Overview

Welcome to Manhattan’s last affordable playground for anyone in their early 20s, the East Village. Oh, I don’t mean anyone can afford to live here, but hot damn is it a fine place to get into a night of adventures. Between the dive bars, you'll see some of the best streets to stumble past on a night out. The East Village is full of character, and that character is just begging to bring out your inner rowdiness. Once that rowdiness has had a chance to roll its sleeves up (and maybe hammer down a hot dog or two), we’ll take that attitude to school when we head to Alphabet City; once legendary for its toughness, and now renowned for its drinking scene. You’ve never thought of East Manhattan as this badass before, and you’ll never think of it as a pushover again.

(Make sure to bring a valid ID and cash)

Description

Stop At: The Library, 7 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, USA

Welcome to the Library bar, where the books are props and the beer is always flowing. Forget shushing librarians; this place is all about the noise and the nostalgia. With dim lighting, well-worn wood, and a vibe that feels like a rebellious bookstore after-hours, Library Bar is your go-to spot for mingling with locals who know where the good times are at. The clientele? A delightful mix of students who should be studying and regulars who know every bartender by name. It's cozy, it's unpretentious, and it's our first stop on the dive bar tour because, let's be real, who doesn't love a place where the only overdue fee is that you haven't visited in a while? Oh, and did we mention that we buy you a beer here? Yep, that's right. It's like a story with a happy ending—only this time, the book is a cold one and it's yours to crack open.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Double Down Saloon, 14 Avenue a, New York City, New York 10009

Double Down Saloon is where punk rock and dive bar culture collide in the best possible way. Step inside, and you're greeted by graffiti-covered walls, an explosion of neon signs, and a soundtrack that never stops rocking. The regulars here are musicians, artists, and those who just want to crank up the volume on their night. There's even a drink called "Ass Juice," so you know they're not messing around. Expect loud music, even louder laughs - and the real gem? Step out back, and you'll find a gritty little backyard that's perfect for catching a breather or striking up a conversation with a friendly stranger.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Crifs Dogs NYC, 113 St Marks Pl, New York City, New York

Next up on our dive bar tour, we're taking a pit stop at Crif Dogs on St. Marks for a beer and a quick hot dog—because who says you can't have both? This place is an East Village legend, known for its eclectic hot dogs, and we’ll give you the lore about it’s secret phone booth.

Duration: 25 minutes

Pass By: Tompkins Square Park, From 7th To 10th Streets, Between Avenues A and B, New York City, New York 10009

Tompkins Square Park is the East Village's beating heart, where skateboarders, dog walkers, and street performers coexist. It's got a touch of history and a lot of character, with towering trees and winding paths inviting you to explore. By day, it's all about relaxing and people-watching; by night, it’s a hotspot for impromptu concerts and quirky events.

Stop At: 7B Horseshoe Bar aka Vazacs, 108 Avenue B, East Village, Alphabet City, New York City, New York 10009

We’ll end at our final dive bar tour, Horseshoe Bar on Avenue B, affectionately known as 7B. If you've ever wanted to hang out at a bar that feels straight out of a gritty 80s movie, this is your spot. With its iconic horseshoe-shaped bar, dim lighting, and jukebox that plays everything from rock to punk, Horseshoe Bar is a classic dive where you can kick back, grab a drink, and soak in the vintage vibes.

Duration: 45 minutes