I’m a fan if dive bars and dislike clubs, so all the ones in this list are a bit less polished. Some of my favorite bars are Fat Cat, the Olive Tree (above the Comedy Cellar [y’know, from Louie) & Kettle of Fish in the Village. Crif Dogs is a great hot dog place combined with an old speakeasy in the East Village. Ok, one clubby bar: the Continental, also in the East Village, has a special on 5 (smallish) shots for $10, which is just perfect if you have a large party. Can’t go in with baggy pants, though, and there have been allegations of racism against the owner for this rule, so you’ll want to evaluate if you’re comfortable spending money there or not. If you find yourself around Hell’s Kitchen, check out Rudy’s Bar & Grill – it’s a dive bar with free hot dogs and sometimes pizza for all drinkers. Similar idea if you hit up a bar called Spain on 13th and 6th – free tapas as long as you drink. Cafe Loup right next door is better for shots, so get your beer (Estrella, of course) and food at Spain first and then head over there for the hard stuff and some cat love from their fat ginger tom.
If you like kareoke I suggest Arlene’s Grocery in the East Village, which uses a live band.
Have fun!