New York City is widely regarded as the best bar city in America because of its extraordinary concentration of world-class bars, deep-rooted drinking culture, and unmatched diversity of experiences.
From iconic neighborhood dives and historic cocktail institutions to cutting-edge speakeasies and internationally acclaimed venues, NYC offers an unparalleled range of options within a highly walkable urban environment.
The city consistently dominates prestigious rankings such as North America’s 50 Best Bars, reflecting its commitment to hospitality, innovation, and craft.
Bartending is often treated as a respected long-term profession, resulting in exceptional service standards and creative drink programs.
Combined with the city’s cultural diversity, dense foot traffic, and vibrant nightlife ecosystem, New York has created a bar scene that few cities in the world can match.
American Bartenders School of New York
Share
American Bartenders School of New York has trained bartenders for over half a century. Call or text us at 917-746-0411 for more info and a free tour.
In the hit TV show Mad Men, Don Draper’s signature cocktail is the Old Fashioned, a drink that serves as a powerful symbol of his sophisticated, old-school masculinity and mid-century confidence.
While the modern craft cocktail version typically consists of whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters, the 1960s-style Old Fashioned portrayed in the series reflects a post-Prohibition tradition that featured muddled fruit and a splash of club soda. Don’s preferred version is made by muddling a sugar cube with Angostura bitters, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry before adding ice, rye whiskey, and soda water.
This richer, more diluted variation is memorably showcased in the series and helps reinforce both the period’s cocktail culture and Draper’s iconic persona.
06/14/2026
Thanks so much for the invites to the NY/NJ Agave Club industry night event at Rosehill Rooftop in NYC!
Special appreciation to all of the brands that participated in sharing and promoting next level tequila and mezcal!
Who ever thought education and insight could be so delicious?!
Great friends, great weather and great juice!
• El Bandido Yankee
• Partida
• Dos Hombres
• Tierra de Ensueño
• Wild Common
• Laelia
• Cultura 100
• El Buho
• Loca Loka
• Zumbador
• Almatitan
• Hidden Gems
• Viva Mexico
• PKGD Group
• G4
• Gente Buena
Rich LoGatto Anthony LoVa
06/13/2026
Many of the world's most famous liqueurs were originally developed not as recreational beverages but as medicinal remedies.
Created by monks, apothecaries, and herbalists, these drinks were carefully crafted using blends of herbs, roots, spices, and botanicals believed to promote digestion, restore health, and treat various ailments.
Over time, products such as Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Fernet-Branca, Jägermeister, and others evolved from therapeutic tonics into popular spirits enjoyed worldwide.
This historical connection between medicine and alcohol highlights how traditional healing practices influenced the development of some of today's most iconic liqueurs.
Gin begins as a neutral spirit, typically distilled from grains such as wheat, barley, or corn.
During the distillation process, the spirit is heated in a still, causing the alcohol to evaporate before water because alcohol has a lower boiling point.
The alcohol vapors then pass through a basket or chamber filled with botanicals, most importantly juniper berries, along with ingredients such as coriander, citrus peels, angelica root, and various herbs and spices.
As the vapors travel through these botanicals, they absorb their flavors and aromas before being cooled and condensed back into liquid form.
The result is a clear, aromatic spirit with the distinctive botanical character that defines gin.
06/09/2026
Thinking about becoming a bartender in New York City? There’s no better place to start. 🍸✨
NYC’s bar scene is one of the most exciting in the world—fast-paced, creative, and full of opportunities. From high-energy nightlife to upscale lounges and craft cocktail bars, there’s a place for every style and personality.
👉 Click the link in our bio to learn more
📞 Call/DM or text 917-746-0411 to secure your spot today!
06/08/2026
Top Bars Near Madison Square Garden for Pre-Game and Post-Game Drinks
MSG is one of New York City’s biggest magnets for sports, concerts, and major events. Whether you’re heading to the Garden before tip-off, meeting friends after the final buzzer, or just looking for a lively bar near Penn Station, the neighborhood has plenty of options.
From classic Irish pubs and packed sports bars to rooftop lounges and cocktail spots, here are some of the best bars near Madison Square Garden.
☘️ Classic Pubs & Irish Bars
Mustang Harry’s – A longtime 7th Avenue staple, Mustang Harry’s is one of the most reliable pre-game bars near Madison Square Garden. The space is large, lively, and built for crowds, with elevated Irish pub food, a big whiskey selection, and plenty of TVs.
Address: 352 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001 Website: mustangharrys.com
Tara Mór – A modern Irish pub just south of the Garden, Tara Mór brings a polished, energetic feel to the neighborhood. It’s a strong choice for happy hour, cocktails, Irish-inspired food, and a lively crowd before or after an event.
Address: 150 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001 Website: taramornyc.com
Tír na Nóg – A classic Irish-American bar near Penn Station, Tír na Nóg is known for Guinness, pub fare, and a warm, traditional bar atmosphere. It’s a dependable stop for people who want a real Irish pub feel close to MSG.
Address: 254 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001 Website: tirnanognyc.com
Molly Wee Pub – Small, cozy, and unpretentious, Molly Wee Pub is a neighborhood favorite with classic Irish comfort food and a friendly local feel. It’s ideal if you want something less glossy and more traditional.
Address: 402 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001 Website: themollywee.com
The Blarney Stone – A no-frills Irish-style pub near Penn Station, The Blarney Stone is a casual choice for a quick pint, straightforward bar food, and a classic New York pub atmosphere.
Address: 410 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Jack Doyle’s – Jack Doyle’s is a lively Irish pub and sports bar with big TVs, a friendly crowd, and a central location just north of the Garden. It’s a good pick for groups looking for drinks, bar food, and game-day energy.
Address: 240 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001 Website: jackdoylesnyc.com
🍔 Sports Bars & Gastropubs
Bourbon and Branch – A stylish two-story gastropub steps from MSG, Bourbon and Branch offers cocktails, bourbon, burgers, sliders, and a more polished bar experience than the typical sports pub.
Address: 155 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001 Website: bourbonandbranchnyc.com
Stout NYC – One of the busiest and most popular sports bars near Madison Square Garden, Stout NYC is built for big crowds. Expect a huge beer list, multiple levels, lots of TVs, and a high-energy pre-game atmosphere.
Address: 133 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001 Website: stoutnyc.com
American Whiskey – American Whiskey combines a serious bourbon list with a true sports-bar setup. With dozens of TVs, Southern-inspired food, and a location just a block from MSG, it’s one of the best choices for fans who want both drinks and a game-day scene.
Address: 247 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001 Website: americanwhiskeynyc.com Directions: Open in Google Maps
The Ragtrader – Set inside a former garment factory, The Ragtrader is a stylish multi-level spot with cocktails, elevated comfort food, and a lively but more refined atmosphere. It’s a good option for a date, a group dinner, or a post-game cocktail.
Address: 70 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018 Website: ragtradernyc.com Directions: Open in Google Maps
Goldie’s Tavern – Goldie’s Tavern is a casual Midtown sports bar with drinks, bar bites, and an easygoing crowd. It’s a solid choice for a less formal stop before or after an event at the Garden.
Address: 135 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001
🏙️ Rooftops & Trendy Lounges
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Located at Moxy Times Square, Magic Hour is a colorful indoor-outdoor rooftop bar known for its skyline views, playful decor, cocktails, and party atmosphere. It’s a fun choice if you want something bigger and flashier after the game.
Address: 485 7th Ave, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Website: Magic Hour Rooftop Directions: Open in Google Maps
Sandbar Rooftop – Sandbar Rooftop brings a beachy, relaxed feel to Chelsea, with cocktails, light bites, and city views. It’s a little farther south of MSG, but still close enough for a pre- or post-event drink.
Address: 152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001 Website: sandbarrooftop.com Directions: Open in Google Maps
Blu33 Rooftop – Located directly across from Madison Square Garden, Blu33 Rooftop is one of the closest rooftop options to the arena. It offers cocktails, city views, and a convenient location for anyone who wants an elevated drink without leaving the neighborhood.
Address: 325 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001 Directions: Open in Google Maps
The Rutherford – The Rutherford is a popular 33rd Street spot with a strong drink program, energetic crowd, and prime location near MSG. It works well for both pre-game drinks and a late-night stop after the event.
Address: 168 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001 Website: therutherfordnyc.com
🤫 Cocktails, Speakeasies & Wine Bars
Little Dipper – A cozy underground cocktail bar with an astrology theme, Little Dipper is a good option for something more intimate and offbeat near MSG. Expect creative cocktails, a moody setting, and a more relaxed alternative to the sports-bar rush.
Address: 135 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001 Website: littledippernyc.com
Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store – Hidden beneath The Ragtrader, Bo Peep is a dimly lit cocktail and piano bar with old-school New York energy. It’s ideal for a stylish post-game drink or a quieter nightcap away from the beer-and-TV crowd.
Address: 70 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
The Dynamo Room – The Dynamo Room brings a more upscale, steakhouse-style feel to the MSG area, with classic cocktails, seafood, steakhouse staples, and a polished atmosphere inside the Hotel Chelsea/Hudson Yards orbit.
Address: 368 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001 Website: thedynamoroom.com
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar – If you prefer wine to beer, Ayza is one of the better nearby choices. The menu leans into wine, chocolate pairings, desserts, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a good pick for a quieter pre-show or post-game drink.
Address: 11 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001 Website: ayzanyc.com
VERSA NYC – VERSA is an upmarket American restaurant and lounge with multiple bars, a retractable roof, and a location just north of Madison Square Garden. It’s a good choice if you want a polished rooftop-style experience without going too far from the arena.
Address: 218 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001. Website: versanyc.com
Earning $90,000–$110,000 in New York City is more achievable than many people think because the city offers a vast number of opportunities across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, sales, consulting, and skilled trades.
Many professionals can reach this income level within a few years by developing in-demand skills, gaining specialized experience, earning certifications, or moving into higher-paying companies.
NYC also has one of the most competitive labor markets in the world, where employers often pay premium salaries to attract talent.
Combined with networking opportunities, career mobility, and access to thousands of employers, a motivated individual can use New York as a platform to rapidly increase both income and long-term career prospects.
05/29/2026
Tequila and mezcal form the foundation of some of the most iconic cocktails in modern bartending, each showcasing the unique character of agave spirits in different ways.
From the bright citrus balance of the Margarita and the refreshing bitterness of the Paloma to the smoky complexity of the Oaxaca Old Fashioned and Mezcal Negroni, these nine classic drinks highlight essential techniques, flavor structures, and ingredient pairings that every bartender should understand.
Mastering these cocktails provides a deeper appreciation of agave-based spirits and builds the skills needed to create balanced, versatile, and memorable drinks.
For many people, mezcal can feel intimidating at first—different agaves, unfamiliar names, and endless regional variations. But one of the easiest ways to make it click is through comparison.
By relating agave varietals to familiar wine grapes or tequila production, educators and bartenders can help people instantly understand the landscape of mezcal.
Pair those analogies with visuals of the actual plants, and suddenly the differences between Espadín, Tepeztate, or other agaves become far more memorable and approachable.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Location
Category
Website
Address
252 West 29th Street/5th Floor
New York, NY
10001
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8:30am - 10pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 10pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 10pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 10pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 10pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 5:30pm |