Top 10 Affordable Bars in Manhattan for Budget-Friendly Nights

It’s a dilemma we’ve all encountered in New York City: You want to go out for a drink, yet you want to avoid overspending. While fine cocktails and craft beer are increasingly prevalent in Manhattan, numerous bars offer affordable options throughout the city.

Here are 10 of the best budget-friendly bars in NYC. Most are no-frills dives but offer exceptional happy hour deals or consistently low prices throughout the day.

01. Rudy’s Bar & Grill

Rudy’s is a historic dive bar located in Hell’s Kitchen, with a storied past dating back to 1919. Today, you can enjoy drafts and well drinks for as low as $3, even outside of happy hour. Affordable pitchers are available, and a free hot dog accompanies each drink purchase.

627 9th Ave., between W. 44th & W. 45th

02. Local 138

Located on the Lower East Side, Local 138 is a relaxed bar offering one of the city’s best happy hours. Available daily from 4 pm to 9 pm, it features $3 drafts, wines, and well drinks, along with $2 PBRs. They welcome food from outside as well, creating a laid-back atmosphere.

138 Ludlow St., between Rivington & Stanton

03. Jimmy’s Corner

While many bars near the Theater District tend to be overpriced, Jimmy’s Corner offers affordable drinks throughout the day without established happy hours. Decorated with boxing memorabilia, it is the perfect spot to unwind before or after a Broadway show, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of Times Square.

140 W. 44th St., between Broadway & 7th Ave

04. Johnny’s Bar

This West Village dive features a chess board glued to the ceiling amid other quirky decor. Notably, Johnny’s Bar offers cheap drinks, with happy hours running from noon to 7 pm every weekday. Daily specials feature $3.50 Rolling Rock drafts and a $3.50 shot of the day.

90 Greenwich Ave. at W. 12th St.

05. Drop Off Service

The former East Village laundromat provides a warm ambiance where guests can relax, with a happy hour every day from 3 pm to 8 pm. It features fair pricing ranging from $3 to $5 for beers, alongside discounts on spirits and wine.

211 Avenue A at E. 13th St.

06. Jeremy’s Ale House

Surprisingly, you can find affordable drinks in the affluent Financial District. Jeremy’s Ale House offers pints averaging between $4.75 and $5.50, but the highlight is the quarts, served in 32-ounce cups, ranging between $6.50 and $10.50.

228 Front St., between Beekman St. & Peck Slip

07. The Library

This East Village dive tends to attract a younger crowd, offering cheap drinks in a lively setting. Happy hour occurs daily from 5 pm to 8 pm, featuring a buy one, get one free special, which makes it an attractive option for young professionals and students.

7 Avenue A, between E. 1st & E. 2nd

08. Botanica Bar

Located in Nolita, Botanica Bar serves as a nostalgic venue, embodying the artistic spirit of New York. It boasts a solid happy hour from 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays, with well drinks and draft beers priced between $4.00 and $4.50. Furthermore, Botanica hosts karaoke sessions every Sunday night.

47 E. Houston St., between Greene & Mulberry

09. B-Side

A small drinking establishment in Alphabet City, B-Side offers happy hour every day from 3 pm to 8 pm, featuring half-price beer and well drinks. Additionally, they have a $5 special on PBR paired with a shot of whiskey, making it a popular hangout spot.

204 Avenue B., between E. 12th & E. 13th

10. Greenwich Treehouse

A fantastic choice for cheap drinks in the West Village, Greenwich Treehouse features different drink specials throughout the week. Happy hour runs from Monday through Friday, 5 pm to 8 pm, with $1 discounts on beers, wines, and well drinks. Saturday has happy hour from 3 pm to 8 pm, while Thursday offers staggered pricing during happy hours.

46 Greenwich Ave., between Charles & Perry