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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Hillcrest

Bars

A quiet corner or a lively stool at a bar is where the evening belongs.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
AWOL image 1
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Bar

Small bar offers an intimate atmosphere with lively energy. Cocktails are well-paired with tasty Mexican food. Staff provide a warm welcome, making it perfect for casual drinks or gatherings.

Small size creates an intimate and upbeat atmosphere. Cocktails pair well with tasty Mexican food. Staff offer a warm welcome that makes guests feel appreciated.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is chef's kiss delicious."

"The bartender Nick is awesome; I'd come back just to see him."

"You've got to try the tacos on the back patio."

Good to know

1

Bingo night occurs every third Thursday of the month with various game formats.

2

Brunch and Taco Tuesday are popular events at AWOL, attracting many visitors.

3

Prices at AWOL are below average compared to other venues in the area.

02
Nunu's Tavern image 1
Cocktail bar

Classic dive bar with burnt orange 70s decor offers a nostalgic, low-lit vibe. Affordable drinks and properly made cocktails keep the crowd happy. Comfortable seating invites conversation amid authentic, unpolished charm.

A nostalgic, low-lit atmosphere sets the mood in this classic dive bar. It offers affordable drinks and food with properly made cocktails and solid service.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are fantastic and knowledgeable."

"The food here is great and tasty."

"It's a classic dive bar with a dark, old-school vibe."

Good to know

1

The entire menu is customizable, perfect for creative eaters.

2

Drinks are affordable โ€“ $6 for two cranberry juices and $10 for a mixed drink.

3

They take food orders up to 12:30 PM.

03
Cigar Cave image 1
Cigar shop

Eclectic cigar lounge offers a large humidor and 9ft pool table for a relaxed vibe. Friendly staff and affordable drinks create a chill atmosphere where straight males feel at ease. Rocky keeps the bar smooth, making it a solid spot for cigar lovers.

A standout feature is the cigar selection paired with a chill atmosphere. Rocky, the bar back, keeps things smooth and efficient, making it a solid spot for cigar lovers.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are so knowledgeable and make you feel comfortable."

"The staff's friendly service makes the nightlife here amazing."

"Raul's recommendations for buying cigars are genius and never pushy."

Good to know

1

Cigar Cave offers a selection of well-known cigar brands at competitive prices.

2

Happy hour specials on drinks are available from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

04
Cork & Stem image 1
Wine bar

Wine bar offers wine tasting with charcuterie in a minimalistic decor setting. Interactive flower bar and custom bouquet workshops add a unique touch. Indoor and outdoor seating create a warm, inviting atmosphere for quiet or lively moments.

Wine tasting happens alongside a flower bar with bright, fun selections. Service and charcuterie complement the experience in a beautiful venue.

People are saying

"The staff helped me choose a wine and made me feel known."

"I loved making my own bouquet at the flower bar!"

"The staff here are excellent hosts and made our event stress-free."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features unbeatable wine flights and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Cork & Stem hosts regular events, including monthly flower arranging parties.

3

The venue is suitable for hosting events with a minimal space fee based on purchases.

05
Urban MO's Bar & Grill image 1

Open space with an outdoor bar and patio offers a bright, colorful setting. Energetic vibe shines through top-notch drag shows and burlesque acts. Friendly, safe atmosphere welcomes the LGBT community with modern decor and lively events featuring themed parties and drink deals.

Outdoor seating and a lively bar area create a festive atmosphere with good drink deals. Regular drag shows, themed parties, and special events with lasers and smoke keep the vibe fun and welcoming.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and delicious."

"I had a blast at the drag show with amazing queens."

"The drag shows at this bar are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30pm during the week.

3

Free street parking is available after 6PM.

06
The Loft image 1
Gay bar

Small gay bar with a friendly atmosphere and laid-back vibe. Offers front and back patios and a better Bourbon selection than nearby spots. Welcomes diverse LGBTQ patrons and even dogs, making it a cozy neighborhood hangout.

Small and busy, this bar has a divey vibe with friendly staff and a dog-friendly policy. It offers front and back patios and a better Bourbon selection than nearby gay bars.

People are saying

"It's a super chill LGBTQ neighborhood bar with a great attitude."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and sweet."

"The back patio is a cute, relaxing spot for outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Beer costs $8, which is reasonable for the area.

3

The Loft is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

07
Puff Hookah Lounge image 1

Meticulously designed decor and ambient lighting create a chill, relaxing atmosphere. Plush seating and smooth, flavorful hookah invite comfort while lively music keeps energy up. Excellent service and welcoming vibe make it perfect for hanging out with friends.

A laid-back lounge with ambient lighting and plush seating creates a cozy vibe. The bar offers excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere to relax and enjoy hookah with friends.

People are saying

"It's a chill vibe with beautiful decor and smooth hookah."

"Carmen, the owner, makes this bar feel like family."

"The interior design here is so pretty and cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM with discounted hookah prices.

2

The lounge is open late, making it a great spot for night owls.

3

They do not serve alcohol but offer a selection of food and Turkish coffee.

08
Alibi image 1

Dive bar buzzes with friendly staff and a chill atmosphere. Free pool tables and an outdoor patio invite casual play and socializing. Jukebox music shifts from 70s tunes to modern hits, keeping the vibe lively yet relaxed.

Dive bar offers a local vibe with friendly staff who know most people by name. Open garage air and outdoor space create a chill atmosphere reminiscent of hanging out in a friend's basement.

People are saying

"It's a great neighborhood dive bar with a local vibe."

"It's a chill spot with cool people to enjoy a cold one."

"I enjoyed playing pool tables here; they were free!"

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; an ATM is available inside.

2

Alibi is LGBTQIA and ally friendly.

3

There is a smoking area where you can drink and smoke.

09
R Place Bar & Eatery image 1

Gay bar offers a party vibe with multiple festive spaces and a daily happy hour. Outdoor patio and big screens create a chill bar and grill feel. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back to electric energy, welcoming a diverse, LGBTQ+ crowd.

Multiple festive spaces create a fun atmosphere with a party vibe and a welcoming feel. Daily happy hour and a patio add to the chill bar and grill experience.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"I loved watching the game and having dinner here."

"It's a fun, welcoming gay bar with a sexy vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available every day from 3-7 pm.

2

Bingo nights are organized weekly with the Queens.

3

Drag shows occur regularly, providing vibrant entertainment.

10
Number One Fifth Avenue image 1

Divey bar buzzes with friendly vibe and a diverse crowd. Strong drinks fuel lively weekends, while chill weekdays invite relaxed chats. Back patio hosts talented performers and fun games, making it an ally friendly spot for locals and tourists alike.

Small size creates a friendly atmosphere with a mix of locals and tourists giving a unique vibe. Drinks come stiff and strong, and the bar is known for being ally friendly and chill.

People are saying

"It's a chill little neighborhood bar to grab a drink."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and welcoming."

"I found this gay bar to be friendly and met some great friends."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Expect large crowds on weekends, making it hard to find seating.

11
EQ San Diego image 1

Large venue features a massive outdoor patio and LED honeycomb lights that energize the space. Friendly crowd enjoys diverse DJs and a dynamic dance floor with pool tables. Full bar serves all day with attentive staff, welcoming the gay community in a chill, happy vibe.

Large full bar area operates during the day with attentive staff ensuring a great time. It serves as a small venue music club and welcomes the gay community.

People are saying

"The bar staff are so friendly and welcoming."

"I considered this nightclub one of my favorite spots."

"I loved the nice, massive outdoor patio for cooling off."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available nearby at the DMV until 3 am.

2

Reservations are recommended for popular events to avoid long lines.

3

The venue hosts a monthly 'Are Night' party on the first weekend of each month.

12
The Lamplighter image 1
Karaoke bar

Electric karaoke bar buzzes with lively vibe and big stage for performances. Leather booths add old-world charm while a cash-only policy keeps it classic. Trivia and karaoke keep the crowd engaged and the atmosphere electric.

An electric karaoke bar with a lively vibe and old world cash-only pub charm featuring beautiful leather booths. It offers fun activities like karaoke and trivia in a classic setting.

People are saying

"The karaoke here has so much energy and a cool vibe."

"The DJ here really knows how to get the crowd going."

"It's a great dive bar with awesome staff and karaoke."

Good to know

1

The Lamplighter only accepts cash payments, no credit cards.

2

Expect long wait times for karaoke, especially on weekends.

3

The ATM on-site charges a $4 surcharge for withdrawals.

13
The Brass Rail image 1

Gay bar with a lively dance floor and amazing DJ creates a festive vibe. Staff keep energy high in this modern, airy space with awesome burlesque shows. Crowd is friendly and chill, perfect for mingling and dancing.

Modern, airy space with awesome burlesque shows and a fun dance vibe. Staff and bar service keep the energy lively in this great neighborhood bar.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and quick."

"The atmosphere here is so lively and full of great energy."

"The LGBTQ events here are a great escape from daily worries."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Saturdays with discounted drinks.

2

Cover charge for events is typically around $10.

3

Street parking is available, but spots can be limited during busy hours.

14
Uptown Tavern image 1
American restaurant

Lively bar shines with excellent service and spot on drinks. American restaurant offers fresh, quality food in a space that shifts from loud, upbeat vibes to chill daytime moods. Perfect for groups seeking fun and social energy.

A lively bar with excellent service and spot on drinks. The fresh, quality food complements the fun atmosphere and newly renovated lounge space.

People are saying

"The staff here is so nice and attentive."

"I always thought about the amazing Mac and Cheese here."

"The bar staff here are really on top of their game."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with a great menu.

2

Karaoke happens on Wednesday nights, attracting a lively crowd.

3

Expect busy times during happy hour, especially on Fridays around 4 PM.

15
Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest image 1
Ramen restaurant

Spacious interior with a huge pot of broth simmering sets an authentic ramen atmosphere. Fast service by two waitresses and a quiet upstairs bar with peaceful retreat offer balance. Loud music shifts energy from casual dining to nightclub-like vibe late at night.

Service runs super fast with two waitresses covering two floors and the bar counter. The upstairs bar stays quiet and peaceful, and Mana works behind the bar.

People are saying

"The ramen here is cheap and delicious."

"The sushi here is fresh and delicious."

"The ramen noodles here are perfect, with the right chew and thickness."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late on weekdays.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for multiple dishes.

3

They charge extra for certain sauces and toppings.

16
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican spot boasts breezy patio for people watching and a lively bar with fresh margaritas. Bartenders craft drinks right before your eyes, adding flair. Stylish design and generous portions create a comfortable vibe that feels both high class and welcoming.

Full service bar offers hand crafted drinks with a bartender who prepares beverages right in front of you. Watching the process adds to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

"The French toast and birria tacos are amazing for brunch."

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

17
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe offers a cozy, lively spot. Sports bar shines with local IPAs and loud music near the bar. Outdoor dog-friendly patio is perfect for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

A sports bar gem with a solid lineup of local IPAs and beers. Upstairs hosts another bar and events, adding extra space and vibe.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"It's a great place to catch any game with lots of TVs."

"The fried catfish at this bar is unreal crispy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

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