KGB Bar is a must for literary folks wanting to put on their highbrow hat. This Soviet-themed, speakeasy-style joint is filled with people who have read all your fave esoteric reads, in the best, kitchiest way possible. I started hitting up KGB's open mic nights and poetry readings back in college when I thought pretending to understand free verse would make me seem cultured and deep. But even now, something about the bar's red-lit, comradely aura still makes me want to make sure I've read whatever is part of the literary zeitgeist of the moment. Whether you're there to shamelessly thirst over your hot poet friend or just looking for a low-key night out that doesn't necessarily involve doing tequila shots, KGB's calendar is stacked with just enough literary events to feel engaged. Their open mic nights are prime people-watching for angsty writers pouring their hearts out on a Wednesday night in the East Village. The red room itself is pure Soviet-core goals, making you feel like you just stumbled into a top-secret KGB lair (but like, the kind with really good bartenders). It's all crimson walls, framed Soviet-era propaganda, and an overall vibe of being frozen in 1985. It's fun. Whether you're sipping vodka cocktails or just a few low-key sodas like me last time, KGB attracts a healthy mix of creative types, lefty intellectuals, and random 35+ locals looking for chill hangs. read more

Horrible, rude bartenders (Josephine), whole experience is expensive but feels cheap. Dirty bathrooms like you would find in a public school. NOT RECOMMENDED. read more

Good bar for this area, a little tucked away. The ambiance in here is very chill, would say its good for larger groups/friends. Theyve got multiple floors, some with live music and others that are more for chilling. drinks are very cheap and bartenders easy going! read more

The KGB Bar is an interesting concept. I like it because it has historic memorabilia all around, and the room is vibrant and red, even in a dark setting with chandeliers. It feels like a different century in there. However, it's quite small for hosting events. When I had my signature drink, a Coke and rum, it was very strong--I could only drink one. I also noticed a long staircase downstairs, which could be dangerous if you're tipsy or drunk. The service was quick, and I liked it overall. I would definitely come back to invite a friend downtown; it seems like a nice place. read more

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Went to KGB Bar with my girlfriend and my son expecting a chill, classic NYC spot, but the experience turned sour fast. I got up to use the bathroom and when I came back an older woman had put her purse on my chair; I calmly told her I was sitting there and she completely ignored me and claimed the seat, so I simply picked up her purse and handed it back to her. No yelling, no drama. Suddenly the bartender closes our tabs and tells me "I gave you the opportunity to be nice but you were rude," which made zero sense to any of us--we were honestly stunned. It felt like we were gaslighted for no reason, with no attempt to hear our side or de-escalate. Cool bar, but the staff response was unfair and left a really bad taste. read more

As I walked towards the small lit KGB sign I walk up the stairs an ask the door man is this KGB he said up stairs but on the main floor was another bar an then on the upper floor another all small rooms a bit young maybe due to Halloween night but fun jazz on the lower floor was great. I'll visit again another night where the crowd I'm sure will be more locale an age mixed. read more

Chill ambient dive. Good spot to have a conversation with friends after a night out. Plenty of seating inside including bars and tables. Bartenders are quick and friendly! Drinks are decently strong and well priced. read more

KGB Bar - G&T - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I always have a great time on the weekend here with my girlfriends. Especially on the first Fridays of every month! There's this group of four that plays so so well! It rocks the house I love it! The bartenders/ staff are great considering the chaos, I wish there was some bite to eat like chips or something. But otherwise I enjoy this place ! read more

KGB Bar - Old fashion - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Just got charged eight dollars for a single glass of seltzer water at a grimy dive bar. No lemon, no refill--just flat bubbles in a dirty glass. I genuinely thought the bartender was joking, but nope. This place smells like spilled beer and regret, and they've got the nerve to upcharge like it's some upscale cocktail lounge. It's not even clean. Sticky floors, flickering lights, and somehow they think seltzer is a luxury item. I wouldn't come back here if they paid me to drink. Total scam. Save yourself the headache and go literally anywhere else. read more

KGB Bar - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

great tunes, so communist kawaii; she makes a good gimlet, i came here with the man i lost my virginity to here a few years ago. read more

KGB Bar - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I came here for an open mic night earlier this week and had a blast! I love the vibes at this bar. I'm currently not drinking however they kept me going all night with some delicious bottled ginger beers. For a great open mic experience, come out here on Monday nights! It's very well run, the place gets packed with awesome vibes, and everyone is quite chill. Lots of out-of-towners too from across the world, which is always neat. You might even catch me here doing some poetry if you come by :) read more

Beer, only beer, aesthetic is not worth a factually bad bar. I loved the red nostalgia, great vibe in that respect but vibe without substance hits a pang. Only place with affordable drinks within a mile, still, only beer. Plenty of college kids on a budget, but the ideological exchange vibe wasn't there. Grunge intellectual aesthetic but not the knife in the table sincere belief you find in Philly, plus no one talks to anyone. I get it, it's 2024 NYC, strangers are aliens, but you hardly have a cafe if you've atomized the exchange. Service casual, can't complain. I did not have a good time, would barely expect others to do so, would not return but to show another the aesthetic then promptly leave. read more

The lighting is perfect to suit my tastes. When I'm in the area, I definitely take a break here for a spell. I'm almost hesitant to review this particular establishment because when I return, I don't want it to be overcrowded and/or loud however I have to highlight this unrecognizable spot. The service is courteous and efficient. My favorite bar in New York. read more

- cheap drinks - personable staff - not so divey dive with a speakeasy feel - the steep stairs up to the bar will be the death of someone someday if they haven't already - neighborhood watering hole - music at a low enough volume that you can enjoy the company you came with...or the no longer strangers you met there read more

First off - updated mask wearing policy: THERE ISN'T ONE! There's a railing on one side of the stairs, which is half ok since there are constantly people coming up and down and someone could easily stumble. I've attended a reading on the upper level before, which is lovely but the 2nd floor where the bar is -where one of the bartender's smugly name dropped David Foster Wallace as a previous reader- there is no stage, just cocktail tables, various seats but not enough because I found people hanging off the open windowsills. Sadly, much like many venues in the area, there are far too many babies looking to be a sugar daddy/mama/supplier trolling the bar that nearing any of the writers read proved not to be worth the visit. for the upper level with the bar and the stage. I love the reading I attended here and for the fire hazard of a bar on the main level (red room) and the death trap of the stairs. If you want to socialize safely, count this venue on your "DO NOT ENTER" list. read more

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If you come in and Josephine is working, rest assured that God exists. Great vibe, great drinks, great spot. read more

been here a number of times; always a great experience. during my current visit i sat bare on the bathroom seat and had no moisture on it and was pleasantly surprised. string gun and tonics :) read more

Decently priced bar. Seems to cater to NYU students as well as hospitality / bar workers around the area. A mix of delapidated New York aesthetic with minor hints of dive bar christmas lighting aim desperately to strike a balance between avant-garde intellectual and wannabe communist dystopia. Several beers later and with no more than a couple of Rambo movies under your belt, much like your professors you'll be pretending you're Trotsky while simultaneoisly blaming Russian bots for everything. Don't worry, the ghost of David Foster Wallace probably approves. The bartenders are generally pleasant but those on weekdays embrace the socialist gulag ethos much more convincingly than the decor does. Specifically on weeknights where it remains open past the 4AM and anyone the paranoid bartender doesnt vet is kicked out under the the pretense of "reserving it for friends of bartender." Try treating customers with respect or at least follow the liquor authority guidelines and don't extend your hours under a bullshit excuse that gives free reign to the pent up service worker resentment and bartender favoritism. Looks like unknowingly they got communism right after all. read more

Great to see them supporting young musicians. Bartenders were kind, made great drinks. Fantastic location as you'd expect.

Very vibey place, met my communist counterpart here lol. Leather jackets, Dior fareinheit, gin and tonic, tequila sunrise.. ok I'm getting carried away. Good live music, good staff, will be coming back read more

KGB Bar - Front row seats top floor, live music played just after - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Avoid this place at all costs. This week, the bartender sexually harassed me and my friends, and the bouncers treated us with the same level of disrespect. After ordering four drinks and tipping generously (not realizing a 20% gratuity had already been added), the bartender rolled her eyes, scoffed loudly, and stormed off. Apparently, even double-tipping isn't enough for common courtesy here. It only got worse. We sat and talked at a table for about 15 minutes before heading to the bathroom. Moments later, the bartender burst in, yelling at us for sharing a stall and shockingly stuck her head under both of the stalls, catching my friends in a very vulnerable moment. In what world is that acceptable? We left shaken and reported it to the bouncers, who laughed and said they "couldn't do anything about it." No concern. No accountability. This place isn't just poorly managed--it's actively unsafe. I won't be back, but I will be warning others. read more

Intimate spot for jazz music. Got a seat right next to the band and they were out of this world. Staff was quirky, but no problems.

Great bar tucked away upstairs with relics of the Soviet era and a selection of good spirits and beer selection. Prompt service in a quaint atmosphere with flags to show support for Ukraine in light of the invasion by Russia. read more

KGB Bar - Great vintage Soviet pieces as decor - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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2nd floor is a cool bar with cool Soviet-themed decor and a vibey event space on the top floor. Came here on a Friday night at 10--decent crowd without being overpacked. Drinks are ok but reasonably priced. Oh and you definitely gotta come for the eccentric bartenders! read more

Walked in on a Monday night for a drink before a flight, was welcomed by Josephine - she greeted us with a bright smile and recommended an authentic shot from back in the day. Great spot, highly recommend read more

Review for the Red Room, this is the upper floor/performance space. I go here once a month for Breakdown with Boris. The show has a two drink minimum which is chump change to my group of mates. Between my heavy drinking friends and the interesting cocktail choices, it's pretty easy to enjoy yourself. The space is tight, so get here early if your show is popular. The space is wickedly beautiful too. Downstairs is a total visual misnomer. The waiters are okay, but the true star is the owner of the place. I had shown up one Sunday by myself and couldn't find a spot to sit. I was kind of lonely and bummed out about not having a place to stand and she made space for me at the tiny bar (It's more of a table service place) and made me feel totally comfortable. She was personal, remembered my order and checked in on me. It was really great. The show was great, but the owner made it a hundred times better. I'm not sure if the bar is open without a show, but I'm definitely heading to the upper bar if I'm around. read more

It's always an adventure, you never know what you're going to run into... sort of a CBGBs for poetry. Often 2 events on two different floors. They lose a star for not having any food... something (even chips or cupcakes) to soak up the booze)... but otherwise it's worth a trip. All ages welcome, 21 to drink. read more

I love this place so much and I'm surprised I've never reviewed it. Been coming here on and off for about 8 years and every time the experience is great. One of the bartenders always plays shoegaze which is awesome and the drinks are fairly inexpensive given the location. I wish they still had Baltika, the Russian beer, but alas. The Monday night poetry readings are alone worth the trip. read more

5 Stars for the hostess with the mostest who's behind the bar on Monday nights. Her drinks and playlist were on point and the door guy was a sweetie. They also had an open mic night happening one floor up. KGB Bar will be my first stop when I'm back in NYC. read more

If you liked Borris and Natachia (the old cartoons) you'll like this place. They even give you rude service. Just like the old USSR! read more

I went in one night after work for a drink and the owners son was the bartender very nice guy friendly and gave me knowledge about the bar I met the owner also very nice and I had a great time met some nice people I would recommend this bar to anybody read more

The bar is as you would expect it but also expect to be harassed for tips. The bartender felt we didn't tip enough after tipping on 2-3 different tabs and told us "this is how I make my rent, if you don't tip enough it will affect service" like ??. I just felt this was really forward and unprofessional read more

KGB has been a cornerstone of my cultural life in NYC for decades. I've attended dozens of readings (& presented a few myself) in the second floor bar but had never been to the Red Room on the third floor until last week. What a delightful space! read more

Staff walked by and shook my beer....? What the actual fuck. Also grabbed it with bare hands during COVID. Disgusting.

asked the bartender for a water and she said "i think you've had enough" and i had just walked in. i think her name was cassandra or cassidy, but how does a bar deny someone water ???? so unbelievably rude and wasn't even a fun vibe in the first place. definitely don't recommend read more

We organized a launch party for our artist here and found it to be a wonderful venue with friendly, helpful staff. Lori is terrific and helped to ensure the night ran smoothly and all our guests had a great time. The bartenders were lovely and made excellent drinks for our guests. Would highly recommend this place! read more

Red hue in a THREE story walk-up at Red Room on the third floor lies a bar with a stage in a red velvet curtain backdrop, a piano and a microphone. KGB is a Soviet-era themed bar in dim lighting and red-hue ambience known as a literary venue located in the East Village. I came here for a poetry reading in support and all things good and positive for a fellow poet Patricia C. (Brownstone Poets). Consorting and networking among fellow poets builds good a strong collective unit and character. The façade is very discreet with a red neon signage that is posted very high. The metal entrance door is painted red with no signs. A box office window is near the entrance and Kraine Theater is adjacent. The second floor is a bar and in the hallway contains restrooms. The third floor is known as The Red Room where the atmosphere induced me to a phlegmatic state for the evening escape from a turbulent day. Red door at the Red Room entrance draws guests inside. Acoustics are audible and good sound quality emitted from the microphone. Tables, chairs and lounge couches are abundant. Despite my somewhat late arrival I managed to secure a seat by the bar. There are no hooks under the bar counter for bags or jacket placement. Bar tenders are friendly, knowledgeable and made a good sound suggestion as I desired for something light on the alcohol content level but contain champagne or vodka as the base ingredient. Solid drink and I did not awaken the next day with a headache nor hangover. For private party held, the issue is KGB do not honor Happy Hour prices and a two (2) drink minimum is required- minus one Yelp star. Good selection of cocktail on their menu. Since it was my friend's upcoming birthday I decided to honor her birthday as Patricia selected Chardonnay $10 and my choice was the Ritz Cocktail $12. Yes, credit cards are accepted, otherwise I was unable to come through. There is a restroom on the third floor, second floor which is clean and large red velvet window drape suspend. Business cards are available upon request. Red is at the end of the spectrum of visible light. RED! read more

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Rude. Lady with glasses COMPLETELY ignored me when just inquiring about entry. Don't waste your money on here when so many places in the city need your support read more

Nice bar! Came here celebrated my friend's birthday. Stuff here are very very nice and friendly. Definitely recommended this bar for everyone if you want to host an event. They made amazing drinks as well!! Bar is clean and bathrooms is clean!! read more

Lovely decor and delicious drinks: the bar does seem a bit crowded on Wednesdays. The bar is also located on the second floor of a brownstone. The stairs are quite a lot, but they are worth it to see this gem. read more