Discover the best bars in Lower Manhattan for your next event

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Written by Tara Monjazeb - February 23 2024


The top bars in Lower Manhattan


Forget all your troubles, forget all your cares, and go downtown. The bars of Lower Manhattan always feel like a tug-of-war between FiDi interns and fashionable freelancers, but there’s a place for everyone under 14th Street. Take shots with the transplants, have a boozy brunch with the girls, or play pool with Lenny Kravitz – the possibilities are endless.


Here are our picks for the best bars in Lower Manhattan from SoHo to Wall Street.


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Ray's Bar LES Bar Private Event Manhattan NYC
Ray's Bar LES Bar Private Event Manhattan NYC

1. Two celebrities walk into a Lower Manhattan bar…: Ray’s

Lower East Side, New York

We’re not even making a joke. In 2019, Nicholas Braun and Justin Theroux invested in what was imagined as a normcore neighborhood hangout. Despite its targeted mediocrity, it was a howling success: Ray’s has the aura of a red-state honkey tonk with an American flag pinned to the ceiling and country tunes blasting on the jukebox. It’s got the chummy energy of a dive bar without the sticky, Budweiser-soaked tabletops.


The main dining room has wooden paneling and checkered floors with vintage box TVs and random photos that look like they were sourced at a suburban yard sale. Downstairs, beyond a shag carpet entrance, there’s a private event space lined with tartan and leather sofas. Bathed in a yellowish light, it feels more like your grandparents’ basement than a secret speakeasy. Both spaces are available to rent for private parties: 125 for a full buyout, 75 in the dining room, and 60 downstairs.


You’ll find various synonymous house cocktails on the menu, like the Lana Del Rey (a St Germain spritz) or the Ray Liotta (a Miller High Life with Aeperol). Don’t forget to chow down on classic All-American staples like onion rings and hot dogs.



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The Dead Rabbit Bar Irish Pub Downtown Manhattan NYC
The Dead Rabbit Bar Irish Pub Downtown Manhattan NYC

2. The world’s best Irish pub is in… Manhattan?: The Dead Rabbit

Financial District, New York

New York meets Belfast at this three-story pub and cocktail cathedral. Despite its location, The Dead Rabbit is as authentic as you can get on this side of the pond. A tribute to the city’s legacy of Irish immigrants (including the owners themselves), the interior is comfortable and tavern-like with a sizable whiskey list and Guinness on tap (obviously). A love letter to past and present Ireland, the walls are lined with contemporary Irish art and the furniture is custom-made in Cork and Tipperary.


Each floor in The Dead Rabbit is available to rent for private events. The Taproom on the ground floor serves classic U.K. pub grub (like fish and chips and savory pies) and can hold up to 150 people. The second floor holds the famous cocktail bar, which has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the world – try the iconic Irish Coffee variations for a pick-me-up – and the adjoining Green Room and Parlor can be hired for 35 guests. The occasional room on the third floor is a dedicated events space, hosting receptions and banquets for 30.



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3. A groovy Lower Manhattan bar straight from the 1970s: Bandits

Greenwich Village, New York

Saturday Night Fever may have taken place in Brooklyn, but if Bandits was around fifty years ago, we’re sure Tony Manero would’ve made the trek across the East River. Pockets of nostalgia line this Greenwich Village bar, with its retro Formica tables and padded swivel stools. The decor is subtly kitschy, with fringe lamps, rotary phones, and lava lamps. The streetside enclave evokes a roadside diner rather than a patio, each booth with its own windows and speakers.


Predictably, the fare is diner food with a twist: everything bagel shishito peppers, spicy mozzarella sticks, and four (yes, four) different kinds of loaded tater tots. The cocktails are creative with names like “Murray Hill Guy Who Just Discovered Tinned Fish”.


The divey atmosphere means it’s intimate – the whole joint can be rented out for 32 seated guests, leaving plenty of room to boogie under the golden disco ball.



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Flower Shop Bar Lower Manhattan Private Events NYC
Flower Shop Bar Lower Manhattan Private Events NYC

4. An NYC hipster oasis with Australian roots: The Flower Shop

Lower East Side, New York

You might’ve come across The Flower Shop while looking for a last-minute place to order bouquets for your partner on Valentine’s Day, only to realize that it is, in fact, not a flower shop. Consider it a happy accident. This LES hotspot, despite its Michelin star, is a rare unpretentious find, inspired by the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere of Australian pubs.


The decor is flea-market-chic, with an inviting basement space that feels straight out of a sitcom. The lower-level lounge has a pool table (infamously used by Lenny Kravitz) and a fireplace, and the main dining space is gallery-like with illustrations covering the walls above camel-colored booths. A full buyout is available for up to 120 guests, and the basement is available to rent for smaller parties.


A simple menu boasts four cocktails at a reasonable $14 – a steal in this day and age – and contemporary comfort food like shrimp tacos and loaded fries.



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Sincerely Ophelia Speakeasy Bar Lower Manhattan Private Events NYC
Sincerely Ophelia Speakeasy Bar Lower Manhattan Private Events NYC

5. A Lower Manhattan speakeasy that’ll make you a little uneasy: Sincerely, Ophelia

East Village, New York

Cocktails always taste better when you’ve spent 10 minutes looking for the entrance. The address of Sincerely, Ophelia will lead you to a restaurant called Chicken & The Egg, its sister spot, though the two couldn’t be more different.


The cocktail bar, hidden behind a nondescript door, is catered to Gen Z gatekeepers – neon lights, glow-in-the-dark graffiti, and Basquait-inspired art are a far cry from the typical classic NY speakeasy. It’d almost feel rave-like, if not for the creepy old-fashioned family portraits that line the walls.


This speakeasy is relatively spacious and there are three spaces available to rent for events. The VIP room, a fully private space with its own bar, can fit up to 80 guests. A TV lounge fits up to 50, and you can stream your own music or video. The semi-private mirrored banquet area can be roped off for 40 people, so you have seats waiting for you while you dance.


The signature cocktails have simple ingredients but are masterfully crafted, and they’re known for their housemade hard seltzers. If it seemed tempting upon arrival, don’t worry – you can order fried chicken sandwiches from the restaurant next door.



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Find the perfect bar for your event near Lower Manhattan.

Cheers to the bars in Lower Manhattan that pour an event experience as memorable as the city's nightlife. Rent a spot where each toast is a story and book a venue where "last call" is just the beginning. In Lower Manhattan, hire a bar that's not just a watering hole; it's a treasure trove of tales waiting to be told by the clink of glasses and the laughter of good company.

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The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Bar in Lower Manhattan

Alright, so you’ve decided to host an event in the city that never sleeps, and what better way to dazzle your guests than with a top-notch bar? Whether it’s for a swanky corporate shindig, an unforgettable birthday bash, or just a Tuesday night (hey, it's Manhattan), finding and hiring the perfect bar can make or break your event. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, with a dash of humor and a squeeze of lime.

Step 1: Understand Your Needs – No, Seriously, What Do You Want?

  1. Define the Event Type and Size Is this an intimate gathering where your Aunt Marge will be telling everyone about her dog, or a corporate do where you hope your boss doesn’t embarrass themselves after their third martini? The size and nature of your event will dictate everything from the bar setup to the number of mixologists (fancy word for bartenders) you’ll need.

  2. Set Your Budget Ah, the dreaded B-word. You can’t just throw money around like confetti – unless you’re, well, really rich. Determine how much you’re willing to shell out. Manhattan bars can be pricey, but remember: you get what you pay for. A budget of $500 might get you a guy with a bottle of vodka and a soda gun, but $2,000 can bring the full bar experience to your event.

Step 2: Channel Your Inner Sherlock – It’s Research Time

  1. Online Search Head to HeadBox and select what you are looking for. Think about those magic keywords: "Manhattan cocktail bar hire," "rent bar Lower Manhattan," "private hire bar Lower Manhattan," and "mixologist Lower Manhattan." This will give you a plethora of options. Don’t get overwhelmed – you’re on a mission.

  2. Read Reviews and Testimonials Welcome to the rabbit hole of online reviews. Check out Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor. Sure, you might find a few disgruntled ex-customers ranting about their watered-down mojito, but overall, you’ll get a sense of which bars are top-notch. Look for feedback on the quality of drinks, staff professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

  3. Visit Bar Websites Don’t just stalk the bars online; visit their websites. A good website is like a well-made cocktail – balanced, informative, and leaves you wanting more. Look for details on their services, packages, and pricing. A bar that puts effort into a sleek, informative website is likely to put effort into your event too.

Step 3: Go on a Field Trip – No Permission Slip Required

  1. Schedule Visits Put on your best "I’m a serious event planner" face and visit the bars on your shortlist. Taste their drinks, check out the ambiance, and see if you can imagine your guests having a grand time there. If the staff seem unengaged, you know this isn’t the place for you.

  2. Consult with Bartenders These folks are the rock stars of the cocktail world. Discuss your event details with them. Do you want a signature drink? Do you need drinks that match your event’s color scheme? (Yes, that’s a thing.) Can catering be provided?

Step 4: Evaluate Services – What’s in the Mix?

  1. Check for Customization Options Ask if the cocktail bar offers customized options like themed cocktails, personalized menus, and bespoke services. Customization makes your event stand out and gives your guests something to talk about.

  2. Review the Packages Take a good look at what’s included in their packages. Bartending staff? Check. Drinks? Check. Glassware? Check. Unicorns? Probably not. Clarify everything to avoid surprise charges. The last thing you want is a bill that looks like it could fund a small country.

Step 5: Finalize the Hire – Seal the Deal

  1. Compare Quotes Get detailed quotes from your top choices and compare them. Don’t just go for the cheapest option – unless you enjoy taking risks. Consider the value and quality of the services. Remember, you’re not just hiring a cocktail bar; you’re hiring an experience.

  2. Check Availability Make sure the bar is available on your chosen date. Lower Manhattan bars are like hot concert tickets – they get booked up fast. Secure your date early to avoid disappointment.

  3. Review the Contract Before you sign anything, read the contract carefully. Look out for the fine print – it’s there for a reason. Ensure all details, including the date, time, services, and costs, are clearly stated. Know the cancellation policies just in case Aunt Marge decides to elope and you need to cancel the party.

Step 6: Final Preparations – The Countdown Begins

  1. Confirm Details A week before the event, touch base with the bar to confirm all the details. Double-check the date, time, and any special instructions. This is your last chance to avoid any mix-ups.

  2. Plan Logistics Think about where the bar will be set up, how much space is needed, and how the flow of guests will work. You don’t want a bottleneck around the bar – unless you’re planning to entertain your guests with impromptu line-dancing lessons.

Step 7: Day of the Event – Showtime!

  1. Coordinate with the Bar Staff On the big day, make sure you’re in sync with the bar staff. A quick pre-event huddle can ensure everyone’s on the same page. This is your moment to shine, so don’t be afraid to channel your inner drill sergeant.

  2. Enjoy Your Event With all the planning and preparation done, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sip on a perfectly crafted cocktail, mingle with your guests, and revel in the compliments about your excellent choice of bar. You’ve earned it.

Conclusion

Hiring a bar in Lower Manhattan is like crafting the perfect drink – it takes time, patience, and a bit of finesse. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your event is not only successful but also memorable for all the right reasons. So go forth, find that perfect bar, and may your event be as unforgettable as a perfectly balanced Negroni. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions

Bars in Lower Manhattan are versatile venues suitable for various events, including birthday parties, corporate gatherings, networking events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and holiday celebrations. Whether it's a casual get-together or a formal affair, bars offer a vibrant atmosphere for any occasion.

Rental rates for bars in Lower Manhattan can vary based on factors such as the size of the venue, day of the week, time of day, and any additional services requested. Generally, expect pricing to range from hourly rates to minimum spending requirements, with options to customize packages to fit your budget.

Bars often provide a range of amenities and services for private events, such as exclusive use of the space, dedicated staff (bartenders, servers), customizable drink menus, audiovisual equipment (sound systems, screens), and catering options. It's essential to discuss your specific needs with the bar management to ensure they can accommodate your event requirements.

Each bar may have its own set of guidelines and restrictions for private events, including capacity limits, noise regulations, decor policies, and rules regarding outside vendors. It's important to communicate with the bar management and familiarize yourself with their policies to ensure compliance and a smooth event experience.

It's recommended to book a bar for your private event well in advance, especially for popular dates or peak seasons. Start your planning process early to secure your preferred date and time. Booking timelines can vary, but aiming for at least a few weeks to several months in advance is advisable to ensure availability and ample time for event coordination.

For peace of mind and an easy booking process let us know exactly what you’re looking for via our brief builder. This way we can approach the best bars in Lower Manhattan with the exact needs of your event.

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Launching in NYC soon.

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