1. Death & Co.
8.8
433 E 6th St (btwn 1st Ave & Ave A), New York, NY
Speakeasy · East Village · 394 tips and reviews
Brandon McGraw: EaterNY calls the Tea in the Sahara one of New York's best spring cocktails
Jeffrey: A constant innovator, this spot is home to more than a few modern classics. Difficult at times to squeeze past the door, worth it when you make it into the dimly lit spot for mixological excellence.
Chet Mancini: Lots of seating, great decor, and one of the best cocktail menus in the city.
2. The Wayland
8.9
700 E 9th St (at Avenue C), New York, NY
Cocktail Bar · Alphabet City · 283 tips and reviews
Nick Rudemiller: I usually don't leave tips places but the bartenders/owners are so nice and the cocktails are spectacular. Have them recommend you a drink with your favorite spirit!
Jen Deeeemac: GREAT cocktails- get the garden variety margarita or the cumin my cocktail.
Andrew Doll: Fun bar that's always open late! Has a semi-divey (a good thing!) atmosphere with lively attitude. Best part is a well-executed and delicious craft cocktail menu from talented bartenders!
4. PDT (Please Don't Tell)
8.3
113 Saint Marks Pl (btwn 1st Ave & Avenue A), New York, NY
Speakeasy · East Village · 439 tips and reviews
Eve Vanderpool: Fantastic place... I have been here a few times and it is not difficult to get in. Very friendly. Expensive drinks, but worth every last cent. Lovely crowd, expertly made cocktails and cozy.
Katie Hines: Amazing cocktails and a great atmosphere, it's worth going through the headache to get a reservation. Make sure to order the Chang Dog, unbelievable.
Karen Vanetta: Easily top 5 best cocktails bars in NY. Charmingly rustic. Go for the Mezcal Mule. Try the 2Pok Crif Dog with Pok Pok wing sauce (hold the cilantro though).
5. The Summit Bar & Cafe
8.4
133 Avenue C (btwn E 8th & E 9th St), New York, NY
Cocktail Bar · Alphabet City · 204 tips and reviews
Immi Gaga: Very unique and tasty cocktails. The price is about $11 for delicious drinks. They have outdoor seating in the back.
Hannah Chanpong: Fun! Dark & Stormy is good, the mint julep will get you good.
Candace Chang: Im a fan of the music, its a chill spot, and the Charmaine's Star cocktail is amazing if you like cucumber. Solid spot with friends but it definitely gets crowded so get there early!
7. Goodnight Sonny
8.4
134 1st Ave (St Marks), New York, NY
Cocktail Bar · East Village · 69 tips and reviews
Noah Weiss: From the Wayland folks comes very solid cocktails -- everything with fresh veggies and fruits were particularly good -- and legitimately tasty bar food like a "pastrami" fish sandwich. Solid value.
Jessica Wickham: Fantastic cocktails, good interesting twists on the classics like margaritas with orange bitters, lime, agave and chili salt. Sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail afternoon watching the world go by
ZenFoodster: HH Mon-Fri's 4-7pm: $1 East (mostly) & West coast oysters (some) off of menu selection of 10 varieties, 65¢ raw clams + $8 cocktails & beers. Fresh oysters (lil' sand), cocktail shrimp+steamed clams!
8. Blind Barber
7.9
339 E 10th St (btwn Avenue A & B), New York, NY
Speakeasy · Alphabet City · 199 tips and reviews
Stefano Calzolari: Stop by during the happy hour you will get 50% off on selected beers and cocktails. Oh..and you can get a nice haircut on your way out!!
Achille Kolla: One of the best speakeasies in NYC. $7 happy hour drinks from 6-9pm on Fridays. Drinks are DELICIOUSLY STRONG.
Desirée MacDonald: An awesome speakeasy in the EV. Be sure to go early though as the line can get long. If you ball hard, get bottle service. It's well worth it here!
10. The Smith
8.5
55 3rd Ave (btwn E 10th & E 11th St), New York, NY
American Restaurant · East Village · 518 tips and reviews
Josh Berkowitz: Their cocktails are great! This place is versatile, good for any occasion - brunch, bar snacks and drinks, date, group dinner, it can handle it. Good food, good service.
Paula: Good food in general. Burger, pasta, breakfast food, beers, cocktails.... You can find pretty much everything here
Ahmie Becks: Great brunch spot. Skip the wait and sit at the bar. Make sure you have a dirty jane. By far the best cocktail I have ever had.
12. Miss Lily's 7A
8.9
109 Avenue A (at E 7th St), New York, NY
Caribbean Restaurant · East Village · 170 tips and reviews
Jeremy Jacobowitz: What a fun brunch spot! With a meal you can add an unlimited brunch cocktail for $15! Loved their version of a bloody mary! Really spicy with a hint of sweetness!
Marie Porras: Great jerk chicken, jerk corn, plantain. Love their dark'n'stormy. Staff is super nice. Deco is fun. Great place for friends night out.
Nazli Oguz: Great and fast service, unlimited cocktails for brunch and delicious food, jerk chicken rotti and coconut pancake are amazing
13. The Bowery Hotel
9.1
335 Bowery (btwn E 2nd & E 3rd St), New York, NY
Hotel · East Village · 89 tips and reviews
Stephanie Harrison: Ginger spice cocktail is amazing!
Us Weekly: This super stylish hotel is an easy place to spot celebs, from Robert Pattinson to Jake Gyllenhaal! Enjoy coffee or a cocktail in the comfy lobby or pretty patio.
Justin Breton: Great cocktails in a chic environment. If you're lucky, you'll spot a few celebrities. #nycdrinks
15. Boulton & Watt
7.9
5 Avenue A (at W Houston St), New York, NY
Gastropub · East Village · 197 tips and reviews
Amber Moller: Definitely a go-to in the EV of A. Want a crazy night? Get a couple pickle backs, my favorite is the beet one! I also love their gin cocktail that's named Deviation. Recipe for an amazing night!
Lucy Xu: In brunch heaven: Amazing savory selections (e.g., huevos rancheros, egg/chorizo tacos, Texan eggs benedict, etc.) + $5 brunch cocktails = drunch done right!
L. T.: Between my friend and I, we tried almost all of the appetizers. You cannot go wrong. Good beer selection and the cocktails are amazing. Get in before 7 for half-off happy hour.