46 Best Dive Bars in New York

“Im assuming this was formerly the Bar called, "Blanchards". My husband and i haven't been there in years, like 25 years! We had no idea the bar still existed and im so glad! Good memories😊“

“first trip to NYC. Stayed close by and just happened to walk in to what may be one of the best nights ever! The bar tenders were so nice! I felt like Id known them my entire life. We made new friends at the bar and spent the night singing and laughing. SO. MUCH. FUN“

“THE best burger ever. Great people, good music, love the chill vibe. Bring cash, no credit cards. Not touristy and very fun.“

“Walked by and saw a flyer in the window for Monday afternoon jazz. Wasn't sure it was open as it was so dark inside compared to the bright sunshine inside and found it was.
What a great little bar, friendly bar tender and an enjoyable set by a jazz duo.
I'd certainly pay another visit next time in in NY“

“Jimmy's Corner is a must stop every time we're in NYC! The bar tenders are the best part of this place. We can't wait to go back!“

“Cute vibes! Great Service!“

“Es un grato lugar, económico y seguro“

“I wholeheartedly endorse this fun monthly dance event for darklings with discerning taste.“

“Cool vibe and awesome bar staff.“

“Awesome food, environment and great service 😋“

“So much fun to visit from California! Great locals place, great staff, cool vibes!“

“A real dive bar, not a wanna-be dive bar! We went to The Library on a recent Friday night and it reminded me of the way most of the bars in the East Village used to be many years ago. If you like 80s and 90s alternative and punk music, you will never find a better juke box. Don't change anything, please!“

“169 is a ton of fun when you're looking for that dive vibe. The bartenders are quick and friendly. Decent selection of beer and a nice amount of seating inside for a mid to large group. But it can get crowded quickly and things can get backed up around the entrance. They also have some tables outside and on a weekend night its a good place to people watch with a beer and a cig.“

“Loved my time at this place, Dave the bartender/ Bar manager was great to talk with and made me the smoothest Manhattan I have ever had. All the staff were great as well. Food came quick and smash burger and waffle fries were on point. Will be back !“

“#AmazingBar #DiveBarNYC 🥰“

“Everyone is welcome here! 2nd floor space is a little hideaway! Low key, fun vibe, no pressure. Believe it or not before I started my nonprofit Inform Your Community, before I wrote 6 books, before I had 2 kids, and before I taught college for 20 years I went here constantly. They had a Hawaiian Punch drink that was amazing. Long since closed down, we found it again after the pandemic. Winnie, the owner, REMEMBERED ME!!!!!! Love her, love this place.“

“Great #NewYorkCity #DiveBar #SportsBar with cold 32oz buckets of beer and sports enriched entertainment. They have amazing parties throughout the year...the best is the Christmas Buffet and Specials. Overall a good place to crash with friends or to make them!“

“Punk for ever! Good beer! Good peoples! 7x24!“

“Great experience, fun vibe, great drinks, even better staff.“

“All of the above, great place for sure!!“

“F BOMB goes to the movies: The 80s. Sept 26“

“#AmazingBar #Dive75NYC 🥰“

“Update 07022025 approximately 230 to 430pm.
Dog friendly bar need I say more? Yes. What is so important? The fact that no one said a word when Bailey joined me on cushioned bench in the primo booth. And we both appreciated the ample window picturing Amsterdam avenue business, like tv to her, she told me.

Bartender did his job cool and proper by leaving us alone to nurse my beer and our water. We will be back.“

“Great local Irish bar. I was staying a week at a nearby hotel and this place had the exact Irish bar feel I needed. I instantly felt like a regular they were glad to see, coming and going. Proper for an Irish place. Good pours on the beers. I was here for the first 2016 Presidential Debates and there was a lot of opinions, but in true NYC style, nobody got bent, no matter how much of a (&%$g idiot the other person was.“

“fun staff, great food. chill vibe“

“The owner Helen is such a gem - thank you for supporting and fostering such an inclusive, safe, and welcoming community. Knowing your bar exists gives me peace during an increasingly scary time. Thank you for all you do.

Also, CLEANEST bar bathroom ever, and the staff is so kind and respectful. 12/10!“

“If you are looking for a dive bar with strong drinks this is the place. Sitting in Rivington this means something if you are a GAGA fan. 1 bartender you will not get speciality cocktails this a PBR and vodka soda place with no frills gritty place.“

“Randomly chose this bar for drinks last night and wound up staying for hours. It was so warm and cozy and the bartender Rodney is the best! I will definitely be back!“

“I brought a group of friends to this cozy spot, and we snagged a corner of the patio. It was the ideal place for us to catch up without breaking the bank! Just a heads up, it’s cash only, so make sure to bring some cash along. The laid-back vibe was exactly what we were looking for!“

“Cool spot and cooorer ownership“

“Was there yesterday after a 27 year hiatus. This was my go to place when I was at NYU MED. My friends and I would always comment on the great service, and best Jukebox…EVER! Where else can you hear Joy Division, Ramones, Lou Reed, and Suicide… Brought back great memories… I’m glad it is still gracing Alphabet City.“

“Mamas is a great lower east side bar. It’s a dope place to catch any of the latest sports coverage. Bartenders are friendly, patient and consistent with service. Music is great. Always keeps upbeat vibes.
perfect place to if you want to have a small after work meet up! They also host bar trivia which is fun and fresh every time. Guaranteed chill spot.“

“This is hands down the best bang for your buck for happy hour. $4 well drinks and they aren’t skimping either. This is the best way to get your drinks in for a great price before venturing in the eats village / st. marks. I’ve been here a handful of times and i have never had issues with their bartenders. Their crowd is a good mix of regulars and younger patrons.“

“The best spot in NYC. No matter where you are, where you come from, where ever this is it. Good people, good times. Jen will make your night. 666/10“

“Amazing customer service, bartenders Haley and Aiden went above and beyond when I lost my wallet at Mona's. I'm not local so they very kindly shipped it back to me - I'm very grateful!“

“We stopped into Iggy’s Keltic Lounge on a weekday afternoon while waiting for our tour in the Tenement Museum. It was exactly the kind of bar we love. It was laid-back, unpretentious, and full of personality. The very essence of a perfect dive bar. There were only a few people there, which made it feel like our own little hideaway.

The music was a total highlight. You never knew what they were going to play next which made it feel like it was pulled straight from my own playlist. It added to that perfect “anything could happen” atmosphere, even in the middle of the day.

We grabbed seats at the bar and enjoyed very cheap happy hour specials, which were a nice surprise for the East Village. The bartender was friendly and low-key, and the whole place had that cozy, worn-in vibe that makes you want to stay a while.

If you like bars that don’t try too hard, with good music and strong drinks, Iggy’s is the spot.“

“Super! Polecam. Dobre drinki. Miła obsługa. Przystępne ceny.“

“Greatest Place on Earth :)“

“This gritty, no-frills NYC dive bar isn’t for the timid—but for those who appreciate an authentic watering hole, it’s a hidden gem. A solid lineup of beer and whiskey awaits, including a well-poured Guinness. Bonus: there’s a pool table to round out the experience.“

“Great atmosphere.. a fun time and super friendly staff :) would recommend“

“Great place to hangout and always drink specials. Best bartender in town by far.“

“#AmazingBar #BroadwayDive 🥰“

“This establishment is exceptional; my friend extended an invitation for drinks and everything was affordably priced. The cuisine was not only delicious but also fresh, and I was pleasantly surprised. Additionally, the staff's friendly demeanor and the welcoming atmosphere were notable, and patrons have the option to play music on the jukebox.“

“Sundays are truly Fundays! Great music and Solid Drinks fair priced. Look forward to the repeat sessions.“

“What a great find when we visited NYC! We are already planning our next trip to the city just to come back.“

“Absolutely the best place to go to Grab a drink after work , Have some Lunch, Watch the Game meet some amazing people, Phenomenal customer service and randomly go play some pinball in the back, while playing giant Connect four or Jenga. even eat or drink outside. great environment, my favorite go to bar and I live in The Bronx. Great Drinks, Great Food, Great Staff what more could you ask for.“