Discover Some of the Finest Rum Bars in NYC

New York City’s bar scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, a melting pot of flavors, cultures, and atmospheres. In honor of National Rum Day, I set out on a spirited adventure through the city’s rum bars, determined to find the ones that stood out from the crowd. After sampling rum cocktails at sixteen different spots, I have narrowed it down to nine favorites that captured my heart—and taste buds. Each of these places offers something unique, whether it is the vibe, the crowd, or that one cocktail that leaves you dreaming of the Caribbean long after the glass is empty. Here is a little glimpse into why each of these bars made the list.

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We would love to hear about your favorite rum bar in NYC. Drop a comment belowbelow or connect with us on social media [@brooklynslifestyle or tag us with #explorewithBKLS]. We are always excited to uncover the next exceptional New York City adventure.

A Special National Rum Day Event

• Event: BACARDÍ Rum X Tipsy Scoop “BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Guava Daiquiri Sorbet”
• Location: Tipsy Scoop across NYC—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Beach, and the Empire State Building
• Website: BACARDÍ Rum + Tipsy Scoop

As National Rum Day unfolds today, BACARDÍ Rum has partnered with Tipsy Scoop to create a unique, limited-edition delight: the BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Guava Daiquiri Sorbet. Imagine the rich, velvety notes of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho mingling with the tropical sweetness of guava, transformed into a refreshing sorbet that feels like a bite of summer itself.

To celebrate, Tipsy Scoop is offering a special treat: free scoops of this exclusive sorbet to the first 50 visitors at each of their NYC locations—whether you find yourself in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Beach, or even at the iconic Empire State Building. But this flavor won’t last forever; it is only available for the next two weeks, until August 31st, making it a fleeting yet memorable taste of the season.

And for those not in NYC, fear not. This limited-edition sorbet can be shipped nationwide via Goldbelly, allowing rum aficionados and ice cream lovers across the country to indulge in this summer delight. Here is to savoring a slice of New York City, wherever you are!

Habana Outpost: Where Sustainability Meets Flavor

• Location: 757 Fulton Street—Fort Greene
• Phone: (718) 858-9500
• Website: Habana Outpost

It took me a while to visit Habana Outpost—I was not quite sure if it was the right fit for me.. But there is something irresistibly vibrant about this Brooklyn gem. Maybe it is the cheerful chatter of friends gathered around the outdoor tables or the tantalizing aroma of Cuban sandwiches sizzling on the grill. This eco-friendly haven is more than just a restaurant. It is a community hub, a place where environmental consciousness blends seamlessly with casual dining. I love Habana Outpost because it feels like summer all year round, a slice of Havana right in the heart of Brooklyn, where the rum cocktails taste even better under the sun-dappled trees.

The Rogers Garden: A Caribbean Oasis in Brooklyn

• Location: 708 Rogers Avenue—Flatbush
• Phone: (347) 295-3866
• Website: Rogers Garden

Stepping into The Rogers Garden feels like being welcomed into a Caribbean home. It is a place where the warmth of the people is matched only by the richness of the rum. Nestled in the Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, this lively spot is as much about community as it is about cocktails. The air-conditioned garden, adorned with local art, creates a relaxed yet festive atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a mini-vacation.

I am particularly fond of Rogers Garden for its deep connection to Caribbean culture, which shines through in every rum-infused drink and every note of the music playing softly in the background. It is the ideal place to get some Caribbean vibes this coming Labor Day weekend.

The Rum Bar BK: Caribbean Flair with a Brooklyn Twist

• Location: 733 Franklin Avenue—Crown Heights
• Website: The Rum Bar BK

In Crown Heights, The Rum Bar BK offers a fresh take on Caribbean classics, both in its food and its drinks. The modern, stylish setting is the perfect backdrop for savoring inventive rum cocktails that go beyond the usual suspects. What draws me back to The Rum Bar BK is their unapologetic embrace of bold flavors. The jerk chicken spring rolls paired with a Cuban Daiquiri are a match made in heaven. It is a place where Caribbean heritage is celebrated with a Brooklyn flair, making it a standout on my rum journey.

The Rum House: Jazz, Cocktails, and Timeless New York Charm

• Location: 228 West 47th Street—Theater District
• Phone: (646) 490-6924
• Website: The Rum House

The Rum House, nestled in the heart of Times Square, is the kind of place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every sip of your drink while listening to the soothing sounds of live jazz. This small yet mighty bar boasts an impressive selection of rums from around the world. And its seasonal cocktail list never disappoints. I adore The Rum House for its vintage elegance, a rare find amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, where each visit feels like a step back into old New York.

Miss Lily’s 7A: Jamaican Vibes and Rum Punch Delights

• Location: 109 Avenue A—Alphabet City
• Phone: (212) 812-1482
• Website: Miss Lily’s 7A

Miss Lily’s 7A is a burst of Caribbean sunshine in New York’s East Village. With its colorful décor and lively beats, it is a place that invites you to let loose and enjoy life, Jamaican style. The menu is a delicious tribute to the island’s flavors, with dishes like jerk chicken and my personal favorite, the ackee hummus, which transports you straight to the Caribbean. What I love most about Miss Lily’s 7A is their rum punch. Strong, sweet, and full of character, just like the bar itself. It is my go-to spot when I crave a taste of Jamaica right here in NYC.

Tiki Chick: A Tropical Getaway in the Upper West Side

• Location: 517 Amsterdam Avenue—Upper West Side
• Website: Tiki Chick

Tiki Chick on the Upper West Side is the kind of bar that makes you feel like you have stepped into a tropical paradise, without ever leaving Manhattan. With its playful décor and inventive drinks, it is a place that never takes itself too seriously, yet delivers seriously good cocktails. My favorite? The Frozen Piña Colada is a blend of Marti Plata Rum and Guyanese coconut rum that is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day. Tiki Chick is my escape from the every day, where the worries of the city melt away with each sip.

Jungle Bird: Where Tropics Meet Manhattan’s Chic

• Location: 174 8th Avenue—Chelsea
• Phone: (646) 868-8422
• Website: Jungle Bird

Chelsea’s Jungle Bird is a vibrant, tropical haven that brings a touch of the exotic to the city’s sleek urban landscape. The bar’s namesake cocktail, the Jungle Bird, is just the beginning of a menu filled with creative, colorful concoctions that are as fun to look at as they are to drink. I have a soft spot for Jungle Bird because it is the perfect blend of chic and playful. It is a place where the atmosphere is as lively as the flavors in the glass, making it an ideal spot for both casual drinks and festive gatherings.

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Employees Only: A Speakeasy with Serious Rum Cred

Employees Only in the West Village is a speakeasy that exudes classic New York nightlife, with a cocktail menu that is both inventive and rooted in tradition. This place has earned its reputation as one of the city’s best bars, and the rum cocktails are no exception. I am especially drawn to the Billionaire Cocktail—a drink as rich and decadent as its name suggests. Located at 510 Hudson Street Employees Only is where I go to experience the best of New York’s cocktail scene in an intimate, lively, and distinctly New York setting. It is also my new favorite spot for an espresso martini in NYC.

Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar: A Taste of the Caribbean in LES

Lower East Side’s Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar is where Caribbean soul food meets innovative New York flair. Chef Omar Walters brings the flavors of his Jamaican roots to every dish, from the coconut curry oxtail to the Escovitch fish, each bite bursting with spice and warmth.

But it is the rum cocktails that keep me coming back. The Jamaican Mule is a personal favorite, offering a perfect balance of heat and refreshment. Located at 29A Clinton Street Omar’s Kitchen feels like a home away from home. It is where every meal celebrates Caribbean culture. Featured in our ‘Taste of the Caribbean: Top Restaurants in New York City‘ article, I love their creative dishes, like the coconut curry oxtail, paired with the Goldeneye cocktail—a true standout.

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Exploring New York City’s rum bars has been more than just a quest for the ideal drink—it has been a journey through the diverse and dynamic neighborhoods. Each bar offers its own slice of paradise, from the Caribbean warmth of Rogers Garden to the timeless elegance of The Rum House. These spots are not just places to grab a drink; they are destinations, each with a story to tell and a rum cocktail worth savoring. So, here is to National Rum Day, and to the many adventures that await in the city that never sleeps.