Unemployed Guide to New York

by Melanie Berliet - Citysearch Editor - 103 Reviews - 52 Lists

Updated: January 25, 2009

New York is paradise for the under and unemployed set (so much to do!), but it ain't cheap. So forget searching for that new job and exploit the city's bar and restaurant deals instead. As a former taxpayer, you deserve that free slice of pizza and bottomless glass of wine as much as the rest of us do.

Freebies Galore

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Alligator Lounge
    Read Reviews

    600 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)

    No lamenting the cost of food at this Williamsburg bar. Line your stomach with a complimentary slice of brick-oven pizza with every drink order. If you feel like splurging, dish out a buck or two for extra toppings such as caramelized onions.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Sunburnt Cow
    Read Reviews

    137 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009 (map)

    The laid-back Aussies in charge of this funky East Village hangout won't judge you for being unemployed, so go for brunch ($15) and enjoy an endless supply of bloody marys, mimosas or beer for as long as you're seated. If Sunday seems too far away, stop by on a weekday for two all-you-can-drink hours ($20), anytime between 4pm and 8pm.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Thirsty Scholar
    Read Reviews

    155 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 (map)

    Oops! You forgot to open that savings account your parents recommended, and now you're jobless and hungry. Thank the deity of the unemployed at this Village institution, where the buffet--offering pub grub like chili and rice--is free from 5pm to 8pm.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Gray's Papaya
    Read Reviews

    2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 (map)

    Conscientious hot dog connoisseurs make living cheap easy with the chain's recession special. Scrounge around for dollars and cents and head over to get two dogs and a drink. Leave satisfied--until your digestive system commands you to return for two more.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Ear Inn Inc
    Read Reviews

    326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 (map)

    Old-school artists and Tribeca newbies frequent this spot for its 19th century appeal, but the appeal to you is the free food. At the bar, pick on tuna melts or whatever else the cook decides to offer for a happier hour that day (5pm to 6pm, Mon-Fri).

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Sixpoint Craft Ales
    Read Reviews

    40 Van Dyke St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (map)

    One thing you get out of being jobless is more free time. Use it to check off all the things you've been meaning to do, like learning jujitsu and touring a Brooklyn brewery that stresses an all-natural and unfiltered approach to the ancient art of brewing. During a free tour (by appointment only), you'll get one full free beer plus multiple tastings.

  7. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average Columbia Cottage
    Read Reviews

    1034 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025 (map)

    At this student favorite, your glass of white wine is bottomless while you eat your entree, so push that General Tso's around your plate and lengthen your stay at the table. The wine might be cheap, but so are you these days.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Dashing Diva
    Read Reviews

    1341 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    Being unemployed is far more stressful than working for a living--all the more reason to pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Just time your appointment between 5pm and 9pm on Thursday or Friday and get a free cosmo out of the deal.