Walk down Avenue A late on a Tuesday night. You'll probably miss it. Most people do, and honestly, that is exactly how they want it. There is no neon sign screaming for your attention, just a nondescript door and a set of stairs leading into the belly of the East Village.
The Cabin Down Below NYC isn't just another basement bar in a city that is practically built on sub-pavement speakeasies. It is a mood. It's a time capsule of a version of New York that feels like it’s slipping away—gritty, dark, slightly cramped, and wildly authentic. If you are looking for a $25 cocktail served with a side of pretension and a view of the skyline, you’ve come to the wrong place. This is where you go when you want to disappear into a leather booth, listen to a jukebox that actually has taste, and feel like you're in a rock star's private den.
What is the Vibe at The Cabin Down Below?
It’s cozy. Maybe too cozy for some. The space is tight, usually packed, and illuminated by the kind of low, amber lighting that makes everyone look about 40% more mysterious than they actually are. The aesthetic is heavily influenced by a sort of rustic, lodge-meets-rock-and-roll-den vibe. Think taxidermy, dark wood, and vintage photography.
You’ve probably heard rumors about the owners. It’s no secret that the spot was opened by Matt Kliegman and Carlos Quirarte (the minds behind The Smile) along with some high-profile friends, including actor Justin Theroux. This "cool kid" DNA is baked into the walls, but it doesn't feel like a tourist trap. It feels like a neighborhood haunt that just happens to have a better-than-average guest list.
The music is almost always on point. You won't find generic Top 40 here. Instead, expect a curated mix of garage rock, 70s punk, and deep cuts that make you want to pull out Shazam every ten minutes. It’s loud enough to feel energetic but usually—if you catch it at the right hour—not so loud that you can't tell a secret to the person sitting next to you.
Finding the Entrance (and Getting In)
Let’s be real: the hardest part of visiting The Cabin Down Below NYC is finding it. It’s located underneath Black Seed Bagels (formerly De Robertis Pasticceria). There is a metal door. There is a bouncer.
✨ Don't miss: Why T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre Still Dominates the Tampa Event Scene
Don't expect a red carpet.
The door policy can be a bit "it depends." On a weekend, the line gets long and the wait can be grueling. If you show up with a bachelor party of twelve dudes wearing matching polo shirts, your chances of getting in are basically zero. They favor small groups, locals, and people who look like they aren't going to cause a scene. It’s not about being "exclusive" in the velvet-rope-and-bottle-service sense; it’s about maintaining a specific energy. If the room gets too full, it loses its soul.
Why the Location Matters
The East Village has changed a lot. Condos are everywhere. Chain stores are creeping in. But the block of Avenue A where The Cabin sits still feels like the heart of the old Alphabet City. Being underground shields the bar from the "see and be seen" crowd that haunts the rooftops of the Meatpacking District. Down there, the cell service is spotty at best, which is actually a blessing. People talk to each other. They look at the person they are with instead of their screens.
What to Order: Drinks and Details
The menu isn't a book. It’s a tight list of well-made classics. They do a solid Old Fashioned, and the beer selection is respectable. But honestly? Most people come here for a simple whiskey or a cold bottle of something uncomplicated.
- The Signature Cocktails: They rotate, but they usually lean toward the stiff and spirit-forward.
- The Price Point: It’s Manhattan. You’re going to pay $15 to $20 for a drink, but it’s the price of admission for the atmosphere.
- The Decor: Take a look at the bathroom wallpaper. No, seriously. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" details that people always mention.
One of the best things about The Cabin is that it doesn't try to be a restaurant. It knows what it is: a bar. You come here after dinner, or before the real late-night decisions begin.
🔗 Read more: Human DNA Found in Hot Dogs: What Really Happened and Why You Shouldn’t Panic
The Celebrity Factor
Because of the ownership, you’ll often see mentions of The Cabin Down Below NYC in celebrity sightings columns. It’s a favorite for the indie film crowd and musicians. You might see a famous face tucked into a corner, but the golden rule here is to leave them alone. That’s why they come here. It’s a place for people who want to drink in peace. If you’re the type to ask for a selfie, you’re probably going to get a cold shoulder from the staff and the regulars alike.
Misconceptions About the Spot
People often confuse it with a "speakeasy" in the historical sense. It’s not. It doesn't have a fake telephone booth entrance or a password you need to find on Instagram. It’s just a basement bar with a very discreet entrance.
Another misconception: that it's "too cool for you."
While the bouncers can be intimidating, once you are inside, the staff is generally down-to-earth. They are professional, fast, and they know how to handle a crowd. If you're respectful and you’re there for the right reasons—good music and good company—you’ll have a great time.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you want the true Cabin experience, avoid the Friday and Saturday night rush. It gets claustrophobic. Instead, try a Wednesday around 11:00 PM. That’s when the room really breathes. You can actually find a spot at the bar, talk to the bartender, and appreciate the nuances of the decor.
💡 You might also like: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
The Cabin is also a fantastic date spot—provided your date likes "dark and moody" rather than "bright and airy." It’s intimate. The booths are small, the music provides a nice veil of privacy for conversation, and the whole "hidden" nature of the entrance makes you look like you’re in the know.
Practical Tips for the Uninitiated
- Bring Cash: Though they take cards, having cash for a quick round makes life easier for everyone when it’s slammed.
- Dress Down: Leave the suit at home. A leather jacket, a vintage tee, or just something low-key is the move.
- Check the Time: They usually open late (around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM). Don't show up at 7:00 PM expecting to get a drink.
- Respect the Door: If the bouncer says they’re at capacity, don't argue. Grab a slice of pizza nearby and come back in half an hour.
The Long-Term Appeal
Why has The Cabin Down Below NYC survived while so many other "it" bars have closed? It’s because it isn't chasing a trend. It isn't trying to be "maximalist" or "minimalist" or whatever the current TikTok aesthetic is. It’s just a well-designed, well-curated basement bar that prioritizes vibe over everything else. In a city that is constantly being polished and sanitized, places that feel a little raw are more valuable than ever.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you moved to New York (or why you love visiting). It’s the mystery of a door that looks like nothing leading to a night that feels like everything.
Your Next Steps for an Alphabet City Night Out
If you're planning to head to The Cabin Down Below NYC, don't make it the only stop. The neighborhood is dense with history and flavor. Start with dinner at Lucien for that classic French bistro feel, or grab some pierogis at Veselka if it’s late and you need a base. If the line at The Cabin is too long, The Horseshoe Bar (7B) is just a few blocks away and offers a completely different, much grungier experience.
When you finally get to that metal door, keep your phone in your pocket, be cool to the person working the door, and prepare to lose track of time. Once you’re down there, the outside world—and the rest of New York—doesn't really exist for a while. That’s the whole point. Take the stairs, find a corner, and just be there.