5Five Best Places
SoHo · Nightlife · New York

Best Bars in SoHo

Updated July 28, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume

Where to find the best bars in SoHo

SoHo Cigar Bar
1

SoHo Cigar Bar

32 Watts St, New York, NY 10013, USA
$$
★★★★★4.6(864 reviews)

This candlelit art deco establishment is a haven for cigar enthusiasts, offering an impressive selection of cigars and a generous policy of waiving cutting fees for those spending over $35. Beyond the smoke, guests rave about the solid drink menu, where skilled bartenders craft bespoke cocktails like glorious espresso martinis, alongside an excellent array of whiskey and scotch. It truly delivers an old-school, luxurious lounge experience complemented by friendly, knowledgeable staff and tasty food options like crab cakes.

approachable and enjoyable cigar barfantastic old-school lounge vibe
Cork Wine Bar (Soho)
2

Cork Wine Bar (Soho)

69 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA
★★★★★4.8(240 reviews)

Tucked away in SoHo, Cork Wine Bar is a hidden gem celebrated for its cozy, unpretentious atmosphere and truly fantastic service. The expertly curated wine list features rare finds, even offering a 2000 Margaux by the glass, perfectly complemented by plentiful and beautifully arranged cheese and charcuterie boards. Guests consistently praise the warm ambiance, enchanting music, and the attentive staff who make every visit feel special and inviting.

cozy and inviting atmospherecurated wine list with gems
Spring Lounge
3

Spring Lounge

48 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, USA
$
★★★★4.4(1,265 reviews)

A true neighborhood institution since the 1920s, Spring Lounge offers a laid-back, relaxed vibe in its classic dive setting, complete with dim lighting and wooden booths. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, often described as feeling like home by regulars, it boasts a surprisingly good selection of beers and seltzers. Beyond the drinks, patrons often praise the delicious burgers and crispy wings, making it a beloved spot for both a casual drink and a satisfying bite from early morning until late night.

laid-back and relaxed vibeclassic dive in Nolita
Mother's Ruin
4

Mother's Ruin

18 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, USA
$$
★★★★4.4(1,109 reviews)

Mother's Ruin is a bustling, intimate cocktail bar known for its inventive and strong drinks, including popular booze-filled slushies and seasonal specials. This stylish yet rustic spot features big wooden tables perfect for groups and offers delicious bar snacks like cheeseburgers, fries, and breakfast burritos, making it ideal for both lively evenings and afternoon brunch. Despite often filling up fast, the attentive and personable staff ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

inventive and strong cocktailsstylish, intimate setting, great music
ART SoHo - Soho Rooftop Bars, NYC (Arlo Soho)
5

ART SoHo - Soho Rooftop Bars, NYC (Arlo Soho)

231 Hudson St 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA
★★★★4.4(849 reviews)

ART SoHo, perched atop the Arlo hotel, offers an incredible elevated experience with its stylish modern design and breathtaking views. It's a fantastic spot for happy hour, featuring delicious frozen margaritas and tater tots, alongside inventive cocktails like the spicy margarita. Patrons consistently praise the exceptional service, with staff members making every visit feel welcoming and personalized, complemented by tasty shareable plates like oyster samplers.

incredible elevated viewsfantastic happy hour deals

Contenders

Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.

No contenders yet — be the first to suggest a place!

How we ranked the best bars in SoHo

Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.

score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)

The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.

Frequently asked about SoHo bars

What is the highest-rated bar in SoHo?

Cork Wine Bar (Soho) has the highest Google rating in our list of the best bars in SoHo, with 4.8 stars across 240 reviews.

Which bar in SoHo has the most reviews?

Spring Lounge has the most reviews of any bar on this list — 1,265 ratings averaging 4.4 stars on Google.

How are the best bars in SoHo ranked?

Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.

When was this ranking last updated?

This ranking of the best bars in SoHo was last refreshed in July 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.

Why isn't my favorite bar on the list of best bars in SoHo?

To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the SoHo area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.

More rankings you might like