Sophie’s
One of the original hipster hangouts, Sophie’s is a true dive bar. Locals come in and have their spot every day at certain times, and it always feels like it’s night time inside. They’ve got a pool table and arcade games to keep you busy while drinking, plus you’re close to a lot of other neighborhood spots.
Sophie’s, 507 East 5th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 228 5680
Josie’s Bar
In a land of true dive bars, Josie’s is a saving grace. They’ve got everything you need for a night of hanging out: East Village locals, a pool table, a juke box, and a TV. The music is never too loud and the bar is never too crowded. Plus, it’s friendly to food delivery and dogs.
Josie’s Bar, 520 East 6th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 228 9532
Doc Holliday’s
A theme dive bar is always a fun place to take visitors. This country-style bar has cowboy boots hanging from the ceiling and a jukebox filled with country music. TVs and a pool table fill the bar along with extremely loud country rock. Doc Holliday’s is kitsch at its best.
Doc Holliday’s, 141 Avenue A, New York, NY, USA +1 212 979 0312
11th Street Bar
Sometimes you need a place to gather that’s just a regular neighborhood bar. The back room of 11th Street Bar can be reserved for free for any reason, so long as you call ahead. There’s a piano and tables and a fully-stocked bar with an old New York feel.
11th Street Bar, 510 East 11th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 982 3929
Ace Bar
This place has plenty of bar games to play and places to sit, and you can dance just about anywhere. Whether you want to start the night off right or end it way too late, Ace Bar has you covered. The crowd tends to be a bit younger, but all are welcome.
Ace Bar, 531 East 5th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 979 8476
Vazac’s Horseshoe Bar
This corner bar is often featured in Hollywood movies, as it’s one of very few corner bars with full walls of windows. Locals call it ‘7B’ seeing as it’s on the corner of 7th Street and Avenue B. There are plenty of TVs for a night of sports and drink specials to go along with that. The back walls are lined with arcade games, if you’re into that too.
Vazac’s Horseshoe Bar, 108 Avenue B, New York, NY, USA +1 212 677 6742
East Village Social
With the look and feel of Brooklyn, East Village Social is a cozy spot on St. Marks, so not technically in the Alphabets, but close enough, offering well and top-shelf drinks along with open mic nights, trivia, and great bar snacks.
East Village Social, 126 St Marks Place, New York, NY, USA +1 646 755 8662
The Wayland
If you’re looking for a great spot in Alphabet City, look no further. The crowd leans towards an older and calmer crowd than other bars on this list. The Wayland is great on a summer night when the windows are open or cozy on winter nights with a corner view of the neighborhood.
The Wayland, 700 East 9th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 777 7022
Zum Schneider
Everyone loves an authentic German beer hall. The architecture gives more of a Mediterranean feel while the vibes inside are completely Bavarian. If you’re looking for waitresses in lederhosen and pretzels with your steins of beer, look no further. If you’re a soccer fan, Zum Schneider has you covered for some of the major games.
Zum Schneider, 107 Avenue C, New York, NY, USA +1 212 598 1098
Ten Degrees Bar
Ten Degrees has great happy hour cocktail specials and wine selections. There is a back room available to rent and a small menu of food. The dim lighting and St. Marks location make it a great meeting spot for friends, coworkers, or dates.
Ten Degrees Bar, 121 St. Marks Place, New York, NY, USA +1 212 358 8600