The Lions: $5 Beer and $14 Martinis, Mon–Fri 4–6pm on 1st Ave
The Lions runs happy hour Monday to Friday, 4–6pm, at 132 1st Ave in the East Village. Mugs of beer are $5, a classic martini is $14, and the happy hour snacks are $7.
The verdict: a short window with honest prices. A $5 mug of Lions lager, pilsner or IPA is the move, and the $8 Pair of Lions (two mugs of the lager) works out to $4 a beer. The martini at $14 comes with your choice of vodka or gin, and $18 buys it with a plate of fries. The catch is the clock: two hours, weekdays only, and the bar opens at 4pm, so you’re in the door when it starts or you’re late.
The Happy Hour
- Mugs of beer, $5: Lions lager, pilsner or IPA
- Pair of Lions, $8: two mugs of Lions lager, no substitutions
- Guinness, $7: a pint
- Classic martini, $14: vodka or gin, dry vermouth, olives or a twist
- Classic & Fries, $18: the martini with an order of fries
- Happy hour margarita, $8: a weekly selection
- $2 off well cocktails and wine by the glass
- Lucky Sevens, $7: French fries, half-size fried mozzarella, cheese and crackers, or sardines and crackers
The Room
The Lions calls itself an American bar and grill: classic cocktails, frosty mugs of beer and food built around a house-ground burger. It’s open seven days, takes no reservations and is part of Endless Hospitality Group. The nearest trains are 1 Av (L) and Astor Pl (6).
Who The Lions Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| A $5 beer after work | Mugs of beer, Mon–Fri 4–6pm |
| A martini and fries | $18 for both |
| A walk-in crowd | No reservations, first come, first served |
For more of the neighborhood, see our East Village happy hour guide. Pairing it with a burger? Browse the best burgers in NYC, or the best martinis in NYC.