21 New York Bars and Restaurants with Excellent Zero-Proof Cocktails

This cozy, West Village little oasis tucked away on Cornelia Street is a serious cocktail destination and they haven’t overlooked their zero-proof options. To go with the Mexican-leaning menu try the Nada Colada, a frozen combination of amaro, rum, mint, coconut and pineapple, or the Spring Break that’s made with zero-proof tequila, mango, passionfruit, and citrus. Even better? Donna also happens to be worker-owned and collectively operated, too.

At both the original East Village and the newer Bushwick locations of this Korean American gastropub, you’ll find many a spirit-free option. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic cocktails, try the K-Pop Punch with horchata, almond, hibiscus, pineapple, citrus and cinnamon. If it’s beer or wine you’re after, they always have a few options as well and that currently include an IPA, ale, and sparkling rosé.

The emphasis at this Hudson Yards restaurant from Loring Place chef Dan Kluger is seasonal and the rotating cocktail menu showcases that philosophy as well. You’ll always find at least three to four zero-proof options, and the winter menu now includes a Dirty Chai Tonic with espresso, spices, tonic, and lemon, as well as the zingy Grapefruit Nogroni with non-alcoholic apertivo, pomelo verjus, and grapefruit.

Should you find yourself near Times Square (yes, that happens sometimes, right?) you may want to consider escaping to this lounge with a bird’s-eye view of the city below, and an extensive zero-proof drink list, too. In fact, there’s a non-alcoholic version of each of their signature cocktails, which range from a matcha-laced agave combination, the Hasta La Matcha, to a refreshing cocktail made with Lyre’s Pink London “spirit,” coconut water, and chamomile honey syrup, called Lady in Rouge.

At this Southwestern-inspired hotel bar, the cocktails also take their cue from the region, with ingredients like prickly pear, cactus brine, lime, agave, and tepache on order. If you’re seeking something with bubbles, consider the Festival Quencher with tepache and Love Conquers All sparkling adaptogenic elixir, and if you’re in the mood for a margarita, their zero-proof option is made with Cut Above zero-proof mezcal, cactus brine, lime, and agave.

The cocktails at this vegetable-forward restaurant are equally as produce driven as their menu. Try the savory Shrub 310 with tomatillo-shiso shrub and lychee that’s finished with club soda, for an effervescent balance of tart and sweet. Or opt for something more comforting with the Fruits & Roots, a combination of apple, chicory, spiced buckwheat tea, and foamy aquafaba. You won’t believe it doesn’t have any egg white in it.

Note: The Wesley is on a temporary break until through the end of January 2024.

This 2022 addition to the Canal Street scene has some of the city’s best breakfast and French wine, but also a strong lineup of non-alcoholic offerings, too. Their spirit-free, yet “spirit”-forward cocktails include a Spritz Rubino made with blood orange, lemon and sparkling water, and a Sansgarita with Lyre’s Agave Reserva, green strawberry, and chile.

53 is home to one of the most exquisite dining rooms in the city, and one of the most diverse menus, too. As you sip your zero-proof drink, you can also take in the Petzel Gallery’s curated, rotating collection of artwork there, too. With six options, their drinks menu is one of the most robust with non-alcoholic options. Choose from drinks like an Apples No-Tini with clean spiced apple “vodka,” roots divino aperitif blanc, and a dash of cinnamon, or the Godai which features a housemade “whisky” with grapefruit bitters and licorice root.

At this East Village industry favorite bar, you’ll find a distinctly Mexican American twist on cocktails where the zero-proof options are far from an afterthought. Try a Mole Negroni with that familiar bittersweetness and a hint of spice, or go for the delicious and slightly spicy La Gata Loco that features the non-alcoholic Martini & Rossi Vibrante and strawberry aji amarillo, and gets topped with Topo Chico.

Dante takes cocktails seriously, so much so that they are listed as No. 36 on the 2023 list of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Known for their Italian-leaning menu with contemporary takes on classics like spritzes and Negronis, it’s also one of the few places where you’ll find a zero-proof espresso martini, made with Three Spirits Nightcap and Lyre’s Coffee Liqueur.

This Soho spot is known for its legendary soup dumplings. Pro tip: Get a table closer to the back of the restaurant and see the dumpling making operation unfold before your very eyes. That same amount of thought is put into their beverages, too. On the non-alcoholic front, there’s a tasting of three “spirits” that include Amass Riverine and Seedlip. Pinch is also one the few places to enjoy a Proxie, a wine-like alternative made from grapes like cabernet sauvignon and spices. It even comes in a wine bottle.

At this rapidly expanding vegan empire it’s not surprising that their zero-proof drinks menu is strong. You’ll find cocktails like a savory sweet Miso Mango Sour made with Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit, Seedlip Grove, and possessing hints of lemongrass and vanilla, or the refreshing Cucumber Mule with Seedlip Garden, cucumber, herbs, and topped with ginger beer.

Tucked into the concourse level of Rockefeller Center, Naro (from the same folks behind Atoboy, Atomix, and Seoul Salon) is known for an eye-catching tasting menu that brings old-world Korean cooking techniques and a seasonal approach to its nine courses. The wine pairings are a thoughtful addition, but if you’re looking for something without alcohol, try the Ibchu Shrub, made from grapes, Seedlip Grove, Korean pepper, prickly ash and yuzu. Enjoy it at the bar where you can also order from a smaller a la carte menu.

This French Mediterranean leaning bistro is home to one of the West Village’s most welcoming dining rooms. While it’s known for a wine list of hard-to-find bottles, it also has a robust bar program. If you haven’t already tried the non-alcoholic aperitif, Ghia, now is the time. Try it in a sour, served with lemon and honey. Or if you’re looking for something sparkling, the Italian Spritz is made with zero-proof apertivo, zero-proof prosecco, and soda.

If you’re in Brooklyn and looking for a seafood tower and serious cocktails, this Boerum Hill bar might be the solution, especially since they love to have fun with their themed drinks menus that are ever changing. On the spirit-free side, expect options with zero-proof gins, vodkas, and aperitifs, like the current offering, The Limit Does Not Exist, made with “gin,” verjus, cinnamon, and hibiscus.

The bar at this Andrew Carmellini steakhouse at the seaport is one of the most pleasant places in the neighborhood to spend an afternoon or evening. Sip on the Vadouvan & Tonic with Bax Botanics Sea Buckthorn, vadouvan, lime, and tonic, or the Hibiscus Highball with Lyre’s Italian Orange, red verjus, hibiscus, and club soda. Pro tip: The steak is great, but Carne Mare also has some of the best vegetable sides.

This casual Upper East Side neighborhood spot happens to have one of the most extensive zero-proof menus in the city, with 10 options that are interpretations of perennial classics like espresso martinis, bloody Marys, and bellinis, so you won’t feel like you’re missing anything. Try the Peach Fuzz made with Lyre’s Prosecco and peach nectar.

It’s an Italian spin on cocktails at this perennially packed Tribeca restaurant. On the non-alcoholic side of the menu, try the Blood Orange No-Groni with Lyre’s Italian Orange and Bax Botanicals Sea Buckthorn, or the chamomile-infused highball with Everleaf Forest Aperitif, chamomile, verjus, and club soda.

This all-day spot with locations in Williamsburg and in London is known for its buzzy brunch scene. Try something zero-proof to go with your shakshuka or scramble, or those very iconic pancakes. There’s the Spicy Marg made with Lyre’s Agave Blanco, jalapeño, orange, and lime, or the bitter orange-spiked Caffe Martini made with espresso and tonka bean.

The zero-proof options at this Greenpoint Japanese restaurant aren’t afraid to lean more savory than sweet. The Spirited Away incorporates elements like miso honey and the Salty Dog uses ingredients like red bell pepper and nori salt. Enjoy them out in their courtyard alongside one of their iconic soft-serve ice creams.

Enjoy the sounds of the piano while you sip on your cocktails at this Noho bar where they have live music every night. The menu’s seasonally rotating three zero-proof options are fruit forward; try the Famous Redhead that leans into the tartness of pomegranate, the spiciness of ginger and freshness of lime, or the refreshing Eastern Sunrise with tart pineapple, yuzu, and lemon.

Wondering how to get into The Nines? We’ve got you covered here.