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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the Lower East Side's best

Cool bars

You want a bar that feels like it has a pulse and a personality of its own.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
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Updated May 2026
01
Shanghai Speakeasy image 1
Shanghai Speakeasy image 2
Shanghai Speakeasy image 3
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Small, candlelit space with secret alley entrance and Shanghai-inspired decor creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Dark, dramatic lighting sets a mysterious, prohibition-era vibe ideal for quiet dates or small groups. Creative cocktails, especially absinthe-focused drinks, complement the authentic speakeasy experience.

Located in a secret spot, the bar offers a darkly dramatic ambiance with friendly, chill staff. It features a strong absinthe selection and earns solid recognition for its quality.

A super cool speakeasy with a vibe that fits well for date night. The place feels pretty cool overall.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are spot on and creative."

"This bar's secret back alley door felt like a prohibition-era speakeasy."

"I found this place to be a pretty cool speakeasy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to enter; call the buzzer for access.

2

The entrance is located down Black Cat Alley, marked by a buzzer.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially on weekends; reservations are highly recommended.

02
Finks image 1

Dive bar with an eclectic vibe and upscale drinks offers a large selection of board games and a spacious outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays chill and fun, attracting locals who enjoy competitive games and cocktails. The place fills up on weekends but remains comfortable for solo visits.

An upscale dive bar with a charming, comfortable vibe offers both high-end drinks and classic local bar feel. Bar service shows strong talent, making it easy to enjoy alone or with friends.

Eclectic dive bar vibes mix with high-end drinks and a Creature from the Black Lagoon pinball machine for a cool, hipster feel.

People are saying

"I considered Finks my favorite bar in the entire city."

"The patio here is really great."

"It's a cool, eclectic dive bar with high-end drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 pm Monday to Friday.

2

The all-day happy hour on Sunday offers $3 drafts.

3

Finks is a small place that gets packed on Saturdays.

03
Nine Below | Build-Your-Own Mini Golf Bar - A Bars & Recreation Experience image 1

Miniature golf course combines haunted theme with homemade holes and circulating scare-actors for a unique, eerie vibe. Bar area offers retro video games and a lively atmosphere with music at a comfortable volume. Space feels casual and fun, suited for groups seeking a creative and social night out.

A fully stocked bar offers drinks and snacks with friendly staff ready to help. Entertainment includes retro video games like N64 and an old school arcade, plus a snack bar midway through the course.

Events here have a very cool Halloween vibe. The atmosphere feels nice and relaxed.

People are saying

"The hosts made the experience enjoyable with jokes and quick drinks."

"The bar staff were super friendly and ready to help with drinks."

"This place is pretty cool with a nice atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

Expect a $130 cost for a family of four, plus tips for actors.

3

Street parking is available, but it may require walking a few blocks.

04
Nomad World Pub image 1

Urban patio and courtyard offer extensive outdoor seating with a tiki vibe and tropical decor. Atmosphere ranges from laid back and casual to lively with loud music and DJs. Crowd enjoys watching soccer and socializing in a dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible setting.

A laid back bar with a tropical vibe and a large dog-friendly patio. Staff are consistently great, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere with engaging bartenders who add to the experience.

Offers a cool atmosphere with great vibes. Serves as a regular hangout spot especially in colder months.

People are saying

"It's an awesome spot to watch soccer and have some drinks."

"It's a fun dive bar with a cool atmosphere and great vibes."

"It's a cool spot with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night, starting at 8pm.

2

They show EPL matches early in the morning on weekends.

3

The venue is dog-friendly, allowing pets in the outdoor area.

05
Up-Down MKE image 1

Two-level bar with retro arcade games and pinball machines creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Roomy outdoor patio and heaters offer a more relaxed space to escape the loud music inside. Decor includes nostalgic posters and shows, attracting gamers and adults looking for casual entertainment.

Two-level bar offers plenty of space and a roomy outdoor patio. Staff stay attentive and serve drinks quickly, keeping the vibe lively and efficient.

Tons of arcade games and classic pinball machines fill the space. The atmosphere features pro wrestling shows and art, creating a really cool vibe.

People are saying

"This place's arcades brought back so many childhood memories with classic games."

"This bar's arcade games brought back so many childhood memories."

"It's cool playing classic arcade games and bringing out the kid in you."

Good to know

1

Killer Queen is free on Tuesdays at Up-Down MKE.

2

Family hours are available one Sunday a month.

3

On Thursdays, the arcade offers 10-cent tokens.

06
The Garage image 1

Large outdoor patio offers sunny seating and a tropical bar atmosphere. Music blends well with the crowd, creating a fun vibe where people enjoy dancing and socializing. The place attracts a cool, relaxed crowd focused on good food, drinks, and positive energy.

Music appeals to everyone and gets people dancing. The outdoor patio offers comfortable seating and a tropical bar vibe. Staff maintain high cleanliness standards.

A cool layout and clean space set a relaxed tone. The crowd and service add to the chill vibe.

People are saying

"The outdoor patio bar has a fun atmosphere and great vibes."

"The crowd here is cool; everyone minds their own business."

"I enjoyed the bottomless mimosas; they didn't skimp."

Good to know

1

Bottomless mimosas are available from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekends.

2

The Garage hosts Chess Nights every Tuesday.

3

Happy hour features a large selection of drinks at great prices.

07
Saint Bibiana image 1
American restaurant

Long bar with an impressive liquor assortment and eclectic shots sets a lively tone. Blue and purple lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere that shifts into a lively club environment on weekends. The spot draws a fun crowd for late-night partying and offers highly praised burgers and brunch fare.

Long bar offers an impressive liquor assortment with bartenders who provide excellent service. The space shifts into a lively club environment attracting a fun crowd for late-night partying.

People are saying

"The burgers here are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"The burgers here are juicy, cheesy, and cooked to perfection."

"The burgers here are juicy, cheesy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted food and drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Online ordering is available to avoid wait times during busy hours.

3

The menu features a limited selection but focuses on quality dishes.

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Lower East Side, Milwaukee

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