The east village was my home for two and a half years. During this time I went drinking with friends fairly often. You see, I was not much of a party animal in my college years. Rather, I mostly stayed in at night and rarely ever went to a frat house. Therefore, after I moved to Manhattan it seemed like I needed to make up for lost time. And so I did. Here are my five favorite east village bars and reasons why you will love them, too:
1. Beauty Bar. Centrally located right off the Union Square subway stop is this unique, hipster hangout. It was once a real beauty salon, and evidence of its past remains. Original salon chairs are still there, and patrons can get a drink and manicure for $10. The drinks are strong, and the staff is hot. But if you plan to go on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday you will have to skip the manicure. The line will be too long, and on these nights you’ll have a hard time just getting around the place. Still, a gem in the rough. Hours: Mon-Fri: 5pm to 4am, Sat and Sun: 7pm to 4am, Subway 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th Street – Union Square. Happy hour: Mon-Fri from 6pm to 9pm. Location: 241 E. 14th Street.
2. Luca Lounge. This is hands down my all time favorite place for a quieter night with friends. Luca Lounge has bragging rights for its astoundingly big patio garden. Here, large groups can actually hear each other and see each other. The sangria is amazing. Even the indoor area is really cute and lounge-y. A fuseball table adds fun, but the food could use some work. Come here after dinner in summer. Hours: Mon-Thur: 7pm to 12am, Fri-Sat: 7pm to 4am. Closed Sunday. Subway: L train to 14th and 1st Ave. Location: 222 Ave B.
3. Village Pourhouse. During warmer months you can sit outside, and that is just what I was doing when I saw Casey Affleck run by and hail a cab. But that’s not what makes this place great. Rather, it’s the selection of beer – both bottled and on tap. They even have my favorite, Hoegaarden, which can be hard to find. This place is really a sports bar, but due its large backroom it works well as a social gathering place for women and men alike. Hours: Sun-Wed: 11am-2am, Thurs-Sat: 11am-4am. Subway 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th Street – Union Square. Happy hour: Mon-Fri from 11am to 7pm. Location: 64 Third Ave.
4. Boxcar Lounge. Let’s hear it one more time for garden bars! And funny enough, this place is right down the street from Luca Lounge. Boxcar has a nice, laid back vibe and earns recognition as a constant favorite among locals. It has little nooks and cut outs in the walls for people to cozy up inside, while the outside hosts a garden area open year round (space heaters make it tolerable in winter). The Lounge has fantastically strong sangria and an awesome happy hour. Hours: Mon-Thurs: 6pm to 4am, Fri: 4pm to 4am, Sat-Sun Subway: L train to 14th and 1st Ave. Happy hour: Mon-Thur: 6pm to 10pm, Fri:4pm to 8pm, Sat-Sun: 2pm to 8pm. Enjoy two-for-one drinks during happy hour. Location: 168 Ave B.
