After Work Drinks to Book in New York City, NY

Your Guide to Booking After Work Drinks in New York City, NY

People from all walks of life love a good happy hour, hence its name, but there’s just something special about after work drinks in NYC. Your fatigue after a long day at work will disappear when you walk across the threshold of trendy bars with your friends. Whether you are searching for a cocktail bar near the Financial District or a friendly local in Brooklyn or the Bronx, Tagvenue has listings for unique drinking spots all across the city. So before the clock strikes five and you turn off your laptop, check out our comprehensive guide to venues for after work drinks in New York City!

What factors should I consider when renting a venue for after-work drinks in NYC?

1. Know your people and their cravings

Any venue will set the tone for an after work night out if you’re with the right people. But who are they? Are they business executives who are accustomed to top-notch cocktail spots, or are they colleagues just as thirsty for relaxation after a full week as you are? Most importantly, what is their usual drink of choice? Consider the age of those invited, as accessibility may also affect your choice of venue. Some bars for groups in NYC have age restrictions. Answers to these questions and considering these criteria will help narrow down your choices.

2. What’s your budget

The must-consider factor is cost. If you want to include a wow factor, such as specialty drinks or a rooftop view - this kind of after work fun may carry a higher price tag and a worse availability situation. Consider how many people will attend (to make sure you choose a spot that is large enough) and their likings (whether they prefer a private lounge with cocktails or a beer garden, or a themed gastropub, for example) to assess the approximate per person cost. Do your research using our smart search filters and search for venues according to the exact budget you can allocate for the event. Prices for bars and nightclubs for groups may vary depending on the borough. 

3. Location is key!

Every NYC borough has a different vibe, but it’s likely you and your co-workers will want to enjoy your after-work drinks in the same borough in which you work. Factors like rush hour traffic, parking, and convenience all factor in. It is also worth considering how easy it is for your workmates to commute back home from the venue. Look for nearby venues, check the public transportation situation, and figure out whether or not it’s easy to catch a taxi or get an Uber or Lyft ride.

4. Check out the atmosphere and aesthetics

Once you figure out an overall idea of the budget, location and beverages, it's time to pore over the looks. Choose a venue that lies within your and your colleagues' comfort zone. Will this outing have more of a corporate vibe, or will it be a private-ish event? Look for a place whose atmosphere reflects your guests' mood and liking. Ask yourself what the outing’s purpose is: whether you want to host a team-building experience or discuss business accompanied by a glass of scotch - it’s crucial to align the venue’s ambiance and amenities with your guests’ interests. Outdoor settings (like patios and gardens) are more laid-back unless you rent a luxury rooftop private lounge. Then there are cozy speakeasies - perfect for a refined evening with a twist. If you’re looking for something inexpensive yet fun - New York City has bars, breweries, and calm wineries that are just right for kicking back after work.

5. Have fun! 

You've worked hard, and it's time to relish the fruits of your labor. One of the best cures for a hard day's work is to indulge in after-work fun once in a while. Hosting post-office drinks in NYC is a good way to reflect on the day, bond with colleagues, and just chill out. From Greenwich Village sports bars to Williamsburg cocktail bars, you can choose from hundreds of options for after work drinks in NYC. 

Where can I find affordable after work drink venues in NYC?

In New York, it’s hard to say no to those trendy and modern bars, but splurging on that one Friday night doesn’t quite add up. So, we’ve created a list of delightful yet affordable venues where you can unwind and enjoy after-work drinks in NYC without breaking the bank.

• Sandwiched between the Empire State Building and Murray Hill is the Masala King. This charming venue embodies the rich tapestry of Indian culture, offering authentic Indian cuisine paired with a selection of classic spirits. Here, a memorable evening doesn’t come with a hefty price tag! Just a $50 minimum spend per person ensures an evening filled with laughter and exquisite tastes.
• Next, you can hop over to Delancey Street, where The DL is located. Their rental rooftop is a trendy way of celebrating post-work leisure. It’s also kind to your wallet, with offers starting at just $20 per person. This venue features a retractable roof and an outdoor patio. Here, guests are graced with a unique panorama of the Lower East Side, crowned with breathtaking views of the Williamsburg Bridge.
• Crossing over to the iconic Brooklyn drinking haven, you will find Velvet Brooklyn. With its elegant ambiance and generously stocked bar, it’s an ideal locale for networking and socializing. Velvet Brooklyn offers two dynamic spaces: the Main Bar, hosting up to 40 guests at $48 per person, and the Velvet Room, accommodating 60 guests at $30 per person, ensuring a versatile and vibrant experience.

FAQs about After Work Drinks in New York City, NY

How much does it cost to rent an after work drinks venue in New York City?

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly happy hour or a fancy cocktail evening, we've got a myriad of options for your after work drinks! In NYC, most venues for after work drinks offer per person packages, which are a popular choice because of their convenience! These packages usually include both drinks and food, and can range from as little as $10 to a lavish $250 per head, and everything in-between. If you're looking for more flexibility, many venues also offer minimum spend. This pricing model means you're not paying for using the venue per se but rather committing to spend a pre-agreed amount during your party. The minimum spend for after work drinks bars and pubs in NYC typically falls between $750 and $5,000. You can find some venues with straight rental fees, which start at about $45 per hour or $100 per day and can reach up to $15,000 per day for more exclusive venues. Keep in mind that these rates don’t include the drinks part of after work drinks, so budget accordingly! (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of NYC are best for after work drinks?

If you’re planning after work drinks in New York City, Manhattan is likely the first place you should check. The whole borough is filled with a range of spaces available for rent, from the Financial District all the way up to Central Park. You’ll find the many venues nestled around Delancey Street in the East Side, in the bustling Koreatown, and scattered between Hell’s Kitchen and the Diamond District. In Brooklyn, look around the vibrant and hip Williamsburg for the greatest selection of venues for after work fun! If Queens is your neighborhood of choice, definitely check out the bars in Long Island City and Sunnyside for fantastic value-for-money options.

Remember to pick the location that’s the most convenient for you! If you’ll be going there straight from the office, it’s best to rent a bar nearby or consider the fastest public transport routes. You can zoom into your area of choice and check subway stations on the map on Tagvenue!

What kinds of venues can I book for after work drinks in New York City?

New York City boasts a wide variety of venues perfect for after work drinks with your colleagues. The city's vibrant bars are the most popular choice, offering an array of rental options. Depending on your needs, you can book an entire bar for yourselves, or secure a semi-private area, a private function room or a lounge. One of the top-rated NYC bars on our platform is Velvet Brooklyn near Marcy Avenue Station, with spaces for all group sizes! If you're seeking a twist on the traditional, why not consider the city's lively nightclubs or karaoke bars? For pub lovers, NYC offers a great selection of local drinking dens, such as Slattery’s Mid Town Pub, that are  ready to host your unwinding session! Or for anyone who wants to take in the NYC atmosphere, nothing beats an outdoor venue! Explore the charming beer gardens and scenic patios to make the buzz of the city a backdrop for your after work gathering. New York is a city of opportunity, but it’s also a city of celebrations, so discover the best places to grab drinks after work!

Are there any after work drinks spots for large groups in NYC?

Whether you're planning an informal get-together with drinks in Tribeca or a larger corporate Spanish-style event in Manhattan- there are plenty of amazing venues in the city that are ready to meet your needs.

• Pil Pil - a truly Spanish treat for Upper East Siders with seats for up to 195 guests. They serve the Iberian Peninsula on a plate:  brunches, lunches and cocktails. Stop by after work to sip some sangria and snack on some Spanish tapas. Besides the menu, you will be amazed by the decor. It's the ideal spot to foster connections and unwind with colleagues after a productive day at the office.
• Crystal Lake Brooklyn - this classically styled bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has all the chill after work vibes you need. It offers full buyouts and can fit up to 150 guests, so it’s great for large team company parties, but it also offers smaller spaces like the Back Lounge, which has 70 seats. 
• La Victoria - located in the trendy Meatpacking / Chelsea area, this mystical venue is sure to captivate your senses. Here, the outdoors is taken indoors and paired with a luxurious style and lounge-like layout. La Victoria features versatile furniture that can be configured in multiple ways to accommodate over 140 guests