Ah, tequila. You either love it or you hate it. For those who love it, have we got a drink for you. Move over, margarita! Made with tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda, Palomas are as refreshing as they come. We've rounded up the best Palomas in NYC so you can enjoy this simple and refreshing drink.
See Also: The 10 Best Palomas In The Hamptons
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248 W. 55th St. / 646.657.0565 / Website
Every day is a fiesta at Vida Verde. Located in the heart of Midtown West, this restaurant combines Mexican classics with New York’s casual and metropolitan approach to food and drinks. Their extensive menu includes a variety of small plates that pair perfectly with their signature cocktails, such as the infamous pineapple paloma that comes with a pineapple ice pop. The walls are tastefully decorated with vibrant graffiti murals. Be sure to explore the rooftop patio space where you can get a glass or a pitcher from the “Margarita Market.”
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65 2nd Ave. / 212.777.6965 / Website
When it comes to creativity and innovativeness, this restaurant is taking vegan Mexican cuisine to the next level. Based on a new Mexican concept with influences from other Latin countries, Bar Verde is bringing powerful plant-based cuisines that are entirely gluten and soy-free. Besides serving up the comforting Paloma, their drink menu has dozens of options for mezcal, sotol and tequila. Although this type of flight doesn't physically take you to Mexico, choose up to three liquors and try a flight of authenticity and flavor with these drinks.
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7 Cornelia St. / 917.696.2341 / Website
She’s back like she never left! After being re-established as a worker-owned business in 2022, Donna is creating an equitable and sustainable employee-owned bar where guests can taste this tropical oasis located in the West Village. Serving a pan-Latin menu mixed with Mediterranean influences, Their award-winning cocktail program draws from Filipino cuisine served with a pan-Latin menu with Mediterranean influence, making it the perfect place to get your Paloma. Despite the smaller menu, these dishes and cocktails are truly unbeatable and New Yorkers could not be happier they are back with their same flare.
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304 E. 6th St. / 212.253.5888 / Website
If you are looking for the best-kept secret, keep your eyes peeled when you visit this hidden Mexican cocktail bar. With over 60 different mezcals and tequilas, do not be afraid to ask the bartender to create a specialty drink, as Maya Mezcal prides itself on “commitment to cocktail craft and quality ingredients.” Their Paloma comes with tequila, grapefruit juice and agave, perfectly topped with a lemon wedge that will make you pucker. As the decor pays homage to Mexican-inspired wood and tile accents, Maya Mezcal is truly a hidden gem.
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301 Church St. / 212.920.6270 / Website
Born out of a desire to create quality and fun dining experiences, this restaurant delivers a lively ambiance with unique dishes and drinks for everyone. At Añejo, customers can enjoy an eclectic selection of tequilas, mezcals, and Mexican distillations that go great with brunch, lunch or dinner. Their Paloma is one of the many curated cocktails and margaritas they have to offer, along with the” Mexican Firing Squad,” made with Tapatio Rosado, house grenadine and spicy salt. For the homebodies, check out their takeout option, which still bring the heat to your living room.
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11 Doyers St. / 917.261.4116 / Website
This Paloma will have you wanting Palo”mas” after one sip. Located in the heart of Chinatown, this authentic Mexican restaurant and bar takes its inspiration from the vibrant streets of Mexico City and blends it with ancient Aztec culture. Anything from your classic nachos to birria tacos can be the perfect side order or sharable dish to go with your drink of choice. Here, customers never leave feeling blue after experiencing the real Mexican food and drink deals that Blue Agave Pulqueria has to offer.
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35 E. 21st St. / 212.913.9659 / Website
Cosme is a “casamata” restaurant serving contemporary dishes incorporating Mexican flavors and traditions while “celebrating local and seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley and surrounding region.” Their beverage program centralizes artisanal spirits that are mirrored in their cuisine, letting the high quality and good-tasting ingredients shine on every plate. If you are looking to branch out, try the Cadillac margarita that comes with Siete Leguas Reposado, Pierre Ferrand, Grand Marnier and a lime. And be sure to stay for dinner, as the food is incredible!
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5-48 49th Ave. / 347.448.6040 / Website
After moving to the United States in 1998 from his hometown of Chiapas and being inspired by his mom’s passion for cooking, chef Cosme Aguilar began his education in French cuisine. Now, this Michelin-rated Mexican restaurant honors the chef's hometown flavors by bringing a taste of his childhood to New York along with his brother and cocktail curator, Luis Aguilar. Combining authentic dishes with specialty drinks allows every visitor to truly experience a firsthand piece of Aguilar’s home through his family’s recipes. Casa Enrique lets you not only feel the love but taste it as well in everything they serve.
Whether it’s a happy hour or bottomless brunch, you will be the happiest person at any hour with the perfect Paloma packed with punch.
Photography by: Richard Clark / Getty Images
