It’s 3:45 on a Saturday afternoon.
You’re dripping sweat at Bleeker Street Bar, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a guy you’ve X’d on Hinge three times last week. You take a sip of your half-drunk vodka soda, your brand new Onitsuka Tigers sticking to the beer-covered floor. You’re about to be twenty-seven. This is getting embarrassing. Where is there to go out that doesn't involve 5-foot-7 guys screaming, “We are Penn State?”
On the hunt for bars that say “chic’” not “DKE,” we’ve called on popular lifestyle influencer and the queen of morning routine videos, Laila Elnaggar. When the beauty aficionado isn’t testing out the latest skincare trend or hanging out with Olivia Rodrigo (like same, lmao), you can find her at the swankiest cocktail bar in town — obviously dressed in something my sixteen-year-old self would gag over.
From sipping on matcha to sipping on martinis, Laila is the definition of a girl who can do both. If anybody knows where to go out that’s sophisticated yet sexy, it’s her. And yes, she’ll probably go to Pilates bright and early (and film a viral reel) the next morning.
Keep reading for the fashionable bars in New York, from Laila’s POV.
The Nines
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The Nines is a sexy piano bar in NoHo. Who doesn't love a place that serves popcorn and olives with your cocktail? A go-to date night spot with great music and ambiance, The Nines is a place to see-and-be-seen.
Tigre
Tigre is a swanky cocktail bar on the Lower East Side with a unique selection of tasty (and strong) drinks. If you’re a martini lover, you're in luck. An entire half-page of their menu is dedicated to their delicious martini selections.
Beefbar
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Beefbar is an Asian Fusion restaurant in Tribeca that houses a lively cocktail bar. A favorite for pre or post-dinner drinks, the international hotspot has a fun selection of cocktails (my drink order is the Beefbar Milk Punch!) and live entertainment.
Bar Nena
Bar Nena is a new speakeasy bar underneath Jajaja in the West Village. Incredible cocktails, extremely kind staff and perfect for conversation with friends. Love their small plates!
Titsou Bar
Titsou Bar is a Parisian-inspired cocktail bar in Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York. The stunning pink interior makes it an even better pregame for a GNO.
Canto
Canto is a laid-back Italian restaurant in the West Village. If you love espresso martinis as much as I do, they serve the best frozen espresso martini in the city. A favorite spot to stroll into on a Saturday afternoon, grab a seat by the window for some people-watching or the double-sided bar seating to mingle with new people.
Nubeluz
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Located at the top of the Ritz-Carlton Nomad, I always recommend this fashionable spot for a summer night in New York City. Nubeluz is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
The Raines Law Room
This popular Chelsea speakeasy is the perfect spot for date night. If you're looking to switch things up, they also host weekly cocktail-making classes.
Silver Lining Lounge
This LES piano bar hosts a variety of fun live entertainment and events. Oh, and they serve one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had.
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haleyuhm1
love!!!