A new ranking looks at the best non-alcoholic bar programs in all of NYC

"New York's non-alcoholic bar scene just got its first proper moment in the spotlight. The inaugural NYC's Best Bars for NA Awards 2025 have officially dropped, naming the city's bars that take alcohol-free drinking seriously-no sad mocktails, no afterthought menus and no side-eye from the bartender. The awards are presented by Bright Nights Social (formerly Third Place Bar) and Boisson, two names deeply embedded in New York's zero-proof ecosystem."

"To qualify, bars must be permanent, public-facing venues in one of New York City's five boroughs, identify primarily as bars (not restaurants) and offer a meaningful adult NA program that goes beyond juice and soda. Nominations were open throughout December and bars could self-nominate or be nominated by guests. Final decisions (not a ranking but a general list) were made by an awards committee led by hospitality and NA industry professionals, including Sam Bail (Bright Nights Social), Alex Highsmith (Spirited Away)"

"Judges evaluated nominees on variety, creativity, quality, menu clarity and overall bar experience-plus one decisive question: would they recommend this bar to people who normally drink alcohol? On the Lower East Side, surprised judges with a deeply experimental NA menu built around seasonal produce, house ferments, clarified juices, toasted spices and the occasional curveball ingredient. Newcomer , which was barely weeks old at the time of judging, stood out for its punchy, in-house-made NA drinks and cozy, slightly sci-fi bar vibe."

The inaugural NYC's Best Bars for NA Awards 2025 named New York City bars that prioritize thoughtful non-alcoholic drinking without token mocktails. Bright Nights Social and Boisson presented the awards to highlight permanent, public-facing bars offering meaningful adult NA programs beyond juice and soda. Nominations ran through December with venues able to self-nominate or be nominated by guests. An industry-led committee evaluated nominees on variety, creativity, quality, menu clarity and overall experience, asking whether the bar would be recommended to people who normally drink alcohol. Examples include a Lower East Side venue with experimental, seasonal NA offerings and a Brooklyn tiki bar showing NA excess can work.

Read at Time Out New York