Local 138

04/09/2008 Posted by alxx

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

Pros: great atmosphere

07/22/2006 Posted by mikelewis

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.

Pros: Ambience, music, bartenders

02/20/2006 Posted by fatbeaver

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.

Pros: inexpensive, football/soccer, not crowded

Cons: not crowded, soundsystem

12/18/2005 Posted by ekitel

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

Pros: music, bartender, tv

Cons: small drink

11/14/2005 Posted by ruby_b

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.

07/23/2005 Posted by oscarbully

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.

Pros: Comfortable, Friendly, Great Variety

Cons: Kind of Small, No bar gaming

12/02/2004 Posted by solstice2k

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!

12/01/2004 Posted by pfeffernyc

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.

02/17/2004 Posted by takemeout

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

Pros: good service, fun, good prices

09/01/2003 Posted by yaelelkin

This place is perfect for a chill night - not too loud, not too crazy. The staff is always cool and the front booths are awesome for semi-big groups. Perfect as an alternative to the way-too-trendy bars up the block!

Pros: great staff, cool booths, laid back