New York City’s BEST New Bars Opening This Fall

Every summer, New Yorkers revel in the sun and avoid the dark watering holes of colder nights at all costs — 'tis the season for rooftop gardens and day drinking, after all. But as the sun begins to set earlier, new cocktail lairs are opening their doors, with tipples and bar bites that make the change of seasons almost worth it. So what is there to expect of the NYC nightlife scene come fall? A slew of beer bars and a hot number of lounge-y bars to hit up — the newly open Bar Goto, ideal for its balanced, Japanese-tinged drinks, and spots like Suffolk Arms, the cocktail den we've been waiting a year for. Ahead, the hottest new drinking destinations every New Yorker will be trying to get into.

For Beer Geeks:

Haymaker Bar & Kitchen
September 8
A trio of bartender buddies have combined forces to open this beer lovers' haven, where 18 taps will pour out the likes of Other Half, Stillwater, and Westbrook Brewing Co. Cocktails will be seasonal, food will be hefty (think crab cakes, pimiento cheese, and shrimp and grits), and the vibe will be bustling.
Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, 252 West 29th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues); 646-429-8237.

Eli Zabar's Beer Bar (Official name T.B.A.)
Mid-October
Zabar is slowly taking over the Upper East Side. Following his wine bar opening with a beer-centric project, there will be 10 taps focused on craft beers from the Northeast. During the day, the space will be a café for coffee, pastries, and lunch options; at night, expect grilled cheese, tacos, and oysters, plus year-round shandies.
T.B.A., 189 East 79th Street (at Third Avenue).

Black Tap Down
November
The tiny (but delicious) burger bar, Black Tap Burgers & Beer, is expanding into its basement with Black Tap Down, a spot that features a similar burger menu (plus goodies like fried chicken with Korean pepper sauce and chorizo tacos), alongside 16 craft beers on tap from local spots like Bronx Brewery, Green Point Harbor, and Six Point.
Black Tap Down, 529 Broome Street (between Sullivan and Thompson Streets).

For Date Night:

The Bennett
Early September
From the folks behind swanky Dear Irving and Raines Law Room comes another cocktail bar, with a can't-beat drink program from Meaghan Dorman. The list will include original house creations, plus "Audience Awards" — favorites from the team's other haunts.
The Bennett, 134 West Broadway (between Thomas and Duane Streets). Bar Goto
Open Now
Pegu Club alum Kenta Goto goes solo at this Japanese tapas and cocktail den, with a refreshing Yuzu-Calpico Fizz, a boozy "Improved Shochu Cocktail" with barley shochu and aged gin, and surprising concoctions with miso, shiitake, and tomato (an Umami Mary, if you will). Pair the drink (or drinks, rather) with dishes like octopus sashimi and five variations of okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).
Bar Goto, 245 Eldridge Street (between Stanton and East Houston Streets); 212-475-4411.

For Casual Nights Out, With Great Cocktails:

Suffolk Arms
Early September
The latest cocktail pub from Giuseppe Gonzalez (of Pegu Club and Long Island City favorite Dutch Kills) was originally slated to open last fall — now, it's finally set to open in September. Naturally, there will be house variations on classic cocktails, but rumor has it Gonzalez will house a 12-seat "idea lab" within Suffolk Arms called Twin Lions, which will serve up experimental cocktails to a lucky few.
Suffolk Arms, 269 East Houston Street (at Suffolk Street).

For Summer Rooftop Reminiscing:

Xanadu
Now Open
Let's keep summer going just a bit longer, shall we? The McCarren Hotel & Pool has revamped its eighth floor outdoor space and brought in Joe Carroll of St. Anselm and Francesco Panella of Antica Pesa Brooklyn, who have created an homage to the '70s and '80s in NYC. Pair cocktails like the "Pink Squirrel" and "Viva la Disco" with platforms and wide-legged trousers, and enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline.
Xanadu, 160 North 12th Street (between Bedford and Berry Streets); 718-218-7500.

For A New Neighborhood Haunt: Drexler's
Now Open
With Emporium Design's choice of repurposed church pews and vintage cast iron bathtubs (filled with beer, naturally), this casual two-level bar from Darin Rubell (of Boulton & Watt) will be slinging mojitos on-tap, classic cocktails, and a collaboration beer with KelSo Brewery.
Drexler's, 9 Avenue A (at East Houston Street); 646-524-5226.

For Wining and Dining:

Aldea
September 4
George Mendes has closed up his high-end Portuguese restaurant Aldea for a major revamp, but come September 4, it'll reopen with a tasting menu or prix fixe menu in the dining room, and a completely overhauled bar area. Hop in for a long-winded, extravagant meal (nine-courses for $135), or simply sit at the bar and order à la carte from the eatery's greatest hits (like sea urchin toast, yum).
Aldea, 31 West 17th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues); 212-675-7223.

For the Non-Drinkers: Supercrown Coffee Roasters
October
Thanks to Gorilla Coffee founder Darleen Scherer, Bushwick is getting its very own roasting plant, fronted by a coffee bar and café. Expect excellent coffee, milkshakes, and "cocktail-style coffee drinks" like the Kaffelemonade — which features iced coffee, lemonade, and raw cane sugar.
Supercrown Coffee Roasters, 8 Wilson Avenue (at Flushing Avenue).

For Nights To (Maybe) Remember:

Masa y Agave
September
Guacamole-slinging Rosa Mexicano opens up in the Financial District this fall, complete with a Wall Street-ready bar. Downstairs from the main dining room, Masa y Agave promises a tequila-centric cocktail program from Courtenay Greenleaf, also known as La Biblioteca's "tequila librarian."
Masa y Agave, 41 Murray Street (between Church Street and West Broadway).