Profile

Skulking on the corner of Avenue C and 7th Street, this modest spot combines the grittiness of a neighborhood dive with a colored-lit stage. Featuring DJ'd theme nights and the occasional rumpled rock band, the bar attracts gatherings of locals whose aesthetic varies from night to night. Although drinks like the caipirinha and the mojito are advertised, it somehow seems more appropriate to have a low-end brew in your hand. On a slow Tuesday night, the Alphabet Lounge is the perfect place to hang out on your own: With friends present, you'd feel guilty talking over the band, which is really playing just for you. — Sara Stewart

On Fridays and Saturdays, the Alphabet Lounge embraces the cheesier side of life with its '80s night, no doubt frightening away a few of its more dour regulars.

Live Music
Wed.–Sat., 7 p.m.–11 p.m., $6–$8.