Post Overview: Best Bars in the East Village
The East Village is home to some of New York City’s best dive bars and cocktail lounges.
Whether you’re after a celebratory night with friends, in search of like-minded fans during football season, or find yourself in need of an affordable beer (in NYC? imagine!) this list of the best bars in the East Village might prove helpful.
Best Bars in the East Village
#15. Tile Bar
Tile Bar has dubbed themselves the “best dive bar in the East Village” and I’m inclined to agree with them. The bar is small, friendly and straight to the point (which is all you truly need when searching for the best bars in the East Village).
They also have a happy hour that is too good to pass up on, offering beer for as little as $3. I don’t want to mention specifics though, because the deals rotate constantly. Just know that Tile Bar is a great spot for inexpensive drinks.
Also worth noting, Tile Bar is a cash only establishment. Be sure to stop by an ATM before swinging by one of the best bars in the East Village.
There are no Instagrammable floral motifs, neon quotes, or espresso martinis. There is cold beer, strong drinks, and a bartender that most likely knows your name.
Tile bar
Address: 115 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
#14. Whiskey Town
Dim lit but full of life, Whiskey Town is a bar that knows how to party. The lively bar frequently has a DJ, which attracts a rowdy crowd with a contagious energy.
What makes Whiskey Town one of the best bars in the East Village is the fact that happy hour goes until 8PM. Meaning it’s easy to see how the crowd can get so loud with such a great deal. I’ve had more than one visit where I accidentally stay too late and end up dancing the night away (I blame the disco ball, it’s too hard to resist).
Whiskey Town has a dive-bar vibe in all the right ways. The bartenders are friendly, the drinks are simple and the music is right. As far as drinks go this East Village bart has a beer/shot combo, wine and well drinks all for $7 (during happy hour).
The bar also offers a Narragansett beer and a slice of margherita pizza for only $10, which is a perfect post-work meal.
Address: 29 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10003
#13. The Library Bar
The Library is one of the best dive bars in the East Village. I’m talking grunge and rock vibes with the most laid-back, chill bartenders. This is the spot you go to when you want a good deal on beer in a relaxed setting.
The bathroom is covered in graffiti and the bar is constantly playing B-movies in the background. Even with all the excitement going on, you’re still able to carry a conversation and not have to shout. The music is some of the best for a bar in the East Village — don’t expect any of that pop stuff to be playing here!
The atmosphere is unmatched serving beers, ciders and wine letting your hair down at the Library Bar should be high on everyone’s to-do list.
Address: 7 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
#12. Joyface
Joyface is a 70’s themed bar in the East Village that you’re not going to want to miss. But it’s not the kind of bar where you sit at the counter or in a booth to chat, no, this is the place you come to dance!
The beloved watering-hole has become a destination for locals looking to let loose, get jiggy with it and throw a couple drinks back. The spinning disco ball emits sparkling lights that can’t help but wind the crowd up.
The music will have you dancing like John Travolta on Saturday Night Fever and if you’re too nervous to bust a move, a few shots or drinks will take care of that.
There are also themed nights at Joyface making it one of the most fun bars in the East Village. They’ve hosted pajama parties (I missed the last one, but I’m keeping a diligent eye on their Instagram for the next) space themed parties, and pride events that help give the party a unique ice breaker.
Address: 104 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009
#11. Goodnight Sonny’s
If you’re searching for thoughtfully crafted cocktails, one of the best bars in the East Village for craft drinks is Goodnight Sonny.
Goodnight Sonny’s is brought to us by the Endless Hospitality Group (the same group that created The Wayland which #5 on our list of best bars in the East Village). The atmosphere is bright, lively and constantly buzzing with cheery folks.
Cocktails will run you about $16 a drink, which is an insanely great price for New York City! The quality and care put into each drink can not only be tasted, but seen. The presentation of the cocktails will inevitably fill up your camera roll. 😉
The best part about this East Village bar is that they host a generous happy hour during the week. Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm, you can enjoy some high-quality seafood steals at one of the best bars in the East Village.
Address: 134 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
#10. Juke Bar
Juke Bar is one of my personal favorite dive bars in the East Village because it’s inexpensive and there’s rarely a wait. Not to mention, unlike other dive bars in the East Village, Juke Bar doesn’t feel dirty.
The crowd is easygoing and unless you visit on the weekend after 10PM (when it turns into an impromptu nightclub) you shouldn’t have trouble finding a table.
If you do want to party though, Juke Bar is ready to host you. Like aforementioned, on the weekends the place swells with young locals looking to have a great time.
And the amusement doesn’t stop there: Juke Bar is one of the best bars in the East Village for live entertainment. Every Monday there’s trivia from 7 – 9PM and every Wednesday there is a free comedy show from 8 – 10PM.
Address: 196 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#9. Bua
Bua (not to be confused with Bua Thai in the Upper East Side) is one of the best bars in the East Village for casual drinks.
If you can make it for happy hour (Monday through Friday until 7PM) you’ll get a steal of a deal with select $10 cocktails and $2 off draft beers. I don’t know about you – but when people say discounts I come running (I’m a New Yorker, every penny counts!).
The interior is narrow and cozy, lined by bricked walls that tell tales of an older yet captivating neighborhood. And if the weather is nice, you should consider sitting outside. The people watching and sun rays make Bua one of the best bars in the East Village on a sunny afternoon.
There’s also a decent food menu that will be happy to fill your belly with tasty bar food. If you need a suggestion – I recommend the cheese curds (they pair beautifully with a beer!).
Address: 122 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
#8. Bibi Wine Bar
Bibi, you beautiful thing you. The popular East Village wine bar serves a can’t-miss happy hour deal and is one of the best spots for a date.
The biggest reason I’m so enamored with Bibi is thanks to the bar’s charm. I’ve spent countless nights chatting with my wife as the sun sets, simply enjoying tasty wine. I wouldn’t even call myself a wine drinker, but the staff is always so helpful in recommending something I’ll enjoy.
As one of the best wine bars in the East Village, we frequent Bibi more often than we’d like to admit. For only $8 a glass or $28 a bottle it’s easy to play the “one more drink” game as we sit under the string lights in their outdoor seating.
There isn’t much in the way of food, mostly small bites and charcuterie. My suggestion is to stop by before dinner and allow yourself to loosen up a little bit, it’s always easy to do with a good glass of wine.
Address: 211 E 4th St, New York, NY 10009
#7. The Copper Still
What happens when you mix an Irish pub with upscaled bar food? My happy place, AKA The Copper Still. While the food served here is classic American-styled fare, the vibes are that of an authentic pub.
The laid-back atmosphere and kind staff make for not only one of the best bars in the East Village, but one of the best experiences, too. If you visit during happy hour and down a couple of the $10 cocktails or $6 draft beer — you’ll be on a first name basis in no time.
In true Irish pub fashion, The Copper Still is one of the best bars in the East Village for Whiskey lovers. I thoroughly enjoy picking the bartenders brain about whiskey and constantly ask for recommendations. But if you’re curious and enjoy doing research you can find the complete whiskey guide here.
Address: 151 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#6. Pineapple Club
Odds are if you ask any local what their favorite bars in the East Village are, Pineapple Club will make a reoccurring appearance.
The Pineapple Club is a tropical themed East Village bar that has two floors full of plants, bright lights and brimming with beautiful seating areas. Pineapple wallpaper adorns the walls and the charming pink velvet booths welcome both locals and visitors alike.
Not only is this one of the best bars in the East Village for drinks, but grabbing brunch here is very popular. At Pineapple Club you’ll find an eclectic menu featuring both unique and classic brunch fare options. Whether you want something sweet or savory, the Pineapple Club will scratch any itch.
Address: 509 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
#5. The Wayland
The Wayland is my personal go-to date night spot. In fact, this is the spot I recommend the most when folks ask where to take someone for drinks and dinner.
It’s no easy feat to wear such a heavy crown. But as one of the best bars in the East Village, The Wayland proves time and time again that good drinks and good food can be had under one roof.
Grabbing drinks at The Wayland feels like dining in a treehouse. Wood paneling and the rustic vibe add to the appeal of the East Village bar.
Offering live music and a killer happy hour during the week, The Wayland is one of the best bars in the East Village for oysters. From 4 to 7pm (Monday – Friday) select cocktails, beers and wine will cost you $4-10 and oysters will run you $10/half or $18/dozen.
Address: 700 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
#4. Jackdaw
One of the best bars in the East Village is making our list strangely enough for the brunch deal. At Jackdaw, you and your friends can enjoy a 2-for-1 deal on brunch cocktails. Or even better, order a carafe that serves five people for less than $25.
And allow me to reiterate, these are cocktails. Not just orange juice and champagne, real drinks that take time to make and you’re getting them at a fraction of the cost. Need I say more?
The pub-like restaurant is the perfect watering hole for a weekend brunch in the East Village, and even if you’re not looking to drink the food is worth the stop.
There’s a decent array of options to choose from, including a breakfast burrito that always leaves me saying “I need to visit Jackdaw more often”.
Aside from the killer brunch special, the reason Jackdaw makes our list of the best bars in the East Village is because it’s a fun hangout all around. There’s music that helps keep energy levels high and the staff is kind and welcoming.
Address: 213 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#3. Amor Y Amargo
In 2022 Amor Y Amargo was ranked the 23rd best bar in North America which is sure to only boost their already booming cult-like following.
At it’s entrance you’ll find a storefront selling bitters and mixology tools, but in the back room you’ll find one of the best bars in East Village.
It’s an intimate, standing-only space manned by knowledgeable and talented mixologists. Since it’s so small it’s not uncommon for strangers to jump into each other’s small talk, which can make for a memorable experience.
I consider Amor Y Amargo among the can’t-miss bars in the East Village that everyone should try to swing by, at least once.
Address: 95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
#2. Death & Company
Getting into Death & Company is nothing short of a miracle. As one of the best bars in the East Village that doesn’t take reservations, long lines are all but guaranteed.
This East Village bar has been awarded titles such as Best American Cocktail Bar and World’s Best Cocktail Menu just three years after opening its doors in 2007.
The dimly lit speakeasy is charming and timeless. The bartenders are the backbone of this establishment and their craft along with their skills deserves all the recognition.
Death & Company offers one of the most extensive cocktail menus. Breaking down the drinks into categories like “light & playful” and “boozy & honest” folks have a better understanding of what they’re getting themselves into.
With a menu as great as this one and all the awards that follow it’s not hard to see why Death & Company sits high on our list of best bars in the East Village.
Address: 433 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009
#1. Please Don’t Tell
One of my personal favorite East Village bars to bring out-of-town guests to is Please Don’t Tell. It’s another speakeasy that has a hidden pathway to some of the tastiest cocktails I’ve ever had.
What seems to be a typical hotdog shop called Crif Dogs, secretly turns out to be on the best bars in the East Village.
As soon as you step foot into the shop there is a phone booth to the left of the entrance. You step into the phone booth and call a specific number. The phone booth triggers a doorbell to ring and a door will open up for you to enter into.
You’ll walk into a small and intimate set up where you can spend the night ordering cocktails (or hotdogs) from the spot you originally came from. The atmosphere is dark and moody making it a fun way to end the night with friends or just to escape the city for the day.
Address: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
East Village Bars (Post Summary)
- Please Don’t Tell
- Death & Company
- Amor Y Amargo
- Jackdaw
- The Wayland
- Pineapple Club
- The Copper Still
- Bibi Wine Bar
- Bua
- Juke Bar
- Goodnight Sonny’s
- Joyface
- The Library
- Whiskey Town
- Tile Bar
- d.b.a
- Ace Bar
- McSorely’s Old Ale House
- The Winslow
- Drop Off Service
- The Belfry
- The Garrett East
- The Wren
- Swift Hibernian Lounge
- Phebe’s
Best Bars in the East Village (Map)
And there you have it folks! The 25 best bars in the East Village according to yours truly. Let us know if you think we missed a spot.
Cheers!
Thank you! But where is the map? I couldn’t click it on.