VIBE

On the exterior, it’s just another brick and concrete corner spot with an incessant stream of hipsters and LES locals. But this is no typical Lower East Side dive: this is Spitzer’s, an alluring gastropub and beer bar catering as much to frantic foodies as it does to energetic after-hours idlers. In the stark, dark, wood-and-metallic interior, drinkers congregate at long communal tables to guzzle down pints from its impressive menu of international beers (with over half on tap). And that’s not to mention the elevated bar fare. After downing a serving of chocolate stout or German Pilsner, gourmet plates like the legendary pork belly sandwich or mac and cheese are perfect for soaking up those heavy imports.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Regulars keep it casual, so we’d sport a funky yet flattering top, faded denims, and chic boots.

GO HERE WITH

A group of friends; coworkers

CROWD

An expectedly stylish mix of LES locals: everyone from artists and post-work professionals to serious beer lovers.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Like most others who make this place a regular hangout, we love its large stock of hard-to-find artisanal brews (including many on tap). The drinks are forever rotating, meaning we never run out of new tastes to try.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

On weekends, the crowds at the bar can make getting an order in a bit tough–perhaps better crowd control at the door?

GOOD TO KNOW

The name “Spitzer’s Corner” refers to the sewing business that formerly leased the property. Weekends it’s often overrun by loud hipster crowds; better to go on weeknights, when the place is filled by more low-key business and local types.

CLOSEST COMPS

Freemans (New York); The Westbourne (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.