New York Dearest
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The Best of New York · Drink · Bars by neighborhood

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!

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best bars on the Lower East Side, 2026

  1. 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.
  2. Amor Y AmargoBar · East VillageFor all these reasons I consider Amor Y Amargo among the can’t-miss bars in the Lower East Side.
  3. AttaboyBar · Lower East Side
  4. 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.
  5. Black CrescentBar · Lower East Side
  6. Copper & OakBar · Lower East SideTherefore, this is one of the best bars in the Lower East Side to celebrate special occasions and milestones.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. The Back RoomBar · Lower East SideAfter visiting myself I can attest that the Lower East Side bar feels authentic.
  15. 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.

On the map

Where they are.

Lower East Side and East Village.

Lower East Side

East Village

Best bars on the Lower East Side, 2026

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Best bars on the Lower East Side, New York Dearest, 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!).