Welcome to the vibrant nightlife of East Village, where you’ll find some of the best bars in New York City! This diverse neighborhood is home to a fantastic array of drinking spots – from classic dive bars and upscale cocktail lounges to hidden speakeasies and trendy nightclubs.
No matter what your taste or mood, there’s always a perfect bar waiting for you just around the corner. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our list of 17 must-visit bars that define the East Village bar scene.
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Top 17 Bars In East Village
Explore the best of East Village’s drinking scene with this comprehensive list of 17 top-rated bars ranging from speakeasies and cocktail lounges to neighborhood dives and trendy hangouts.
Death & Co.
As an avid fan of East Village nightlife, I can’t stress enough how much Death & Co. has elevated the Manhattan drinking scene since it first opened its doors on New Year’s Eve 2006/07.
Visiting Death & Co. is a unique experience that never fails to excite – from their speakeasy-style entrance to their dimly lit and intimate atmosphere, everything about this place screams sophistication.
My most memorable night there involved sipping on expertly crafted cocktails and striking up conversations with fellow patrons who shared my love for craft concoctions and innovative flavors.
Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
As a connoisseur of New York City’s East Village bar scene, I can’t help but mention one of my absolute favorites – Please Don’t Tell (PDT). Tucked away in secrecy behind a humble phone booth, this speakeasy-style cocktail establishment is truly a hidden gem.
Entering PDT feels like stepping into an exclusive world, where attention to detail and sophistication reign supreme. The atmosphere is intimate and dimly lit, creating an ideal environment for savoring some of the best craft cocktails around.
The Library
As a lover of bars with character, I can’t help but recommend The Library in East Village. It doesn’t take long to notice the haunt-like atmosphere that comes from a unique collection of books lining its walls.
Located on Avenue A, this laid-back spot is open until 4 am for night owls looking to unwind. Stepping into The Library feels like escaping the bustling city outside as you’re greeted by an eclectic jukebox playing classic tunes or live music performances during special events.
On certain nights, you’ll even find me and my friends participating in their trivia nights – we may not always win, but it’s definitely one of our alcoholism bonding activities.
Amor Y Amargo
Amor Y Amargo is a small and unique cocktail bar that stands out due to its focus on bitters and Italian amari. Being the first of its kind in America, it has become a popular spot among East Village’s Top 17 Bars for those who enjoy mixing spirits with unusual flavors.
One can find over twenty different types of bitters here, along with other rare liqueurs that are not found elsewhere easily. The bartenders at Amor Y Amargo are highly skilled mixologists, creating one-of-a-kind drinks by using creative combinations like Campari or Aperol as an ingredient.
Holiday Cocktail Lounge
As someone struggling with alcoholism, it can be challenging to find a bar that offers an enjoyable and responsible experience. Look no further than the Holiday Cocktail Lounge in the East Village, one of New York City’s best bars.
Not only does the Holiday Cocktail Lounge offer delicious food and drinks, but it also has a storied history as one of the oldest bars in the East Village. Whether you’re looking for craft cocktails or classic favorites like an old-fashioned or martini, the expert bartenders at this venue will make sure your drink is both flavorful and responsible.
Keybar
As an alcohol enthusiast, Keybar nestled in the heart of East Village is one of my go-to nightlife destinations.
Keybar serves up their craft cocktails alongside live DJ music and happy hour specials that will keep you coming back for more.
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Not only does this spot offer quality drinks, but it also provides a chill atmosphere to hang out with locals and soak in the charm of East Village.
The Belfry
The Belfry is one of the best bars in East Village, known for its vintage decor and antique brass chandeliers that give the place a retro, old-timey atmosphere.
The exposed-brick walls add to the cozy charm of this neighborhood bar, making it a great spot to relax with friends or unwind after work. What sets The Belfry apart from other bars in the area are its delicious drinks – local craft beer, wine, and cocktails that hit just right.
Mona’s
I have a soft spot for dive bars, which is why Mona’s is one of my favorite places to grab a drink in the East Village. This hidden gem has an impressive whiskey selection, especially when it comes to Irish whiskey.
The brick walls, pool table, Skee-Ball machine, and jukebox give the bar an old-school feel that I can’t resist.
Sake Bar Decibel
One of the best bars in East Village that I can recommend to my fellow alcohol lovers is Sake Bar Decibel. It’s a must-visit for Japanese sake aficionados and those who enjoy an intimate atmosphere with an edgy ambiance.
Opened in 1993, it was the first sake bar in New York City, and since then, it has become an underground classic. The bar boasts a vast selection of sakes that you won’t find anywhere else.
The setting is cozy and dark – perfect for catching up with friends over drinks or going on a date.
Sake Bar Decibel may be hard to find at first because it is housed underground behind a wooden door entrance on East 9th Street, but once inside, you’ll understand why this place made our list of best bars in East Village.
With its authentic Japanese decor and speakeasy-style vibe, Sake Bar Decibel is unlike any other local bar around Manhattan that serves craft cocktails or trendy drinks for cocktail culture enthusiasts.
Mace
As someone who appreciates a good cocktail, Mace has quickly become one of my favorite bars in East Village. The innovative mixology here truly sets it apart from the rest.
The bar challenges you to think of a spice, and then creates a unique cocktail based on your choice.
Mace’s creative libations are crafted with exotic ingredients that blend together seamlessly to create unforgettable sensory experiences. It’s not surprising that Mace is consistently listed among the top 50 best bars in the world for three years running, or that it is recognized as one of the best bars in East Village.
The Wayland
As someone who enjoys a good drink, The Wayland has quickly become one of my favorite bars in East Village. Whether I’m looking for somewhere to take a date or just kick back with some friends, this spot never disappoints.
One of the things that sets it apart is the live music – you never know what you’ll hear, from jazz and rock to bluegrass. And if you’re looking for something unique to sip on, their cocktails are truly exceptional.
But beyond the drinks and atmosphere, there’s just something special about The Wayland. Maybe it’s the plaid-clad bartenders who always make me feel welcome, or maybe it’s just the sense that anything could happen here at any moment.
Whatever it is, I always leave feeling like I’ve had a memorable night out in East Village.
Cienfuegos
One of my favorite bars in the East Village is Cienfuegos. With its Cuban-inspired menu and focus on rum-based cocktails, it’s a perfect spot for anyone looking to escape into an exotic ambiance.
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The second-story lounge offers a cozy atmosphere with Caribbean influences that make you feel like you’re on vacation.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, try their tiki bar atmosphere, which makes for a fun twist on traditional cocktail lounges. The specialty cocktails are expertly mixed and pair perfectly with the decor and Cuban music playing in the background.
The Immigrant
As an alcohol enthusiast in the East Village, I have been fortunate to discover The Immigrant, which is one of the best bars in this neighborhood. What attracts me most about The Immigrant is its unique blend of history and modernity.
This bar pays homage to the East Village’s immigration roots by serving both wine and beer from all over the world.
The ambiance at The Immigrant is perfect for a laid-back evening after work or a night out with friends. Its cozy interior design invites guests to unwind without feeling overwhelmed by loud music or crowds.
Whether you choose the wine side or beer side, it’s easy to get lost in conversation while sipping on your chosen drink.
The Flower Shop
One of the best bars in East Village is The Flower Shop, located on Eldridge Street in Lower East Side, NYC. Although some articles describe it as a restaurant with a large bar area, patrons flock here for their craft cocktails and friendly atmosphere.
This local bar has become a favorite among the neighborhood’s young professionals who enjoy sipping drinks and chatting with friends after work or on weekends. While there are no specific mentions of holiday events or offerings at The Flower Shop, its cozy ambiance and diverse beverage menu make it an excellent choice for any night out in East Village.
The Roost
As an avid fan of the East Village bar scene, The Roost is one of my all-time favorite hidden gems. Tucked away behind barn doors in the back room of a coffee shop, this speakeasy-style hangout offers a cozy ambiance and a wide range of local craft beers on draft, with 16 always rotating options to choose from.
What sets The Roost apart for me is its commitment to honoring the history and culture of the neighborhood. From its warm and inviting decor to its carefully curated drink selection, everything about this bar feels uniquely local.
It’s no surprise that it’s featured on New York Magazine’s “The Thousand Best” bars list – it truly deserves recognition as one of the best bars in the East Village.
Ace Bar
Established since 1993, Ace Bar has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
This bar offers an inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind with friends or meet new people while enjoying reasonably priced drinks.
Ace Bar stands out as one of the must-visit places in this bustling neighborhood.
Nublu
As a club and record label, Nublu offers much more than just drinks and dancing. It’s an exceptional cultural hub that attracts both locals and tourists alike looking for unique ambiance, music venue, local favorites, cocktails, and hidden gems.
Nublu is also mentioned as one of the best-hidden bars/ restaurants in New York City. If you’re into nightlife or craving a night full of fun activities without breaking the bank; this place should be on your list!
Many recognize it as a significant part of the community since they host parties where everyone can come together to celebrate life over drinks while enjoying some excellent musical performances beneath a disco ball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the East Village boasts a vibrant bar scene with plenty of options to cater to all drinking preferences. Whether you’re looking for a dive bar or an upscale cocktail lounge, there is something for everyone.
With so many highly-rated bars in the area, it can be overwhelming to choose where to go, but this list of 17 best bars in East Village should provide a great starting point.
Sources: https://chesbrewco.com
Category: Places
