New York City seems to be always on the move, from the early morning rush to late into the wild nights. Unfortunately for the budget traveler, it can be a very expensive night out. However, if cheap accommodation in the Big Apple exists, so do cheap bars. You’re sure to find affordable fun. The city is vibrant and diverse, so your choice of nightlife depends on the kind of entertainment you’re looking for.
Cheap Bars and Happy Hours
If you’re looking for a centrally located bar that won’t break your wallet, look no further than Old Town Bar and Grill at Park Avenue and Broadway for cheap food and beer. Of course, there are many more places that can compete. Welcome to the Johnsons is an attractive option for its long happy hour from 1 to 9pm, when drinks are $2 and finger food is free. Or you can check out Acme Bar & Grill for their $2 specials (they also have themed days, like Wednesday’s “ladies two for one”).
A slightly more expensive option is Fiddlesticks on Greenwich and Seventh, whose Monday to Friday happy hour lasts until 10pm, during which time everything costs $3. On the East Side look for Bravest, with their $1 pints of beer during happy hour. Or even better, on the Upper West Side you’ll find the bar Bourbon Street, which offers 50 cent beers until 11pm! Though, the king of them all has to be Crash Mansion, which has free well drinks from 9 to 10pm, just remember to RSVP at with your name to New York Underbelly!
Concerts and Clubs
For live shows, you can expect to find cover charges averaging around $20, but don’t let that get you down. You have options. The West End is a sweet university-crowd place that has bands every weekend, and no cover. Arlene Grocery is another bar with nightly live music for only $3 cover. Madame X has free jazz from Sunday to Wednesday, and DJs at the weekend for which they only start covering $5 after 10pm.
The biggest dance clubs also charge covers that can be anywhere from 10 to 30 bucks. Keep an eye out for deals, like the ones you can find through Webster Hall’s e-mailing list. . There are some smaller, cheaper clubs as well. Venue has three dance floors and no cover. Sapphire is smaller but with a great music selection and only covers $5 after 10. Polly Esther’s charges $8 at the door, but it’s a great 70s and 80s music club. For beautiful people watching, Meow Mix only covers $5 and offers a great party.
Theatre and Burlesque
Perhaps you will have decided to begin your night with 99 Cent Pizza, the cheapest pizza you’ll find in the night, which is behind the Port Authority. From there you’re set to enjoy a sit-down night enjoying a show.
If it’s comedy, head to the Comedy Cellar. All the big name standup artists perform there, and you have a chance to avoid the cover charge by checking out their website. If it’s burlesque you want, look no further than Mr. Choade’s Upstairs/Downstairs at The Slipper Room. It’s only $5 cover.
Finally, if its theatre you want, take these suggestions to heart. Look for deals online for the big shows, if that’s what you’re after, but know that there are dozens of lesser-known theatres. Buy tickets for their shows at Times Square’s TKTS discount ticket booth. Also, keep an eye out for student deals or standing room only tickets. Another good option is to sign up for the newsletter at nytix.com.
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