Lucy's on Avenue A is Polish-born Lucy Anderson's dive, run by the same family for decades. Two billiards tables, a jukebox and the friendliest bartender in the neighborhood.
Tip: Lucy reopened in March 2025 after a brief closure. Cash preferred, no kitchen, but she will tell you a story for free.
Address: 135 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, New York City
Sophie's on East 5th has poured cheap beer since the 1980s, named for one-time Ukrainian owner Sophie Polny. Anthony Bourdain filmed here; the regulars never left.
Tip: Opens 15:00, runs to 04:00. Cash-friendly, jukebox heavy on Tom Waits, the back has Skee Ball and a pool table.
Doc Holliday's on Avenue A and 9th has been the East Village honky-tonk since 1994. Country jukebox, pool table, Lone Star Tall Boys and a saloon-style door.
Tip: Opens noon, runs to 04:00 every day. Cash preferred before 21:00, $3 PBRs at the Tuesday-night happy hour.
Mona's on Avenue B runs the city's best free live music in a dive bar: Monday bluegrass jam, Tuesday jazz with Jon Weber at midnight, every week, no cover.
Tip: Mondays for bluegrass, Tuesdays for jazz (10 piano starts at midnight). Cheap Guinness Thursday, no cover any night.
Sophie's on East 5th has poured cheap beer since the 1980s, named for one-time Ukrainian owner Sophie Polny. Anthony Bourdain filmed here; the regulars never left.
Tip: Opens 15:00, runs to 04:00. Cash-friendly, jukebox heavy on Tom Waits, the back has Skee Ball and a pool table.
Doc Holliday's on Avenue A and 9th has been the East Village honky-tonk since 1994. Country jukebox, pool table, Lone Star Tall Boys and a saloon-style door.
Tip: Opens noon, runs to 04:00 every day. Cash preferred before 21:00, $3 PBRs at the Tuesday-night happy hour.
Mona's on Avenue B runs the city's best free live music in a dive bar: Monday bluegrass jam, Tuesday jazz with Jon Weber at midnight, every week, no cover.
Tip: Mondays for bluegrass, Tuesdays for jazz (10 piano starts at midnight). Cheap Guinness Thursday, no cover any night.
Rudy's on Ninth Avenue has poured cheap beer since 1933, with a free hot dog when you order. Red leather booths, a pig sculpture out front, the same crowd since the 1970s.
Tip: Free hot dog with any drink, all hours. Opens 08:00 Mon-Sat for cheap pints, runs through to 04:00 every night.
Botanica on East Houston is the basement bar with $3 to $5 drinks, a tiny DJ booth and the rare Houston Street happy hour that runs until 19:00 every day.
Tip: Happy hour from open to 19:00, Sunday karaoke is the regulars' tradition. Cash-friendly, no cover.
House of Yes in Bushwick is the multi-room performance club that pairs DJ sets with circus, drag and burlesque on the same Wyckoff Avenue stage Thursday through Sunday.
Tip: Buy tickets online before 22:00; costume-themed nights enforce a dress code at the door and walk-ups without it get turned away.