Holiday Lounge 75 St. Mark's Pl. (1st & 2nd Aves)
East Village
212.777.9637
Holiday Lounge:
Let’s be honest—the biggest reason for going to what might be the biggest dive in the city is the cheap canned heat. There are few places in Manhattan where you can order a gin and tonic and actually have the drink be 90% alcohol. Their self-proclaimed cocktail is straight alcohol, and the bartender is practically an institution. Just like the bar, he’s rough around the edges, but he’s full of history and often doesn’t charge for rounds. Then again, at $4 a pop, it’s not so bad if he does. One downer? Holiday closes early for the East Village, 1am. But look at it this way—you can get liquored up on bargain booze before heading to the swankier surroundings digs.
