June 12, 2025
We love a weekend escape as much as the next New Yorker. But sometimes, staying put is the real luxury. No traffic, no rental car, no sunscreen in your eyes by 10 a.m. And if you’re skipping the beach, you may as well trade sand for spirits.
That’s where we come in.
Great Jones Distilling Co. isn’t just the first legal whiskey distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition it’s your shortcut to the perfect summer itinerary. One that has all the makings of an unforgettable weekend, with local craftsmanship, live music, refreshing cocktails, and delicious bites. Whether you’re a whiskey lover, history buff, or just someone looking for alternative things to do in NYC that feel a little more elevated than your usual sidewalk brunch, we’ve got you covered.
From NYC distillery tours to barrel-aged whiskey tastings and more, here’s why your summer weekend deserves a little Great Jones energy.
Things To Do in NYC: Everything Starts at Great Jones
No one really needs a reason to visit New York in the summertime. Central Park sunbathers, sunset strolls along the Hudson, rooftop everything—our beloved city sells itself. But if you’re looking to level up your city itinerary, there’s a hidden gem in NoHo that might just turn your weekend into a “Should we move to Great Jones Street?” moment.
So no, maybe you didn’t ask for a reason. But we’ll give you five.
1. NYC’s Best Jazz Brunch
You can’t do it all on an empty stomach, so why not start with Jazz Brunch at Great Jones? Every Saturday from 11:30am to 3pm, enjoy NYC’s best live jazz while indulging in a sumptuous menu and craft cocktails. Take a look at our Jazz Brunch Menu (and try not to get too hungry doing so).
2. Craft Whiskey Cocktails Anytime
Visiting us on a weekday? No problem! No matter when you visit, Great Jones Distilling Co. has a flavor for every palate.
Prohibition Hour (our take on happy hour) runs from 3:30 to 6pm Tuesday through Friday, featuring locally-inspired dishes, $11 craft cocktails, $1 oysters, $2 wings, 100% NY bourbon, and more, distilled right here on the premises. And if you’re kicking off the weekend early, you’re in luck—during Summer Fridays, the full Prohibition Hour menu is available all day long. From now through August, there’s no better excuse to start sipping early. Walk-ins welcome!
3. A Prohibition-Era Inspired Distillery Tour
Even if you’re not a whiskey aficionado (yet), a visit to Great Jones Distilling Co. is like stepping into a hidden chapter of New York history—one that smells faintly of charred oak and good decisions. Our Prohibition-era inspired distillery tour is part time machine, part tasting room, and 100% worth carving out an hour for. Whether you’re hosting out-of-towners or just want a new way to fall in love with the city, this is one of those NYC activities everyone should try.
During the Distilling New York Experience, our expert staff will take you through the rich fabric of whiskey’s past and present, while exploring our ingredients (they’re 100% New York-sourced), our distilling process, and wrapping the journey with a guided tasting of our three Great Jones whiskeys.
If you want something more toothsome, Bourbon and Bites adds a foodie twist to the tour where our three Great Jones whiskeys and a Black Dirt Applejack are expertly paired with select bites from local purveyors.
Each tour guest will receive a voucher for $10 off their favorite bottle in our gift shop, where you’ll find our most popular whiskeys as well as distillery-exclusive expressions and limited edition bottles. After all, you can’t go home empty-handed!
If you’re still hungry, head on up to the Tasting Room Bar to grab something more substantial and take in the rich décor and incredible view overlooking Broadway. Our all-day menu is curated with local ingredients and ready for walk-ins.
4. Ambiance, Ambiance, Ambiance
If your summer was a movie, this is where the plot would twist, the music would swell, and the drinks would be perfect. Think cozy cocktail nook, low lighting, let’s-stay-for-another-round type setting.
Whether you’re craving a crisp cocktail after a whirlwind shopping spree, looking for a quick bite after an afternoon in Washington Square Park or grabbing drinks before a show in NoHo, Great Jones is the place to be. The evidence is in the grand staircase, warm wood paneling, plush leather seating… need we go on?
5. A Space You Can Customize For Summer Events
Yes, you could visit for a summer cocktail or a tour. But what if you could have the whole place—cocktails, views, ambiance and all—dedicated to your big moment?
Whether it’s a birthday, engagement, wedding, or just a well-earned celebration, our private event spaces are made for milestones. With design-forward rooms, curated menus, and of course, our signature New York whiskey, Great Jones is where unforgettable New York moments begin—and become yours to own. Speak to our people about your plans and they’ll help you figure out which of our spaces makes the most sense for your event.. Choose The Lounge for its historic library vibes, complete with a projector screen and a private service bar.
For larger groups, book The Distillery where you can mingle around our whiskey-making equipment and watch our expert distillers at work.
Or, if you and your friends (slash coworkers or family) want to be tucked safely away from prying eyes, we recommend the descent below street level to The Speakeasy. This space in particular slips you into a secret chapter of New York’s past, where the low rumble of passing subway cars adds to the thrill of being somewhere hidden. When we first built the space, we even uncovered what’s believed to be a Prohibition-era rum runner’s tunnel—just one more secret in a room full of stories.
New York Summertime Adventures Await at Great Jones
If you’re planning a trip to NYC this year, be sure to visit Great Jones Distillery in the heart of Manhattan. From our Prohibition-era décor and craft cocktails to the locally sourced menu items and immersive distillery tours, there’s no other place that fuses culture, craftsmanship, and culinary discovery like we do.
Book your experience today.
