When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Local 138
Why Local 138 is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Local 138 is a cherished dive bar located on Ludlow Street in New York City's Lower East Side, offering an authentic and low-key atmosphere that's perfect for meeting up with friends. Renowned for its cozy and dimly lit setting, it provides a genuine local bar experience amid the rapidly changing neighborhood. The bar features a well-curated selection of beers and reasonably priced drinks handcrafted by friendly, attentive bartenders. Notably, Local 138 has managed to maintain its character without becoming overtaken by corporate chains, making it a nostalgic haven for those seeking an unpretentious and laid-back venue. The seating is intimate, with booths by the windows being a popular spot to relax and enjoy conversations. The music is thoughtfully selected by bartenders or live DJs, typically ranging from mellow hip-hop to lounge vibes, creating a uniquely warm and inviting ambiance. Whether stopping by before or after shows nearby, or just catching up with friends in a casual setting, Local 138 stands out as a dependable and welcoming neighborhood bar.
Here's what people think of Local 138
As of recent, Local 138 holds a 4.2-star rating based on 286 reviews.
Reviews from patrons highlight Local 138 as a fantastic spot to unwind, praised widely for its welcoming and authentic atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly and quick bartenders, who serve solid, reasonably priced drinks and contribute to the bar's unpretentious charm. The music, often curated by the bartenders or DJs, receives positive remarks for fitting the laid-back, lounge-style environment. Fans especially recommend visiting on weeknights or Sundays to enjoy a more local crowd and avoid busier times. Positive feedback underscores the bar's role as a reliable meeting place for friends, a satisfying prelude or follow-up to evening plans, and one of the last remaining authentically local bars in a gentrified area. On the flip side, some reviewers note that the crowd has shifted over time, becoming more 'bridge and tunnel,' which may not appeal to everyone seeking a purely local vibe. Despite this, the bar’s straightforward and inclusive approach keeps it a favored choice among diverse visitors. Overall, the consensus portrays Local 138 as a solid, no-frills dive bar with a welcoming spirit and enduring appeal in the dynamic Lower East Side scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Erin Krueger
my friend went here and got followed into the bathroom by some nasty creep. her boyfriend confronted the guy and the guy ends up punching him and one of his friends. the bouncer did absolutely nothing, completely useless people at this bar, why are you okay with random men following girls into the bathroom????? don’t come here and give them your time and money, clearly the people who work here have no back bone to stand up for their own patrons being put into dangerous situations at their own bar …..
Aiyah Halsey
When I first came here last year it was the perfect little dive bar find. The music and drinks were great along with the bartenders. In recent times I’ve gone which have been on Fridays the music is 80s for a long time with no variation until we decided to leave is when the music changed but we have already been there for a little over an hour at that point. Good bar but music truly can make or break your atmosphere
Sushmita Malakar
This is going to be my go-to bar whenever I am in NYC! Cozy, quiet and very nice happy hour deal! The bartender is a delightful lady and makes sure you are never without a drink! I would highly recommend this place for a relaxed evening after work!
Raven Dantzler
Bartenders were incredible and super friendly and accommodating. However, for a Friday night the music was only like 80s and felt like I was in a perpetual video game. It gave me a headache so I left. Hope they fix that according to the crowd. Also, it was really cold to me but I get they need to moderate the temp for when it's packed. I'll drf be back, but maybe during happy hour instead.
Pumkin Escobar
Local 138 is a great little bar on the Lower East Side that I hope gentrification never locates. It deserves to live out its life serving the people of that community at the great prices it offers with an atmosphere that's honest and free of pretense. When you visit, see if Tracy's around, she doesn't work there but she's a fixture, lots of fun, and if you make her laugh real good, she'll snort! *open whisper...She also runs a great comedy show once a month in the back room...close whisper*
How to reach Local 138
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Why Local 138 may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Local 138 with your friends?
If you are searching for a welcoming, unpretentious spot to enjoy quality time with friends, Local 138 offers an ideal sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of New York City’s fast pace. Located in the Lower East Side, this dive bar stands out as one of the last bastions of authenticity in a neighborhood that has rapidly changed due to gentrification. Its ambiance is intentionally low-key and cozy, making it a perfect place to unwind before or after attending a nearby show or simply to meet up for drinks and conversation. The bartenders are known for being friendly, attentive, and efficient, crafting solid, reasonably priced drinks that cater to all palates. Moreover, the music, typically chosen by the bartenders or a live DJ on Fridays, creates an inviting soundtrack of eclectic hip-hop and lounge tunes without relying on a jukebox or crowd-pleasing clichés. For groups, snagging a booth by the window provides a comfortable setting to chat and catch up in an intimate atmosphere. With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from nearly 300 reviewers, Local 138 shines as a reliable "fail-safe" spot for groups aiming to blend casual comfort, affordability, and genuine local character in their social outings.
What activities does Local 138 offer for groups?
At its core, Local 138 is a classic dive bar, which means the activities revolve around socializing in a casual, no-frills environment. The primary activity is gathering around tables and booths to enjoy conversations over expertly mixed drinks. Its intimate, dimly lit setting fosters deep, uninterrupted conversations, perfect for catching up with old friends or celebrating small milestones with family. The bar’s efficient service ensures that groups spend less time waiting and more time engaging with each other. On Fridays, the presence of a live DJ adding loungey, mellow hip-hop music elevates the experience, providing a gentle backdrop that's both relaxing and stimulating for social interactions without overpowering conversations.
Local 138’s selection of beer and cocktails is varied, catering to different tastes, which makes it easy for a mixed group to find something enjoyable. Since it avoids the mainstream corporate chain vibe, groups who prefer an authentic, "local" experience with unique flavors and more personalized service will appreciate the atmosphere. The space also naturally encourages mingling between groups, making it a great spot to expand your social circle or mix groups of friends with shared interests. Whether you are looking for a chill evening or a lively yet laid-back night out, Local 138 caters to diverse preferences, ensuring your group’s outing is engaging and memorable.
Why is Local 138 perfect for a group meetup?
Local 138 excels as a gathering place for groups because of its thoughtfully simple yet effective setup. The bar’s booth seating offers semi-private spaces where groups can enjoy privacy while still feeling part of the larger, vibrant community atmosphere. This layout is ideal for both casual dinners and more intimate conversations. Additionally, Local 138 balances the nostalgic charm of a true dive bar with attentive service—you won’t feel neglected in busy NYC nightlife but rather welcomed and cared for, a rare combination that enhances group experiences.
The bar also stands out by resisting the homogenization of the neighborhood, creating an authentic local vibe that appeals to patrons who value character over gloss. For groups wanting to avoid tourist traps or sterile corporate chains, Local 138 delivers a genuine New York experience. Pricing for drinks is reasonable, which means larger groups can enjoy longer meetups without worrying about steep tabs. The consistent positive feedback on staff friendliness reinforces the sense of community, crucial in making everyone feel comfortable and at home. Moreover, the occasional DJ nights add an element of entertainment without overwhelming the bar’s relaxed pace, creating a perfect balance for groups that want to socialize rather than just dance or party.
How does Local 138’s culture and vibe enhance group visits?
Local 138 cultivates an inclusive, diverse culture that respects its history and its evolving clientele. It still retains shades of the authentic Lower East Side dive bar scene with a mix of locals, creatives, and visitors who appreciate its low-key vibe. The bartenders contribute significantly to this vibe by carefully curating the music and providing personalized drink recommendations, which often sparks conversations and adds to the communal feeling. This culture ensures that groups feel equally comfortable whether they are familiar with the area or new visitors exploring NYC's nightlife.
The bar’s commitment to remaining "simple, no pretense" resonates strongly in the service and atmosphere—it’s a space that doesn’t cater to flashy trends but instead centers on straightforward enjoyment of good drinks and good company. This honesty in experience appeals especially to groups of friends or family who prefer a quiet, cozy hangout rather than a noisy, extravagant club. The frequent mention of the DJs' loungey, mellow selections on Friday nights suggests that even during peak times, the vibe remains relaxed and conducive to social bonding rather than overstimulation.
What should groups know before visiting Local 138?
Timing your visit to Local 138 can enhance your group's experience. Weeknights and Sundays are recommended if you prefer a quieter environment with more laid-back crowds. During these times, it is easier to snag coveted window booths, optimal for group seating and conversation. Weekends, especially Fridays, feature a DJ which attracts a livelier crowd, which can be enjoyable if your group is in the mood for background music and a slightly more energetic scene.
Groups should also prepare for the bar’s intentionally dim and intimate lighting, which enhances the ambiance but may not suit those who prefer bright, open spaces. The bar’s modest size means larger groups might want to arrive early or make arrangements to ensure seating availability. As it is not a corporate chain, Local 138 maintains a certain rough-around-the-edges charm, which adds to its authenticity but may contrast with expectations for upscale decor or extensive menus.
In summary, Local 138 offers groups a blend of authenticity, attentive service, and a comfortable environment to socialize. Its balance of dive bar grit and friendly professionalism makes it a prime venue for meetups that prioritize real connection over spectacle, making it an excellent choice for groups of friends or family seeking an inviting space where everyone can relax, drink well, and enjoy each other’s company.