New York City

5 Bar Alternatives to Try in NYC

Sometimes the regular bar scene gets old and tired. When you’re sick of hanging out at your usual place, gather your friends and try these five bar alternatives. Yes, you can still drink while participating in some of these activities, but they're still plenty of fun sober.

1. Laugh So Hard You Fall Out of Your Chair

From Jerry Seinfeld to Chris Rock to Jon Stewart, New York City is serious about their comedy. Now more than ever, comedy is more accessible to audiences and New York City is home to some iconic venues. One of the best places to watch stand-up artists perform is the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan. A show will consist of between five and seven comics performing sets of roughly 20 minutes each.

2. Make A Strike

Channel your inner teenager and spend your Friday night bowling with a group of friends. The only caveat? You don’t have a curfew. The Gutter Bowling Alley and Bar offers eight bowling lanes and special events like Monday night trivia.

3. Make Your Night Sparkle 

Drag queens shape a huge part of the showbiz scene in the city. Enjoy one of the more popular drag shows in town at Lips NYC.

4. Pour Your Heart and Soul Into the Microphone

Panic all of your friends with the suggestion of karaoke. Get ready to belt Piano Man into a beer scented microphone. Try taking your friends to Arlene’s Grocery. Bands play every night of the week, except for Monday nights when it hosts “Monday Night Live Rock&Roll Karaoke”.

5. Play Some Games

This is technically still a bar, but many venues around the city have games for guests to enjoy. Barcade in the East Village is filled with vintage games for adults to play to feel nostalgic and young again.

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