50 Best Dive Bars in New York

“We stumbled across this place yesterday, we dipped in from the cold for a break and had a pleasant surprise, the staff were so welcoming and made sure we got a seat at the bar... later realised I had read about the bar previously, the hot dogs are a lovely touch and drinks amazing prices. x“

“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!“

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

“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“

“Greatest Place on Earth :)“

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

“I work overnights and will sometimes stop in when I get off work. I love this place and have gotten great service every time. So if you’re a degenerate who drinks in the morning like I sometimes do, come check it out. Bonus points if Hank is here.“

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

“Awesome food, environment and great service 😋“

“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!“

“"Corner Bistro isn't just a bar; it’s the West Village’s North Star. A true Manhattan icon, it remains a masterclass in the art of never changing while the rest of the city chases trends. Between the legendary Bistro Burger and the cold McSorley’s, it’s the soulful, juicy heartbeat of the community. It’s history on a paper plate—unpretentious, timeless, and exactly what New York is supposed to feel like." Next Step: "Would you like to see the current menu or check for peak wait times?"“

“Pubkey is always a great time, I'm here usually two times a month on Mondays. The burger is pricey $20+ but, sometimes it's really worth it, also the regular fries are very very very tasty (I don't like the waffle fries). The regular fries in and of themselves remind of fries you get from a fancy golf club or how delicious BK fries used to be 15 years ago. Idk what they do to them, if it's a certain brand of fries, maybe they're twice fried tossed in cornstarch? Anyway, they're so hard to find anywhere else and here they are!“

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

“#AmazingBar #BroadwayDive 🥰“

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

“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.“

“Cute vibes! Great Service!“

“The food review was rated by the other guy. The service is mine. The atmosphere, to quote the other guy again, is one of the few gay bars, perhaps the only gay bar, in which you can have a conversation. You can be yourself. Admittedly, as I told our bartender, I was able to write two books of poetry at the bar. I'm biased, protective of Julius'.“

“fun staff, great food. chill vibe“

“#AmazingBar #DiveBarNYC 🥰“

“Cool spot and cooorer ownership“

“Great vibe and drinks. However, when I paid for the first round of drinks, they presented the bill in a way that covered the line for 20% gratuity that was automatically added due to the large party I had just joined. Guess that’s on me for not triple checking, but I double tipped.“

“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“

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

“Lyric and Eddie are the reason I keep coming back to this bar. They are the kindest, most welcoming bartenders I’ve ever met! They are always down for a good conversation and very fast service! I will be back, they made the experience awesome!“

“Great place for a Beer. Popped in for one and ended up having several. Also got to shoot some pool with some locals. Music was good atmosphere was great and I would highly recommend. Thank you Blue Ruin for making my last night in NYC memorable before returning to the UK“

“#AmazingBar #Dive75NYC 🥰“

“Came in on a Tuesday before anything was happening, and it was actually pleasant quiet enough to talk, the bartender was friendly, and we shot some pool in the back. The fried catfish was better than a bar like this has any business serving. Frozen drinks are dangerous, I'll say that. Docking a star for the bathrooms, which are exactly as grim as you'd expect, and for the fact that the place can feel a bit sticky and worn in a way that isn't always charming. Still good value and I'd go back.“

“After reading through recent reviews on Google, Yelp, and Reddit, and hanging out at The Library myself, I can confidently say this is one of the most character-filled, no-frills bars in the East Village. Bookshelves covering the walls, a solid jukebox, strong cheap pours, and a mixed crowd of locals, students, and night owls make it feel like a true NYC original.“

“So I stumbled here after hours, I met a bunch of nice people. The bar is a little old school. I was told it's quite famous but over anything this place bring back a moment where being on phones weren't needed. Where you can meet strangers and have a good time where drinks are made old school and it's a great time. I am sure he doesn't care about this rating but it's a must visit if your open to anyone for a small talk.“

“Sexy bartender named Shirl. Not to expensive. Great Juke Box Cool owners Mature crowd“

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

“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😊“

“Best dive bar by far! Always great playlists, the best bartender!“

“Aoife is, hands down, the best bartender I’ve ever had the pleasure of ordering from.

She reads the room instantly and always nails exactly what you’re in the mood for, even when you can’t quite put it into words yourself. Every drink she makes feels considered, balanced, and genuinely delicious — never rushed, never generic. She’s warm, quick-witted, and makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.

The best part: she remembers what you drank last time, which somehow makes every return visit feel like catching up with an old friend.

If you’re lucky enough to sit in her section, just say “surprise me” and thank yourself later.“

“Cool vibe and awesome bar staff.“

“Lucky never disappoints! Cold beers, stiff drinks, and the most laid-back staff in the city. It's the ultimate place to kick off a night out or wind one down. Street parking around here is basically impossible, so definitely take the train or bus, but once you're inside, you won't want to leave. Can't recommend this legendary spot enough!“

“2nd time in the establishment, A wonderful experience Overall, definitely coming back.

I noticed your normal hours of operation are until 2AM. For whatever reason , the night was cut short, but the environment was Great during my visits“

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

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

“Our bartender Nigel was the reason we came back the next night! Our group of three came in on a whim on a Thursday night. Loved it so much we went out of our way to come back after our show! Thank you Nigel for keeping us entertained and our drinks full 🧡“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“If you read all the 1 star reviews you can tell all those entitled brats never been to a bar before. This bar is great, just not about catering to lil rich kids spending what little money their parents let them this week.Guys this ain't Starbucks.“

“Visit all the way from the UK & even though it was a Thursday night (school night) the girls & the door staff made for a VERY fun night, & even got the fat girl up on the bar 😁 cheers ladies & gents now to visit the bars in the UK“

“One of the diviest dive bars ever. It’s small, but with loads of character. Don’t annoy the bartenders with cocktails — you’re at a dive bar in the lower east side. Also, don’t have photos but this was right next door and captures the vibe somehow“

“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.“