you walk in, you’ll be transported to a different time.
New York City Nightlife
There may be a rich history behind the watering holes of New York, but don’t think the fun is all in the past. Many of these establishments are still popular today, and new and exciting nightlife waits around every corner. Yes, the best bars are in NYC and always will be.
Most West Village bars close at a whopping 4 am – yes, you read that right. This gives you a long time to have a good time. Because most places in the area close at this time, you can go bar hopping, drinking your way down the street to enjoy what every unique bar has to offer.
Each bar menu offers its signature drinks and cocktails alongside the good old classics, so you are sure to have a drink that will blow your mind. As the cherry on top, you might be saying cheers in an establishment that has been there for over a hundred years. There are not many places in the world that can offer the same.
Experience New York City History at the White Horse Tavern
If you want to experience the history behind a West Village bar in NYC, the White Horse Tavern is the perfect place. Transport yourself to a different time as soon as you walk through our doors. You might even sit exactly where Jim Morrison sat – how cool is that?
We’ve been around for so long because we know the recipe for a memorable night out – including a delicious contemporary menu. Stop by for an expertly made cocktail or browse our dinner selection. Make a reservation now and be a part of the history of the top bars in NYC.