Best Bars & Nightlife in Lower East Side, Manhattan

Lower East Side drinking runs from tiny hidden counters to rooftop terraces, with plenty of natural wine and whisky in between. The picks here span bespoke cocktails, a deep spirits binder and a sommelier-staffed wine room, plus pubs, dives and gin-and-seafood spots.

1. 

   Rank 1Brick Wine Bar

   Wine bar

   5.0 out of 55.0Price level $$

   A cozy, unhurried wine room where knowledgeable staff steer you toward natural bottles, with charcuterie plates and games shown on a projector.

2. 

   Rank 2RokuNana

   Speakeasy

   4.9 out of 54.9Price level $$$

   Head upstairs past the sushi counter to a moody speakeasy pouring strong, smooth drinks like the Crystal Peach Oolong, each served with a card explaining it.

3. 

   Rank 3Copper & Oak

   Cocktail bar

   4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$$

   Whiskey lovers come for a massive binder of rare finds and allocated bourbons, poured in a quiet, brick-walled room; it seats few, so skip it with a group.

4. 

   Rank 4Somm Time

   Wine bar

   4.9 out of 54.9Price level $$$

   Every front-of-house staffer is a sommelier, so recommendations come with real depth; pair a glass with the beet and cashew dip.

5. 

   Rank 5Bar Revival

   Cocktail bar

   4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$

   Laid-back Ludlow Street cocktail bar known for its happy hour, brunch and a crew that regulars say makes the night.

6. 

   Rank 6Chin Up Bar

   Cocktail bar

   5.0 out of 55.0Price level $$$

   Gin drives the menu here, with martinis and seafood small plates; reviewers point to the winter melon Louder East Side and the potato bread.

7. 

   Rank 7Pinky Swear

   Cocktail bar

   4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$$

   Part cocktail lounge, part rotating gallery, where artist-made furniture and dishes fill the room and savory donuts anchor the small plates.

8. 

   Rank 8Armada

   Cocktail bar

   4.9 out of 54.9Price level $$

   Irish hospitality on Orchard Street, with outdoor tables in good weather and a guava drink that reviewers rave about.

9. 

   Rank 9Cafe Skye LES

   Cocktail bar

   4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$$$

   Small Clinton Street bar for natural wine and creative cocktails that doubles as a favorite for private birthday parties and wedding welcome drinks.

10. 

    Rank 10StEight(behind KUNIYA HAIR)

    Speakeasy

    4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$

    Through an abandoned-looking marble shop lies a ten-seat Japanese-style bar with vinyl, soft jazz and sake drinks like the Peach Oolong Punch.

11. 

    Rank 11BabySips

    Wine bar

    5.0 out of 55.0Price level $$

    Walk-in natural wine spot where staff pull bottles from the cellar and occasional pop-ups, like smoked brisket, join the pours.

12. 

    Rank 12Antler

    Wine bar

    4.7 out of 54.7Price level $

    Dark, underground-feeling hangout with natural wine on tap, a DVD collection playing movies and an affordable happy hour.

13. 

    Rank 13Sami & Susu

    Wine bar

    4.7 out of 54.7Price level $

    Mediterranean wine bar with a knowledgeable sommelier and a homey feel, where pita with muhammara pairs well with the pours.

14. 

    Rank 14Early Terrible New York City

    Lounge

    4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$$

    Bistro-bar with a patio where a mezcal penicillin can lead to a ribeye and Filipino-French plates; service gets mixed reports.

15. 

    Rank 15Paper Planes

    Cocktail bar

    4.8 out of 54.8

    Follow paper planes on the ceiling to an indoor-outdoor speakeasy pouring travel-inspired cocktails in a semi-hidden setting.

16. 

    Rank 16Creston

    Wine bar

    4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$

    Classic-region wines and a signature Negroni in a small, Ohio-inspired room quiet enough for real conversation.

17. 

    Rank 17Banzarbar

    Cocktail bar

    4.7 out of 54.7Price level $$

    Upstairs at Freemans, a twenty-seat cocktail room reached by a secret door, where drinks open with a welcome shot.

18. 

    Rank 18Casa Thirteen

    Cocktail bar

    4.8 out of 54.8Price level $$

    Bowery neighborhood bar pairing hugo spritzes and dirty martinis with Spanish plates like octopus carpaccio and Basque cheesecake.

19. 

    Rank 19Subject: A Cocktail Bar

    Cocktail bar

    4.6 out of 54.6Price level $$

    Films project on the wall while you sip seasonal drinks like the Velvet Goldmine with truffle popcorn; service draws mixed comments.

20. 

    Rank 20The Mayfly

    Dive bar

    4.6 out of 54.6Price level $$

    Houston Street cocktail pub that shines for parties, with quiz nights, espresso martinis and staff who help plan surprises.