Local 138

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Evanismo

Joined 3 years ago

Chill LES bar. Though nearly empty save a single patron at the bar when we walked in, Local 138 was well worth the stop on a recent weeknight. Walking down Ludlow, we were looking for a happy hour joint and decided it would work for us. The bar boasts decent happy hour specials with effectively strong mixed drinks and a chocolate stout that served as dinner and dessert. I appreciated the mix of punk-grunge-rock of my youth playing at a decent level, but what really made this place worth it was the roomy booth at the front of the bar that we snagged, without much competition, which afforded us near-panoramic views of the street – always interesting in the LES.

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alxx

Joined 5 years ago

great happy hour. good selection of draughts; the special: two booths with a view of neighborhood life, casual atmosphere. happy hour till 9pm.

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mikelewis

Joined 7 years ago

Good atmosphere, staff and prices -- a rare combination. This bar typically has a relaxing atmosphere, good music (nothing cheesy, indie rock is a possibility), reasonable prices, decent lighting so you can actually see your friends, and pleasant bartenders. They were very accomodating about reserving the back room for me on a Saturday night (10/1/05) at no charge. It's good for maybe 15 people or so. The bar, overall, is small, but when I was there on a Saturday it never got too crowded for me.

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fatbeaver

Joined 7 years ago

coziest at the lower east side. looking for a place to chill?

this is the place!

cheap drink, not as crowded and totally not pretentious!

they play good music, bartender was really nice and friendly.

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ekitel

Joined 8 years ago

great music. on a nice little sound systems, unlike some other bars and lounges that sound like mud, playing some funky underground hip hop, no cheese, and the bartender was very cute and friendly, though my scotch on the rocks seemed like it could have been a bit more generous, this was the only place on the block I walked into, every place else seemed really obnoxious

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ruby_b

Joined 8 years ago

cheap drinks :). I was in NYC for the first time ever this weekend on an impromptu trip, and we decided to bar-hop in East Village. I was shocked by the crazy drink prices at most places in the area, and I was starting to lose hope when I found Local 138. I asked what the specials were, and when she said they were over - but they had beer for $3 and wells for $4, regular price! Compared to the $10+ wells we had seen, we were ecstatic. The drinks were nice and strong too, and we didn't have to wait long to get a table big enough for all of 6 of us. Great place to chill and talk.

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oscarbully

Joined 8 years ago

What a great place. Everyone talks about the "snugs" up front, but there is a little known lounge in the back which is great for parties. Very chill by comparision to most lower east side spots. A great place to kick off a night or wind down and chat at the end. Prices are very reasonalble for NYC and a great beer and booze selection with lots of top shelf scotch whiskey and tequila you can't find elsewhere. Not to mention the friendly, low-key bartenders.

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solstice2k

Joined 9 years ago

Think Locally. This bar is by far my favorite place on the Lower East Side these days. The alcoves in the front are each roomy enough for a small group; the bar & table area has great atmosphere; the back room's minimalist design makes a great setting for a private party, and the layout of the place allows easy traffic from front to back. Also, check out the cool ceiling fans!

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pfeffernyc

Joined 9 years ago

TOPS!. the best spot on the lower east side. no attitude, great music, great atmosphere, mixed crowd. a great, normal neighborhood bar for times when you're in the area with friends looking for a drink and not in the mood for the dark, loud lounge down the block. should you be looking for more, this is the perfect bar for the first or last drink of the night.

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takemeout

Joined 9 years ago

got to go. The bar was great. Had a fantastic time. They have 2 booths up front for for your own privite chill out you can get about 10 people in them. One has your own private service window. There is also a back lounge. All the bartenders are great and fun. If you are looking for good service in NYC this is the place to go. They have a happy hour 4 to 9 all of the draught beers are 3.00 a pint. Stella Guinness Newcastle all premimum. Drink prices are very reasonable you can even get shots for 4.00

Its a must go in my eyes.

Cheers