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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Chelsea

Affordable bars

A drink that does not break the bank makes it easier to settle in and stay for a while.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Bar B image 1
Bar B image 2
Bar B image 3
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Wine bar

Standing-only wine bar fits about 20 people inside with limited outdoor tables. Crowded, cozy atmosphere feels like a neighborhood gem with an intimate, lively vibe. Decor features walls and ceilings adorned with corks, creating a unique setting reminiscent of a traditional Japanese izakaya.

An intimate standing bar with a lively atmosphere and great wines pairs well with small plates. Staff are warm and attentive, creating a fun, reliable spot with terrific food and a solid happy hour.

Offers a good selection of affordable wines and tasty food that pairs well. Overall, the place stays pretty affordable by typical standards.

People are saying

"This intimate bar has great food and drinks at unthinkable prices."

"The food here, especially the chicken skewers, is awesome."

"The wine here is fantastic and pretty affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is until 7 PM with $1 off select wines.

2

Bar B is often filled to capacity, making it hard to get in.

3

There are no food options available during happy hour.

02
Crown Alley image 1

Small, narrow bar with dim lighting and cozy atmosphere offers secluded spaces for easy conversation. Outdoor seating includes scenic sidewalk area that complements the relaxed interior. Crowd enjoys affordable craft cocktails and top-tier Guinness in a welcoming, unpretentious setting.

Offers a great craft beer and drink selection with affordable prices. The atmosphere stays low-key and pleasant, featuring secluded spots for conversations and a good menu.

Prices stay very affordable while offering a classy but unpretentious vibe. Drinks include a great craft beer and drink selection that consistently hits the spot.

People are saying

"The Happy Hour service was awesome and super friendly."

"Barry and the team made sure everything ran smoothly for the event."

"The drinks here are amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is every day from 4 PM to 7 PM.

2

Expect $1 oysters and $5 drafts during happy hour.

3

Get here early for happy hour as it fills up quickly.

03
Sushi by Bou- Chelsea NYC @ Bosque Flowers & Coffee image 1

Intimate omakase bar with about 8 seats and a speakeasy entrance behind a coffee and flower shop creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Friendly servers and a special cocktail bar add to the personalized experience. The setting blends Japanese elegance with a fun New York City vibe.

Cozy alcove with about 8 omakase seats and a separate bar creates an intimate setting. The atmosphere feels fun and exciting, blending vibes of a nightclub, speakeasy, and sushi bar with friendly servers.

A 12-course omakase costs only $65, offering affordable luxury with top tier quality and chef's selections. The experience feels extremely affordable compared to other cities.

People are saying

"The omakase here is amazing, with incredibly fresh fish."

"The chefs at the sushi bar were so skilled and engaging."

"I found the omakase experience to be affordable luxury."

Good to know

1

The omakase experience lasts for 1 hour, so arrive on time.

2

Saturdays are Hamptons night, attracting celebrities and influencers.

3

The 12-course omakase is available for $60 per person.

04
El Coco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space blends cozy sophistication with traditional Mexican style and soft lighting. Loud live DJ music fills the room, creating an energetic atmosphere that encourages dancing but challenges conversation. Tables sit close together in a compact area that mixes restaurant and club vibes.

Strong drink crafting stands out with Erica's cocktails served by Ali. The bar has a lively vibe that supports a solid team effort behind the counter.

Offers affordable margaritas and cocktails with great taste. Food prices stay very affordable for the location, making it a solid spot for groups.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"The drinks here are affordable and strong."

"The margaritas here are a dangerous five dollars."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation for weekend nights to secure a table.

2

Happy hour offers $5 margaritas and tacos all day, every day.

3

You only get 90 minutes at the table during peak hours.

05
Los Mariscos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with cramped indoor seating and extensive outdoor seating featuring heated lamps creates a cozy, lively vibe. Bar area draws crowds despite noise, and quirky, beachy decor includes a live fish tank. Atmosphere feels like stepping into Baja California, with authentic Mexican seafood energy and fast-paced service.

Well stocked with great mezcals and bar lighting at night, the bar offers a small carryout setup. Attentive and knowledgeable service comes from David, making the bar seats the best spot.

Offers affordable prices for tasty Mexican mariscos. Serves quick meals with great service and good value for anyone.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are amazing and taste so fresh."

"The food here is delicious and surprisingly affordable."

"The fish tacos here are fried perfectly and not greasy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends and holidays due to high demand.

3

You order at the register and take your order to the kitchen area next door.

06
Whitmans image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with small bar and outdoor seating offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that gets noisy when busy. The space includes booths and bar seating, attracting a casual crowd looking for a relaxed meal. Unique touches like roosters at every table add character to the setting.

A small bar with a limited selection of drinks sits inside the burger spot. It works well for a quick lunch or solo seating.

Prices stay affordable despite the city setting. Food and drinks offer good value near a busy area.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing and delicious."

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

"The bar staff's warmth and hospitality made it feel like a community."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a complimentary slider with the first drink.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

The restaurant does not accept coins for payment.

07
Barcade image 1

Vintage arcade machines and pinball create a retro gaming vibe with an 80s atmosphere. Loud music and a crowded bar space shape a divey, energetic mood that suits groups and parties. An extensive draft beer selection complements the gaming experience.

A bar with classic arcade games like TMNT and Disks of Tron creates a lively vibe. The food goes beyond typical bar snacks, and bartenders engage in great conversations.

Games and drinks come with affordable prices here. The selection of beer is both delicious and budget-friendly.

People are saying

"It's awesome playing classic 80's arcade games here."

"The bar is filled with super fun, vintage arcade games."

"I found the games to be affordable and had a great selection."

Good to know

1

You must be over 21 years old to attend the venue.

2

Visitors should bring small bills, preferably 1s and 5s, to buy tokens.

3

Each game costs only 50 cents per play.

08
Lobster Place image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood bar with lobster station, sushi bar, and oyster bar creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Crowds gather around bar seating, making it energetic but sometimes crowded. Outdoor seating with heaters offers a warmer option amid the fresh seafood vibe.

A seafood bar with a standout raw bar offers fresh oysters that bring out salty sea flavors. The space has a casual vibe with a lobster station and a sushi bar serving well-seasoned, fresh seafood.

Affordable prices make the lobster sandwich stand out as a tasty option. The overall culinary experience balances quality with reasonable cost.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the delicious lobster sandwich."

"I think their lobster roll is the best I've eaten in NYC."

"I found the lobster tasting experience to be affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 6pm to 7pm, offering half-off oysters from Monday to Friday.

2

The lobster sandwich costs $30, while the lobster roll is $23.

3

Seating can be limited during peak hours, so be prepared to stand.

09
LOS TACOS No.1 image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers handmade tortillas and a walk-up service with no indoor seating, relying on outdoor picnic tables and standing areas. Atmosphere is chaotic and noisy, especially at lunchtime, with a small kitchen handling many orders. A nearby bar provides drinks to enjoy while waiting.

A toppings bar offers a variety of options to customize dishes. The sauce bar includes plenty of radishes and other sides to grab freely.

Authentic Mexican food comes at very affordable prices here, especially for a city known for high costs. Tacos with chicken and steak stay fresh and delicious without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"I found the tacos to be fresh, authentic, and very affordable."

"I loved the fresh, authentic tacos and quesadillas."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait in line as Tacos No. 1 is very popular.

2

You must give your ticket to be served at Chelsea Market.

3

There is no seating available, so you will need to stand while eating.

10
Dallas BBQ Chelsea image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Huge space with ample seating and big TV screens creates an energetic, loud atmosphere. Retro, American diner style adds a nostalgic vibe while tight, small tables make it feel cramped. Screens playing classic music videos and allowance for dogs add to the casual, lively environment.

Bartenders show friendly service and create a great vibe at the bar. Sometimes the bar area feels quiet, with occasional slow service and empty seats.

Prices stay affordable with big portions that feel like a good deal. Food tastes good and costs less than typical city spots.

People are saying

"These ribs are so tender and juicy, they melt in your mouth."

"The food portions here are huge and really affordable."

"The bar staff, especially Carlos, showed us a great time."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has an early bird special from opening until 5pm.

2

Dining late at 10:30 PM on Tuesdays offers a relaxed atmosphere.

3

Expect large portions; consider sharing if dining with one or two people.

11
Mercado Little Spain image 1
Spanish restaurant

Food court combines market stalls and restaurant seating with live flamenco music creating a lively, upscale yet approachable vibe. Decor features vibrant colors and decorative ceramics evoking Spanish warmth and vitality. Visitors find a unique atmosphere reminiscent of bustling Spanish mercados.

Bar seating offers timely and impeccable service with excellent attention from staff. The menu includes seafood, paella, tapas, and charcuterie boards, alongside a wine bar and various desserts.

Offers affordable prices alongside delicious food and a good atmosphere. Pricing stands out as reasonable for the area.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Spanish food and the wide variety of options."

"The bar's food selection was amazing and delicious."

"It's a nice place to grab a quick bite and worth a visit."

Good to know

1

Plan ahead to see the Flamenco dancing show, which runs from 6-8 PM on Thursdays.

2

Wednesdays offer half-priced bottles of wine during happy hour.

3

Happy hour features a great selection of options at the Food Hall.

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Chelsea, New York

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