Our 5 favorite East Village Bars

 The East Village is famous for its low key, artsy, underground nightlife. We’ve rounded up our 5 favorite bars in the neighborhood for any newcomer or veteran to try.

1. Sophie’s

Photo: Dave L., Yelp 

Sophie’s is one of the best kept secrets in the East Village. If you’re looking for classic a dive bar away from the tourists, this low-key spot is the perfect place to start. Featuring cheap drinks, a pool table and a jukebox filled with grunge and indie music, what more could you ask for to get a sense of the real East Village spirit? Plus, the bar staff are always friendly and ready to share their wealth of knowledge on the city.

509 E 5th St,

New York, NY 10003

2. Please Don’t Tell

Photo: Please Don't Tell

Please Don’t Tell is one of the most popular speakeasies in the city. Sound like a paradox? It is. This speakeasy is suffering from the disease of going viral, but we can forgive Please Don’t Tell because it’s just so darn cool. Still an incredibly atmospheric spot with a secretive feel (you enter through a telephone box inside a restaurant), it’s just somewhere to avoid on weekends because of the not so secret line building outside. We recommend this bar for weeknights and early evening drinks, and if you can’t get in just cross the street over to East Village Social.

113 St Marks Pl,

New York, NY 10009 

3. East Village Social

Photo: East Village Social

East Village Social is a wonderful, under-the-radar bar just opposite Please Don’t Tell. This cosy hole in the wall is the perfect combination of cheap drinks, exposed brick and friendly bar staff. They even have live music most nights of the week and a regular Tuesday trivia session, making them one of the most welcoming spots in the East Village for the tight budgets of young professionals, artists and students who still want to experience that classic East Village flavor. Get there before 8pm for Happy Hour to enjoy beer and cider for just $5 (did we mention they have craft beer on tap?)

126 St Marks Pl,

New York, NY 10009

4. Goodnight Sonny

Photo: Goodnight Sonny

For some classic Manhattan glamor at a reasonable price, we love the tiled and wooden panelled decor of Goodnight Sonny. Serving a wide range of cocktails and even oysters at Happy Hour prices, this is the perfect place for a classic apertatif or an after dinner drink.

134 1st Avenue,

New York, NY 10009

5. Miss Lily's 7A Cafe

Photo: Miss Lily's

Technically a restaurant but taking on the role of a bar at weekends, this Carribean cafe is always buzzing with patrons downing their delicious cocktails. The decor is bright and clashing, inspired by 80s Carribean diners, and the waiting staff are always ready to have a chat. They’re famous for their live music on weekend nights as well as their Rum Bar, which includes over 100 varieties of Caribbean rum, and of course the infamous Dark and Stormy slushy machine brings patrons from across the neighborhood to Miss Lily’s.

Even though evening entertainment is appropriate for everyone, students seem to enjoy it the most. What could be better than unwinding at a themed pub following a challenging day at school? The best off-campus housing is something Outpost Club enjoys doing with students from various cities. Do you intend to attend school in New York City? We are waiting for you!