Which Lower East Side Cocktail Bars Fit in a Quarter Mile?

5.0 (92)

Tue – Thu, 17:00 – 23:00; Fri – Sat, 17:00 – 00:00 (+1)

87 Ludlow St

Filipino-inspired low-ABV cocktails anchor this lesbian-owned queer bar on Ludlow Street, and each drink is tied to a story. Order the group chat with pizza buns or a charcuterie plate in the candlelit room.

5.0 (71)

Mon, 17:00 – 23:00; Tue – Wed, 17:00 – 00:00 (+1); Thu, 17:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 17:00 – 02:00 (+1)

171 Chrystie St

Gin martinis lead under a sky mural ceiling, joined by a savory Gibson, a purple Negroni and an Aquavit Old Fashioned. The Vesper is the sleeper hit, and seafood bites keep pace.

4.9 (129)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 17:30 – 20:30, 21:00 – 22:30

77 Delancey Street

Eight seats, a separate entrance and a curtain drawn once everyone sits. This omakase counter inside the Grey Lady pairs Japanese imports with curated sake, and a sake pairing is offered.

4.6 (281)

Mon – Wed, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1); Thu – Fri, 16:00 – 04:00 (+1); Sat, 13:00 – 04:00 (+1); Sun, 13:00 – 02:00 (+1)

66 Rivington St

Rock on the jukebox and bare brick walls set the tone at this inexpensive corner bar. Expect unusual craft beers, small cartons of sake, wine, Al's for non-drinkers, and service until 4:00 AM Thursday and Friday.

4.6 (144)

Mon – Thu, 17:30 – 01:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 17:30 – 02:00 (+1)

138 Orchard Street

Dave Arnold designed the cocktails, and the two-page menu sorts them by method, from Shaken and Stirred to Frozen, Built and Nitro Muddled. Expect tight carbonation, funky lounge music and weeknight hours until 1:00 AM.

4.2 (1,996)

Mon – Sun, 17:00 – 03:00 (+1)

134 Eldridge St

No menu exists at this upscale speakeasy on Eldridge Street. Bartenders build classic-leaning drinks around your taste, and parties of six or fewer are seated mostly on a first-come basis. Waits can run long, and the age limit is 21.