If you’re after a NYE that’s more laid-back than black tie, ditch the formalities and head to a classic casual drinking spot. 50 Best picks some of the world’s vibiest
Sure, you could bag yourself a reservation at a swanky restaurant on New Year’s Eve – think cocktail dress, live band and glam ballroom – but for something a bit less stiff, a no-nonsense dive bar is a very good shout indeed. Not only will you save yourself the price of an eyewatering ticket or the fuss of sorting a tux or gown, but you’ll experience the real lifeblood of a destination, from killer cocktails to an authentic crowd and good vibes. Discover the best local bars to book for NYE, sure to see you ring in the changes in proper spit-and-sawdust style.
La Factoria, San Juan
@lafactoriapr
Dive into traditional cocktails with a contemporary twist in the likes of a spiced old fashioned and lavender mule – the signature made from vodka, ginger beer and its namesake lavender infusion – at La Factoria, the gritty jewel in the crown of San Juan’s mixology scene, named Best Bar in the Caribbean at North America’s Best Bars 2024. Across the main bar and multiple additional spaces, the decor is everything you want for a hole-in-the-wall drinking den: chequerboard flooring and peeling walls; festoon lighting and chalkboard menus; and a battered old wooden bar flanked by suitably rickety stools. For New Year’s Eve, the bar is planning to put on a live salsa band to countdown to 2025, with no cover charge or reservations necessary. It’s part of the extended celebrations in Puerto Rico that starts right after Thanksgiving and ends with Fiestas Calle San Sebastián in January.
The Sun Tavern, London
@thesuntavernbg
Serving up the capital’s largest selection of whiskey and poitín – the traditional Irish moonshine – The Sun Tavern is a proper drinker’s pub-slash-bar. Everything about the place, a neighbourhood favourite amongst local hipsters in the Bethnal Green neighbourhood, is rock ‘n’ roll, from resident DJs spinning records ‘til 2am to live music showcasing truly eclectic talent. This New Year, punters can secure a table for just £5 to enjoy music and more against a backdrop of exposed brick, reclaimed floorboards and a bar positively groaning under the weight of beers and spirits.
The Pontiac, Hong Kong
@wearethepontiac
This underground bar in Hong Kong – managed by award-winning bartender Beckaly Franks – is a dark and dingy place to indulge your musical and drinking passions. Inclusive and progressive, its crowning glory is the central bar – complemented by backlit bottles, exposed pipes and juke box – behind which a crack team of rock chicks knows how to throw a party. The Hobnail is the must-drink: scotch, ginger, lemon and aromatic bitters. To ring in 2025, the down ‘n’ dirty hotspot will be hosting its Ponty Prom, a throwback to high-school proms complete with spiked punch and nostalgic beats from 8pm until late.
Heartbreaker, Melbourne
@ heartbreakerbar
With all the ingredients of a winning dive bar – craft beer (from Mountain Culture to Bright Brewery), neon lights, NYC pizza (pepperoni, Sicilian, vegan), live music and classic cocktails (including martinis, negronis and manhattans) – it’s hardly surprising that Heartbreaker in Melbourne has the city’s hipsters flocking in their droves. It’s got a CBD location and a 3am licence (save for Sundays), making it a no-brainer for old-fashion raucous run, while the space includes a jukebox and pool table. Expect free entry, drinks specials, a superstar DJ and pizza by the slice to mop up all that hedonism this New Year’s.
Sunny’s Bar, New York
@sunnysbarofficial
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A real bar in every sense of the world, Sunny’s is secreted-away in an unassuming spot by the river in Red Hook – the increasingly-gentrified neighbourhood of Brooklyn that still houses some underground gems such as this – and has stood the test of time since it first threw open its doors back in 1890. Despite the passing of its eponymous owner, it’s still very much in the family and remains a melting pot of creatives, thanks to a local vibe, scruffy surroundings and weekly jamming sessions. If last year’s celebration is anything to go by – a good old-fashioned shindig against a backdrop of western swing – then this New Year’s is sure to go off with a bang.
Aux Folies, Paris
@auxfoliesbelleville
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You don’t often associate Paris, aka ‘the city of lights’, with watering holes – rather, more upscale wine bars and cocktail dens – but Aux Folies breaks the mould. This low-key but lively spot in Belleville to the northeast of the capital offers seriously cheap beer and cocktails against a backdrop of flickering neon and billowing smoke. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s exactly what the bohemian crowd comes for in this multicultural neighbourhood, drawn by the efficient staff and heated terrace that spills out onto Rue Dénoyez come evening. New Year’s here is less party hats and streamers and more goblets of wine and games of cards.
Discover more fantastic hotels, restaurants and bars with 50 Best Discovery, and start planning your next adventure.
