New York City is famous for many things, one of those being its innate ability to burn a hole in visitors' wallets. For many, Manhattan is a place to work, live, or a popular vacation spot, but going out at night is an expensive feat – one that many find too pricey to pull off. However, there are neighborhoods that provide sanctuary from Uncle Sam's demanding hands, and one is Manhattan's Lower East Side.
McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's, located on 15 East 7th Street, opened its doors in 1854, refused to close those doors during Prohibition, and remains open for Lower East Siders today. Memorabilia collages the entire bar from ceiling to floor. Behind the bar is a row of wishbones, rumored to have been left by a group of soldiers before they went off to WW1. Those who survived returned and removed their wishbones, leaving the existing bones to represent soldiers who never returned. Houdini's handcuffs dangle like earrings on the bar rail beneath a dusty picture of JFK hanging crookedly next to an oversized Barack Obama pin. McSorley's Old Ale House not only provides its customers with a full cup of beer, but also with an entire room full of history.
- Location: 15 East 7th Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-473-9148
- Website: www.mcsorleysnewyork.com
Max Fish
If an ale house with a knack for the past isn't your thing, migrate to Max Fish located on 178 Ludlow Street. Max Fish has been stationed on Ludlow Street for over a decade, catering to those "in the know" about where to go for cheap drinks and a hipster vibe. Today, you'll discover flocks of youthful New Yorkers sharing drinks in oversized booths located in the front and back of the bar, bopping to booming Alternative music, and playing pool. Working as a reflection of the crowd, the walls are repainted every couple of weeks, evoking an ever-changing environment to the ever-changing tidal restlessness of the city.
- Location: 178 Ludlow Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-529-3959
- Website: www.maxfish.com
Dark Room
If you're in the mood to dance, head a couple buildings down to Dark Room, located on 165 Ludlow Street. Dark Room is true to its name, being a dim-lit bar with live DJs playing music that makes it a chore to do anything but dance along to the beat. Dark Room is a hybrid dive bar and club that attracts a young crowd anxious to dance their cares away.
- Location: 165 Ludlow Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-353-0536
- Website: www.darkroombar.com
Spitzer's Corner
All the exercise from dancing has made you hungry and it may be time to travel down to Spitzer's Corner located on 101 Rivington Street where you can get a burger and choose from a massive selection of beer. Functioning as a family style restaurant during the day, Spitzer's Corner invites you into a social environment where you'll dine at long, rectangular family-style tables that can seat up to thirty people. Framing the community tables are booths stationed an arms length from one another to encourage inclusive conversation throughout the entire bar. Good for a daytime drink and a nighttime scene, Spitzer's Corner draws in a buzzing bunch looking to quench its thirst with a decently priced beer and burger.
- Location: 101 Rivington Street, New York, NY
- Phone: 212-228-0027
- Website: www.spitzerscorner.com
The Lower East Side is crowded with life a patchwork irresistible to history-buffs or a visitor seeking a fresh mug of beer from a place with attitude, buzzing youth, and style.
