New York City, a culinary melting pot, boasts a vibrant vegan scene that extends far beyond just food. The city's mixologists are increasingly crafting innovative and delicious vegan cocktails, proving that plant-based doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or sophistication. This guide explores 17 of the best places to enjoy a cruelty-free cocktail experience in the Big Apple. From classic reimaginings to inventive originals, these bars are raising the bar for vegan-friendly drinks.
Finding Vegan Cocktails: Navigating NYC's Bar Scene
Before we dive into the specific bars, let's address the elephant in the room: finding vegan cocktails can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Many bars aren't explicitly advertising their vegan options. Here's how to approach it:
- Ask! Don't hesitate to inquire about vegan-friendly options. Most bartenders are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. Explain that you're looking for cocktails without honey, dairy, or egg whites.
- Check online menus. Many bars now list their ingredients online, making it easier to spot vegan options before you go. Look for terms like "plant-based," "vegan," or descriptions that specify the absence of animal products.
- Look for bars with a dedicated vegan menu. Some establishments are explicitly catering to vegan patrons, making the selection process much simpler.
17 Vegan Cocktail Havens in NYC
This list showcases diverse bars, highlighting the creativity and accessibility of vegan cocktails across different neighborhoods.
Lower Manhattan:
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Attaboy: Known for its innovative and expertly crafted cocktails, Attaboy consistently offers vegan options. Their focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients, resulting in unique and delicious drinks. Expect a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere.
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The NoMad Bar: This elegant bar, located within the NoMad Hotel, presents a refined cocktail experience. While not exclusively vegan, they’re adept at creating custom vegan drinks tailored to your preferences.
Midtown:
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The Campbell: A classic Midtown spot, The Campbell offers an extensive cocktail menu with clear labeling for vegan options. They often showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables in their creations.
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The Skylark: This rooftop bar provides stunning city views alongside delicious vegan cocktails. The ambiance is perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out.
Greenwich Village:
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Marie's Crisis Cafe: While known for its piano sing-alongs, Marie's Crisis Cafe also serves up surprisingly good, affordable vegan cocktails. The atmosphere is lively and fun.
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Blind Tiger Ale House: This casual pub offers a relaxed environment with a solid selection of craft beers and surprisingly delicious vegan cocktails.
Brooklyn:
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Clover Club: A Brooklyn institution, Clover Club has a reputation for creativity and quality. Many of their cocktails are naturally vegan or easily adaptable.
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Bar Bruno: This charming bar in Williamsburg is known for its friendly atmosphere and its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients, including many vegan options.
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Union Pool: This popular Brooklyn bar features a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating and a consistently updated cocktail menu.
Other Boroughs:
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The Jeffrey: Located in the East Village, The Jeffrey offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere with a selection of vegan cocktails made with fresh juices and unique ingredients.
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Dante: This West Village gem offers a classic cocktail experience with attention to detail and several naturally vegan options.
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Death & Co: While not exclusively vegan, Death & Co has a reputation for expertly crafted cocktails and is usually able to create vegan options upon request.
Beyond the Individual Bars:
The following establishments aren't solely dedicated to cocktails but offer excellent vegan drink options alongside their food menus:
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Avant Garden: A popular vegan restaurant, Avant Garden creates inventive and delicious cocktails to complement its plant-based cuisine.
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Dirt Candy: Another highly-regarded vegan restaurant, Dirt Candy boasts a creative cocktail menu that is perfectly suited to its unique and innovative dishes.
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Superiority Burger: This popular vegan eatery has a concise, but delicious, cocktail menu that changes seasonally.
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Modern Love: This well-regarded vegan restaurant is known for its sophisticated and globally-inspired plant-based dishes and creatively crafted cocktails.
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Many Vegan-Friendly Restaurants: Many of NYC's top vegan restaurants now offer extensive cocktail menus with numerous vegan options. Don't hesitate to explore beyond the bars listed above!
Tips for Enjoying Vegan Cocktails in NYC
- Make a reservation: Many popular bars, especially those with rooftop seating, require reservations, especially on weekends.
- Check for happy hour specials: Many bars offer discounted drinks during happy hour, which can make enjoying vegan cocktails even more affordable.
- Be adventurous: Don't be afraid to try something new! Many of NYC's best vegan cocktails are inventive and unexpected.
- Tip generously: Good bartenders deserve appreciation, especially when they're going the extra mile to accommodate your dietary needs.
This guide provides a starting point for your exploration of New York City's thriving vegan cocktail scene. Remember to explore, ask questions, and enjoy the diverse and delicious options this amazing city offers. Cheers!
