The 4 Best Cocktail Bars in the East Village
The most bar-heavy neighborhood in NYC, the East Village is home to a vibrant and diverse crowd of barflies ranging from NYU students to seasoned punk rockers. Fancy something a little more refined than cheap beer and shots of whiskey? Here's where to find crafty cocktails amongst the riff-raff. By Selena Ricks-Good.
See Also: The Best East Village Dive Bars
Death & Co.
433 E. 6th St.
New York, NY
(212) 388-0882
deathandcompany.com
Don't be scared by the name--it's just the cocktails that are killer at this dim-as-a-cave speakeasy. Considered one of the top bars in the country, drinks here are made with expert precision, like the Cure for Pain (Rittenhouse Bonded Rye Whiskey, Carpano Antica Vermouth, George T. Stagg Bourbon, Otima 10 year Tawny Port, White Creme de Caco, Campari and an orange twist). However, patience is the name of the game here--there's often a wait to get inside for a table (no standing at the bar), and once you do get settled, expect to wait up to 20 minutes for your carefully crafted drinks to arrive.
Mayahuel
304 E. 6th St.
New York, NY
(212) 253-5888
mayahuelny.com
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Pay your respects to Mayahuel, the goddess of agave, at this tequila- and mezcal-focused cocktail den. Settle into the Mexican monastery-inspired decor and sip masterful cocktails such as the Loop Tonic (blanco tequila, Green Chartreuse, vermouth and celery bitters). The roomier lounge upstairs often becomes a more boisterous scene--after all, everyone is drinking tequila.
Elsa
217 E. 3rd St.
New York, NY
(917) 882-7395
elsaroom.com
If you are looking for elegant cocktails and a scene that lacks pretension, Elsa is your girl. Past the pink neon sign out front, enter a candlelit black and white setting and order a classic like the Sazerac or Old Fashioned, or have one of the friendly bartenders make something on request. Prefer a beer? The sewing machine behind the bar is converted into a tap.
Angel's Share
8 Stuyvesant St.
New York, NY
(212) 777-5415
Considered one of the best bars in America by Esquire, this speakeasy sequestered upstairs from a Japanese restaurant features a premium whiskey list and balanced cocktails. Absolutely no loud groups are admitted--or any groups over four people, for that matter--and no standing at the bar. Get past the rules and you will enjoy one of NYC's best kept secrets, open since 1996.
