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    The Keyhole

    4.0 (22 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars
    Open 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Keyhole Photos

    THE KEYHOLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for dancing

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    a man at a bar watching television
    Lanie F.

    Keyhole emerged as a delightful surprise for our nightcap, offering not only pocket-friendly drinks but also the warmth and attentiveness of a fantastic bartender. The economical pricing of their drinks was a welcomed discovery, ensuring a delightful evening without straining the wallet. The bartender's charm and attentiveness added a personal flair, turning our visit into a truly hospitable experience. A quick note for future patrons: Keyhole operates on a cash-only basis, so come prepared. Despite this small consideration, the overall positive ambiance, reasonable prices, and exceptional service make Keyhole a spot I'll gladly revisit for future nightcaps

    Sama C.

    This is your low "key" dive bar based on the theme of keys, and keyholes. It is a very small bar located off of Newark Ave, and the enclosed street. You may even pass it by without knowing it, because it is not flashy on the outside. Once you enter the bar is in the middle with seating alongside in a circular shape. So if you are unable to grab a seat at the bar you may be standing in a tight spot. A handful of TV's makes its a chill spot to watch some sporting events. Attentive and kind staff make this place a more personable and friendly spot for drinks. And, if you take care of them they take care of you kinda joint. What I didn't like was this is a CASH ONLY bar. I do not recall an ATM either, but it may have been on the other side of the bar. Also, the men's bathroom is a single urinal stall & sink (no toilet), and the door does NOT have a locking mechanism. Their drink selection is somewhat extensive for the size of this bar, but they could be missing some of the usual favorites. There is NO FOOD made here, but they allow you to order out (delivered to you at the bar), or you can walk in with food/snacks of your own. Would be nice to have something to snack on or some bar pies, but I do not believe they have a kitchen. FYI: Not sure about the cell phone service here. I couldn't get good reception, and I have Verizon.

    a bottle of beer and a glass on a bar

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    3 months ago

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    3 years ago

    best dive bar in downtown jc - great location, cheep drinks, and a chill vibe

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Zu gave me amazing service in Keyhole tonight. So Bubbly, so friendly, and super pleasant. Need her here on more nights.

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    Ask the Community - The Keyhole

    Review Highlights - The Keyhole

    There are TVs to watch the game and our bartender, Zu, was fantastic!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    McSorleys Old Ale House - Classic bar beert

    McSorleys Old Ale House

    4.3(2.1k reviews)
    2.9 miEast Village
    $

    Ah, McSorley's. No trip to Manhattan is complete without visiting this east East Village…read moreinstitution. I'm a huge history nerd so I love places like McSorely's for the feeling of stepping back in time. As one of the servers mentioned during my most recent visit, it's like a museum you can drink in. My girlfriend and I most recently stopped in around noon on a Thursday in April so it wasn't crowded at all. The aforementioned server was so chill and friendly, chatting with the few patrons there and peppering in historical anecdotes about the place. He seemed to be just as much of a history nerd as I am. I've never had the food there. Of the two available beers, I definitely prefer the light. I could have happily stayed all day because man those beers go down easily, but we had other places to be. I love that when it gets crowded you're encouraged to share the table with strangers. Everyone becomes friends after a few rounds. I love that there is no music and I wish there was no tv. All in all, never had a bad experience here, and look forward to coming back, hopefully soon.

    Total tourist trap that rips you off if you're not paying attention. I live in the city but wanted…read moreto check this place out since it's an establishment. The idea is cool, they squeeze you in at a table around strangers and just have a good time and drink beer. We knew it was $8 for two half pints, not sure why they serve it that way but that's not my business. We knew we were only having a beer each, two of us, four minis so we were expecting to pay $16 for our four minis. As soon as the beer came we asked how much and the guy said $32, but don't worry, we'll be around for another round so he didn't take our money yet. We were served 4 half full mini beers, the other half was foam. We were pissed. After a bit the server came back and sat with us asking where we were from. We told him here in the city and things changed a bit. He offered us food and more beer, made small chat and left. We pulled a $20 out knowing that was more than enough and he immediately gave us $4 back without questioning the $16 versus $32.

    Photos
    McSorleys Old Ale House - Interior

    Interior

    McSorleys Old Ale House - Interior

    Interior

    McSorleys Old Ale House - The bar counter

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    The bar counter

    The Dead Rabbit - Scotch eggs

    The Dead Rabbit

    4.2(2.1k reviews)
    2.1 miFinancial District
    $$

    The "coconut milk was off" cocktail was soo good. All the cocktails (electric momisette and miso…read morecolada) were fun, creative, and delicious. The food (dingle pie and spice bag chips) were also really good. The spice bag chips seasoning was really good. We walked in Wednesday 8:30 PM and they had a couple of high chair seats at a side bar in the parlor room available. Really fun decorations and ambiance.

    If you're looking for one of the best Irish pubs in Lower Manhattan, The Dead Rabbit absolutely…read morelives up to the hype. Tucked into the Financial District, this spot blends old New York history with some of the best cocktails in the city--and it's easy to see why it's been named "World's Best Bar" more than once. The name itself has a wild backstory, inspired by a notorious 19th-century Irish-American gang from Five Points. It adds a layer of character to the place, but what really keeps people coming back is the atmosphere and the drinks. The space is split into two levels: a two lively, sawdust-floored Taprooms downstairs and a more refined Parlor upstairs if you're in the mood for a quieter, cocktail-focused experience. Drinks are the real highlight here. The Irish Coffee is widely considered one of the best in the world--rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with whiskey, coffee, and fresh cream. They also get creative with variations like a frozen version and even an Irish Coffee martini. If you want something different, the "Act Naturally" is a standout, mixing Irish whiskey with Guinness and fig in a way that works. Food is just as impressive for a bar. The lobster deviled eggs (topped with caviar) are a must-try, and the menu leans into elevated comfort food. Overall, The Dead Rabbit nails the balance between historic charm and modern cocktail excellence. The D.R. is one of those places that is never boring and consistently delivers.

    Photos
    The Dead Rabbit - Irish Coffee

    Irish Coffee

    The Dead Rabbit - Jingle All The Way

    Jingle All The Way

    The Dead Rabbit - Irish coffee

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    Irish coffee

    Paradise Lost - Beautiful interior

    Paradise Lost

    4.5(166 reviews)
    3.0 miEast Village

    Paradise Lost is a speakeasy tiki bar located on 2nd Ave in the East Village. A friend & I went…read morethere after having dinner at Spicy Moon a few blocks away. We wanted to have after-dinner cocktails in a chill space, so we searched on our phones & saw Paradise Lost address via Google. We proceeded to walk down & was unable to find the establishment due to their being no front sign. After walking back & forth a few times, we saw another group walking towards the door & they confirmed the place. We walked inside the front door pressed a "doorbell" & lo & behold we gained entry after the previous group went inside. Definitely an incognito entrance. Once inside that door there is someone to greet you, & take your information. There is a forest/ grass/ jungle-looking foyer/ hallway we walked down to get to the next door. Before we knew it, we were near the "Paradise Lost No Vacancy" neon sign w/ an arrow pointing towards the snake-shaped knob door. It gets opened & a supercool speakeasy awaits.... Paradise Lost has mixed style table / seating arrangements throughout the place. A bar seating section, booth-style seating area, lounge- style seating area, etc. We got there a little after 7pm, so the afterwork crowd was in full swing. Paradise Lost has interesting atmosphere. At times a Gothic / Medieval Vibe, meets place w/ shipwreck decor, meets eleganct /club vibe w/ beautiful ceiling lighting, etc. Music played in the background. Staff are friendly, energetic, & attentive. We were pleasantly overwhelmed w/ the vast selection of tiki cocktails that were on the menu. Paradise Lost also have an intimate selection of snacks/ food menu items. This included Popcorn, Tater Tots, Devilled Eggs Rangoon Dip, etc. We ordered some cocktails served in unique tiki mugs & a bucket of popcorn to munch on w/ our drinks. The popcorn is flavored w/ Sea Buckthorn & Browm Butter, which gave it an special flavor profile. Our cocktails were well-prepared & nice & strong. Paradise Lost has individual unisex bathroom stalls & a communal vanity & sink area. The bathroom stalls have spooky voices coming from a speaker as you use the bathroom. I was so humorously taken aback, it had me laughing when I came out...Definitely a different thing to experience in the bathroom - lol. Before we left we watched one of the bartenders do a cocktail "fire" presentation for some patrons in a booth seated area. Wow.... Paradise Lost accepts walk-ins only, no reservations. Paradise Lost accepts groups of 8 or less, unless you are requesting to book the space for a private event. Ages 21+ paradiselost.nyc @paradiselostnyc Paradise Lost is open everyday - 5pm-2am.

    Very cool cocktail bar with super interesting decor. It's more of a gothic tiki bar with ska music…read morethan a traditional tiki bar which was cool but I found the music to not really be my thing but thought the decor was just so cool. The drinks were very interesting and creative. The seawater martini I will say was a bit too strange for my taste but I still thought it was good. Service was very good as well. Would definitely recommend to visit if you like gothic stuff and tiki bars.

    Photos
    Paradise Lost - Amazing atmosphere!

    Amazing atmosphere!

    Paradise Lost - Beware the shark!

    Beware the shark!

    Paradise Lost - Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

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    Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

    The Keyhole - divebars - Updated May 2026

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