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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in the Lower West Side

Cocktail bars

A bar that takes its cocktails seriously without the pretentious attitude that usually comes with a craft menu.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Oso & The Bull image 1
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Sports bar

Sports bar offers a relaxed vibe with a friendly atmosphere and great music. It draws people who enjoy watching games with fewer TVs than typical sports bars. Known for top-quality casual eats, especially standout nachos and burgers, it balances chill energy with solid food and drink options.

Feels like a neighborhood dive bar with friendly staff and solid casual eats. Works well as a sports bar but has only a few TVs for games.

Unique cocktails like Jungle Bird, Welcome Home, and Cucumber Cooler stand out here. The South Side cocktail also gets attention, with options to customize drinks by adding tequila.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazingly cooked and delicious."

"The steak was cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"The drinks here are good, and the food is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Outdoor dining is available for guests looking to enjoy the fresh air.

3

The venue is a popular spot for watching sports events, especially football games.

02
The Barrel image 1

Small dive bar with a dark, simple atmosphere and homey neighborhood vibe. Music is a key feature, creating a lively and friendly energy. Crowd consists mostly of locals, making it a cozy, affordable spot without food service.

A homey neighborhood atmosphere defines this dive bar. It serves as a local spot where everyone goes, offering a perfect little setting for casual drinks.

Cocktails show great flavor and balanced mixes. Drinks get personalized to match individual style and sensibility.

People are saying

"It's a homey neighborhood spot for beer."

"The cocktails here were so well mixed and balanced."

"It's a great neighborhood dive bar."

Good to know

1

There is no food available at The Barrel, but they allow bringing your own food.

2

The Barrel is located right off the stop.

03
The Alderman image 1
Cocktail bar

Speakeasy-style bar with dimly lit chandeliers and a cozy, intimate space for about a dozen people. Atmosphere stays low-key and elegant with a mix of R&B and soul music, creating a chill vibe suited for conversation. Craft cocktails stand out as the main focus, with a secret entrance adding to the exclusive feel.

Offers an intimate, lowkey vibe with top-notch cocktails that set a high standard. Known for being a fantastic cocktail bar with a reputation among the best in the city and beyond.

Cocktails here are well-made and uniquely crafted with a clear passion for mixology. The setting offers a cool, relaxed vibe that complements the excellent drinks and speakeasy menu.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

"The intimate cocktails here are unique, adventurous, and perfectly balanced."

"Their creative cocktails are delicious and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly suggested because itโ€™s a small spot.

2

You get a 1.5-hour slot for reservations.

3

There is no food available, only cocktails.

04
Punch House image 1

Basement bar with a speakeasy vibe and nautical theme features dim lighting and an aquarium behind the bar. DJs spin vinyl records playing classic yacht rock, jazz, and local hip hop, creating an intimate, low-key atmosphere. Seating is cushy and expansive, attracting a diverse crowd mingling, chatting, or dancing.

A basement bar with an immaculate vibe and dim lighting sets a chill yet fun mood. An aquarium behind the bar, vinyl DJ, and skilled bartenders craft delicious cocktails in a spacious, cushy setting.

Cocktails here are well crafted but lean toward classic styles rather than fancy or perfect. The spot offers a cozy atmosphere with expansive seating and often features a live DJ on weekends.

People are saying

"It's a chill speakeasy with dim lighting and awesome hip hop music."

"I enjoyed the delicious cocktails here."

"This bar's dim lighting and intimate vibe make it a chill spot."

Good to know

1

Drag shows occur every Wednesday night, starting at 8pm.

2

A DJ performs every Thursday night, creating a vibrant nightlife experience.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted punch options.

05
Monochrome Brewing image 1

Spacious taproom with rustic aesthetic and varied seating options creates a comfortable, neighborhood-like vibe. Energy stays chill, with outdoor patio and food pop-ups adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Large projectors show sports, and the space welcomes dogs and outside food, fostering a strong community feel.

Large open space offers plenty of seating with comfortable couches and a big bar area. People at the bar are really nice, making it a solid spot to drink beer and hang out.

Offers a wide range of cocktails alongside beers and a guest tap. Cocktails include options like a draft paloma, all noted as delicious with good variety.

People are saying

"Their beer selection is amazing, especially the IPAs."

"I tried some of the greatest beers I've ever had at this bar."

"The cocktails here were outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Monochrome Brewing allows bringing your own food, making it a great spot for picnics.

2

Parking is easy with ample free street parking available nearby.

3

The brewery is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pets along.

06
The Green Room Tap image 1

Small bar with cozy Chicago grunge vibe and chill energy. Music plays a bit loud, creating a fun atmosphere without feeling crowded. Regulars enjoy premium-priced drinks like draft beers and unique cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Small bar with a smoking area and attentive bartenders who engage with guests. It offers a solid, neighborhood-friendly vibe and a chance to chat with the people behind the bar.

Inventive cocktails stand out alongside well-priced drinks and a solid beer selection. Bartenders are professional and helpful, though some mixed drinks show variable ingredient quality.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so friendly and attentive."

"I loved the inventive cocktails and the vibe here."

"I loved the assortment of cheap and delicious beers here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult on weekends in the Pilsen area.

2

Draft beers cost $8, while cocktails are double that price.

3

Expect a quieter atmosphere if you arrive early in the evening.

07
Alulu Brewery and Pub image 1

Small brewery offers a creative, relaxed vibe with a perfect bar atmosphere and excellent beers like Czech pilsner and dark lager. Outdoor patio provides abundant seating and a charming, comfy space ideal for conversation. Neighborhood feel blends with on-point music and a casual, inviting energy.

A laid-back atmosphere sets the tone with a solid tap list featuring some great beers. The bar offers exceptionally good food that goes beyond typical bar fare, paired with some of the best service around.

Crafted cocktails stand out with unique flavors and beautiful presentation. The selection pairs well with a variety of beers, offering a great mix for different tastes.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection to be great and excellent."

"The bartender Johnathan made great conversation and took great care of us."

"The cocktails here are yummy and unique."

Good to know

1

The brewery is open until 11:00 p.m. during the week.

2

Parking can be challenging on a Saturday; be prepared to walk a block or two.

3

Their menu has many specials, including 50% off wings every Tuesday.

08
CERDITO MUERTO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dark, narrow speakeasy with a long bar and intimate, cozy atmosphere filled with cultural art and decor. Vibe blends laid-back warmth with moments of loud energy, making it suitable for romantic dinners or fun nights out. Frequented by those seeking unique cocktails and authentic Mexican flavors in a hidden gem setting.

Dark and narrow space features a long bar with one unisex bathroom. Staff treat guests well when seated, but standing at the bar with friends is not allowed.

Creative and artfully crafted cocktails define the drink menu. The program stands out with homemade ingredients like their unique squirt, delivering consistently fantastic flavors.

People are saying

"The potato tacos were very tasty with a homemade flavor."

"The cocktails here are artfully created and delicious."

"The bartender treated us like royalty at the bar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Dinner for two typically costs around $220, including drinks.

09
Simone's image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with steampunk decor featuring recycled pinball machines and bowling alley parts creates a unique vibe. Atmosphere is energetic and fun, with salsa and bachata dancing and a DJ playing well-mixed tunes at night. Backroom offers an awesome party space, attracting a younger crowd looking to enjoy good music and drinks.

Unique atmosphere stands out with a man etched into the bar and a mysterious back-room contraption adding to the vibe. Bar staff are attentive and welcoming, creating a sense of being part of the environment. Food offers solid pub options with a fresh menu reflecting Pilsen soul.

Cocktails feature fun and refreshing mixes with ingredients like mezcal, orange liqueur, passion fruit purรฉe, cucumber, and fresh lime. Drinks often come with unique touches such as a Tajรญn rim and cost around $12.00.

People are saying

"The bar's atmosphere felt alive, eclectic, and deeply rooted in culture."

"I thought the burgers here were awesome and tasty."

"I felt alive and seen sipping cocktails in this eclectic atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Drag brunch happens every Sunday with a reservation recommended due to popularity.

2

Karaoke night is every Thursday starting at 10 PM with a two-drink minimum.

3

Live DJ performances occur every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM.

10
Thalia Hall image 1
Live music venue

Historic opera house converted into a modern music venue offers intimate concerts with great acoustics and vintage architecture. Spacious layout includes a balcony and multiple bars, creating a cool atmosphere with excellent views from all angles.

Three bars spread across an old opera house offer vintage architecture and quick service. A bar on the main level provides easy access for drinks before shows.

Two bars upstairs serve cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits with reasonably priced draft cocktails that taste decent. The basement hosts a juice-based cocktail bar called The Punch Bowl and offers a variety of N/A specialty cocktails that are well balanced.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with awesome sound and good acoustics."

"The bar here was great and the bartenders were attentive."

"The cocktails here are great and the sound quality is lovely."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be rough; add time for street parking.

2

The coat check costs $5.

3

Food is reasonably priced, with popcorn at $4 and hot dogs at $5.

11
La Mejikana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban Latino spot with a hidden patio and chic dive bar vibe offers live DJ sets mixing old jams and Spanish music. Indoor space feels dark and loud, especially when music peaks, while patio seating provides a quieter atmosphere for conversation. The place fills up with people enjoying singing and dancing, creating a lively energy.

Bar seating can be limited, with waits for a spot at the bar common. It shifts from a lunch spot to a bar atmosphere midweek, offering different vibes depending on the time.

Cocktails here are incredibly tasty and beautifully presented with perfect garnishes. The Mejikรฃna cocktail stands out, though some find it a bit sweet until balanced with a lime wedge.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's grilled octopus is tender with a flavorful sauce."

"The cocktails are fresh, not too sweet, and made with care."

"The grilled octopus at this Bar is tender with a flavorful sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is available on the street next to Ashland, and paid parking is in front.

3

It can get busy after 5 PM, so be prepared for a wait.

12
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style interior with thoughtful decor creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Loud Mexican and Latin music fills the space, making conversation challenging amid the busy service environment. Tables often sit close to kitchen activity, adding to the lively, energetic vibe.

Excellent and attentive service stands out at the bar. Bartenders offer personalized dish recommendations that enhance the experience.

Cocktails feature Tinto de Verano and a mezcal cocktail that stand out. Mondays offer half-priced bottles of wine.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The food here is excellent, especially the crab empanada with its amazing hot sauce."

"The cocktails here were great."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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