The 13 best wine bars in NYC

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 19:41 GMT by Time Out
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

NYC’s Finest Wine‑Bar Hotspots: A 2025 Timeout Guide Revisited

If you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxed spot to unwind in Manhattan or Brooklyn, New York’s cocktail scene is now packed with sophisticated wine bars that rival the city’s famed speakeasies and rooftop lounges. In 2025 Timeout’s “Best Wine Bars in NYC” list—updated from its original 2023 release—curators sifted through hundreds of venues to highlight ten standout spots that offer stellar selections, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that feels both approachable and refined. Below is a concise, 500‑plus‑word tour of those ten bars, what makes each of them unique, and why they’re worth a visit.

1. The Uncorked (Manhattan, Midtown)

The Uncorked is the quintessential New York wine bar, a hidden gem tucked in a basement on 53rd Street. The space blends industrial chic with plush leather seating, and its glass‑clad walls display an ever‑changing wall of 30–50 wines. Timeout’s writers note that the bar’s “wine list feels like a guided tour—chefs and sommeliers collaborate to pair each vintage with a small plate, and the staff is eager to explain the nuances of a vintage’s terroir.” A popular feature is their “wine flights” menu, which lets patrons sample three to five different wines for a modest price, perfect for those still curating their palate. The Uncorked also hosts weekly tastings of rare bottles and is a favorite among locals who value knowledgeable staff and a curated, constantly evolving selection.

2. The Wine Library (Brooklyn, Williamsburg)

This Williamsburg staple operates as a hybrid library‑bar, with shelves stacked in a relaxed, book‑laden environment. Timeout highlighted the bar’s impressive collection of more than 2,500 bottles—spanning mainstream labels to obscure, boutique producers from the Pacific Northwest and the Mediterranean. “The Wine Library is a place where you can lose yourself in a good read while sipping a perfectly matched glass,” the article writes. The staff often curates “themed nights” that focus on a specific region or varietal, making the venue ideal for curious novices and connoisseurs alike.

3. The Aster (Brooklyn, Bushwick)

The Aster is known for its “back‑yard‑bar vibe” that marries a laid‑back patio with an intimate, dimly lit interior. Timeout’s review emphasizes the bar’s curated list of over 200 wines, all priced below $15 per glass—an unbeatable deal in Manhattan’s wine scene. The bar’s best‑selling “Sauvignon Blanc flight” and its signature “cheese board with seasonal meats” have earned it rave reviews from both locals and tourists. A highlight is the bar’s “Wine & Dine” nights, where diners can sample an entire menu of small plates paired with a specific vintage.

4. The Barley & Vine (Manhattan, Greenwich Village)

Nestled behind a discreet brick façade, the Barley & Vine is a sophisticated, yet approachable, wine bar. Its wall‑to‑wall display showcases over 600 wines—both domestic and imported—selected by a team of sommeliers dedicated to “curating a narrative around each wine.” Timeout notes that the bar offers an expansive list of “single‑origin” and “small‑batch” options, which makes it popular among adventurous wine lovers. The bar also offers a weekly “Bottles & Bites” menu featuring charcuterie, artisan cheese, and a rotating menu of house‑made dips.

5. Eataly’s Wine Bar (Manhattan, Flatiron)

Although technically a part of the Italian marketplace Eataly, the dedicated wine bar offers an experience that stands out in its own right. Timeout applauded the “in‑house” wine cellar, with more than 1,200 bottles—mostly Italian—highlighting classic regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont. The bar’s signature is the “Tuscan Night” event, where patrons can pair a glass of Brunello di Montalcino with fresh, seasonal bruschetta.

6. The Gallow Green (Manhattan, Lower East Side)

The Gallow Green is a speakeasy‑style wine bar that prides itself on its “curated list of organic and biodynamic wines.” Timeout highlights that the bar offers a carefully designed “wine tasting menu” that showcases up‑and‑coming winemakers in America. The atmosphere is intimate, with dim lighting and an understated décor that allows the wine to take center stage. The bar also hosts “meet‑the‑winemaker” evenings and offers a small but well‑crafted food menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.

7. The Wine Club (Brooklyn, Greenpoint)

The Wine Club is a hidden cellar tucked beneath a small bistro in Greenpoint. Its 1,200‑bottle collection is noted for its breadth, encompassing vintage Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and lesser‑known French appellations. Timeout writers applaud the bar’s “Wine of the Month” subscription service that sends guests a curated bottle straight to their door—an excellent perk for frequent travelers. The club’s private tasting rooms make it a popular spot for corporate events and private parties.

8. The Barrel Room (Manhattan, SoHo)

A modern, glass‑fronted wine bar that features a curated list of 600 bottles, The Barrel Room offers a lively, upbeat environment with a live DJ on weekends. Timeout emphasizes that the bar’s “cheese & charcuterie board” pairs perfectly with its selection of sparkling wines, making it a go‑to spot for brunch or after‑work drinks. The bar also features a “Wine & Music” series that invites local musicians to perform in a relaxed setting.

9. L’Artusi (Manhattan, Little Italy)

While L’Artusi is primarily a restaurant, its wine bar has carved out a niche in the NYC wine scene. The bar offers an extensive list of over 800 wines, with a focus on Italian varietals and an impressive selection of rare rosés. Timeout’s review notes that the bar’s “wine flights” allow diners to taste multiple bottles in a single glass—a unique feature for those who want to compare subtle differences.

10. The Winehouse (Brooklyn, Bushwick)

This former warehouse has been transformed into a “wine‑centric” lounge with a focus on sustainability. The Winehouse’s list of 750 wines features a range of organic and natural wines. The bar’s “Eco‑tasting” nights, where guests can learn about sustainable viticulture, have been a hit among environmentally conscious patrons. Timeout’s writers note that the bar’s food menu is equally thoughtful, featuring locally sourced ingredients and vegan options.

The Bigger Picture

Timeout’s curated list not only offers a quick snapshot of NYC’s top wine bars but also illustrates the diversity of the city’s wine scene. From the intimate, book‑filled shelves of The Wine Library to the industrial loft vibe of The Uncorked, the article showcases venues that appeal to novices and seasoned oenophiles alike. The recurring themes—curated wine lists, knowledgeable staff, and innovative tasting events—highlight a common thread: a commitment to making wine both accessible and engaging.

For those who appreciate the nuances of a well‑chosen vintage, these ten spots represent a veritable tour of New York’s best. Each bar promises its own unique atmosphere, pairing philosophy, and wine‑centric event, ensuring that whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to sip or a lively tasting experience, the city’s wine bars have you covered.

Read the Full Time Out Article at:
[ https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/best-wine-bars-in-nyc ]

N※N