The 9 best bars in Soho

The original Milady’s at this same address was a beloved dive bar for decades before closing in 2014. Hospitality superstar and “best bars” recurring character Julie Reiner (Clover Club and Leyenda) reopened the space to tremendous effect that even the most dedicated nostalgia fetishist can warm up to. Let the glassware legend be your guide to Milady’s martinis, sours, highballs and all other pourables and stay awhile for great burgers, barbecue chicken and crab mac and cheese. 

Spring Lounge (or, "Shark Bar") would be practically perfect in any part of town, and it happens to be particularly popular in this one. Join its “Early Morning Drinker’s Society” from 8am to 2pm Monday-Friday to give real gravity to the notion of pregaming, or at least to secure a seat in the wood-soaked space before the eventual crowds roll in. 

Expect new and classic, cutely titled tipples in this laid-back space between exposed brick walls just a dendelion blow outside of Soho in nearby Nolita. Mother's Ruin also has a full menu at its weathered bar and smattering of surrounding seats. 

This 70-seat, several hundred bottle spot takes the edge off of ordering wine, if selecting a vintage or varietal has ever seemed to sting. Simply follow staff guidance, or prepare with a La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels wine boot camp, which walks through four tastes over the course of an hour. 

Dating back to 1830, the Ear Inn might just be haunted, if you believeeeeee. Its a historic NYC place to scare up some suds, wine or cocktails, either way, just know that, even if you're sipping solo, you might not truly be aloneeeee.

This narrow slip is easy to miss, and if it’s crowded inside it can be challenging to navigate through the shrinkwrapped space. And it's loud. And the bathrooms are just this side of functional. But, all caveats aside, this is one of the Soho bars we return to the most for simple pints and maybe a glass or two of red or white wine of indeterminate origin. 

Beer Hall, sports bar vibes aren’t as easy to come by in Soho, unless you happen upon this large, lofty space on the former site of a parking garage that still manages to get packed. Order supersized suds and giant soft pretzels for game time any time. 

In a switcheroo, its party up front and business in the back at this longrunning Mexican restaurant, where the bar is just beyond the entrance and most of the tables are a few more paces in. Swing by for all manner of margaritas and see if you aren’t tempted to stay for dinner. 

A night at Botanica consists of gathering around one of their many thrifted tables and knocking back a few brews or a round of shots with the hippest of them all, hopefully during the daily happy hour. But even if end up here after the happiest hour, drinks are cheap and the vibes are free, with DJs spinning well into the night. Outside food is welcome, so no one is strong arm you at the door if you come in with a slice from Prince’s.