Filed under: Comedy, Dive Bars | Tags: awesome bars, bar reviews, bars, cool spots, dive bar reviews, dive bars, dives, night life, nyc, nyc bars, oi, punk, punk rock, punk rock bar, rad
A small list of some sweet NYC dives you gotta check out. Mostly in Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Lower East Village area.
1.) Mars Bar- 25 East 1st Street, New York, NY 10003 *
I talked about this place before, still takes top notch NYC dive. A bunch of punks, drunks, NYU students, old gnar dogs, and a cool Juke box. Unfortunately, NYU has bought the area where it’s at and Mar’s drinks prices went up, and the bar may not be around for much longer, which sucks a lot. Check it out while you can, rad! Cash only.
2.) Parkside Lounge- 317 East Houston Street, New York *
This place is a more traditional dive, pool table, old guys getting wasted etc. Still, great atmosphere, nice/cool bartenders, and good music playing. Great atmosphere to just kick it and have a pint. Very laid back and cool spot. Cash only.
3.) Iggys- 132 Ludlow St. New York, NY 10002 *
Iggys was pretty cool, nice atmosphere, prices weren’t bad, and the bartender was dressed like a pirate. $5, shot and beer, very doable. Though the places atmosphere and location were divey, the people hanging were a little yuppie. Still consider the place a go, a couple bars next door to the place were not so good, they seemed to be places that were very dark and themed like dive bars, but full of yuppies. Cash only.
“..and you know, I actually mostly stay on the upper west side when I’m not in L.A., you know.. higher society, but it’s cool to come down and slum at a dive every once and a while.. yup, just waiting for my friend, he’s the best IP lawyer a dollar could buy..” -Random yuppie at a near yuppified dive bar,
4.) Motor City- 127 Ludlow Street. New York, NY 10002 *
I love this place, so far, still tied with Mars Bar on my favorite LES spots. I’ve wrote a little about this spot before, but it’s worth another mention. Dark, always playin some rock and roll, friendly bartenders, decent prices, themed with cars and motors for seats and decoration. Awesome. Cash only.
5.) Lucky Jacks- 129 Orchard St. New York, NY 10002
This was another one of those “yuppified dive bars”, well I would barely consider this a dive. The place is dark, pool table, decorated with a couple strange framed pictures around the place, and has a large bar. This spot is worth mentioning because they had a free comedy show downstairs, in the small basement which was very cool, and they were passing out free pizza! Cool comedy show aside, the beer was overpriced and the bartender/service was pretty bad. Debit and Credit cards are cool.
Note:// I did not take these photos.
Filed under: Dive Bars, Venues | Tags: awesome, bar, bars, beer, cheap bars, dive, dive bar, drink, maryland, night life, nyc, ocean city, philly, punk, richmond, sick, sweet, va, venue, virginia
Good Dive Bars are hard to find, they should have character, be relaxed, and actually have some good prices. I’ve came across some dives that look sweet, then you get in there and your dropping $4 on a PBR? Here’s a couple I’ve checked out that live up to Parr.
In no specific order//
Mars Bar, in the Lower East Side of NYC. This place is awesome, probably the biggest dive I’ve seen. It’s NYC so it’s not extremely cheap compared to other cities, but if you tip the bartender you’ll get some free shots. The place is covered in grafitti, the bathroom is a train wreck, and boxes of beer cover most of the bar. Mostly punk rockers, and art crowd. Wasn’t crowded at all when I was there, and can’t really imagine it being. Definitly check it out if your in the mood for a real sick dive. http://www.yelp.com/biz/mars-bar-new-york
Motor City, also in the Lower East Side of NYC. No where near the amount of Dive of Mars Bar, but is definitely a cool bar, not bad prices, same crowd, the only difference is this place was a lot more crowded, and a little less low key. Last time I went there it was cash only, which sucked because I ran out. The place was pretty large for a dive, and had a real rockabilly vibe to it. http://www.motorcitybar.com/
Makos in Philadelphia, Great Dive and 50cent Beers. I hear a lot about this so thought I’d bring it up, haven’t been there though, but if your around the city you should look it up. http://www.yelp.com/biz/makos-retired-surfers-bar-and-grill-philadelphia
McCormicks Irish Pub, Located in Shockoe Area of Richmond, VA. Kind of pricey but a great Punk Rock Irish Pub, the upstairs is an awesome place to see bands play. It’s pretty large inside and if you have some money you can get your hands on some good whiskey. The place definitely has some cool vibes, with the atmosphere, and staff. The same owner opened a Whiskey Bar in the Fan Area of Richmond with the bar’s image looking like a saloon, this place has a full menu of different whiskeys and shelves piled up to the ceiling with bottles, the place has a bar by the window too which is pretty neat, so if you like good whiskey and have cash on you check it out. http://www.mccormacksirishpub.com/ http://www.yelp.com/biz/mccormacks-whiskey-grill-and-smokehouse-richmond
The Bearded Clam, in the downtown part of Ocean City. Great Name, and pretty cheap too. Your sure to meet some characters in here, like a fat guy wearing a Hawaiian button up making fun of everyone hammered while slapping the bar top. http://www.thebeardedclam.com/
Peppers Tavern, 16th Ocean City, MD. Build your own Bloody Mary Bar, Pool Table, The Best Chicken Nachos you’ll ever taste. The Original Bar was located under a Motel, recently they opened a second bar, which kind of sucks but still check it out. They have a hot sauce shop in front of the restaurant too. The place has pretty funny regulars and a lot of character. Sometimes they have some bands playin too. Sometimes even have art gallerys. http://www.ocpepperstavern.com/
more soon..
