One of the things New Yorkers know all too well is that more often than not, going out in the city is not cheap.
As a matter of fact, sometimes it’s downright impoverishing.
But finding a watering hole that’s both great AND affordable watering hole can be a task and a half.
Fortunately, there are a bunch of bars that will be more than happy to liquor you up for much less than you’d think.
Read on to find 8 bars to get your booze on without going bankrupt.
1. Fiddlesticks (56 Greenwich Avenue)
drinkaroo Get you monday going with all #beers, #wines, & spirits for $5 of @FiddlesticksPub (4-8pm) Credit: Fiddlesticks Pub #ny #nyc #newyork #drinkingspecial #deals #draftbeer #beer #drinks #winter #bar #manhattan #uppereastside #bronx #brooklyn #newyorkcity #shots #alcohol #nycbars #instacool #igers #instadrink #thirstynyc #monday #margaritamonday
Not only can you find a cheap drink at this best-kept West Village secret, they also boast one of the latest running happy hours that can be found in the city.
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From 3 to 10 p.m., one of their striking bartenders will serve you up any drink you want for a killer $3, except for martinis and shots. But at 3 bucks a drink, who needs a shot anyway?
2. Boobie Trap (308 Bleecker Street - Brooklyn)
Giving Hooters a run for its money, all kinds of eye-turning knockers brazenly abound in this retro-kitted dive bar, such as the rubber lady lumps that adorn the bathroom ceiling, lit by a chandelier of Barbie dolls.
Though the neon sign behind the bar that declares you “f*ck off,” the bartenders are all to eager to push you a crazy cheap tall-boy or Blue Moon, not costing you more than $7 a beer.
3. End of the Century (104-08 Metropolitan Avenue - Queens)
thehungrytigernyc It's time to fall... Missionary's Downfall that is. Mint mint mint and more mint! @endofthecenturybar #deliciousness #hungrytigergrubcrawl #cheers #cheflife #cateringman #rhum #tiki #foresthills #QueeninQueens #toomanyhashtags #gayboites #nofilter
What at first looks like your typical tiki bar gives way to a modern tropical escape with a living room-style lounge furnished warm-wood wainscoting instead of the kitschy, bamboo-laden décor in Forest Hills.
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Not only an escape from the expected business and noise of the regular borough hotspots, the majority of their Manhattan-caliber cocktails come with a noticeable out-of-town price tag. Sometimes it pays to travel.
4. XES (157 West 24th Street)
the_real_melnyc Oh Yah! It's past 5pm #cocktailTime #happyHour #lounge #instadrinks #instafun #cosmopolitan please Mr. #Bartender I'm #thirsty I have been working hard #NYC #NewYork #Chelsea #manhattan #newYorkCity #lifeOfANewYorker #newYorker #newYorknewYork #cocktail #fabulous
One of Chelsea’s most beloved neighborhood haunts, XES doesn’t look like much from the outside, but holds quite the treasure trove of a bar inside. complete with spacious lounge area and open-air backyard, it's perfect for our 60-degree winter weather.
Their daily 2-for-1 happy hour goes until 9 p.m. and gives way to a night of drag shows and DJ entertainment. On the weekends, stop in for $2 off any drink you order starting at 4 p.m.
,5. Thirsty Scholar (155 Second Avenue)
A contemporary take on the all-too-familiar Irish pub, the Thirsty Scholar combines old world décor with a modern urban charm. $3 to $4 beers are aplenty and their $5 martinis aren't anything to sneeze at either.
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Among regulars’ favorites are their $4 cosmos and sweet frozen drinks, a delight any day of the week. Every Sunday at 6 p.m. though, the bar also orders a pile of pies from 2 Bros. Pizza for bar patrons to enjoy free with their drinks. How can you go wrong with that?
6. Mugs Alehouse (125 Bedford Avenue - Brooklyn)
gabrieldamuda Segue como o meu bar preferido para choppes em NY. Nada expansivo, como a maioria dos bares cervejeiros por aqui, cartas incrivelmente bem pensadas, choppes super bem tirados e cervejas servidas na temperatura certa. O Mug's Ale House fica na Bedford, no auge do badalo de Willamsburg, mas sempre com um clima aprazível, preços convidativos e um ambiente clássico, que tem dobrado a minha sede nesses últimos quatro anos. Brooklyn.
Hunker down inside this classic New York-style Williamsburg tavern, popular for its over 150 hard-to-find drafts and bottles at prices that brew some seriously happy faces from the wallets kept considerably full.
From $2 pint specials to exclusive drink deals for neighborhood workers and artists, Mugs is a chill, budget-friendly choice for any after-work or weekend hangout.
7. Boiler Room (86 East 4th Street)
A tried and true East Village staple, the Boiler Room is more than just a cash-only dive bar with a pool table.
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The bartenders here are known to pour heavy, and that’s not when you take into account their $4 house liquor drink special from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. every night. Bottoms up!
8. Two-Bits Retro Arcade (153 Essex Street)
playedthebeta Just found this place in the east village of nyc, can't wait to go this weekend! Anyone been here before? #nyc #twobitsretroarcade #retrogaming #pinball #alcohol #nycbars #eastvillage #videogames #arcade #arcadegames
Along with their hearty lineup of craft beer, wine and sake, Two-Bits offers and extra experience when you pop into their dive bar playground: old-school arcade gaming.
Weekly happy hours and daily specials, such as a $3 PBR, get the night rolling right as you get lost in some Mortal Kombat or Metallica pinball. Just bring cash for cocktails and quarters.
Check out 6 Holiday-Themed Bars to Get Your Drink on This Month in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]