Where to Go for a Girl's Night Out in New York City
For a night out on the town with the ladies, you’re probably looking for a few cocktails to catch up or vent over, or you may be looking to have a more vibrant night out on the town. Read ahead for a list of options that provides you with a mix of both — some good starting points for a more active night out, or some choices for a quieter evening out.
Dos Caminos Meatpacking
Dos Caminos is a Mexican restaurant with a few locations throughout the city. If you’re looking for a solid location for a pre-party, you may want the Meatpacking location to be your choice. With its central location near other popular nighttime venues and bars, start the night here with some drinks and guacamole before heading out on the town. Check out the daily happy hour during the week from Monday to Friday from 4-7pm. Specials include El Camino beer for 8 bucks, red or white sangria for $6, traditional frozen or Prickly Pear Cactus margarita for $8, and a tasting flight of tequila (for the pre-party) at 3 for $11. You may also try out one of the restaurant’s Mexican craft beers, like Death Becomes You, an amber ale, for $9. Other beverages to try while you’re catching up with the ladies include a variety of margaritas, including grilled grapefruit margarita for $15 (Riazul blanco tequila, grilled grapefruit, agave), and specialty cocktails for $16 like Ginger Tequila pear, for a fresh and fruity taste (made with Casamigos Reposado tequila, pear puree, cilantro). (675 Hudson St.; 212-699-2400)
This is the spot to try if you and the ladies are looking for some action-packed fun, as this arcade is filled with vintage arcade games and a selection of craft beers. The bar was founded in 2004 by four buddies inspired by their love of, well, gaming and beers. The bar has around two-dozen local, American beers on tap each night. Bar games include throwbacks like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Megaman. (148 West 24th St.; 212-390-8455)
For fancy ladies out there looking for a Sex and the City vibe you’ll want to check out this spot near Union Square with an assortment of creative cocktails at the bar. You’ll notice the fantastic decor and beautiful chandeliers that offers some home decorating inspiration (some pieces from the home and carpet store next door that’s attached). Cocktails like the Pomegranate Mimosa (with Marques de Gelida cava) and a variety of clever margaritas like basil jalapeno (Dulce Vida Anejo, basil salt rim) and passion fruit (Bruxo Mezcal, smoked sea salt rim) are great for a mix of tastes and textures. (38 E. 19th St.; 212-677-2233)
Located underneath the Gansevoort entrance to the High Line, this coastal Italian-inspired venue offers a healthy-sized wine list and a variety of cocktail and beer options. If you go for a ladies’ night out, try the Aloevation (vodka, aloe vera, violette) for a fresh-feeling cocktail or the Amalfigold (bourbon, orange, ginger, and peach). (820 Washington St.; 212-254-3000)
This dainty wine bar located in Midtown West offers a robust wine and cheese menu. Test out some tasty, rich, artisan cheeses paired with a mix of wines to try. The menu also features ciders from New York City, Spain, and France. Try the Wolffer Rose apple cider made in New York, or the Aia Vecchia Vermentino from Tuscany, Italy. (401 W. 52nd St.; 212-247-8137)
This Upper East Side Irish and American inspired bar specializes in craft brews, a variety of drinks, and locally sourced food. Check it out for a ladies’ brunch on the weekend from 10am to 4pm, happy hour during the week until 7pm, or Penrose Sundays at 8pm for live bluegrass, folk, and jazz music. If you visit during the winter, try the hot apple cider with your choice of bourbon, spiced rum, irish whisky, or Applejack, or a dirty pickle martini with Tito’s vodka, McClure’s spicy pickle brine, pickle garnish. (1590 Second Ave.; 212-203-2751)
This new restaurant isn’t quite new — it was recently reopened after its first life in the 1920s as a speakeasy. It’s great for a group that loves books, since Chumley’s is rich in literary history — you can see book jackets and portraits on the walls of the dining room of literary greats — the rebirthed restaurant still honors its early speakeasy roots. If you visit, try the You! You Can Never Tell (Smith & Cross Jamaican rum, Montenegro Amaro, grapefruit, plum, honey, lime) or the Basement of Thieves (Cutty Sark Whisky, violette, lemon, blackberry, egg white, soda). (86 Bedford St.; 212-675-2081)
Photo via Flickr user daspunkt
