151 Rivington
Address: 151 Rivington Street (at Essex Street)
Phone: No phone listed
Located on the far end of Rivington, this place has already garnered quite a following. Pure condemned building on the outside, the inside, basement-level bar is modern-day Ratpack. Comfortable yet edgy, the loyal folks who come here just can't seem to get enough.
Max Fish
Address: 178 Ludlow Street (at Houston Street)
Phone: 212-529-3959
An old timer in a changing neighborhood, the crowd here tends to be young, artsy and decidedly downtown. Max Fish is always crowded. The cheep beer and juke box may have something to do with it. But others go for the cool downtown atmosphere. A fun place to visit, if you don't mind the hipster 'tude.
Punch & Judy
Address: 26 Clinton Street (at Houston Street)
Phone: 212-982-1116
For those looking to get away from the dive bars and hipster scenes, Punch & Judy is the answer. A great selection of wines and a mellow atmosphere draws in a slightly older crowd. There's also a nice selection of sandwiches and snacks. A fine place to relax with a friend with a glass of wine and some nibbles.
S.O.B.'S
Address: 204 Varick Street (at West Houston Street)
Phone: 212-243-4940
For over twenty years, S.O.B.'s has been bringing live Brazilian music to the salsa-starved urban masses. Over the years they have extended their exposure to cover African, Caribbean and Latin bands as well. As if that weren't enough, they serve a full menu of innovative Latin and Caribbean cuisine. Known for drawing a somewhat older (i.e., 30-something on up) crowd, this is a popular hot-spot for a more sophisticated dance date.
Salt Bar
Address: 29A Clinton Street (at Houston Street)
Phone: 212-979-8471
If you're looking for a quiet drinking spot on the Lower East Side, Salt Bar is the welcome exception to the norm. Featuring a nice selection of cocktails made with fresh fruit and juices, this slightly upscale variation on the theme caters to a somewhat more upscale, professional crowd.
The Bowery Ballroom
Address: 6 Delancey Street
Phone: 212-533-2111
The Bowery Ballroom remains a popular venue for catching rock and alt-rock acts. It's also often the venue of choice for slightly bigger name performers looking to do a more intimate show. Legends like Courtney Love and Interpol have played here.
Vig Bar
Address: 12 Spring Street
Phone: 212-625-0011
Website: www.vigbar.com
A sweet, intimate lounge not far off the Bowery. Comfy seating in a candle-lit room makes it a particularly strong draw for couples. The live D.J.s are hit or miss, but overall this is a perfect spot to take someone you want to sit close with over a nice glass of wine.
Yello
Address: 32 Mulberry Street (at Mosco Street)
Phone: 212-964-3410
Website: www.yellobarnyc.com
This place gets an interesting mix of finance folks from Wall Street and hipsters from the Lower East Side. They have karaoke, a comedy night and a big screen television. They also have an Asian-themed menu that is far better than average.
