The 12 Best Bars in the East Village NYC Right Now
Which bar in the East Village is the best?
Are you looking for the best bars in the East Village New York? Then check out my best list here! Because I’ll show you the hottest speakeasy bars, pubs, wine bars and small venues where New Yorkers hang out. The selection of bars in New York’s East Village is quite large – so there will definitely be something for you!
To help you quickly and easily see which spot is near you, you can find all the East Village bars on an interactive map. And if you love rooftop bars as much as I do, check out the best rooftop bars in the East Village.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My Favorite Bars in the East Village
-
01
Mayamezcal
Bar in East VillageOur Highlight
The number one spot on this list of best tequila and mezcal bars in NYC definitely goes to the initially unassuming Mayamezcal. This Mexican cocktail bar is famous for having the highest quality ingredients in everything from handmade syrups to freshly squeezed juices. The ‘Bunny Be Good’ is one of their most interesting on the rocks cocktails made with tequila, homemade carrot liquor, lemon juice, and club soda. The cocktail is made entirely from the finest ingredients, including soda from bottles instead of a tap, making the drink exceptionally refreshing.
Aside from serving quality crafted cocktails, Mayamezcal also serves unique and creative dishes that highlight Mexican cuisine. The most popular, must-try dish is the carne asada, a grilled angus skirt steak with an assortment of roasted peppers, onions, and steakhouse fries.
-
02
McSorley's Old Ale House
Bar in East VillageOur Highlight
McSorley’s Old Ale House is a true legend. The pub is the oldest in town (opened in 1854) and best of all, not much has changed since then. Old wooden floors covered with sawdust, old newspaper articles and a bartender like from a Hollywood movie make McSorley’s a very relaxed place.
-
03
Proletariat
Bar in East VillageOur Highlight
A small bar that sprays with atmosphere and individuality. Altogether only 20 people fit in, because the bar consists of 2 small tables and a long bar counter. On a small blackboard is written with chalk, which kinds of beer are available today, where they come from and what makes them special.
-
04
Amor y Amargo
Bar in East Village
The Amor y Amargo is one of the bars we really love! From the outside it is totally inconspicuous, but when you go inside you will immediately feel the charm of the bar. Such spots are what makes New York for me (similar spots are the Proletariat and Fools Gold NYC in the Lower East Side for me). It is small, cozy and absolutely relaxed – just great!
-
05
Barcade
Bar in East Village
Nostalgic for arcade games and want to relive your childhood? Then head on over to Barcade. There are multiple locations in NYC, such as Williamsburg and the East Village. Barcade has the classic arcade games that you’re accustomed to such as Pac-man, Donkey Kong and Tetris. The only difference between your childhood and now is that if you wanted to (and we don’t encourage this), you can play drunk. Yes, they serve beer. Arcades and beer is an amazing time.
-
06
Crocodile Lounge
Bar in East Village
The Crocodile Lounge is the Manhattan version of the Alligator Lounge. Also here you get a free pizza with every drink. So enjoy it!
-
07
Death & Company
Bar in East Village
Recognized as one of the 50 best bars in the world, Death & Company in the beautiful East Village is also one of our favorite spots to go out in NYC.
-
08
Empellón Al Pastor
Bar in East Village
Empellón Al Pastor is a bar in the East Village with margaritas, beers, and various cocktails. The drink menu consists mainly of different types of margaritas like a ‘mezcal,’ ‘spicy cucumber,’ or ‘blood’ margarita. They also serve a rotating menu of specials that typically involve innovative Asian-Mexican fusion dishes. These specials are announced every Thursday, and they change a week later. Some of these interesting bar snacks include steamed birria dumplings, shrimp toast torta, and chicken nuggets with Sichuan salsa. It is best to follow @empellonapastor on Instagram for more updates about the bar snacks menu and different cocktails.
-
09
Kingston Hall
Bar in East Village
Pay once – dust twice? With Kingston Hall’s 2-for-1 offer, this is no problem at all! Here you can drink twice every day until 8 p.m.
-
10
Love Me (Bar) Tender
Bar in East Village
Get ready to rock and roll with Elvis at a pop-up bar inspired by The Jungle Room, the den at his Graceland mansion. The pop-up wittily called “Love Me (Bar)Tender,” will transport you to 1965 with its Hawaiian-themed decor, including green shag carpet on the floor and ceiling, a rock waterfall, and a tiki bar.
The things to enjoy include Elvis-themed cocktails, music from Memphis bands, a photo booth, and many others. The pop-up is free to visit on October 5 and 6, 2023, with advance registration, yet the exact location is a secret until September.
-
11
Otto’s Shrunken Head
Bar in East Village
Sometimes the best Halloween bar in NYC to get dressed up for is one that’s already in costume! That’s one of the many fun parts of visits to Otto’s Shrunken Head, a tiki bar and lounge in Manhattan. Offering classic cocktails like Mai Tais and Singapore Slings alongside their own creations (Pang’s Punch, Patty’s Poison, and Otto’s Octane), each cocktail is served in a signature mug that you can take with you (for a few dollars, of course).
Filled with carved decorations, colored lights, and lots of character, Otto’s Shrunken Head is an off-the-wall choice for a Halloween that’s a bit more kooky than spooky.
Get the whole story behind one of New York’s best tiki bars, Otto’s Shrunken Head, at their official website.
-
12
Please Don't Tell (PDT)
Bar in East Village
The bar “Please Don’t Tell (PDT)” is an absolute insider tip. The brilliant thing about it: from the outside you can’t see it at all – you can find the entrance via a telephone booth in the hot dog shop. The Please Don’t Tell was opened in 2007 and is one of the Speakeasy Bars.
-
13
The Belfry
Bar in East Village
If you’re looking for a nice little bar in the East Village, keep your eyes open for “The Belfry”. It is stylishly decorated, even has a happy hour and the best: live music. The cocktails are great and there are really good local beers – freshly tapped.
-
14
The Bronx Brewery East Village & Bastard Burgers
Bar in East Village
Located in the heart of East Village, The Bronx Brewery’s second taproom offers a unique experience that combines craft beer and delicious burgers from the neighboring Bastard Burgers. The taproom features a rotating selection of beers from The Bronx Brewery, including their popular flagship IPA and seasonal offerings, as well as limited-edition collaborations with other breweries.
Bastard Burgers, which prides itself on sourcing locally and using high-quality ingredients, offers a menu of inventive burgers, sides, and desserts that pair perfectly with The Bronx Brewery’s beer. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the truffle burger, the mac and cheeseburger, and the loaded fries.
At The Bronx Brewery East Village, you can find a diverse selection of craft beers on tap, perfect to pair with your burger. The Mrs. Stout Fire is a dry Irish stout with hints of coffee and chocolate, perfect for those who love a strong and bitter taste. For something on the sweeter side, the Ode To The Black Fiddler is a hazy IPA with tropical fruit flavors, complemented by the addition of honey ginger crystals and lime peel.
-
15
The Grayson
Bar in East Village
The Grayson is a popular sports bar located in the East Village of New York City. It’s known for its extensive selection of TVs showing a wide variety of games, which can make it easy to relax and watch the game in comfort.
The bar is narrow and doesn’t get much natural light, adding to the feeling of being immersed in the sports experience. Its cozy atmosphere and friendly patrons make it a great place to watch the Super Bowl in NYC. Just be prepared to lose track of time as you get caught up in all the action.
-
16
The Ready Rooftop
Rooftop Bar in East Village
The Ready Rooftop is one of the hottest rooftops in New York for the cold season. The interior will warm your heart with palm trees, bright colors, tacos and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere.
The rooftop bar is located at the Moxy NYC East Village hotel, which for me is one of the most beautiful hotels in Manhattan. The bar has a roof that can be opened in good weather like the Eataly Flatiron rooftop. So it’s a stylish outdoor terrace in the summer and a covered lounge in the cold season (until March) with the theme “Holiday Palms”.
-
17
The Winslow Gin House and Eatery
Bar in East Village
This bar in the East Village is madness: it is completely dedicated to gin. It has its own gin club and its “Ginventory” contains over 40 types of gin.
The Best Bars in the East Village on a map
A map with all bars in the East Village can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each restaurant on the map to find out everything you need to know
Check out, these articles are probably interesting for you as well
