
The Gray Mare
A vibrant East Village pub offering delicious American bar plates, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment like live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, live music

The Gray Mare
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant East Village pub offering delicious American bar plates, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment like live music.
"Amazing service, food, and drinks. Can’t recommend this place enough!"

🎯 Frozen Cocktail Alert!
Score all-day happy hour on frozen cocktails when it's 89°F+! :cocktail:
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Check for live music, especially Sunday sessions for a chill vibe. :musical_note:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frozen Cocktail Happy Hour
Bar Area
Beat the heat with all-day happy hour on frozen cocktails when temps soar above 89°F!

Rustic Pub Ambiance
Main Dining Area
Enjoy a laid-back vibe with rustic decor, perfect for casual nights out or date nights.

Live Music Sessions
Main Stage/Bar Area
Catch smooth jazz and other live performances, especially on Sundays.

Delicious Bar Plates
Dining Tables
Don't miss the highly recommended mac and cheese, birria tacos, and wings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Happy Hour
Reservations & Group Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Frozen Cocktail Alert!
Score all-day happy hour on frozen cocktails when it's 89°F+! :cocktail:
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Check for live music, especially Sunday sessions for a chill vibe. :musical_note:
🧀 Must-Try Mac & Cheese
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and highly recommended by visitors. :cheese_wedge:
🗣️ Music Volume
Be aware that music can be loud inside, so be prepared to raise your voice. :speaker:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Frozen Cocktail Alert!
Score all-day happy hour on frozen cocktails when it's 89°F+! :cocktail:
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Check for live music, especially Sunday sessions for a chill vibe. :musical_note:
🧀 Must-Try Mac & Cheese
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and highly recommended by visitors. :cheese_wedge:
🗣️ Music Volume
Be aware that music can be loud inside, so be prepared to raise your voice. :speaker:
✨ Great for Groups
The space is great for parties and celebrations, with a lively atmosphere. :confetti_ball:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Gray Mare is a highly-rated East Village pub praised for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and creative cocktails. Visitors rave about the friendly service, especially from staff like Hailey and Alesha, and the fun vibe, often enhanced by live music. While generally positive, some guests have encountered rude management and slow service during peak times.
"My brother and I came here tonight with our cousins to celebrate our birthday. We had such a fun time in the front of the bar and then in the back room. Beautiful space. The food was amazing. I highly recommend the mac and cheese. The drinks were fantastic. They even had non alcoholic beers. Our waitress Hailey was the best. She was really sweet and attentive to all of us. Thank you so much for having us. We'll be back! 🤗"
Jonathan R.
"Amazing service, food, and drinks. Can’t recommend this place enough. Alesha (Elisha) is a gem, give her a raise. She let us watch F1 and was super attentive to your group. So thankful to have found this great spot in NYC!"
Malvina Gasco
"Upon entering this establishment on a Friday night, the buzz and excitement was immediately tangible. Playing mid 2000’s hits like Mr. Brightside kept the mood light and expectant.
This bar-restaurant I imagine would be great for a date night or just fun evening with friends.
I ordered the delicious birria tacos and wings. Both were gluten free. Music is a bit loud inside, so had to raise my voice for anyone to hear me. The bartender was very friendly."
Jasmine Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gray Mare is located at 61 2nd Ave in the East Village, NYC. It's accessible via several subway lines, including the L train to First Avenue or the N, Q, R, W, J, Z, 4, 5, 6 trains to the Canal Street or Prince Street stations, followed by a short walk.
Street parking in the East Village can be challenging. It's often easier to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. There are also parking garages in the vicinity, but they can be pricey.
For events like watching Michigan football games, the subway is highly recommended. It avoids traffic and parking hassles, allowing you to get to the bar quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not typically required for general entry to The Gray Mare. It operates as a bar and restaurant. However, for private events or special ticketed performances, arrangements may differ.
Opening hours can vary, especially for happy hour specials. It's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information, particularly for their summer frozen cocktail happy hour.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or if you're planning a special occasion. The back room is available for private events.
Generally, there is no cover charge for regular entry. However, for specific live music events or private parties, there might be associated costs.
As a bar and restaurant, patrons must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. Valid identification will be required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Gray Mare offers a laid-back pub setting with rustic decor. It's known for its lively buzz, especially on weekends, and can be a great spot for dates or nights out with friends.
Yes, The Gray Mare is a popular spot for watching sports, with patrons mentioning they've watched F1 and other games there. They are accommodating to sports fans.
Yes, The Gray Mare often features live music, including smooth jazz sessions, particularly on Sundays.
The music inside can be quite loud, especially during peak hours or live performances, so be prepared to raise your voice if you're in a group.
Yes, The Gray Mare offers non-alcoholic beer options, making it a good choice for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Gray Mare serves American bar plates. Popular recommendations include the mac and cheese, birria tacos, and wings. They also offer gluten-free options.
Yes, The Gray Mare offers gluten-free options, with birria tacos and wings specifically mentioned as being gluten-free.
The mac and cheese is frequently highlighted as a must-try dish. The birria tacos and wings are also highly recommended.
Yes, The Gray Mare is a bar and restaurant, so you can order drinks at the bar without necessarily ordering food, though their food is well-regarded.
Prices are typical for a New York City bar and restaurant, with appetizers and main dishes falling into a moderate range. Specific pricing can be found on their menu.
📸 📸 Photography
The rustic decor and lively atmosphere provide great photo opportunities. The bar area, especially during happy hour or live music, and the food presentations are popular subjects.
Generally, yes. Patrons often share photos of their food, drinks, and the ambiance. However, be mindful of other guests' privacy and avoid intrusive photography, especially during busy times.
The bar itself, with its rustic charm, and the beautifully presented cocktails and dishes are popular for Instagram shots. The overall ambiance also makes for great lifestyle photos.
If you are attending a private event, photography is usually permitted, but it's always best to confirm with the event organizer or venue staff if you have any doubts.
The lighting is generally warm and inviting, creating a cozy pub atmosphere. It's suitable for most photography, though low-light conditions might require flash or a camera with good low-light performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful that the atmosphere can become quite lively and the music volume can be high, particularly in the evenings and on weekends. It might be best suited for families with older children or those who don't mind a more energetic environment. Consider visiting earlier in the day or on a weekday to ensure a more relaxed experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
While food prices are typical for NYC, focusing on happy hour deals for drinks and perhaps sharing appetizers can help manage costs. The gluten-free options like wings and tacos can also be a good value. Opting for weekday visits over weekends can also sometimes lead to a more relaxed and potentially less expensive experience, though happy hour deals are often consistent.
👫 Couples
Consider visiting during a live music session for an added touch of romance and entertainment. The option to watch sports also adds a casual, shared activity element if that's something you both enjoy. The attentive service, as noted by many reviewers, ensures a pleasant and memorable experience for couples looking for a vibrant night out in the East Village.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gray Mare's Cocktail Culture
Beyond the seasonal specials, the bar staff is praised for their attentiveness and skill. Whether you're looking for a non-alcoholic option or a perfectly crafted classic, the bartenders are noted for their friendly service and ability to cater to diverse preferences. The mid-2000s hits often playing in the background add to the fun, relaxed vibe, making it a great place to socialize over drinks.
For those interested in the bar's offerings, keeping an eye on their social media is key. They often tease new menu items and specials, ensuring patrons are always in the loop about the latest drink creations.
A Culinary Haven in the East Village
The culinary experience at The Gray Mare is often described as a highlight of the visit, contributing to its reputation as a great spot for a fun evening with friends or even a date night. The quality of the food, combined with the lively atmosphere and attentive service, makes it a well-rounded dining destination. Even when hosting private events, the food quality remains a consistent positive point.
While the music inside can be loud, the food itself is consistently well-received, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking for hearty and tasty bar fare in the East Village.
The Gray Mare: A Hub for Entertainment
The bar also serves as a popular spot for watching live sports. Visitors have noted their positive experiences watching events like Formula 1 races there, appreciating the accommodating staff who allow patrons to tune into their preferred games. This dual focus on live music and sports viewing positions The Gray Mare as a versatile venue catering to diverse entertainment preferences.
The overall ambiance, often enhanced by a soundtrack of mid-2000s hits, contributes to a lively and enjoyable experience. Whether you're there for a birthday celebration, a casual night out, or to catch a game, the entertainment options add significant value to a visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit