When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Ace Bar
Why Ace Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ace Bar in New York City is a lively and quintessential East Village bar that offers a perfect blend of energetic ambiance and casual fun, ideal for meeting up with friends. The bar features a long, open space divided into two areas: one with a bustling bar and another dedicated to games such as skee ball and pool, which adds an interactive and playful element to the experience. The setting boasts cozy booths for groups, while the overall vibe remains dynamic and upbeat, especially on weekends when the place fills up with a young and diverse crowd. Located in a historic neighborhood, Ace Bar carries a cool legacy dating back to the punk rock era, which contributes to its unique character. The bar is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and a collection of vintage lunchboxes, adding a quirky charm appreciated by patrons. Guests enjoy the friendly, no-hassle environment where both locals and celebrities feel at ease. Ace Bar stays open late, allowing for extended socializing and entertainment. Its combination of great drinks, lively music, and interactive games makes it an excellent location to relax and catch up after a day exploring the city or winding down after work.
Here's what people think of Ace Bar
As of recent, Ace Bar holds a 4.1-star rating based on 687 reviews.
User reviews of Ace Bar highlight its vibrant atmosphere and energetic social scene as key strengths. Positive feedback emphasizes the bar’s lively vibe, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a popular spot for a night out with friends. Many reviewers appreciate the mix of bar and game room offering classic activities like skee ball and pool, which foster fun interactions. The friendly staff and the bar's laid-back, unpretentious charm with unique features such as a vintage lunchbox collection and a historic punk rock background are also frequently praised. However, some negative comments point out that the bar can become quite crowded and noisy on weekends, sometimes resulting in waits to play games or find seating. A few visitations suggest the game selection is somewhat limited, and some patrons consider it an average neighborhood bar not worth going out of the way to visit. Overall, Ace Bar receives a solid rating from users for its lively atmosphere, friendly vibe, and entertainment options, making it a great East Village hangout spot despite minor drawbacks related to crowding and game variety.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vidhi Patel
Ace Bar is the kind of spot locals hope stays off the radar — but here I am. Tucked away in Alphabet City- East Village, it’s perfect for big groups hangs!!! They have it all: pool tables, dart boards, pinball, and skee-ball, plus a cute claw machine and photo booth!! And great Happy Hour Deals!!
Manu Navjeevan
Men’s restroom is single use but does not have a lock. The bartenders appear to be aware of this fact. When asked about the danger this poses to a (hypothetical) toilet user, they questioned why the (again, purely hypothetical) toilet user did not relieve himself prior to arriving at the bar. 5 stars. Drinks were well priced though not the strongest
Isaac Smith
Visited on a busy night, after several minutes of making our way past the sea of people to get to the bar, we asked if there happened to be a menu if they had any specialty cocktails or drinks, as some bars have. The bartender gave us a look as if it was unheard of to ask for a menu and said "For what?? We don't have a kitchen," turned, and walked away from us before we could reply to order a normal drink. The atmosphere of the rest of the bar was fun and crowded, but I wish we weren't treated as we were and then ignored by the bartender after the interaction so that we were able to order and enjoy a drink.
Billy Colston
Unfortunately we had someone in our party who was under 21 (which we were unaware of) and I am 28 - Angela (bartender) and the bouncer at the time (when there was no one in the bar) were extremely aggressive to us after we said we were down to stay and insisted we leave (even though we wanted to have a drink). I have worked in the industry for 5 years and never have I told someone who was 21 that they couldn’t stay and enjoy a drink when they were fine with their friends leaving. I lived in San Francisco - so for me this was a very weird experience. I highly suggest you think about how people treat you before you enter this bar and decide to give them your service.
Britney
As the bouncer kicks out the single women and leaves the people he knows inside with favoritism. I only recommend this place with Caution. The bouncer has an entitled attitude that warrants him nothing. He allows people to stay in the bar as an act of preference “within the industry” and risks the visitors safety by kicking them out side while others are yet still able to sit that finishing their own alcohol beverages. That’s not the way to keep it. He told me “you came outside, you go outside.” That is not how you treat a human being. Everyone deserves safety especially if already called an uber and waiting on it to arrive. Not cool. The bartender was pleasant at the very least as why there are 3 stars, opposed to 1 star.
How to reach Ace Bar
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Why Ace Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ace Bar with your friends? Ace Bar stands out as an exceptional spot in New York City’s East Village, offering a unique blend of laid-back neighborhood bar charm combined with engaging entertainment options that perfectly suit a lively group outing. Whether you’re looking to catch up over drinks, engage in some friendly competition, or simply unwind in a welcoming atmosphere, Ace Bar delivers all this with an inviting vibe. With a solid rating around 4.1 from hundreds of reviews, this bar has earned its reputation as a fantastic gathering place that can accommodate diverse group dynamics. Unlike overly upscale or pretentious venues, Ace Bar embraces a more casual, unpretentious, and fun style that encourages everyone to relax and enjoy themselves, making it easy to rally your friends or family for a memorable night out. Its combination of great drinks, welcoming staff, and entertaining games creates an environment where social interactions naturally flourish. The bar’s location in East Village – a vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood – further enhances its appeal as a go-to spot for meetups, fostering good times amid New York City’s energetic pulse.
What activities can you enjoy at Ace Bar that enhance your group meetup? Ace Bar truly shines with its mixture of classic bar games that bring out the competitive spirit and foster camaraderie in any group. Among the offerings, patrons can enjoy skee-ball, pool tables, darts, and Buck Hunter, an arcade-style electronic shooting game that appeals to both casual players and avid gamers. This variety ensures there is something for everyone, whether you want to challenge your friends or simply have fun trying something new. The atmosphere created by these games, combined with upbeat music and a spacious layout, makes it easy to circulate between drinks and games without feeling crowded. This dynamic encourages a mix of conversation and competition that keeps the energy high and the mood lighthearted. For groups large or small, this interactive environment transforms a typical bar visit into an engaging social experience. Ace Bar effectively serves as a "big kids playground," inviting guests to relive nostalgic fun while making new memories together.
Why is Ace Bar ideal for hosting a group meetup or private party? One of the standout features of Ace Bar is its flexibility and commitment to catering to group events, whether casual get-togethers, birthdays, or corporate outings. The bar’s spacious layout, with semi-separated zones for lounging and activity, facilitates both intimate conversations and group-wide celebrations. This setup is perfect for groups that want to balance socializing with entertainment. Furthermore, the staff is known for being personable, attentive, and helpful in accommodating group needs, enhancing the overall experience. Happy hours and special event nights add even more appeal, often featuring attractive drink specials and a lively crowd that sets an upbeat tone for group gatherings. Customers have noted the venue’s responsiveness and ease in booking events, which adds a layer of convenience highly valued when planning a meetup. Moreover, the assortment of bar games, combined with a stocked and varied drink menu, ensures that everyone in your party will find something to enjoy, making Ace Bar an excellent event hub where friends or family can feel comfortable spending several hours.
What kind of food and beverage options make Ace Bar a great meeting spot? While Ace Bar primarily earns its reputation as a vibrant bar with games and drinks, it also offers a versatile beverage menu that suits various tastes. Customers enjoy classic cocktails, well-selected beers on tap, and affordable happy hour deals that make it easy to try multiple drinks without breaking the bank. Though some reviewers have mentioned that the food can be hit or miss, the core appeal for most groups lies in the bar menu and appetizers that pair well with casual hangouts. Ace Bar’s drinks, combined with its energetic yet relaxed atmosphere, encourage guests to linger and enjoy prolonged social time rather than rushing through a quick stop. The availability of bar snacks and occasional food offerings enhances this experience, making it a place where both thirst and mild hunger are satisfied without distracting from the main event — social connection and fun. This balance keeps the focus on the people you’re with and the activities you share, which is ideal for group outings.
How does the atmosphere and staff contribute to the overall experience at Ace Bar? Ace Bar’s charm is amplified by its friendly, approachable staff who contribute significantly to a positive social ambiance. Customer reviews frequently highlight the bartenders and servers’ warmth and willingness to engage, creating an inviting environment where guests feel valued and part of a community. This personable service complements the bar’s playful and relaxed vibe, ensuring that groups can party hard but also feel comfortable and welcomed. The blend of a somewhat retro yet lively setting, with classic arcade games and an updated juke box, adds character that makes the venue memorable. Though it can get busy on weekends, the staff’s attentiveness helps avoid long waits or overcrowding frustrations, which is crucial for maintaining group enjoyment. The neighborhood bar feel combined with thoughtful service makes Ace Bar not just a place to drink, but a destination where social bonds can strengthen amid good music, games, and conviviality.
In summary, Ace Bar offers an exceptional mix of casual comfort, entertaining group activities, and welcoming service, making it a top choice to rally with your friends or family in New York City. Its varied games, lively yet unpretentious atmosphere, and event-friendly spaces support memorable meetups filled with laughter, competition, and good drinks. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend hangout or a flexible venue for a special event, Ace Bar’s combination of features ensures everyone in your group will have a fantastic time.