When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Phebe's
Why Phebe's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Phebe's Tavern, established in 1968 at the corner of East 4th and Bowery in New York City's East Village, offers a timeless and welcoming environment that has made it a beloved neighborhood staple for more than five decades. This classic tavern combines cozy, rustic decor—including exposed brick and a hand-carved wood bar—with a lively atmosphere, perfect for meeting friends after work or celebrating special occasions. Phebe's is known for its extensive drink offerings, featuring 16 draft beers on tap, craft cocktails, a curated selection of red and white wines, and spirits. The menu highlights comfort food staples ideal for lunch or dinner, complementing the casual yet vibrant setting. Patrons can enjoy daily specials such as $10 burgers on Mondays, Taco Tuesday deals, and discounted espresso martinis on Thursdays. With a full bar and television screens for watching sports, Phebe's caters to diverse social gatherings, from casual drinks and game nights to private parties. The venue accommodates up to 250 standing guests and provides amenities including WiFi, A/V equipment, catering, and bar packages, making it an excellent choice for corporate events and weddings. Open late into the night every day of the week, Phebe's continues to evolve with the East Village while retaining its authentic charm, making it a go-to destination to meet friends and enjoy good company.
Here's what people think of Phebe's
As of recent, Phebe's holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1445 reviews.
Customer reviews of Phebe's Tavern reflect a generally positive impression, resulting in a solid 4.3-star rating from over 1,400 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the tavern's classic New York ambiance, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it an ideal place for social gatherings and watching sports events. Positive feedback commonly highlights the value offered by daily specials, the quality of the craft beers and cocktails, and the comfort food menu that satisfies diverse tastes. Regulars also commend the late operating hours and the venue's ability to accommodate both casual meetups and private parties with ample space and suitable amenities. However, some negative reviews point to occasional service slowdowns during peak hours and crowded weekends that can affect the overall experience. A few guests mention that some dishes are standard fare and may not stand out in the competitive New York bar scene. Despite these critiques, the consensus is that Phebe's Tavern remains a cherished East Village hotspot that balances a lively, relaxed environment with good drinks and food. The positive aspects tend to outweigh the negatives, underscoring Phebe's enduring appeal as a friendly neighborhood tavern with a rich history.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Grace Bennett
Is a typical pub/tavern atmosphere and menu. Everything was good except the fajitas came in a tomato sauce (we're from Texas... what made us order fajitas in Manhattan!?). Service was friendly and fast. Food delivered all together and hot. With so many other choices will probably not be back, but it was a convenient location for where we were staying. The espresso martini was yummy (TY Happy Hour!). The beet salad was excellent (and huge); it was mostly arugula, but it was overall delicious.
Gregory Demaras SWFL Realtor
Wasn’t expecting that! What looks like an otherwise nothing special spot was in fact a great and repeatable find! Solid menu options including super fresh salads and professionally poured Guinness. The staff was affable and attentive with a big shout out to our 5 Star server Liam! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steve McGhie
$10 Classic hamburger and fries on Monday is a great deal. Burger was done perfectly. Wings were good though ranch dressing was average.
brandon Stuart
Came for lunch and got the off menu tequeños. Best cheese sticks I’ve ever had. Skipped the beer but would go great with it. They should add these to the menu permanently! Restaurant has a great ambiance and Oscar was friendly.
Graham Short
This bar has changed and kept up over the years, They continue to upgrade the interior and keep it casual, the happy hour cocktail was good and you could taste the liquor. The staff were friendly and attentive. The outside space that ran along the bar is a good spot when it’s warm out, many bars sit back and do nothing that’s not the case here, and it pays off.
How to reach Phebe's
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Website: None
Why Phebe's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Phebe's with your friends? Phebe’s Tavern and Grill, located in the East Village of New York City, is much more than just a neighborhood bar; it is a dynamic social hub that effortlessly blends history, warmth, and a vibrant atmosphere. Established in 1968, this longstanding establishment has become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, making it an ideal venue for gathering with friends or family. The tavern exudes a welcoming vibe that encourages relaxed, meaningful connection amid an energetic environment. Whether you're meeting after work, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a cozy place to unwind with your closest people, Phebe’s caters to all these moments with ease. Their reputation for excellent food, generous portions, and friendly staff ensures you and your group feel right at home. Beyond the appealing menu, Phebe’s offers an inviting ambiance where lively conversations and laughter flow as freely as the expertly crafted cocktails. These features create a perfect backdrop for groups to enjoy quality time together, making Phebe’s an unbeatable choice for hosting meetups of all kinds.
What makes Phebe's perfect for a group meetup?
Phebe’s stands out as a perfect setting for a group meetup due to its combination of spaciousness, thoughtful service, and diverse offerings tailored to group dynamics. The layout of the tavern includes room to accommodate everything from small friend circles to larger parties comfortably, ensuring that everyone can participate in the fun without feeling cramped or rushed. Their staff is consistently praised for attentive and friendly service that ensures no one in your group waits too long or feels overlooked, even during busy times like major sporting events or weekend nights. Additionally, Phebe’s has cultivated a relaxed yet lively atmosphere where groups can enjoy the moment without the distractions of overly loud music or an impersonal vibe. Whether you want to hold a casual dinner, watch the game together, or simply enjoy cocktails in an inviting space, Phebe’s perfectly balances comfort with excitement, making it uniquely suited to group meetups. This versatility is a major drawing point for people looking to gather and create memorable experiences with their friends and loved ones.
What activities can you enjoy with your friends at Phebe's?
At Phebe’s, there’s no shortage of activities to keep your group entertained, making it much more than just a place to eat and drink. One of the most popular reasons groups choose Phebe’s is to watch sports games together. Known as a Bengals bar among others, Phebe’s creates an electrifying atmosphere on game days, complete with large screen TVs and a crowd that shares in the excitement. Sports fans can rally around their teams with great food, specialty drinks, and camaraderie all around.
In addition to sports viewing, you can indulge in Phebe’s varied menu offerings that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences—everything from mouthwatering burgers to generous portions of seafood, pasta, and specialties like SkyLine chili. The portion sizes are notably generous, which means your group can share and sample a wide variety of dishes without breaking the bank. Phebe’s regularly hosts themed nights and happy hour specials, such as Taco Tuesdays and Espresso Martini Thursdays, adding playful variety to your meetup. These events create a fun reason for groups to plan their outings and enjoy exclusive deals. Lastly, Phebe’s ambiance supports relaxed gatherings where you can simply chat over cocktails or try their carefully crafted gin drinks, all contributing to a perfect setting for a multi-activity meetup.
Why is the food at Phebe’s especially suitable for group gatherings?
Food is a key part of any social gathering, and Phebe’s excels in offering a menu that’s perfect for sharing, indulgence, and variety. Groups often seek restaurants where everyone can find something they love, and Phebe’s menu achieves exactly this with a range of quality dishes that satisfy diverse palates. The portions are notably generous, making sharing effortless and meals feel celebratory rather than rushed or skimpy.
Highly recommended items include their famous Phebe’s burger, regarded as mouthwatering and rich in flavor, and the Sloppy Joe, known for being hearty and satisfying. Seafood lovers will appreciate generous jumbo shrimp dishes served with flavorful garlic and oil preparations, and their Tavern grill options showcase a variety of well-executed staples that appeal to classic American tastes. The combination of fresh ingredients with thoughtful preparation means each dish delivers on taste and quality, vital when feeding a larger group. Additionally, the menu pricing offers excellent value so groups can enjoy their meal without worrying about excessive costs. This mix of shareability, taste, and value makes Phebe’s an obvious choice when you want your friends to leave happy and well-fed.
How does the ambiance at Phebe’s enhance the group experience?
The ambiance at Phebe’s Tavern and Grill plays a crucial role in enhancing any social gathering, ensuring your meetup is memorable not just for the food and drinks but for the overall environment. The tavern combines a cozy, neighborhood bar vibe with a lively energy that caters specifically to groups looking for a welcoming spot. Whether visiting during the day for a casual lunch or at night for vibrant happy hour sessions, the atmosphere adapts smoothly to social needs.
Lighting and décor contribute to a warm setting that invites easy conversation and comfortable seating arrangements encourage camaraderie. On key event nights like game days, the energy pulses with the shared joy of fandom, while quieter off-peak times offer relaxed and intimate vibes perfect for catching up with close friends. The staff’s friendly and efficient service completes the atmosphere, addressing your group’s needs quickly so that the focus remains on the good times being shared. This balance of energetic and relaxed qualities helps Phebe’s serve as a backdrop that naturally encourages laughter, storytelling, and the kind of memorable moments that only come when people feel genuinely welcome and comfortable.
What special deals and events support group meetups at Phebe’s?
Phebe’s thoughtfully incorporates specials and events that amplify the appeal for group meetups, offering great value and unique experiences that keep guests coming back. The tavern’s happy hour runs weekdays from 4 pm to 8 pm, featuring $5 beers, $6 draft Guinness and Stella, $8 wines, and select cocktails for $10. These affordable options encourage groups to linger and enjoy more drinks without worrying about excessive bills.
Weekly specials cater to variety seekers, with Monday designated as $10 burger day—ideal for burger lovers to unite over classic American fare. Taco Tuesdays offer three tacos for $10 alongside $8 margaritas, providing playful, casual dining that’s perfect for groups looking for something fun and flavorful. Thursdays feature $5 espresso martinis, a chic and spirited choice for those wanting to transition their evening from dinner to drinks effortlessly. These specials create a robust calendar of reasons to gather often, fostering a community feel while ensuring your meetups are exciting yet budget-conscious. Planning your next group outing at Phebe’s means access to these enjoyable events that make every visit feel like a celebration.
How does Phebe’s location contribute to its appeal for social gatherings?
Situated on the corner of East 4th Street and Bowery, Phebe’s benefits greatly from its prime East Village location, making it a magnet for locals and visitors alike who want a convenient, iconic spot for meeting friends. The East Village is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic mix of dining options, and neighborhood charm, and Phebe’s has firmly established itself as a beloved fixture within this energetic context.
Its central location means it’s easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance for many residents and tourists, removing typical hassles related to travel and parking. The neighborhood itself offers a great backdrop for starting or ending your night’s outing, with plenty of surrounding bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to complement any meetup. This location convenience combined with Phebe’s rich history and welcoming vibe makes it an obvious go-to for groups looking for an authentic New York dining and social experience. Whether your plan is dinner, drinks, or event watching, being in the heart of the East Village enhances your group experience with vibrancy and accessibility.
By combining its rich history, generous and delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, flexible activities, and great location, Phebe’s Tavern and Grill presents a comprehensive package that makes it an excellent choice for any friend or family meetup in New York City. Whether your group seeks a relaxed space to enjoy cocktails, a lively venue to watch the game, or a delicious meal to share, Phebe’s consistently delivers an inviting experience that turns ordinary meetups into memorable social celebrations.