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Make Believe ico

Make Believe
- 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Bar ★3.0

190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

3.0
Daniel is hands down the best bouncer I’ve ever met. He’s professional, welcoming, and makes everyone feel safe while still keeping the vibe fun. Honestly, he brings so much energy and personality that he should actually be the DJ—he’s got the charisma and presence to run the whole night. The place wouldn’t be the same without him! - Brittany Jacques
Make Believe Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews

Make Believe Introduce

Tucked away in the energetic and ever-popular Lower East Side of Manhattan, Make Believe is a bar that lives up to its name by creating a fun, vibrant, and almost surreal atmosphere. This isn't just a place to grab a drink; it's a social club and a destination where the vibe is everything. It offers a trendy and lively setting, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike who are looking for a night filled with great music, dancing, and of course, excellent drinks. The bar's design and ambiance are carefully curated to provide an escape from the ordinary, making it a perfect spot for groups and friends to gather and create lasting memories.

The spirit of Make Believe is about a blend of great service and a memorable environment. It’s a place where you can feel the energy the moment you walk in. The staff, from the bouncers to the bartenders, are part of the experience, ensuring that everyone feels safe, welcomed, and ready to have a good time. One of the highlights consistently mentioned by patrons is the professional and welcoming bouncers who set a positive tone for the entire night. This dedication to hospitality and a safe environment is a key factor in its popularity. Whether you're here for a celebratory night out or a casual drink, the atmosphere is designed to be inclusive and fun, with a strong focus on great hospitality.

Beyond the friendly faces and good vibes, Make Believe is known for its impressive array of offerings. The beverage menu is both creative and classic, catering to a wide range of tastes. From unique cocktails to a solid selection of beer and wine, there's something for everyone. On top of that, the bar is also a destination for dancing, with the music and energy building as the night goes on. This makes it a one-stop-shop for a complete night out, where you can start with a conversation over drinks and seamlessly transition into a more high-energy experience. This seamless flow and focus on a great party atmosphere is what truly sets Make Believe apart in the crowded New York nightlife scene.


Location and Accessibility

Make Believe is conveniently located at 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA, in the heart of the Lower East Side. This neighborhood is known for its bustling nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant culture. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone traveling from different parts of Manhattan or even the outer boroughs. As a popular destination, the area is well-served by public transportation, including several subway lines that are within a short walking distance. For those who choose to drive, paid street parking is available, although as is typical for this part of New York City, it can be a challenge to find an open spot, so planning is highly recommended.

The bar offers outdoor seating, which is a great feature for enjoying a drink on a warm New York evening. This gives patrons a chance to soak in the street-level energy of Allen Street while still being part of the bar's lively atmosphere. The indoor space is equally inviting, with a focus on creating a trendy and engaging environment. Make Believe accepts reservations, which is a key planning feature, especially for groups. This allows you to secure your spot and avoid any potential wait, ensuring a smooth start to your night. With its convenient location, various seating options, and flexible planning features, Make Believe is built for a great and hassle-free night out in the city.


Services Offered

Make Believe offers a comprehensive range of services and products that contribute to its status as a top-tier bar in the Lower East Side. Here is a rundown of what you can expect:

  • Great Cocktails: A primary highlight of the bar is its cocktail menu, which includes unique and creative concoctions. The "Mega Mule" series, featuring a Giant Moscow Mule and a Giant Paloma, is a perfect option for sharing with a group. Other inventive drinks like the "Spicy Matcharita" show the bar's focus on innovative mixology.

  • Wide Drink Selection: In addition to cocktails, Make Believe has a solid selection of beer and cider from brands like Brooklyn Lager and Peroni, as well as a well-curated wine list that includes reds, whites, and rosés like "Hampton Water."

  • Dancing: As a bar that attracts a lively crowd, dancing is a key part of the experience. The atmosphere is designed to encourage a high-energy evening, making it a go-to spot for those looking to let loose.

  • Table Service: The venue offers table service, which allows patrons to enjoy their drinks and company without having to go to the bar. This is a convenient service for groups and those who have made a reservation.

  • Food: While primarily a bar, Make Believe also offers a food menu. Though the provided information does not detail specifics, the offering of "Food at bar" indicates that guests can get a bite to eat while enjoying their drinks.

  • Outdoor Seating: A valuable and popular feature, the outdoor seating provides an opportunity to enjoy the lively Allen Street atmosphere while sipping on your favorite beverage.


Features / Highlights

What sets Make Believe apart from other bars in New York City is its unique combination of service, atmosphere, and offerings. These highlights make it a standout destination:

  • Trendy Atmosphere: The bar is known for its trendy and stylish vibe. The decor and ambiance are designed to be modern and engaging, attracting a fashionable and fun-loving crowd. This makes it a great spot for a social night out.

  • Great Cocktails: The quality of the cocktails is a major highlight. The bar takes pride in its creative drink menu, with options that are both flavorful and visually appealing. The "Mega Mule" is a perfect example of a drink that is both delicious and a conversation starter.

  • Fast Service: In a city where time is money, fast service is a huge plus. Make Believe is praised for its efficiency, ensuring that you can get your drinks and continue enjoying your night without long waits at the bar.

  • Welcoming and Professional Crowd Control: A key feature mentioned by a customer is the professionalism and welcoming nature of the bouncer. This focus on making every guest feel safe and welcome is a significant highlight, especially in a busy nightlife setting. This dedication to hospitality contributes to the overall positive and fun vibe of the place.

  • Accepts Reservations: The ability to accept reservations is a huge convenience, especially for a bar that is a popular destination. It takes the stress out of securing a spot and allows you to plan your night with confidence.


Contact Information

For more information, to inquire about reservations, or for any questions, you can contact Make Believe directly. Here is their contact information:

Address: 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (212) 542-8696


What is Worth Choosing?

When it comes to deciding what to order at Make Believe, the standout choices are definitely the cocktails. The Mega Mule series, which includes the Giant Moscow Mule and the Giant Paloma, is a fantastic option for groups. These large-format cocktails are perfect for sharing and add a fun, communal element to your night. For a more adventurous and unique flavor, the Spicy Matcharita is worth trying, as it shows the bar’s creativity. This mix of spicy and unique flavors is sure to be a memorable part of your evening.

If you're more of a traditionalist, you can't go wrong with their beer and wine selection. The Brooklyn Lager is a classic New York choice and pairs well with the casual yet trendy atmosphere. For wine lovers, the "Cloudy Bay" offers a great choice. Given that the bar is also a popular place for dancing, choosing a refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage is a good strategy. The focus here is on having a great time, so what you choose should complement the high-energy, fun vibe. Overall, the best choice is to get a group together, grab a table (preferably with a reservation), and order one of their mega-sized cocktails to share. It's the perfect way to make believe you're on a fun, carefree escape in the middle of the Lower East Side.

Make Believe Menu

  • Wine

  • Nevermore
  • Pacificana
  • Patrice M. Sancerre
  • Cloudy Bay
  • Terrazas De Los Andes C
  • Beer & Cider

  • Brooklyn Lager
  • Sculpin Ipa
  • Allagash
  • Hitacino Yuzu Lager
  • Stillwater Extra Dry
  • Peroni
  • Rose Cider
  • Tecate
  • Orion
  • Daisy Cutter
  • Mega Mule

  • Giant Moscow Mule
  • Giant Paloma
  • Rosé

  • Maris
  • Hampton Water
  • Others

  • Spicy Matcharita
  • Tequila Hustle
  • The Twopercenter
  • Matcha Apple Cider

Make Believe Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Dancing
  • Food
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking

Make Believe Photos

Make Believe Picture 1Make Believe Picture 2Make Believe Picture 3Make Believe Picture 4Make Believe Picture 5Make Believe Picture 6Make Believe Picture 7Make Believe Picture 8Make Believe Picture 9Make Believe Picture 10

Make Believe Location

Make Believe

190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Make Believe Reviews

An average rating of ★3.3 from 205 user reviews.

bouncerpriceDJhotelelevatorspacemanagementservice dogrooftoppony tail

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