Drink · Bars by neighborhood · 2026
The best bars on the Lower East Side.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 15 places.
The sheer amount of unforgettable bars in the Lower East Side makes it clear, this is NYC’s nightlife epicenter. As a matter of fact, the #1 ranked bar in North America can be found in the Lower East Side (more on that later). As a local, I’ve taste-tested more than my fair share of craft-cocktails (sorry mom) in search of the best bars in the Lower East Side. I’ve also considered energy, friendliness and everything in-between.
In this post I hope to share all my legwork with you. If you’re also interested in the best boozy bars in the Lower East Side, why don’t we dive right in!
- 169 BarBar · Lower East SideOf all the bars in the Lower East Side, this is one we usually end the night at considering it’s open until 4AM.
- Amor Y AmargoBar · East VillageFor all these reasons I consider Amor Y Amargo among the can’t-miss bars in the Lower East Side.
- AttaboyBar · Lower East Side
- Bar BellyBar · Lower East SideAs one of the friendliest bars in the Lower East Side, expect to leave feeling like you’ve made new friends since the service here is incredible.
- Bar GOTOBar · Lower East SideThe Japanese inspired cocktails and street food that make up the menu at Bar Goto deserve every award under the sun.
- Black CrescentBar · Lower East Side
- Copper & OakBar · Lower East SideTherefore, this is one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to celebrate special occasions and milestones.
- Double Chicken PleaseBar · Lower East SideThanks to their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, they’ve become one of the best bars in the Lower East Side.
- Fool's GoldBar · Lower East SideOne of the reasons why Fool’s Gold is considered one of the best bars of the Lower East Side is their dedication to showing soccer games.
- Garfunkel'sBar · Lower East SideAnd this isn’t just a fun or a pretty bar, the drinks are among the best you’ll find at any Lower East Side bars.
- LullabyBar · Lower East SidePlus at a relatively low (for NYC) cocktail price of $15, this is one of the most affordable bars in the Lower East Side.
- Reception BarBar · Lower East SideWith ample seating and a unique drink selection, Reception is one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to meet up with friends.
- The Back RoomBar · Lower East SideAfter visiting myself I can attest that the Lower East Side bar feels authentic.
- The CrownBar · Lower East SideNot only is this one of the best bars in the Lower East Side, but the views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines are some of the best in the city.
- VerlaineBar · Lower East SideIf you’re looking for one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to meet up with friends, Verlaine has you covered.
169 Bar
Bar · Lower East Side · 169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Of all the bars in the Lower East Side, this is one we usually end the night at considering it’s open until 4AM.
Amor Y Amargo
Bar · East Village · 95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
For all these reasons I consider Amor Y Amargo among the can’t-miss bars in the Lower East Side.
Bar Belly
Bar · Lower East Side · 14 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
As one of the friendliest bars in the Lower East Side, expect to leave feeling like you’ve made new friends since the service here is incredible.
Bar GOTO
Bar · Lower East Side · 245 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
The Japanese inspired cocktails and street food that make up the menu at Bar Goto deserve every award under the sun.
Copper & Oak
Bar · Lower East Side · 157 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Therefore, this is one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to celebrate special occasions and milestones.
Double Chicken Please
Bar · Lower East Side · 115 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Thanks to their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, they’ve become one of the best bars in the Lower East Side.
Fool's Gold
Bar · Lower East Side · 145 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
One of the reasons why Fool’s Gold is considered one of the best bars of the Lower East Side is their dedication to showing soccer games.
Garfunkel's
Bar · Lower East Side · 67 Clinton St, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10002
And this isn’t just a fun or a pretty bar, the drinks are among the best you’ll find at any Lower East Side bars.
Lullaby
Bar · Lower East Side · 151 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Plus at a relatively low (for NYC) cocktail price of $15, this is one of the most affordable bars in the Lower East Side.
Reception Bar
Bar · Lower East Side · 45 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
With ample seating and a unique drink selection, Reception is one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to meet up with friends.
The Back Room
Bar · Lower East Side · 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002
After visiting myself I can attest that the Lower East Side bar feels authentic.
The Crown
Bar · Lower East Side · 50 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Not only is this one of the best bars in the Lower East Side, but the views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines are some of the best in the city.
Verlaine
Bar · Lower East Side · 110 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
If you’re looking for one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to meet up with friends, Verlaine has you covered.
Best bars on the Lower East Side, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 BOOZY Bars in the Lower East Side (Well Worth the Wait!).