The mainstream buzz around agave spirits remains strong, which means more watering holes embracing mezcal cocktails and building tequila and mezcal into their overall beverage programs. But not all agave spirits programs are created equal, and so much of it has to do with who is behind the scenes. The aspects of vision and curation are even more important than how many coveted rare batches you can get your hands on. It’s a combination of vibe, selection, application, and knowledge behind the bar that separates truly great agave programs from the merely trendy or impressive.
Which brings me to my purpose…This short list of great NYC mezcal bars is by no means exhaustive, and I welcome in-the-know readers to share their picks in our comments section. (Though I understand if you prefer to gatekeep you favorite haunts). That said, these are certainly among New York’s best mezcal bars and the places that I would personally recommend to agave lovers looking to drink in and around the city. One thing these bars and restaurants have in common is that they are Mexican owned/operated, which makes sense, because the essence of mezcal is and will always be part and parcel of the heart of Mexican culture.
Park Slope, BK
Alma Negra strikes the balance between attention to detail and careful curation–paired with a laid-back neighborhood vibe. The all-star team behind the operation puts a lot of love and effort into the cuisine, beverage program, and service standards, while the atmosphere is rooted in comfort. Someone is always on hand to mix up a delicious mezcal drink or make informed recommendations on what to sip and what to pair. Their mezcal list is far from the biggest in town, but it is so thoughtfully curated, with personal connections and stories behind each bottle. Alma Negra is certainly one of the best New York mezcal bars because it offers a consistently satisfying experience–whether you’re there to learn or just to enjoy food and drink with friends.
Financial District, NYC
By far the coolest place in Manhattan’s financial district, Mexi’s new location (next to the Manhattan outpost of their sister bar The Bedford) offers one of the most extensive collections of top agave spirits in the city. The key to the success of this outpost is the man behind the scenes: Jose Maria Donde Rangel, founder of Panorama Mezcal, and all around epicenter of all things agave in NYC since 2014.. He helped create this space that combines chic city style, interesting and delicious tequila and mezcal cocktails, and a much needed dose of Mexican-style fun in anarea that can attract tipplers who take themselves too seriously. From the cheeky menu designed like loteria cards, to the ornate walls of endless bottles, this is the spot to visit to impress a mezcal-savvy date orconnect with other people who want to cut loose without sacrificing style and sophistication.
Lower East Side, NYC
If you are looking for the best possible vibes, it’s hard to beat the original La Contenta on the Lower East Side–bonus points if you can snag the corner bar seat. This is the closest I have come in the United States to recreating the feeling of being in an intimate mezcaleria in Mexico. The music, the murals, and the overall energy create a magical little spot that is comforting when you are missing the communal and social vibes that seem effortless in Mexico, but elusive in metropolitan areas of the United States. The cocktails are the star of the agave program here, though those with a keen eye for hidden gem bottles could easily create a stellar line up of neat pours from their back bar. Because of the immaculate vibes, La Contenta tends to be a landing spot for agave industry insiders , especially late at night and on celebratory occasions. They are currently launching a new outpost just across the river in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Carmel Hamlet, NY
About an hour and a half north of NYC, you’ll find THE destination for serious agave lovers. I have never been to any establishment, anywhere in the world, with a bigger and more impressive selection of high quality mezcal. This is a true hidden gem just a hop and skip outside of the city, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed if rare delicious mezcal is your thing. Pueblo Viejo is a family-run operation, and you’ll often find Omar behind the bar, humbly giving the impression that this is a low profile spot for solid Mexican food in the suburbs, whenit is actually a treasure trove. It’s worth it to visit during one of their regularly scheduled events to maximize your chances of catching Omar in action and watching as his eyes light up while sharing great mezcal, more than likely from unknown brands and bottles. Typically a bar will focus either on quality or quantity, and one of the things that makes this place so special is Omar’s curation;not only is there a mind boggling quantity of bottles, but the quality is also consistent. If you are a die hard agave nerd, and anywhere near NYC, do not skip a visit to Pueblo Viejo!
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