Proletariat Introduce
In the bustling landscape of New York City's nightlife, some spots stand out not for their size or flashiness, but for their unwavering dedication to a craft. Proletariat, nestled in the vibrant East Village, is a prime example of this philosophy. This small, cozy bar has earned a monumental reputation as one of Manhattan's most significant beer destinations. As its name suggests, it embraces a down-to-earth vibe, but its beer list is anything but common. The bar's motto is to serve "rare, new, and unusual beers," a promise it consistently delivers on. For a city filled with countless bars, Proletariat distinguishes itself by offering a thoughtfully curated selection of drafts and bottles that you simply won't find anywhere else. The atmosphere is casual, and the space is intimate, which encourages a more focused and appreciative approach to the drinks on offer. It's a place where you can escape the overwhelming noise of the city and immerse yourself in a world of exceptional brews. The decor is cool and eclectic, adding to the cozy, almost secretive feel of the space. Whether you are a seasoned beer connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of craft beer, Proletariat offers a welcoming environment and an opportunity to taste something truly special. It is a true gem for any New Yorker who values quality over quantity and is looking for a bar with a distinct character and a serious passion for beer.
Proletariat is celebrated by both critics and locals for its impeccable beer selection. The bar has been repeatedly praised for its "thoughtful" beer list, with some of the most "meat" bottles on offer in the city. The staff, known for their deep knowledge and friendly demeanor, are part of what makes the experience so memorable. They can guide you through the rotating taps and extensive bottle list, helping you discover new flavors and styles. The place is also noted for its cooperative relationship with the "mushroom restaurant next door," which can allow for a unique dining and drinking experience. While the bar's own food menu is concise, with a focus on salads and a few other simple options, the ability to potentially order from the neighboring restaurant provides a nice synergy for those looking to pair their beer with a meal. The small size of the space, which some might see as a limitation, actually enhances its appeal, creating a warm, close-knit vibe. It's the kind of place that becomes a regular haunt for those who appreciate the finer points of craft brewing. Proletariat’s commitment to providing a top-tier selection of beverages, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, solidifies its status as a must-visit spot on any list of great beer bars in New York City.
Proletariat is conveniently situated at 21 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, in the heart of the East Village. This location is easily accessible from various parts of Manhattan via public transportation. The nearest subway stations include the Astor Place station (6 train) and the 8th Street-New York University station (R and W trains), both just a short walk away. This makes it an ideal spot for a post-work drink or a weekend outing. The bar’s position on East 7th Street places it in a bustling neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, independent shops, and diverse culinary scene. While street parking is available, it can be limited and difficult to find, so using public transportation or rideshare services is highly recommended. The bar’s small footprint and discreet storefront give it a cozy, hidden feel that adds to its charm. For anyone exploring the East Village, Proletariat is a convenient and essential stop for an exceptional beer experience. Its central location makes it a perfect gathering spot before or after dinner at one of the many renowned restaurants in the area.
Proletariat's services are built around providing an exceptional drinking experience in a comfortable and inclusive environment. While the food menu is limited, the focus is squarely on the beer and a welcoming atmosphere.
Services Offered:
- Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: The bar offers a cozy, narrow indoor space for patrons to sit and enjoy their drinks. There is also outdoor seating available for those who prefer to people-watch and enjoy a beverage al fresco on a nice day.
- Takeout: While it is a great place to sit and enjoy a drink, Proletariat also offers takeout options for those who want to grab a bottle or two of their favorite rare brew to enjoy at home.
- Extensive Beer Selection: The core of the service is the curated and rotating beer list, which includes an array of "rare, new, and unusual beers." The selection features both drafts and bottles, with a focus on high-quality and hard-to-find brews from around the world.
- Other Beverages: In addition to its impressive beer list, the bar also offers a selection of other alcoholic beverages, including wine, as well as a few non-alcoholic options.
- Food at the Bar: A limited food menu, including salads and a few other simple dishes, is available for those who want a quick bite.
Proletariat has several key features and highlights that have cemented its status as a top destination for beer enthusiasts and locals alike.
Features and Highlights:
- Great Beer Selection: This is the most significant highlight. The bar is known for its meticulously curated list of rare and unusual beers, making it a "must-go" for anyone serious about craft beer. The staff's knowledge of the menu is a key part of this feature.
- Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The small, intimate space and cool decor create a unique and appealing vibe. It is a great place for a quiet, focused drink and conversation. The "fun name, cool decor," and cozy feel are often praised in reviews.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly: Proletariat is noted as an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment and a transgender safe space, making it a welcoming and inclusive environment for a diverse crowd.
- Happy Hour Specials: The bar offers happy hour drinks and food, providing a great opportunity to enjoy their excellent selection at a more accessible price point.
- Payment Options: The bar accepts all major payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and convenient.
- Strategic Partnership: The ability to coordinate with the adjacent restaurant for food delivery is a practical and convenient feature that enhances the dining options for patrons.
Contact Information:
Address: 21 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (833) 328-4588 ext. 703
Mobile Phone: +1 833-328-4588 ext. 703
For New Yorkers who appreciate the art of brewing, Proletariat is an easy choice. The most compelling reason to visit is its commitment to its mantra of serving "rare, new, and unusual beers." This isn’t a place that just has a lot of beers; it's a place that has the right beers. As one reviewer stated, this spot "deserves a place on any list of significant beer bars in Manhattan." The expertly curated list, often containing bottles that are hard to find elsewhere in the city, is a draw for serious beer lovers. Another key factor is the bar's unique and cozy atmosphere. In a city of large, loud venues, the intimate space at Proletariat provides a welcome refuge for quiet conversation and a focused tasting experience. The knowledge of the staff adds immense value, as they are not just bartenders but guides on a beer journey. While the food options are limited, the possibility of ordering from the adjacent restaurant is a great bonus. For a true beer enthusiast, Proletariat’s selection, cozy atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff make it a top-tier destination and a place that stands out from the competition. It's a bar that respects its customers and the craft, making every visit a worthwhile experience.
Proletariat Menu
Drinks
- San Pellegrino Sparkling Water
- Milk $2.50
- Iced Tea $2.50
- 1/2 Liter Mexican Orange Fanta $3.00
Starters
Salads.
- Mixed Green Salad $6.00
Organic mixed greens tossed with garbanzo beans, Kalamata olives, Gorgonzola cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad $6.50
Chopped romaine, house-made croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese with house-made Caesar dressing.
- Quinoa Salad $8.00
Seasonally rotating vegetable and quinoa salad served over greens. Please call the restaurant for today's vegetable selection.
- Antipasto Salad $8.00
Oven-roasted tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, mama lil's peppers and Kalamata olive tapenade served with sliced baguette.
- Kid's Plate $4.00
Olives, pineapple, mozzarella and sliced baguette.
Dessert
- Homemade Tiramisu $6.00
Layers of espresso-soaked lady fingers and mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder. Contains raw egg.
Proletariat Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Proletariat Photos









Proletariat Location
Proletariat Reviews
craft beersour beerveganintimatebottlesrotatingtapbrewswallsolid
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Fun name, cool decor, great choice of beers. The place is very small but rather cozy
August 11 · Olga EgorovaWould have rated the food but kitchen was closed. Shares space with the mushroom restaurant next door so ther can be the option of getting food from there and having it delivered to the bar m, but it depends on foot traffic. On the other hand, it’s probably easier to go to the restaurant next door and order beers from the bar here because it’s less of an overall stress on the staff. The beer list here is thoughtful and there are some very meat bottles on the bottle list. This spot deserves a place on any list of significant beer bars in Manhattan.
July 16 · Joseph LindOk. No food. The five stars are for the awesome beer offerings.Some top notch NEIPAS, sours, bretts, lagers and pilsners.A great dimly kit bar, awesome bartender (I must do better at remembering names) and while I was there, so really good tunes in the background.Plenty on tap and for takeaway. I mean some good quality hard to find craft beer. No macro crap.It's on the lower east side so being a native, or possessing the ability to navigate that part of Manhattan (it's less on the grid than the rest of the city) helps.
June 08 · Taurus MichelAwesome little beer bar with great staff and selection. The tap list includes 20 beers wonderfully curated to cover a broad range of styles and tastes, but definitely leans toward the unique, hard-to-find, specialty end of craft beer. It's the first place I've ever seen Black Tuesday and couldn't pass it up.
January 29 · Luke ThiessenIf you love craft beer, a chill vibe, AND the east village, then you'll love Proletariat!It's a very spacious place that provides a beer menu on the wall right when you walk in.They have seating but no wait staff so you'll have to order your drinks at the bar. The bartender was very knowledgeable and very friendly!If you want to have a nice conversation at a place that isn't too loud while enjoying a variety of beer, then I highly recommend Proletariat. I'll definitely return. 🍺
May 01 · Alex G
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