The Best Bleecker Street Bars For People Who Hate Bleecker Street

Flickr user UsonianPeculier Pub: Before Jimmy's No. 43 became the city's beer mecca, there was Peculier Pub. The expansive space usually has plenty of booths for everybody, all decked out in bottlecap art of everything from Picassos to equations for fermentation. If anything the sheer volume of beers (over 300 at any given time) guarantees there's something for everybody, from local favorites like Brooklyn Chocolate Stout to brews from countries like Turkey and Trinidad. Speaking of samples, Peculier is starting up a new, free beer tasting series on April 7th. But considering many beers stay around $5-$6, doing your own sampling isn't too hard on your wallet. 145 Bleecker Street, (212) 353-1327

<p>Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usonian/2520507089/sizes/z/in/photostream/">Usonian</a></p><p></p><strong>Peculier Pub</strong>: Before Jimmy's No. 43 became the city's beer mecca, there was Peculier Pub. The expansive space usually has plenty of booths for everybody, all decked out in bottlecap art of everything from Picassos to equations for fermentation. If anything the sheer volume of beers (over 300 at any given time) guarantees there's something for everybody, from local favorites like Brooklyn Chocolate Stout to brews from countries like Turkey and Trinidad. <p></p>Speaking of samples, Peculier is starting up a new, <em>free</em> beer tasting series on April 7th. But considering many beers stay around $5-$6, doing your own sampling isn't too hard on your wallet. <p></p><em>145 Bleecker Street, (212) 353-1327</em>

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Flickr user UsonianPeculier Pub: Before Jimmy's No. 43 became the city's beer mecca, there was Peculier Pub. The expansive space usually has plenty of booths for everybody, all decked out in bottlecap art of everything from Picassos to equations for fermentation. If anything the sheer volume of beers (over 300 at any given time) guarantees there's something for everybody, from local favorites like Brooklyn Chocolate Stout to brews from countries like Turkey and Trinidad. Speaking of samples, Peculier is starting up a new, free beer tasting series on April 7th. But considering many beers stay around $5-$6, doing your own sampling isn't too hard on your wallet. 145 Bleecker Street, (212) 353-1327

Gothamist

Flickr user Arroz con NoriTerra Blues: We know the Bitter End is right next door, but we've never seen a Jazz or Blues band at Terra that we didn't like. And given that bands play from 7 p.m. through the night, whatever cover charge (about $5-$10) is completely worth it. Acoustic acts warm up the room, and at 10 p.m. groups plug in. Table service can be spotty, so your best bet for drinks is going right to the bar, and considering the dancing that often goes on you probably won't be sitting for too long anyway. You can check out their monthly schedules here. 149 Bleecker Street, (212) 777-7776

<p>Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/arrozconnori/4996344399/sizes/z/in/photostream/">Arroz con Nori</a></p><p></p><strong>Terra Blues:</strong> We know the Bitter End is right next door, but we've never seen a Jazz or Blues band at Terra that we didn't like. And given that bands play from 7 p.m. through the night, whatever cover charge (about $5-$10) is completely worth it. Acoustic acts warm up the room, and at 10 p.m. groups plug in. Table service can be spotty, so your best bet for drinks is going right to the bar, and considering the dancing that often goes on you probably won't be sitting for too long anyway. You can check out their <a href="http://www.terrablues.com/index2.html">monthly schedules here</a>. <p></p><em>149 Bleecker Street, (212) 777-7776</em>

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Flickr user Arroz con NoriTerra Blues: We know the Bitter End is right next door, but we've never seen a Jazz or Blues band at Terra that we didn't like. And given that bands play from 7 p.m. through the night, whatever cover charge (about $5-$10) is completely worth it. Acoustic acts warm up the room, and at 10 p.m. groups plug in. Table service can be spotty, so your best bet for drinks is going right to the bar, and considering the dancing that often goes on you probably won't be sitting for too long anyway. You can check out their monthly schedules here. 149 Bleecker Street, (212) 777-7776

Gothamist

The DoveThe Dove: For a classier night in the area, The Dove offers wine, cheese and cocktails in luxurious but comfortable surroundings. Cocktails are $11, and include the Cherry Tart (vanilla vodka, cherry juice and lime), the French Lavender (lavender-infused gin, organe liqueur and grapefruit) and the Honey Dove (cognac, honey and vanilla soymilk). This is the kind of perfect after-dinner bar, where a cocktail can be dessert, or just paired with a cheese plate or a pear caramel mousse cake. Reservations are recommended for large groups. 228 Thompson Street, (212) 254-1435

<a href="http://thedoveparlour.com/photos.php">The Dove</a><p></p><strong>The Dove:</strong> For a classier night in the area, <a href="http://www.thedoveparlour.com/about.php">The Dove</a> offers wine, cheese and cocktails in luxurious but comfortable surroundings. Cocktails are $11, and include the Cherry Tart (vanilla vodka, cherry juice and lime), the French Lavender (lavender-infused gin, organe liqueur and grapefruit) and the Honey Dove (cognac, honey and vanilla soymilk). This is the kind of perfect after-dinner bar, where a cocktail can be dessert, or just paired with a cheese plate or a pear caramel mousse cake. Reservations are recommended for large groups. <p></p><em>228 Thompson Street, (212) 254-1435</em>

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The DoveThe Dove: For a classier night in the area, The Dove offers wine, cheese and cocktails in luxurious but comfortable surroundings. Cocktails are $11, and include the Cherry Tart (vanilla vodka, cherry juice and lime), the French Lavender (lavender-infused gin, organe liqueur and grapefruit) and the Honey Dove (cognac, honey and vanilla soymilk). This is the kind of perfect after-dinner bar, where a cocktail can be dessert, or just paired with a cheese plate or a pear caramel mousse cake. Reservations are recommended for large groups. 228 Thompson Street, (212) 254-1435

Gothamist

Amity Hall: Ultimately, there's nothing inherently wrong with the frat house model of most of the area's bars, but sometimes you just want that in a slightly more adult package. Amity Hall has beers from Bud Light to Chimay, stuffed burgers, sports on flatscreens, trivia nights, DJs and open bar specials, but manages to present it in the most mature way possible. And honestly, we'd endure the weekend crowds just for the truffle asiago french fries. Sure you may have to rub elbows with some brosephs, but if you're with your own crowd around a table of beer and short rib dumplings you'll hardly notice them.80 West Third Street, (212) 677-2290

<strong>Amity Hall:</strong> Ultimately, there's nothing inherently wrong with the frat house model of most of the area's bars, but sometimes you just want that in a slightly more adult package. <a href="http://www.amityhallnyc.com/default.html">Amity Hall</a> has beers from Bud Light to Chimay, stuffed burgers, sports on flatscreens, trivia nights, DJs and open bar specials, but manages to present it in the most mature way possible. And honestly, we'd endure the weekend crowds just for the truffle asiago french fries. Sure you may have to rub elbows with some brosephs, but if you're with your own crowd around a table of beer and short rib dumplings you'll hardly notice them.<p></p><em>80 West Third Street, (212) 677-2290</em>

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Amity Hall: Ultimately, there's nothing inherently wrong with the frat house model of most of the area's bars, but sometimes you just want that in a slightly more adult package. Amity Hall has beers from Bud Light to Chimay, stuffed burgers, sports on flatscreens, trivia nights, DJs and open bar specials, but manages to present it in the most mature way possible. And honestly, we'd endure the weekend crowds just for the truffle asiago french fries. Sure you may have to rub elbows with some brosephs, but if you're with your own crowd around a table of beer and short rib dumplings you'll hardly notice them.80 West Third Street, (212) 677-2290

Gothamist

Flickr user chris.jacksonComedy Cellar: We guarantee you'll recognize at least one comedian on any given night at the Comedy Cellar. For instance, this week the likes of Aziz Ansari, Dave Attell and Godfrey will be performing on their two nightly shows (one at 9 p.m. and the other at 11 p.m.). They offer a full dinner and drink menu, including $19.50 pitchers of Sangria and $7 cocktails, but there's even more upstairs at the Olive Tree Cafe. Cover charge ranges from $10 for the 11 p.m. show on Monday-Wednesday to $24 for some weekend shows, and all shows have a two menu item minimum per person. 117 MacDougal Street, (212) 254-3480

<p>Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjackson/3432940855/sizes/z/in/photostream/">chris.jackson</a></p><p></p><strong>Comedy Cellar:</strong> We guarantee you'll recognize at least one comedian on any given night at the <a href="http://www.comedycellar.com/">Comedy Cellar</a>. For instance, this week the likes of Aziz Ansari, Dave Attell and Godfrey will be performing on their two nightly shows (one at 9 p.m. and the other at 11 p.m.). They offer a full dinner and drink menu, including $19.50 pitchers of Sangria and $7 cocktails, but there's even more upstairs at the Olive Tree Cafe. Cover charge ranges from $10 for the 11 p.m. show on Monday-Wednesday to $24 for some weekend shows, and all shows have a two menu item minimum per person. <p></p><em>117 MacDougal Street, (212) 254-3480</em>

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Flickr user chris.jacksonComedy Cellar: We guarantee you'll recognize at least one comedian on any given night at the Comedy Cellar. For instance, this week the likes of Aziz Ansari, Dave Attell and Godfrey will be performing on their two nightly shows (one at 9 p.m. and the other at 11 p.m.). They offer a full dinner and drink menu, including $19.50 pitchers of Sangria and $7 cocktails, but there's even more upstairs at the Olive Tree Cafe. Cover charge ranges from $10 for the 11 p.m. show on Monday-Wednesday to $24 for some weekend shows, and all shows have a two menu item minimum per person. 117 MacDougal Street, (212) 254-3480

Gothamist

Flickr user chickeyfeather124 Old Rabbit Club: Here's one for the beer geeks and anyone who's into that whole speakeasy thing. This MacDougal Street bar boats a thoughtfully crafted beer list, with selections from the UK, Belgium and the US. And if you haven't heard of any of the offerings, the bartenders are really helpful in finding you a beer you'll like. One Yelp reviewer writes, "Amongst the plethora of cancun type bars in the area, this is a savior." Just be warned that beers hover around $8, it's cash only, and finding it can be a hassle if you don't know where it is already. 124 MacDougal Street, (212) 254-0575

<p>Flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chickeyfeather/4238298091/sizes/z/in/photostream/">chickeyfeather</a></p><p></p><strong>124 Old Rabbit Club:</strong> Here's one for the beer geeks <em>and</em> anyone who's into that whole speakeasy thing. This <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/01/04/124_rabbit_club.php">MacDougal Street bar</a> boats a thoughtfully crafted beer list, with selections from the UK, Belgium and the US. And if you haven't heard of any of the offerings, the bartenders are really helpful in finding you a beer you'll like. One <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/124-old-rabbit-club-new-york">Yelp reviewer writes</a>, "Amongst the plethora of cancun type bars in the area, this is a savior." Just be warned that beers hover around $8, it's cash only, and finding it can be a hassle if you don't know where it is already. <p></p><em>124 MacDougal Street, (212) 254-0575</em>

040511rabbit.jpg

Flickr user chickeyfeather124 Old Rabbit Club: Here's one for the beer geeks and anyone who's into that whole speakeasy thing. This MacDougal Street bar boats a thoughtfully crafted beer list, with selections from the UK, Belgium and the US. And if you haven't heard of any of the offerings, the bartenders are really helpful in finding you a beer you'll like. One Yelp reviewer writes, "Amongst the plethora of cancun type bars in the area, this is a savior." Just be warned that beers hover around $8, it's cash only, and finding it can be a hassle if you don't know where it is already. 124 MacDougal Street, (212) 254-0575

Gothamist