When you’re roaming a new city with fellow out-of-towners, searching for inexpensive (and high-quality) dive bars requires a deep dive into the enclaves of social media. Or through word of mouth. Luckily, you clicked on a story that offers both.
Many Americans are short on beer money in this inflationary era, and Gen Z, infamous for splurging on “authentic experiences,” is down especially bad. USA Today lamented a higher cost of living for 20 somethings compared to other generational cohorts. The consulting firm Deloitte found that about three in 10 Gen Zers do not feel confident about their finances.
Despite these growing concerns, Gen Zers stare into the uncertain abyss and say, “Bet.” Check out these neighborhood cornerstones where you can feel like a rockstar, ignore the state of the world and get the bangiest buck.
Price Scale
$ | Anything Less Than $10 or $10 Even
$$ | Anything More Than $10
The Library | 7 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 | Lower East Side
Strut with your favorite leather jacket and take in the vibrant ambiance of this Lower East Side mecca. The walls are adorned with grungy, off-the-wall stickers, chalk scribbles and a portrait of Oscar Wilde. Punk music permeates the space. True to its name, the Library maintains an assortment of vintage books on the staggered shelves, and the bartenders also make you feel right at home.
Their colorful display of cocktails knows no bounds, including the classic whiskey sour. The delectable drink is garnished with a slice of orange and cherry. Patrons also hang out at the cozy red sofas in the back. Enjoy the atmosphere with a roll of B movies playing from a small projector. The no-frills vibes will turn this counterculture spot into one of your weekend staples. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly, so be prepared to meet some canine companions.
Whiskey Sour | $10.00 | $
Clockwork Bar | 21 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002 | Lower East Side
For alternative-leaning Gen Zers, this watering hole transports visitors to the Lower East Side’s punk rock origins. The walls are etched with graffiti and stickers amplifying the dark atmosphere. With the sound of sonorous riffs blaring at breakneck speed, you can’t go wrong with their low-cost booze. This edgy dive bar is joined by sibling bars StrangeLove, Lydon and Wide Shut — all of which share the same mantra: Cheap Beer, Punk Rock.
The bartenders are cool, calm and collectively willing to chat (and won’t judge if you order a basic vodka cranberry). The drinks are smooth, suave and strikingly superb. Despite its rough edges, The Clockwork Bar will be one of those dive bars you would want to rave about to your friends — and gatekeep at some point. If you’re lucky, one of the bartenders might even ask you to sign their arm (true story).
Vodka Cranberry | $7.00 | $
Lucy’s | 135 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 | East Village
Lucy’s, the legendary dive bar of the East Village, is the epitome of a neighborhood relic from the 1980s. Ludwika Mickevicius (better known as “Lucy”) served behind the counter for roughly four decades, and famously emphasized hospitality to all who sat at their leather bar stools. Faced with an impending closure, the dive bar was successfully brought back after a renovation in March 2025.
Walking through the doors, patrons are greeted by two pool tables, a jukebox, a soft red glow and a vintage sign that reads, “Friendliest Place in Town.” Even the most obscure cocktails won’t stump their bartenders (not even the mezcal margarita). Topped with a slice of lime, it’s a drink that calls out in the middle of the night for a nocturnal adventure. The top-notch prices make this iconic spot worth a visit.
Mezcal Margarita | $11.00 | $$
Rocka Rolla | 486 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 | Williamsburg
Nestled in the corner of Metropolitan Avenue, Rocka Rolla is a retro dive bar that cranks out classic rock tunes from its jukebox. The walls are surrounded by rock paraphernalia and Americana artifacts that hearken back to an old-school era. Navigate through the crowd to sit at the booths or lean against the wooden bar top. If you’re in the mood for games, this Brooklyn spot has you covered with pinball, shuffleboard and Buck Hunter, an arcade machine.
Their selection of beers ranges from hazy IPAs to balanced beers. The Bronx Bill & Sals IPA is clutched with a foamy head and crisp flavor — all for a reasonable price. The vintage ambiance makes this rock-n-roll tavern a beloved favorite for dive bar aficionados.
Bronx Bill & Sals IPA | $8.00 | $
Clem’s | 264 Grand Street #4303, Brooklyn, NY 11211 | Williamsburg
Tucked within the confines of Grand Street, Clem’s is a neighborhood dive bar that welcomes locals and newcomers. Take a seat in their narrow but plentiful space, brimming with conversations and after-work vibes. The cocktail menu hosts some of the fruitiest drinks on the block, from the Clemonade to Guava Paradise.
The Mezcal Paloma is one of the best mezcal-based drinks in Kings County. The smooth mezcal flawlessly blends with the grapefruit juice and lime, giving it its pink shade. Garnished with a slice of grapefruit, this reasonably priced cocktail is the go-to for the summer. This local favorite is also an inclusive establishment that celebrates community, displaying the motto “Hate Has No Business Here” at the bar. If you’re searching for a laidback tavern, stop by Clem’s for a mellow time.
Mezcal Paloma | $12.00 | $$