Sake Bar Satsko is a tiny delight in Alphabet City. Some delectable Asian fusion bites like the spicy tuna roll and Gyoza are available, but the reason to go to Satsko’s is sake. The friendly bartenders have a great knowledge of the over 20 varieties of sake offered from reasonably priced to high-end. It gets crowded, so get in early for a good table or seat at the tight bar. Plus, for those seeking to take it up a notch, try the sake bomb, which involves downing a full beer with a shot of sake dropped to the bottom.
Joe's Pub
Joe's Pub is a live music and performance venue at The Public Theater. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound and light systems, the pub has given a platform to many upcoming and established artists from varied genres. Alicia Keys called it her "favorite rock & roll venue" while the late Amy Winehouse made her stateside debut here. With its candlelit setting, rich velvet couches, lucite tables and minimalistic-yet-beautiful architecture, the pub envelops you into its warm, inviting ambiance. Dinner and drinks are available during each performance; expect delicious Italian fare with a full bar stocked with wines, beers, spirits, and specialty cocktails.
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Skip the fancy cocktails and spend the night indulging in a supreme selection of beers at Bar Great Harry. They feature a draft rotation that changes at least once a week, but you'll always see favorites like Sly Fox, Yuengling, and Flying Dog, among others. They even boast a bottle list with numerous beers! Also look out for their special drink promotions, happy hour and events as well as trivia nights.
Barcade
For those who crave for a little IPA with their Donkey Kong, Barcade just might be the place. The lovingly-designed space combines hand-crafted pub furnishings with several classic arcade games. Draft and craft brews are the specialty of the house featuring East Coast heavy hitters like Peekskill and West Coast humdingers like Lagunitas, but there is also a full bar. So whether you like a shot of Jim Beam before a round of Centipede or a goblet of Belgian-style strong ale to accompany a rousing Ms Pac-Man tournament, Barcade can probably accommodate you.
Banter
Tucked away on the busy Havemeyer Street, Banter Bar is a cozy corner in the city to enjoy all the live English Premier Leagues matches. This place features full-service craft beer bar offering 24 craft draft taps, 35 bottled beer, good selection of wines and an extensive list of scotches and bourbons. The grub served here is limited to gourmet panini and sausage. The bar hosts DJ nights on Friday and Saturday, and Trivia Night on every Monday.
Situated on the Lower East Side, Clockwork Bar is a go-to for rockers and lovers of rock and roll and punk music. Top-to-bottom graffiti-lined walls and an all-over punk theme dominate the space, giving this dive bar its electrifying vibes. This grunge aesthetic extends to the washrooms as well. Also adding to its highlights are affordable beers, frozen margaritas, and fantastic bartenders. Despite staying open till late, it is better to drop in early with your friends as this local bar usually gets crowded.
TØRST
With no less than 21 rotating varieties on tap, this little bar in Brooklyn has quickly become a favorite among beer-worshipers. Tørst is the brainchild of legendary Danish brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø and acclaimed chef Daniel Burns. Reclaimed woods cover pretty much every inch of the interior space, leaving the beautiful marble-topped bar and small sections of the mosaic-tiled walls. Spherical lanterns give a warm vibe to the space, and are the only decor elements. The minimalistic and stylish bar stools are Danish inspired. There's a choice of charcuterie and cheese plates to accompany your beers. You can also enjoy a more extensive menu at the adjoining Luksus. Check website for more.
