United States New York New York City New York City Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Getaways All New York City 6 Classic New York Bars Toast your trip to New York City at one of these classic tippling spots By Heather Cross Heather Cross Heather Cross is a longtime New York resident who has written about the city since 2002. She is also a travel agent and NYC & Company-certified New York City specialist. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/26/19 Share Pin Email From sophisticated to casual, there is a classic New York City bar that will appeal to just about everyone. Whether you just want a spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or are looking for a place to linger all evening, check out this list of inspiration and ideas. 01 of 06 The Oak Bar at The Plaza Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images Impressionist murals by Everett Shinn depict New York City scenes on the walls, but the classic cocktails and oak panels stand out at this classic New York drinking establishment. Featured in the opening scenes of North by Northwest, the Oak Bar has been an important meeting place since it opened in 1907. Address: 768 Fifth Avenue at the Plaza HotelPhone: 212-549-0550Dress Code: business casual, no shorts, sneakers or sandals after 5 p.m. 02 of 06 Bemelmans Bar arvindgrover/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, who created the Madeline books and painted the bar's famous murals, Bemelmans Bar is one of New York City's classic piano bars. The gold-leaf-covered ceiling and black granite bar combine to create an elegant environment for sampling classic cocktails. Live entertainment takes place every night. Address: Carlyle Hotel, 35 E. 76th St. (at Madison)Telephone: 212-744-1600Hours: 12 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday and Monday, 12 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and 12 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday and SaturdayDress Code: business casual 03 of 06 King Cole Bar FPG / Getty Images Located in the St. Regis Hotel, the King Cole Bar is popular with guests and non-guests alike. The Red Snapper (better known as a Bloody Mary) was invented here, amidst the Maxfield Parrish mural depicting Old King Cole. Address: 2 East 55th Street at the St. Regis HotelPhone: 212-753-4500Dress Code: business casual, no sneakers after 5 p.m. 04 of 06 Old Town Bar & Grill Heather Cross First opened in 1892, Old Town Bar & Grill retains its classic charm with pressed tin ceilings and the oldest operating dumbwaiter in New York City. Featured in many TV shows and movies, including the opening credits of David Letterman during his NBC days, Old Town Bar is a casual place to enjoy beers and burgers. Men should be sure to check out the first-floor bathroom, for with its impressive fixtures. Address: 45 East 18th StreetPhone: 212-529-6732Dress Code: casual Continue to 5 of 6 below. 05 of 06 Pete's Tavern Heather Cross The longest continually operating bar in New York City, Pete's Tavern opened in 1864 and remained open throughout Prohibition, disguised as a flower shop. In 1904, O. Henry wrote much of Gift of the Magi in one of his favorite booths by the front doors. This classic bar serves a full menu at reasonable prices, including nightly specials. Address: 129 East 18th StreetPhone: 212-473-7676Dress Code: casual 06 of 06 White Horse Tavern Stephen Rafferty / Getty Images One of the few wood-framed buildings remaining in New York City, the White Horse Tavern opened in 1880. Famous patrons include Dylan Thomas, who is rumored to have drunk himself to death here in 1953, Jack Kerouac, and Bob Dylan. Address: 567 Hudson StreetPhone: 212-989-3956Dress Code: casual Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit