A Drinking Solution: 8 Best NYC Bars to Get Loaded at Without Breaking the Bank

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.

[anad]

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)

ericmooneyphoto tuesday vibes


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.

[anad2]

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)

thirstyscholarpub #boston #thirstyscholar #somerville #beer #pub


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.

[anad]

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)

iamalexmendoza #nyc #boilerroom


A tried and true East Village staple, the Boiler Room is more than just a cash-only dive bar with a pool table.

[anad2]

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] 

get spoiled in your inbox

recent