My Bartender
The East Village is one of the most happening neighborhoods in Manhattan, known to produce some of the most trendy fashions and cultural moments.
With hundreds of bars and clubs drawing thousands of people each night, it’s hard to decide where to go out in this neighborhood. Check out my list of the best bars below!
Death & Company
433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 388-0882
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Next to iconic Tompkins Square Park, Death & Co started in the East Village on New Year’s Eve. They are known for their creative cocktails and innovative bartenders and serve delicious bar bites.
Death & Co has signature cocktails ranging from fruity to rich. Some of my favorites are the Vintage Egg Nog and the “Sinner and Saint.”
Holiday Cocktail Lounge
75 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 777-9637
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Holiday Cocktail Lounge has been gracing St. Marks Place for almost a century. They pioneered the term “Dive Elegance,” and this unique atmosphere attracts guests from far and wide.
This is also a great bar for celebrity spotting. Frequentists of this watering hole have included Madonna, Frank Sinatra, and Iggy Pop.
Amor Y Amargo
95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (833) 328-4588
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Amor Y Amargo is a bar like no other, focused solely on bitters. They have a delicious tasting menu with a focus on Italian Amari and cocktail bitters.
Once you’ve gotten addicted to their tastes, you can purchase your unique bitters at their general store in the same location.
Mona’s
224 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 353-3780
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Just two blocks from the East River, Mona’s is a laid-back bar that’s perfect for a chill night out. It features a pool table and Skee-Ball, as well as frequent live music.
Their drinks are very affordable for the location, and most feature classic well-drinks and beers on tap.
Sake Bar Decibel
240 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 979-2733
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As the name suggests, Sake Bar Decibel specializes in a large variety of this classic Japanese liquor and delicious Japanese snacks.
The underground bar is on the edge of Ukraine and Gramercy. The bar is intimate and has a great happy hour featuring many sake variations for only $6.
Mace
35 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (347) 866-7739
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Just a couple blocks from the iconic Washington Square Park, Mace has been voted one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for the past five years.
All of Mace’s delicious signature cocktails incorporate unique combinations of global spices. Not only are their cocktails delicious, but the mixologists have also revolutionized what we conceive of as cocktails.
Please Don’t Tell
113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 614-0386
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Right next to Tompkins Square Park, Please Don’t Tell is one of the East Village’s most exciting speak-easy-style bars.
As the name suggests, word of mouth alone will not get you into this establishment. The trick is to enter through a phone booth in the neighboring Crif Dogs hot dog restaurant to experience this hidden gem.
Goodnight Sonny
134 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
Phone: (646) 692-3254
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On the outskirts of Ukrainian Village, Goodnight Sunny is a delicious cocktail and raw bar that will transport you to the beach.
They have delicious food and drinks all night, but their best offer is the weekday Happy Hour. From 4-6 pm, you can savor one dozen premium oysters for $18 and try one of their to-die-for daiquiris for just $12.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 473-9148
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McSorley’s claims to be the oldest continually operating bar in the entire country and is one of the most beloved bars in NYC.
Established in 1854, it started as an Irish working man’s saloon and has transformed over the years into a cultural mainstay.
They only serve one thing here, the legendary homemade Ale it’s been serving for its entire history. Whether you love or hate the taste, it’s worth a visit!
The Wayland
700 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 777-7022
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Halfway between Tompkins Square Park and the East River, The Wayland has been dubbed the best bar in the East Village by New York Magazine.
They have live music two times a week and an atmosphere that feels like you’re at a good friend’s house party. Some of their best cocktails include The Moxie and Cantaloupe Fizz. They also have great food!
Burp Castle
41 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 982-4576
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The amusingly named Burp Castle is a beer lover’s heaven in the heart of Ukrainian Village. Known as the “Temple of Beer Worship,” they specialize in Belgian beers not usually available in the USA.
Burp Castle has different things on tap each week, so there is always something new and exotic to try.
d.b.a.
41 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
Phone: (646) 707-0599
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In the heart of Bowery, d.b.a is an iconic neighborhood mainstay known for its curated selection of unique beers and bourbons.
They are one of the more affordable bars in the area but do not skimp on quality or quantity. As well as beer, they also have some great signature cocktails like the Yass Kween and Carpet & Drapes.
The Garret East @ Borrachito
206 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (917) 398-2984
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Just north of Tompkins Square Park, this bar and late-night taqueria is styled like a retro apartment and has the drinks to match.
They have some of the most visually stunning cocktails in the area, utilizing natural ingredients to create beautiful colors. After a night of drinking, stop by in the early hours of the morning for short rib oxtail or brisket barbacoa tacos.
Maiden Lane
162 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (646) 755-8911
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Practically inside Tompkins Square Park, Maiden Lane is best known for their deliciously fresh seafood and sandwiches, but they also have a great selection of craft beers and fresh fruity cocktails.
Separated into simply “cheap beer” for $4 and “fancy beer” for $7, whichever you choose will pair wonderfully with their house-tinned seafood or whitefish bagel.
Lucy’s
135 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 673-3824
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Also bordering Tompkins Square Park, Lucy’s is an iconic dive bar famous for its namesake and owner, Lucy Mickevicius, who still opens the bar every night even though she is close to 80 years old.
Lucy opens and closes the bar when she feels like it and charges what she feels like. This means the bar has a 70s East Village feel and is very affordable!
Ace Bar
531 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 979-8476
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Opening in the early 90s when the East Village was at its most artistic and alternative, Ace Bar is still the epicenter of East Village counterculture even in the neighborhood’s current mainstream iteration.
This bar is eccentric and welcoming, featuring pool tables and dart boards and a wide array of well-drinks and beers on tap.
Big Bar
75 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 777-6969
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Despite its name, Big Bar is a small and intimate space located between Noho and Alphabet City. They are known for their eclectic events, from noise music concerts to slam poetry nights.
The bar features a large menu of signature cocktails that change regularly, as well as plenty of beers on tap and in bottles.
Mister Paradise
105 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
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Mister Paradise is a chic area staple with creatively-named cocktails and elegantly presented small bites. Their red and green interior is perfect for an Instagram shot.
Some of their best cocktails include the “thundergun express” and the “Dr. Angelface.” Their bar bites include succulent fried chicken and raw oysters.
Bua
122 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 979-6276
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On the iconic and eclectic St Marks Place, Bua is an elevated Irish Pub with discounted drinks and delicious food.
Their most popular spot is their welcoming patio with an all-day happy hour with classic Irish draughts and classic bar bites, fried pickles nachos.
Royale
157 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 254-6600
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Near the East River, Royale is a beloved neighborhood bar and burger restaurant. They have been voted Best Burger and Patio in NYC, and for a good reason.
They have a truly spectacular patio open year-round whose vibes pair perfectly with their strong well-drinks and delicious classic hamburgers.
Bibi Wine Bar
211 E 4th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 673-2424
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A few blocks south of the park, Bibi Wine Bar has a laid-back atmosphere that belies its vast and delicious selection of natural wines. They also serve some delicious sandwiches and small plates to pair with their drinks.
My favorite thing to do at Bibi’s is split a bottle the knowledgeable waiters recommend, along with a charcuterie plate.
Final Thoughts
In this article, I have walked you through what I consider to be the most amazing bars in the East Village. From the quirky and quiet to the loud and boisterous, there is something on this list for everyone.
If you think we’ve missed any fantastic bars in East Village, leave a comment with your favorite below!
Best Bars in East Village, NYC
- Death & Company
- Holiday Cocktail Lounge
- Amor Y Amargo
- Mona’s
- Sake Bar Decibel
- Mace
- Please Don’t Tell
- Goodnight Sonny
- McSorley’s Old Ale House
- The Wayland
- Burp Castle
- d.b.a.
- The Garret East @ Borrachito
- Maiden Lane
- Lucy’s
- Ace Bar
- Big Bar
- Mister Paradise
- Bua
- Royale
- Bibi Wine Bar
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