In Lower Manhattan, wine is having a moment — and not just on dinner menus. Across the neighborhood, wine bars are popping up with thoughtful by-the-glass lists, cozy interiors, and menus designed for sipping and snacking. Whether you’re into natural wines, regional Italian pairings or deep-cut reds from the Jura, there’s a spot for every palate.
From post-work pours at happy hour prices to unique sommelier-curated flights, here are six local wine bars worth lingering over.
If You’re Looking for a Post-Work Happy Hour…
Zizi Wine Bar (photo by Itay Paz)
Zizi Wine Bar
Zizi Wine Bar brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to the neighborhood, with a large collection of wines, Middle Eastern-inspired small plates, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to unwind after a day at the office.
The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully sourced, with a focus on sustainable, organic, and kosher options — including some lesser-known finds from Israel, Morocco and Lebanon. During happy hour, you can score $9 glasses, 20% off the wine list, and 15% off food.
Not sure where to start? Opt for a flight of four. You can choose your own theme or let the bartender surprise you.
For snacks, the eggplant carpaccio, butter-roasted halloumi and Middle Eastern cheese board are standouts and are perfect for sharing. (45 John St.)
If You’re Hungry and Thirsty…
Chambers
Chambers is what happens when a restaurant/wine bar cares just as much about the food as it does the wine. The extensive list — curated by world-renowned sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier — features everything from funky naturals to rare back vintages, with a focus on wines that are interesting, thoughtful and easy to enjoy.
In terms of food, the menu leans simple and seasonal, with beautifully plated dishes that feel elegant without being overdone and pair easily with what’s being poured. Think red snapper with summer squash, yogurt and harissa, and snowdance chicken with spinach, sherry and thyme.
Grab a seat at the bar, right up at the kitchen counter, or at their communal table — a great option for solo travelers in Lower Manhattan looking to make new friends. (94 Chambers St.)
If You’re Serious About Cheese Pairings…
Della’s (photo by Teddy Wolff)
Della’s
Run by Liz Nicholson, the founder of nearby Frankly Wines, Della’s is a cozy, candlelit spot known for its ever-changing wine list and a menu rooted in Nicholson’s Italian family traditions.
You’ll find a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass or bottle, with the staff always happy to recommend something new — like a funky orange wine or crisp Alpine white. Visit before 6 p.m. on weekdays for happy hour pricing.
Another highlight: the cheese program, featuring everything from ash-ripened goat wheels to truffle-flecked goudas and soft bloomy rinds, all available à la carte or on a full board with olives and salumi. (66 W. Broadway)
If You Want to Travel Italy by the Glass
Vino&… at Eataly Downtown
Vino &… is a bright and airy wine bar inside Eataly Downtown that transports you to Italy.
The wine list spans nearly all of the country’s 20 regions — from the crisp whites of Piedmont to the smoky reds of Sicily. If you’re not sure what to order, the staff are happy to offer pairing tips or share the backstory of each wine.
The menu leans classic and seasonal, with dishes like calamari fritti, burrata caprese and housemade pastas. Stop by during aperitivo hour for $12 wines and mini spritzes alongside snacks like pistachio-studded mortadella and rosemary-laced focaccia.
Bonus: This is also a top pick for a boozy brunch downtown, wine included! (101 Liberty St.)
If You Want to Sip Local…
Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant (photo courtesy Conrad New York Downtown)
Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant
Located inside the Conrad New York Downtown, Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant is a sleek yet welcoming spot that puts a spotlight on domestic wines — especially from right here in New York.
You’ll find pours from Long Island’s Channing Daughters and Wolffer Estate alongside Finger Lakes wines like Ravines Wine Cellars, all carefully selected to pair with the restaurant’s seasonal, Mediterranean-influenced menu.
Highlights include cider-glazed salmon, cacio e pepe risotto tots, and garbanzo quinoa croquettes, served in an airy space with an open kitchen and friendly service. It’s a great pick for a low-key night out at one of the neighborhood’s standout hotel bars. (102 North End Ave.)
If You Want Wine and Cocktails…
Harry’s Side Bar
Situated along historic Stone Street, Harry’s Side Bar feels like a cross between a wine bar and a cocktail lounge, with a menu full of bubbles, aperitifs and snacks designed for sipping and sharing.
The drink menu features everything from sommelier-selected reds and rosés to a standout classic negroni to more creative drinks like the “Alchemist”—a smoky, citrusy mix of tequila, mezcal, spiced pear and pamplemousse.
Happy hour runs daily from 4–5 p.m. and again from 10–11 p.m., when you can pair your drink with snacks like spinach and crab dip or baked pimento cheese for half price.
The cozy space also hosts DJ nights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, making it equally ideal for a low-key glass or a celebratory night out. (62 Stone St.)
Jessie Festa is a New York-based content creator, photographer, and tour guide. She is the founder of NYC Photo Journeys, which offers photo tours and shoots in the city’s most interesting and scenic locations.
main photo: iStock
Dining and Cooking