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While Morningside Heights is primarily known for housing studious intellectuals attending Columbia University or Barnard, bars have been popping up left and right to cater to the thirsty locals and students alike. Quench your thirst or shoot some pool in the divey, laid-back ‘hole in the wall’ spots scattered about this Upper West Side neighborhood.

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Broadway Dive

Bar, American
Broadway Dive lives up to its name as a dive bar on Broadway. The cozy bar is filled with booths for groups of friends. The beer list includes an extensive selection of drafts, growlers, bottles and cans. From craft Ommegang brews to a simply can of Coors, there’s a beer in this place for everyone.

The Heights Bar and Grill

Bar, Mexican, American, $
The Heights Bar and Grill is not only named after the incredible neighborhood in which it resides, but for the awesome rooftop that allows you to reach new heights yourself. This bar is a great go-to for a casual night, good drinks, and a quick bite. The bar also has great week night specials: stop in on Tuesday for a half priced bottle of wine to accompany dinner, or on Wednesday night for a burger and beer combo,

Bar

Bar, American
Bargain Happy Hour prices draw a large influx of college students to 1020 Bar. Enjoy your discounted beverage while you challenge friends to a game of pool or darts.

Lion’s Head Tavern

Bar, Pub Grub, American
Lion’s Head Tavern is cozy and the daily specials will similarly warm your heart and wallet. Enjoy deals on pitchers and drinks during the week and at the weekend.

Bar Thalia

Bar, American, $
Bar Thalia is a snug and intimate bar home to a number of special events. If you enjoy drinks and a show, then the live entertainment will keep you at this place for the night as the bar is known to host comedy nights, jazz sessions, live music, and much more. Or, if you’re an entertainer rather than a spectator, contact the venue to set up a gig of your own.

The West End Lounge

Music Venue
The West End Lounge attracts a younger crowd and definitely maintains the college house party vibe as it offers 2 bars, a pool hall, a stage for performances, a wrap-around patio, and an extensive list of cocktails and fine beer. Their extended Happy Hour includes two for one drinks, which you simply just can’t beat. For those of you who are ready to welcome the night with some adventurous drinking, order “the Amateur” fish bowl.

Mel’s Burger Bar

Bar, American, $
Mel’s Burger Bar successfully lives up to their mission of creating an establishment with an interpersonal and homey atmosphere. Their drink menu is incredibly fun and vibrant with unique, tasty concoctions. You can choose any of the house drinks or select one of Mel’s punches, but the real deal is the bar’s list of boilermakers. In American slang, boilermakers consist of a shot and a beer, typically taken together.

L Bar and Lounge

Bar, Cocktail Bar, American, $
L Bar and Lounge is “cosmopolitan-chic” for those of you ready to dress to the nines and enjoy cocktails for the night. This lounge celebrates the neighborhood’s history, and the sound of Jazz music can be heard drifting out into the streets until close at 2am.

Buceo 95

Bar, Restaurant, Tapas, $
Buceo 95 marks its territory as the chic and trendiest of the bars on this list. The incredible tapas and extensive, yet reasonably priced, wine list is the cornerstone of this celebrated establishment. If you’re looking for a great date spot, or for food and drinks with a little flair, Buceo 95 will not disappoint.

About the author

After graduating from Carlow University in Pittsburgh this past spring with a B.A. in English and Education, Ashley moved to New York City where she currently works as an editor. She enjoys reading, writing, red velvet cupcakes, and getting hopelessly lost in her adventures around her new city.

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