10 Best Nightlife in East Village, New York City

This original location of the Beauty Bar (which has become a minichain across the United States) made a name for itself offering drinks and manicures in the made-over salon starting at 5 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends. The DJ spins everything from new wave to soul, and it's open until 4 am Wednesday through Sunday.

Inventive cocktails, decadent bar bites, and a sultry, upscale atmosphere attract those with a thirst for finely crafted drinks at not completely outrageous prices. You can order classic cocktails but this is the kind of place where you can try something new and inventive and know that the flavor profiles are spot on. All patrons are seated, so there can be a wait to get in, but the host outside will log your name and text when something opens up.

A low-key mainstay of the downtown literary scene, the second-floor KGB Bar and third-floor Red Room together keep a busy calendar of music, readings, and other events. The name and the Soviet kitsch are a nod to the spot's history as a speakeasy for leftist Ukrainians. Some events have a cover charge and/or drink minimum.

One of the first of the retro speakeasy bars in NYC, PDT ("Please Don't Tell") made a name for itself with top-line cocktails and it's "secret" entrance, and although it's not much of a secret anymore it's still a great spot for excellent drinks with a touch of cloak-and-dagger. Make a reservation online, then head to the unassuming Crif Dogs hot dog restaurant, where you'll be escorted through the phone booth's false back. The upscale cocktails are perfectly complemented by the hot dog specials from the neighboring shop that are also served here.

This polished, spacious, second-floor cocktail bar is named after the way a drink forms iridescent liquid ribbons when it's expertly poured. The menu lists options with a sliding scale that tells you how "spiritous," "refreshing," "comforting," and "adventurous" each one is, and you order accordingly. There are a few food items, too, like cheese and charcuterie, which are a good idea, because you'll be tempted to stay for another round of drinks.

When multitalented actor Alan Cumming opened his namesake club in 2017, the East Village saw a welcome return of queer cabaret culture in a former gay-nightclub space. The club hosts nightly musical and comedy cabaret shows (sometimes multiple shows per night; usually free) by cutting-edge artists. While they're worth a peek, the compact space is often too popular (i.e., crowded) to view the stage—so if you'd like a little elbow room, aim to catch an early show on a weeknight.

If you've been in the city long enough, you'll remember the Holiday as the quintessential New York dive bar, with dim lighting and basic drinks, where everyone felt comfortable despite the slightly uncomfortable bar stools and banquettes. If you've just arrived here, you'll be treated to a similar welcoming ambience, but with new upholstery, trendier drinks, and bar food that ranges from Wagyu corn dogs, kimchi pancakes, and deep-fried pickles to a somewhat questionable s'mores nachos.

Named for the Public Theater's near-mythic impresario Joseph Papp, and located inside the renovated, historic Public Theater, Joe's is the ultimate cabaret lounge for A-list and longtime-favorite downtown performers who revel in the intimate setting—and for New Yorkers keen to discover marvelous, innovative shows and artists rarely enjoyed elsewhere. The venue serves good food and solid cocktails and has nary a bad seat, be it at a table, a booth, or the bar. If you want to occupy one, though, buy tickets and/or reserve your spot beforehand.

A beloved neighborhood institution, McSorley's is one of New York's oldest saloons (established in 1854) and the motto on the current menu says, "We were here before you were born." The menu is simple: there's just two kinds of beer—McSorley's Light and McSorley's Dark—and the pub food is better than you'd expect. Weekends get busy (don't even think about getting in the door on St. Patrick's Day) but it's perfect for a cozy afternoon. Note that it's cash only.

Red paper lanterns dimly illuminate couples sipping sake and snacking on Japanese bar food at this underground (in geography and attitude) Japanese spot. Knowledgeable servers can help navigate the extensive menu, which includes Japanese sake, shochu, and interesting food. The entrance is easy to miss: look for the "On Air" sign above a sidewalk staircase, then descend the stairs.