Top 10 Best Bars near NYU
College is tough. We’re always on the grind, fighting off midterm after midterm, and it aches to see finals and big projects stacking up. But, it never hurts to kick back and drink some nice beer (if you’re 21+), and give yourself a well-deserved break! And if you’re a student at NYU, there’s a lot of local bars to choose from.
Here are some of the pretty awesome bars that are near NYU (ranked from worst to best):
10. Anytime Billiards
Anything that rhymes belongs together. Like booze and pool. Okay, those two don’t rhyme but they still belong together. Located slightly outside of Manhattan’s Ktown, Anytime Billiards is a nice place to go as a second round, after everyone gets a little tipsy and friendly. The bar connects to a set of pool tables, where you and your friends can have things to do other than take shots. What’s great about this bar is their cupbob (rice mixed with marinated meat like chicken, beef, or pork). Not only does it taste good and hearty, but it’s also only $10, so when that craving for food hits after the second shot, this is the perfect menu to order.
9. The Malt House
There’s different types of bars. Some are classy and high quality, but the price may be a little expensive. These types of bars are appropriate if you want a nice glass or two of cocktails, or if you’re on a first date. This is a bar that gives you a bang for your buck. The best part about the Malt House is that the drinks are insanely cheap, especially if you visit during their happy hours.
“Drinks are really cheap. As a broke college student, it’s a great place to dine.” NYU sophomore Joseph Chun said.
Their cocktails at this hour are priced at $8, and considering that most bars price their cocktails at a range of $15-$20, the deal is amazing. There are also drink packages that charge you by the hour instead of the number of drinks you have, which would be great if your goal is to feel a little more than happy tonight. Not to say that the quality of the drinks are bad though; they’re surprisingly good, especially for the price. All in all, a pretty good place to visit with a group of friends to have some fun!
8. Sam Sunny
Sam Sunny is better known for its food on the internet. And as someone born and raised in Korea, I can definitely agree with the Google reviews that this place does a pretty good job with their Korean food. Not many people talk about their bar, however. There are usually plenty of seats to take, and the layout of the bar always gives you a place to breathe, no matter how crowded the area gets. The design is niche and modern, and they go perfectly with anything in the food menu.
“You know, the best part about this place is whoever’s on the aux is always blasting some nice music. They know their stuff,” Chun said.
Indeed, their playlists are usually great; the staff adjusts the songs depending on the overall mood of the bar. Perfect spot to go for a first date. Sometimes they blast the Happy Birthday song to let the whole place know that someone special is going to have the best day ever. The price range of the food and drinks is not the cheapest, but there are ways to cut your costs. Be sure to be on the lookout for their happy hours; they’ll have beers and soju for half price.
7. Employees Only
If I had to name the trendiest bar in Greenwich Village, I would choose this bar. Employees Only always has a long line in front of its doorstep, and the quality of the drinks really displays why so many people take their time to wait in that long line. There’s diversity in the house cocktail menus, so there are more options to choose from, and the base spirits the bar uses is always high quality, so all the drinks are bound to taste good. They have a cocktail called the ‘shift drink’, which is basically like the chef’s choice menu at a restaurant; so if you ever wind up at this place and are having trouble deciding what to order, there’s always a safe choice you can make.
6. Peculiar Pub
Peculiar Pub is a beer lover’s heaven. With more than 50 different choices to look at, it’s harder to find a type of beer this pub doesn’t have. Everything in the kitchen menu is designed to give you a strong craving when you take a sip of any of those 50 beers you choose to drink, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. As much as I like Guinness and Blue Moon, I highly recommend that you try their rarer selections, like the Goose Island Bourbon County brand, or J.W. Lees ales, as you don’t often have the opportunity to find these in another bar or even at local liquor shops.
5. Triona’s
Triona’s is your typical sports bar, located in Sullivan Street. It’s the best place to go if there’s a big game going on, like the Superbowl or the NBA finals. Everyone is always happy to be there, with a nice Guinness Draft in their hand. It has pool tables, darts and bartenders with a twisted sense of humor that always lightens the atmosphere. I always get draft beer when I visit, but I do know that they also make a wicked Moscow mule, if you want to add a little salt to your regular routine. For a sports bar, their food is surprisingly good; the quesadilla and chicken sliders combo always hits home.
4. Bibliotheque
Not so much of a typical bar, but this is a place everyone HAS to visit if you ever come around Soho. True to its name, Bibliotheque (meaning ‘library’ in French) is a book cafe/wine bar, with a warm, cozy interior. The couches are comfy, and it’s nice to sit there for a few hours, reading a nice book and having a glass of red wine, on a warm, sunny afternoon. If you don’t know much about wine or new books, Bibliotheque’s official website also posts monthly recommendations of wines and books, and you could start there. I recommend you pay at least two visits to this place; once in the early afternoon, and once in the evening, when it operates mainly as a wine bar.
3. Penny Farthing
Located on 13th and 3rd, Penny Farthing is a relatively large sports bar. Most of the stools are taken on a weekend, but people walk in regardless, and fill up the large space between the tables. The sight of everyone walking around, holding a beer mug on one hand, makes it look like a large tavern from the middle ages. Beer is what this place is best known for, but it is not to say that any other drinks are bad at all. That being said, I love that they always give an orange slice as garnish for all their beers.
“Them vibez be bussin bussin.” NYU Sophomore Jihwan Sung said.
My personal favorite would be the Blue Moon draft; it’s got a fresh scent, and a nice, savory aftertaste. If you’re not a Blue Moon fan though (unbelievable), their Guinness is also a great choice; the creamy, bittery chocolate scent is irresistible. In the low chance that you disapprove of my recommendations, there are always the 13 more draft options available on their menu that you can take a look at. Also be on the lookout for their seasonal specials as well as their happy hours and daily specials. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to get an espresso martini for $5.
2. Oscar Wilde
What sets this bar apart from the hundreds of other bars in Manhattan is its theme. The interior is designed in a 19th century Victorian era vibe, with red-gold stools and marble tables. Carved statues are placed on the edges of the bar that immediately catches one’s attention as they walk in. It uses a much brighter lighting, which does seem to be a love or hate; personally, I think the lighting adds to the classy vibe. Living up to its Victorian theme, the bar’s Gin cocktails are, personally, one of the best I’ve had in the city. Their Gin and Tonics are what make me come back to this place every single time.
1. Tomi Jazz
Is there anyone who doesn’t like live music? Tomi Jazz brings their best jazz musicians every night, to play for their visitors. The bar itself gives the vibe of a 90’s jazz club, located slightly below the surface and having a vintage interior. It’s nice and cozy, so no matter where you’re sitting, you get to hear the jazz session loud and clear. They don’t take any reservations, so I recommend you always get there an hour early, just to be ahead in that long line in front of the door.
College Magazine does not promote underage drinking. Please drink responsibly.
