"Best," of course, if relative here, but if you're looking to assimilate into the hipster scene, it isn't as simple as wandering the streets of Williamsburg or the Lower East Side: you've got to start at these bars!
Cool and trendy, one of Chinatown's original watering holes; in fact, a mainstay of the neighborhood for over 50 years. Listen to live music, or just chill out, play pool and enjoy the DJ.
169 East BroadwayUnion Hall is a 5,000 square foot bar, restaurant and venue for live music and comedy in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn. Painstakingly converted from a warehouse, it offers cozy firesides, a stately library, two indoor bocce courts, outdoor garden seating, and a downstairs bar...
702 Union Street (at Fifth Ave.)This dive bar in the Lower East Side calls itself The Skinny for a reason: it is skinny, reminiscent of a railroad style apartment. That said you can drink budget beers all night, watch t.v., or squeeze in a game of pool or two in its tiny billiards room. Great place to go if you...
174 Orchard StreetSmall Moroccan themed lounge that attracts an older crowd, mix of artists, Euros, fashion types and the occasional celeb. While there is no cover, drinks can be steep - with cocktails coming in at around $20. Famous for its themed nights, so check the website to see what kind of ...
305 Spring StreetGreat live music in an interesting venue on the Lower East Side's original nightlife capital, Ludlow Street. You never know who (or what) will be playing here, but a good time is guaranteed. Some shows are free, and others usually range from $5 to $10.
158 Ludlow St.Lit Lounge is a place for painters, musicians, writers, and performers whose visions are not accepted by the mainstream to hang out and build a community. Lit offers a two level immersive experience featuring a spacious two thousand square foot lounge and a fifteen hundred square...
93 2nd Ave (Between 5th and 6th Sts.)Both a characterization and a caricature of the Williamsburg music scene, this well-designed music venue also serves as a bar and as a training ground for the hip-to-be. The quarters are a bit close, but it's a welcome trade-off for the comfortable booths. Besides, with a backyar...
484 Union Ave.The decor at this Nolita bar is nothing special but the bar service and music is first rate. What's more, it's a cool place to meet a youngish crowd of Manhattanites, although very crowded most weekends.
5 Spring StLow frills basement lounge where the denizens of the Meatpacking scene let their hair down, worry less about what shoes they are wearing, and play billiards, foosball and board games.
675 Hudson Street (West 14th St.)So devoutly hipster that they don't have a phone—although they probably all have iPhones—or a website—and if they did, it'd probably look like it was made by GeoCities—and a name that almost ensures people have never heard of it unless they've been there. The exterior looks like ...
597 Manhattan AveFrom the makers of the Glasslands Gallery, a contemporary American restaurant with a Southern flair and a piano bar atmosphere including—why not?—a baby grand.
632 Manhattan AveTrophy is presenting the newest musicians and DJ’s from around the world in a warm and welcoming environment featuring delicious drinks and great music. Trophy offers a selection of 8 beers on draught, a concise wine list, and full liquor collection, with an emphasis on Tequila a...
351 BroadwayThis oh-so-Ludlow Street place is like a cliché, a place where you can hear live bands, buy old records, drink coffee, wine or beer, and uh, also buy a cake! True, you might not discover the next Blues Traveler here, but it's a great venue for local music and right in the midst o...
152 Ludlow Street (Stanton & Rivington Streets)Elegant cocktail bar with lovely rooftop patio for the warmer seasons. Check their website for list of DJs and upcoming events.
677 Lorimer StreetThe former Triple Crown space is resurrected as yet another hip bar in Williamsburg—only without the usual confluence of hipsters that usually brings along with it.
108 Bedford AveThe proprietors of Greenpoints' Five Leaves bring a new restaurant to Williamsburg, featuring a Latin menu of small plates and a cocktail program. Favors a hip crowd, but those people can be smart as the food here is excellent.
1 Bedford AveFamous for its historical affairs, crimes of passion, and celebrated scandal, No. 8's namesake – the renowned bungalow of the Beverly Hills Hotel – lends a reputation of mystery and intrigue. Aptly deemed the "No-Tell Motel" for its discretion, No. 8 caters to an intern...
357 West 16th StreetA too-clean, too-smooth bartop sets the stage for this highly contrived bar, where a taxidermied lion stares at you and gawdy electric chandeliers hang over your head like some Hipster Damocles' sword.
131 Chrystie Street