New York’s East Village is a pretty dense spot for interesting bars; whether you’re a spirits geek, a cocktail fanatic or a wine connoisseur, you can go from classics to unusual mixed drinks in a short walk down the street. We list the 10 best bars in the East Village.
Amor y Amargo is a tiny but beautiful cocktail bar, perfect for someone who enjoys finely crafted, uncorrupted cocktails with lots of bitter elements. Everything at Amor y Amargo is well-thought out and balanced. The mixologists are friendly and highly knowledgeable about complex and interesting sippers and their history and uses. The shelves are lined with bitters, bottles, and other cocktail craft tools that are available for purchase.
A bar, lounge and Mexican restaurant, Mayahuel is the perfect place to go for a date or to indulge in tequila concoctions. So much thought goes into the bartenders’ expertly crafted drinks; with an extensive 10-page menu solely dedicated to drinks from mezcals to micheladas, this place is great for both drinks and food.
Death & Company is a classy and elegant speakeasy with Gothic flair. Paired with dim lighting and a generally dark and moody vibe, this bar does everything to create the ideal speakeasy experience. With a diverse selection of spirits and cocktails, there is something for everyone. If you’re bored of crowded, stand-up, shot-and-beer bars, you can have some of the most inventive cocktails here.
Secret entrance, intimate setting and friendly bartenders, what’s not to love? The entrance to PDT is in neighboring hotdog joint, Crif Dog. Enter the phone booth in Crif Dog to call the bar, where a hostess will greet you on the other side. The bar has a cool vibe with dim lighting and solid brick walls.
No reservations or covert knocks are required at The Summit Bar. The bar’s accessibility and willingness to experiment for its customers set it apart from the other bars in the neighborhood. Most notably, The Summit Bar has a great happy hour from 5.30pm to 7.30pm daily, where you get half-price cocktails and oysters.
If you want to go somewhere casual with a date or a small group of friends, try Ten Degrees Bar. This spacious venue offers a variety of cocktails, wine and beer with great food. The front of the bar is ideal for socializing with lounge chairs and more seats by the bar. Further in, the bar provides a little more of an intimate setting with couches, high stools and table.
Small and charming, Proletariat focuses on unique craft beers. They offer a diverse and unique beer list that sets them apart from the surrounding venues. Friendly, knowledgeable staff members demonstrate their passion for beer, ready to make an educated recommendation.
Bua exudes a friendly, sociable ambience, perfect for a large group outing. Not only do they have a diverse selection of drinks, but their food is also delicious. Try their famous grilled cheeses served on Pullman bread, or opt for a classic burger and fries. Head over for happy hour, where cocktails are $6 on Fridays until 8pm.
Decibel is a perfect place for sake and sashimi lovers. Mirroring underground bars in Tokyo, there’s nothing characteristically ‘elegant’ about this bar; rather, it boasts a dark and grungy vibe that’s always energetic and fun. Try the Blowfish fin sake or the lychee martini. Decibel is well hidden, but worth the search.
A fun and funky dive bar with old movies playing on a projector screen, The Library’s walls are lined with books. The jukebox is well curated and drinks are relatively inexpensive for the area.
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