The Upper West Side houses its share of college bars, wine bars, sports bars, and upscale casual restaurants. It is also home to many folks who grew up drinking in downtown bars before growing up, moving up and bringing up babies. This is only one reason why E’s Bar is a beloved addition to the stretch of spots on Amsterdam Avenue. Inspired by old school downtown music dives (think CBGB’s, Mars Bar) with a new school uptown upgrade (i.e. this isn’t your average dive bar), E’s delivers it’s own unique venue of fun for all.
If the giant neon “BAR” sign doesn’t whisper in your ear, then the classic juke box or curated playlists (all music from 60′-90’s only) will inspire you to have a good time. The chances are good that you’ll walk into the main room and the crowds of people having a blast will encourage you to belly up and start knocking them down (the drinks, not the people). Very reasonably priced and, depending on the day of the week, you can get an even better deal with the excellent daily specials they offer (we like to go on Margarita Mondays when they’re only $8).
To accompany all of the beverages you imbibe, they have a killer $10 food menu. (Yes, it’s true, no food item is over $10!) You will get a delicious mouthful and bang for your buck with staples like NY Sharp Cheddar Balls or homemade chips and guac, but the best value is their E’s Burger. No temp is taken, and it comes out stacked and juicy to only leave you wanting another. There are no servers, so you are free to roam and drink and dine wherever you are comfortable then head back up to the bar and repeat.
If the main room is too boisterous, move back to the hallway packed with cozy booths and banquettes for a more intimate time with friends, or keep walking back to the Rumpus Room. Here there are two dart boards, more diner-style booths (great for larger groups), and shelves and shelves of games. Feel free to take the games anywhere in the bar and play ’em! Checkers, Connect Four, Scrabble, Cards Against Humanity (duh!), Hungry Hungry Hippo (remember that one?), Jenga, etc… the list goes on.
The staff is uber friendly and the vibe is both casual and charged. The music adds to the lively atmosphere and unlike any dive bar we’ve seen, the bathrooms are even a draw. Plastered with colorful stickers from bands of previous eras, another nod to the throw backbars that are now rare finds (only you won’t be scared to enter).
Whatever the reason you find yourself on the Upper West Side, this neighborhood staple has a little something for everyone and will welcome you to fit right in. There is a downtown feel and a chance for the adults to come out to play. E’s is located at 511 Amsterdam (between 84th and 85th st.) Check it out and tell has about all of the fun you have in the comments below…
David is the resident nerd around these parts. Running a popular tech blog (TheUnlockr.com) for the past 6 years, he’s taken his over-analytical mind and made the transition to food.
