NYC To-Go Cocktail Guide

I’ve been back in the city since early May, and while it’s not the same place we know and love, there is one thing bringing me great joy right now: TO-GO COCKTAILS. Can I just say, we should keep them forever. Taking a walk with a little drink in my hand is a dream come true in the city! While we spend so much time at home through this pandemic, grabbing a cocktail from a local bar or restaurant is an easy excuse to get out of the house, move around, AND support a local business.

I live in the Lower East Side and have mostly tried cocktails in my neighborhood and the East Village- but I know every neighborhood has incredible takeout cocktails right now! I’ll list some spots I’ve tried as well as the ones I can’t wait to try out. Please drink responsibly, and wear your mask!

1) Pineapple Club

This spot is tucked away on 6th street in the East Village. I discovered it while picking up takeout for dinner, and HELLO! The frozen piña colada and mezcal margarita were amazing, plus they give you a free cookie with every cocktail!!! Plus their food menu looks absolutely incredible and now I need to go back to try that too.

2) Thursday Kitchen

This iconic East Village establishment is usually packed to the brim, no reservations, and hours to sit down on a weekend night. Their menu is insane, and while it’s limited right now, their staples like Korean popcorn chicken and mac ‘n cheese are still available. But most importantly… their POUCH COCKTAILS. My favorite has been the Soju-Mango-Lychee cocktail, and the best part is that they are served in the perfect pouch for taking a walk around the park or the neighborhood.

3) Thyme Bar NYC

Thyme bar is located in NYC’s Flatiron district. I’ve actually been to this spot once last year, and while you go here for the speakeasy atmosphere, their cocktails are absolutely top notch. They are known for their extremely professional mixologists, so this one is definitely on my “want-to-go” list! I mean, look how gorgeous these bottled drinks are? All photo credit to Thyme Bar NYC on Instagram.

4) Dudley’s

Dudley’s was one of the first spots I tried when I arrived back in the city. I went there first because I was craving their incredible fried chicken sandwich, but upon arrival I discovered their irresistible cocktails! You can either drink as you walk or get it in a jar to bring home. Get some food while you’re at it because you won’t regret it! All photo credit to Dudley’s on Instagram.

5) Omar’s Kitchen

Omar’s is a new spot in the Lower East side that is right around the corner from my apartment. It’s gorgeous restaurant front has always caught my eye, with it’s beautiful faux floral installation, but I hadn’t tried it until recently! I tried a frozen cocktail (photo on the left!) but they also serve lots of other Caribbean-inspired cocktails to go! Photo on the right credit of Omar’s Kitchen on Instagram.

6) Analogue

This little spot in Greenwich Village is doing takeout cocktails- with truffle popcorn! I’m a sucker for a free snack, so this spot was a hit. Their craft cocktails are refreshing and use ingredients you won’t have laying around at home, so worth the trip. Photos courtesy of Analogue on Instagram.

7) Dante

This spot in Greenwich Village is a neighborhood favorite and normally very busy. They’ve obviously adapted well to the takeout cocktail life with their gorgeous branded “One for the road” cocktails or a bottled cocktail to drink art home. Can’t wait to swing by and grab one! Photos courtesy of Dante on Instagram.