New York was named one of the best nightlife cities in America, because duh

There's a reason why New York City is known as the city that never sleeps—Bostonians have been known to jump into their cars at 8pm just to enjoy a night out where the bars don't close at midnight. And Time Out just named NYC as one of the best cities for nightlife in America, because we know how to get and keep the party started.

Things have come a long way since the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when our favorite restaurants and watering holes were shuttered and we had to drink at home. Even when our stalwarts offered to-go cocktails, we still had to drink them in our own living rooms. Definitely not the vibe.

But now we've entered a bar renaissance of sorts, one that keeps luring us out into a world of drinks menus stuffed with refreshed classics, new concoctions, and fresh takes on old ingredients.

That’s now officially reflected in Time Out’s ranking of the best nightlife cities around the world. While Las Vegas took the No. 1 slot, New York City came in fifth for North America. (Do you think if that Times Square casino goes through, we might move up a notch or three?)

Time Out polled thousands of people in hundreds of the world’s best cities on both the quality and affordability of their city’s nightlife scene, from clubbing to bars, pubs and nighttime entertainment. After crunching the data, a panel of nightlife experts, including Time Out’s city editors and arts-and-culture writers, voted on their faves for the final rankings. 

And we definitely get it—just look at our definitive ranking of the 30 best bars in New York City for proof of just how strong the nightlife scene is here. We ranked Superbueno in the top spot, but we’re hardly the only fans. Last year, it landed at No. 2 on a list of the World’s 50 Best Bars in North America, and for good reason! Margaritas are blackened thanks to a blend of huitlacoche, and mole meets mezcal in the Mole Negroni. On top of it all, this Lower East Side hang is all about fun, with tunes and conga lines extending well into the evening.

And that's just one of the many, many options out there, from divey to swanky. Whether you’re a club person or a sophisticated cocktail lounge sipper, there’s something in NYC for everyone. And now the world has confirmation, too.

Best cities for nightlife in the U.S., according to Time Out

1. Las Vegas
2. Chicago
3. New Orleans
4. Miami
5. New York
6. Los Angeles
7. Austin
8. San Diego
9. Orlando
10. Dallas