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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Midtown South

Affordable bars

A drink after work shouldn't drain the bank account.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Anytime Bar & Billiards image 1
Anytime Bar & Billiards image 2
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Pool hall offers well-maintained tables and a spacious layout with cozy booths and high-top tables. Atmosphere stays chill and lively with good music and large screens showing sports. Crowd includes pool pros and casual players enjoying unique bubble cocktails and a variety of food options.

Service stands out with excellent customer care and a skilled bartender. The atmosphere supports great times with friends and memorable celebrations.

Food and drinks come with affordable prices here. The menu offers reasonable costs without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"The bar staff was super friendly and attentive all night."

"The vibes here are super chill, with games and a pool table."

"I found the food and drinks here to be excellent and affordable."

Good to know

1

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

2

Wear a holiday sweater to get a free Christmas shot until 12/31.

3

Reservations are required to secure a table for pool.

02
Radio Star Karaoke image 1

Small karaoke bar offers private rooms and an open karaoke area with high-quality sound system and unique decor. Atmosphere feels friendly and warm, attracting an older crowd with occasional younger guests late at night. Rooms have great acoustics and a Beatles-themed space adds character.

A lively spot with both public karaoke and private room rentals offers a fun singing experience. Friendly bar staff and a $3 per song rate keep the vibe welcoming and affordable.

Private rooms stand out for their affordable rates. The overall experience offers great value without high costs.

People are saying

"I had a blast and so much fun here!"

"The bartenders here are amazing and keep the drinks flowing."

"I found the private rooms here super affordable."

Good to know

1

It costs $3 per song to sing karaoke.

2

The venue only accepts walk-ins for karaoke.

3

There is an $8 minimum on credit card payments.

03
Sushi By Bou - NOMAD NYC @ Hotel32|32 image 1

Small sushi bar seats about 12 with chefs preparing meals in an intimate setting. Cozy speakeasy upstairs features 90s hip-hop music and a private rooftop terrace with views of the Empire State Building. Atmosphere combines mood lighting and a hip-hop inspired aesthetic creating a unique dining experience.

Upstairs features a speakeasy bar with a cool vibe. A private bar on a balcony offers an intimate setting, while the hotel room's terrace serves as a hidden rooftop bar for a quiet evening.

Omakase costs about $60 for 12 pieces, making it a good deal compared to other options. The overall experience stays satisfying and affordable.

People are saying

"The Japanese food omakase here is a fun, upbeat culinary show."

"The Omakase at this bar is top-tier, especially the tuna."

"I found the omakase experience to be affordable at $60."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and must be prepaid before your visit.

2

The omakase experience lasts 30 minutes and includes 12 pieces of sushi.

3

Occasional promotions offer the omakase for $50, making it more affordable.

04
Dagg Thai Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Thai restaurant offers authentic cuisine with cozy upstairs seating and a beautiful bar area. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, enhanced by great music and thoughtful decor. Cocktails stand out with balanced, flavorful mixes that complement the dining experience.

Stunning bar features an amazing gin selection and a full bar. Seating area offers a warm atmosphere with lovely ambiance.

Lunch specials cost $17 and include an appetizer, making meals affordable and filling. Prices stay budget-friendly for dinners with one or two people, offering mouth-watering food without high costs.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really creative and well executed."

"The bar staff gave great recommendations and were so friendly."

"The lunch specials here are really affordable and feel like a treat."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

3

The restaurant accommodates food allergies; inform the staff when ordering.

05
5 Napkin Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with butcher shop decor and an open layout featuring large windows for people watching. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and cozy during dinner to loud and busy near Times Square. Outdoor terrace seating with heaters adds a comfortable option for cooler weather.

Excellent service stands out at the bar, with attentive staff like Ivan enhancing the experience. The bar offers a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy classic cocktails like the Manhattan alongside quality food such as burgers.

Quality food comes with affordable prices here, which is rare for Midtown. Happy hour offers affordable beers that add value to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is attentive and professional."

"Ivan at the bar was so kind and helpful."

"I found the prices to be affordable, especially during happy hour."

Good to know

1

Booking a reservation is recommended to avoid a wait.

2

Five Napkin has 2 Happy Hours most days: M-F from 3-6 and S-Th 9-close.

3

Going during Happy Hour makes the food much cheaper.

06
Nizza image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with gluten-free menu and outdoor seating featuring heat lamps. Atmosphere is cozy and elegant with lounge music that enhances the vibe. Tables are close together inside, creating an intimate but cramped setting.

Luke and Pedro provide attentive and personable service at the bar. The bar offers a blend of bar and restaurant experiences with a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

Meals like the Truffle and Porcini Pizza and Cacio e Pepe come at affordable prices. A bottle of Prosecco costs around $24, adding to the overall budget-friendly experience.

People are saying

"The Italian Food here is amazing, and the service is incredible."

"The bar service from Justin was perfect and professional."

"The food here is delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a bottomless brunch special on weekends.

2

Wine Wednesday features select bottles for only $24.

3

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

07
Drunk Shakespeare image 1
Performing arts theater

Performing arts theater offers an intimate stage surrounded by bookshelves and close audience seating, creating a library-like atmosphere. The show blends cultured and raunchy humor with high audience participation, fueled by convenient drink service directly to seats. Actors engage with sharp comedic timing, making the experience lively and immersive.

Quaint bar offers top-shelf cocktails with drinks delivered right to each seat. Attentive bar crew serves heavily poured drinks throughout the raunchy, 21+ show.

Tickets cost less than typical Broadway shows, making the experience notably affordable. The pricing surprises with its value for entertainment.

People are saying

"It's a really fun time with lots of laughter."

"The show was brilliant and I couldn't stop laughing."

"I found the tickets to be surprisingly affordable for NYC."

Good to know

1

The show starts at 7pm on 7/25.

2

Bidding on the king and queen spot is highly recommended.

3

Getting third row tickets provides a good view and your own bar stool and table.

08
Isla & Co. - Midtown image 1

Restaurant combines cozy, trendy atmosphere with Australian flair and a rooftop offering Empire State Building views. Music ranges from classical playlists to live DJs, creating a warm and intimate vibe. Seating options include outdoor, bar, lounge, dining area, and private room.

Bar staff stay relaxed and friendly while providing attentive and efficient service. The rooftop bar features amazing bartenders who accommodate guests well.

Offers affordable options with daily specials like $20 chicken parmesan and a drink on Tuesdays. Presents a bougie atmosphere while keeping prices reasonable.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious, with a burst of flavor in every bite."

"The bar staff here are so kind and friendly."

"I found the food and drinks to be affordable and well made."

Good to know

1

Wine Wednesday means half price bottles all night long.

2

Happy hour is available every day of the week.

3

Daily specials include $20 chicken parm with a drink on Tuesdays.

09
Birdland Jazz Club image 1

Jazz club offers intimate tables and perfect acoustics with unobstructed stage views from every seat. The atmosphere stays elegant and lively, filled with live jazz performances by skilled musicians. Accessibility includes an elevator for wheelchair users, enhancing the inclusive vibe.

Jazz music fills the air in this bar, creating a classic jazz club atmosphere. Drinks are served while live performances keep the vibe authentic and lively.

Tickets and food come at very affordable prices here. The club offers terrific live music with a great experience that stays easy on the wallet.

People are saying

"I highly recommend this place for the great jazz music."

"The music at this bar was excellent and exhilarating."

"I found the experience here to be great and affordable."

Good to know

1

Tickets sell out fast on weekends, so it's important to order them early.

2

You must have a reservation before you go, especially on weekend nights.

3

There is a minimum spend of $20 per person at Birdland.

10
Fushimi Times Square image 1

Entry features Torii gates and atmospheric lighting creating a mini Kyoto vibe. The lively atmosphere includes a DJ and dance floor, blending dining with club energy. Sushi stands out as exceptionally fresh and high quality.

Attentive service shines at the bar, especially from Ohmi who keeps the vibe fun and lively. The bar features atmospheric lighting and a great dance floor, making it a solid spot for drinks and post-show hangs.

Trendy spots offer affordable prices with lunch specials that cost less than similar places. Food quantity matches the price, keeping it budget-friendly.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and artfully presented."

"The bar staff are so friendly and professional."

"I found this place to be affordable and didn't sacrifice quality."

Good to know

1

The early dinner special is offered Mondays to Thursdays from 3 to 6 PM for $38.99.

2

Happy hour at Fushimi is from 4pm to 7pm at the bar.

3

The restaurant does not require a reservation for two people and can accommodate walk-ins.

11
Keens Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Exposed pipes line the ceiling, creating a historic chophouse vibe with old-school New York decor. The atmosphere feels classic and timeless, filled with vintage memorabilia and a sense of tradition. Guests enjoy a unique dining experience that blends rich history with hearty steakhouse energy.

The bar offers a pleasant atmosphere separate from the dining room. Staff serve with consistent quality even when seating shifts to the pub area. The English cut prime remains a popular choice at the bar.

Lunch offers surprisingly affordable prices without sacrificing quality. The overall cost stays reasonable for the experience.

People are saying

"The atmosphere and service at this Steakhouse are professional and pleasant."

"The prime rib here is a generous, perfectly cooked cut."

"I was surprised by how affordable the lunch was for the quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as this is a popular restaurant.

2

The portions at the steakhouse are quite big, so definitely come hungry.

3

If you mention an anniversary when reserving, they celebrate with ice cream and candles.

12
Izakaya MEW image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Basement setting with a small, cramped entrance and closely packed tables creates an intimate but noisy environment. Loud modern hip hop and R&B music energizes the space, making conversation difficult. Crowds gather early, drawn by frozen beer, authentic Japanese food, and a vibrant bar scene.

A small bar area offers a spot to wait for a table, with drinks available during the wait. The bar serves Japanese bar food that is solid but not exceptional.

Prices stay very affordable even with generous portions. The menu offers delicious dishes that fit a relaxed, cozy setting without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"You have to try the kimchi cream udon; it's so creamy."

"The food here is delicious and surprisingly affordable."

"The Japanese pub fare at this bar is fantastic, especially the grilled fish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner times to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a wait of over an hour during peak hours on weekends.

3

The restaurant charges $20 per person if you can't make your reservation.

13
The Handpulled Noodle | Hell’s Kitchen image 1

Small space with wrap-around barstools offers views of the street and people walking by. Atmosphere blends 1920s Shanghai film vibe with jazz music and exposed brick featuring Mandarin newspaper articles. Energy feels clean and vintage, providing a calm spot away from busy city areas.

Dishes like the cumin stir fry and dapan zhu offer balanced flavors at affordable prices. Noodles come warm, hearty, and cost between $10 and $20, making the selection both fresh and budget-friendly.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are amazing, especially the fried pork and chive."

"It's a really cozy place with a charming atmosphere."

"I found the noodles to be very tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers gluten-free noodles and customizable spice levels.

2

Portion sizes are large, making it ideal for sharing or a big appetite.

3

Prices are reasonable, providing good value for the portion sizes.

14
TONCHIN NEW YORK image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, dark space with loud music creates a club-like vibe rather than a traditional ramen shop atmosphere. Contemporary Japanese decor and stylish lighting set a modern tone. Crowded and lively, it attracts a hip crowd enjoying high-quality cocktails and classic tonkotsu ramen.

Bar seating offers a quiet spot for meals, especially during lunch. Frequent visits show a consistent calm atmosphere suited for relaxed dining.

Bills come to about $50 each including tax and tip, which is more affordable than many Michelin Star spots nearby. Prices stay reasonable for lunch as well.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious and striking."

"The ramen broth here is the richest and most flavorful I've had."

"I found the prices here to be very affordable."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because it gets very busy.

2

Expect a 60-90 minute wait on prime busy weekend evenings.

3

The happy hour goes from 2:30 to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

15
Skirt Steak image 1
Steak house

Woodwork and Scandinavian design create a calm, stylish setting with a rolling dessert cart adding a unique touch. The atmosphere ranges from relaxing to warm and lively near the bar. Long waits are common due to no reservations and high demand.

Bartenders greet quickly and serve great drinks at the bar. Seating at the bar is available even on busy Friday nights, allowing for a quick meal under $100.

Prices stay affordable even in Manhattan, with happy hour making it easier to enjoy. The Skirt Steak offers great quality at a reasonable cost.

People are saying

"The bottomless fries here are unlimited and totally worth the price."

"The skirt steak here is amazing and a great value."

"You can get a great steak and unlimited fries for just $45."

Good to know

1

If you like french fries, it's all you can eat.

2

Dessert is offered via a cart at $10 after the entree is finished.

3

The restaurant does not take reservations unless for a party of 7+.

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Midtown South, New York

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