I had really high hopes for this place and didn't have the experience I was expecting. Starting off with the positive, it's definitely a cool vibe when you first walk in. Throwback, sexy, vintage burlesque type of vibes with a small bar and seating area. It was not busy at all and there was a guy DJ'ing. You would think that a place like this would be able to make most craft cocktails. They did have a small cocktail menu and some written specials but I asked the bartender if he could make me a "Last Word." He looked at me for a moment and seemed confused or unsure and it was a no. Kinda threw me off, and then he handed me the menu. This gave me the implication that he's really only familiar with the ones on the menu. So then we decided to start easy with the beer and tequila shot combo. I asked for them chilled and instead of shaking them he stirred it which ended up taking longer but hey to each their own I guess. We also got a shot of amaro and he didn't seem to know which ones they carried so we had to point out to him which ones we wanted since they were on the wall behind him. Once we got our drinks, he proceeded to eat empanadas right in front of us. I get it, you gotta eat but I don't ever think it's good optics for anyone in service to be eating directly in front of their guests, especially at a very small bar. If anything, you step away and take a few bites and come back. At one point I went to use the bathroom and on my way back to the bar I asked the DJ if he took any requests. He firmly said "NO" and not in like a nice way, I mean we were the only people in the bar so we thought he could possibly play something upon request but it was a hard no. Overall it was a bit of an unusual experience, and for a nice cocktail bar we were disappointed with how things went. I hope that the bartenders learn how to make a last word at some point, it's a pretty popular classic cocktail. ‍ read more

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Very very strict on closing time. They say 4am close but they don't let you in past 3:30..... the bouncer says " the bartender say no more people" Is this LES ? Or fuckin Disney? Lameee read more

Popped in for a quick drink and was not disappointed. The bartender was such a pleasure to speak to and made me one rid the best lemon drops I've had in a while. It's a small spot with big character! read more

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So good, we had to come twice. Two days in a row to be exact! I looked up places to visit while on a quick weekend trip. Nurse Bettie looked like a great option! I'm glad we visited. It's cozy with chill vibes. Prices are great! $14 cocktails! They have espresso martinis that are out of this world! Amazing bartenders! Shout out to Jaster! I talked this place up so much everyone in our group wanted to come. We did just that the very next day. They were all impressed and had a great time. Thank you for giving us excellent service! read more

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Super cool and chill place. Drinks were great and the crowd is dancing and vibing! It's a small spot but it's cozy. read more

Nurse Bettie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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This was such a fun cocktail bar! I loved how small and intimate it was; it made you feel a lot closer to all the other people in the bar. I absolutely loved the overall ambiance, which was replete with amazing 1940s style pinup-girl artworks. The bartender was such a cool guy as well, and I met a lot of really cool and friendly patrons, who made it such a nice visit. Can't recommend it highly enough! read more

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Tucked away in the lower east side, Nurse Bettie's is the best lulittle pin-up bar in NYC. Nice range of craft cocktails at a reasonable prices and friendly bartenders. But what takes Nurse Bettie's from a good bar to a great bar is Miss Frankie Eleanor's Burlesque on Wednesday and Thursday nights! Each night is a new show with an stellar revolving cast so you'll never see the same performance twice! Miss Frankie Eleanor is The Nuyorican Bombshell and the real deal bringing the best of burlesque in an intimate setting. Her crowd work os witty, engaging and sometimes a little naughty. So if you are looking for a night of laughs, beautiful people doing beutiful things and maybe a little lust, you do not want to miss Miss Frankie Eleanor's Burlesque show! read more

I had a really disappointing experience here. I showed up excited to check the place out, but I wasn't even allowed in. There was a woman standing at the door along with an employee, and they blocked the entrance without offering any explanation. No greeting, no reasoning--just a flat-out refusal to let me in. It felt unwelcoming and unprofessional. The employee ask if he could help me...I said I wanted to enter- NOTHING. Would not move. read more

Probably the best selection of espresso martinis around. Went there for a date and the atmosphere was definitely right for that kind of night. Would recommend. read more

Service was quick but the music was horrible. Old 80s or even older music while it was a young crowd. No one liked the music & requested multiple times for the music to be changed read more

Stopped in here on a whim for a drink or two with a friend and we stayed for 4 hours. The cocktail menu has some fantastic themes concoctions and a great selection of beer and beverages. Nurse Bettie has a fab speakeasy vibe, dark and moody with limited seating but clearly can be crazy hopping on the right night. I only wish we'd been there for burlesque! read more

Nurse Bettie - The Evil One - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Top tier drinks and service. Perfect for a date night, catching up with a friend or group of friends, or having solo drinks. Not a pretentious bar but I wouldn't blame them if they were. read more

Had dinner next door and came here for the show. Very intimate space with a very entertaining show and well prepared cocktails with friendly service. Definitely would recommend if you've already done the shows and museums, and looking for a different side of NYC. read more

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Bartender was very unwelcoming this establishment did not feel gay friendly at all! I would not recommend this place if you're looking for a gay bar read more

I must be getting old. The space is cozy, which means music and conversation all around is too loud for me to hear my own thinking. That said tho, it's fine time. Cheap libation and a good sized outdoor seating area. No complaints from this chap! read more

Nurse Bettie - Cuban iced tea - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The Sunday night bartender Chris or Christopher was whack! He is so rude and hypersensitive never gonna go back there again. And anyone who caused themselves a mixologist is a terrible person from one bartender to another read more

Came in on a Saturday afternoon. Very cool vibe with yummy craft cocktails. Great service and it was pretty quiet and chill during the day. Both drinks were ordered off the cocktail menu. The one on the left was made with tequila and had a red pepper flavor. The one on the right was gin-based and had watermelon puree. read more

Nurse Bettie - Can't remember the name of the drinks, but they were delicious! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is the sweetest little bar. My martini was crisp and firm. The crowd was diverted and friendly. Nurse Betty has the tiniest stage and fantastic burlesque performance on Wednesdays and Thursdays( tix are on Eventbrite) Frankie Eleanor is a warm and engaging host and an amazing dancer. Rara Darling was sexy and had great control of her body. The bartender, however, are too busy to taking selfies instead of serving drinks. Getting a drink in a small bar should be easy. I would have ordered one more drink if it was not such ordeal getting attention from the self obsessed bartenders. Overall had a wonderful evening and am looking g forward seeing more shows at Nurse Betty. read more

Love the cozy and fun ambience here. It's a cute intimate space with great cocktails and the staff are really nice! Music was good too. I did see the burlesque show here and was underwhelmed. I have a feeling we were there on an off night because I've seen a lot of great reviews about the show. Tickets were $23 each so nothing crazy, but I felt that the show really lacked in quality. Performers change each week and one of the performers was extremely unprepared and visibly uncomfortable on stage. It was painful to sit through. The MC also talked far more than necessary and a show that could have been 30-40 minutes lasted an hour and a half and I was really just looking forward to it being over. Will come back for the drinks but not the show. read more

Fun little place. Loved the bartender and love the service a great place and you can meet some awesome people here as well.

Always have the best experience here, they have the best espresso martinis in the city my bf loves the peanut butter ones. Staff is always super friendly and the ac is nice! read more

Had a great, fun time here. The show is super, lighthearted and very entertaining! The place is small so I recommend buying tickets in advance. The drinks are good and the bar is very cute. We really enjoyed our evening and will definitely be back! read more

Lovely to hav this spot to ourselves on a weeknight. The bartenders were attentive and drinks were fun. Such a small intimate area that hold fun shows during weekend brunches. read more

Nurse Bettie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

the bouncer did not let my friends come in (who were sober but in high heels) bc they were "stumbling a bit". fuck that, this bar is tiny, drinks are LES expensive and no vibe. don't go here. read more

If you like dive bars with a little classy vibe, you will like this place! I came here on a Tuesday night for some drinks- happy hour goes until 10pm. $6 vodka cucumber, $5 beer and there were some other drinks for less than $10. I got the vodka cucumber- pretty refreshing and strong, worth that $6! Also, don't forget to check in here after your first drink to get a wells drink or beer for free! For a Tuesday night, the place was pretty crowded- it's small but we found a few empty bar stools near the wall. The bartender was friendly and was the only one serving. Even for the free drink (from yelp check in) was strong unlike some other places that will make it water down because it's free. I will definitely go back if I'm in the area. read more

Nurse Bettie - The wall in the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Cute bar with very interesting innovative cocktail menu. However, the cocktail did not turned up as good as expected and more than half was just ice. Three sip and my $14 drink was over ... kinda sad. Hope was just the bartender, prob would give it another try?! read more

Nurse Bettie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I may die here one day, because I love the crowd, love Joseph behind the bar, love the drinks and cannot ever pull myself away until I've drank myself under the table. Haven't caught a show yet but that's next. Love this place so much. read more

Stopped in for a quick drink while walking the neighborhood. I had seite misterios mezcal neat. Lots of indoor seating plus some outdoor seating as well. One gender neutral restroom in the back. read more

Place has gone a bit downhill over the past few months. While there are still certain charms about the place: Actual candle-lit lighting, great bartending. There are elements that have made it more unsavory: the free burlesque is now $30. That's a hell of an up-charge. The drinks are more expensive. Shorter happy hour that ends at 7 now. If you come on a 'busy' night, good luck. Every nyu kid will be inside refusing to move when trying to order up at the bar. Swilling their completely full drinks and giving me stink eye for trying to approach the bar. Also, one bloody bathroom (sometimes literally) for an entire trove of drunk kids is brutal. But it will still always hold some amount of charm. Just not the same. read more

Cuban ice tea and Ian djing on sat and mon. That's all you need for an amazing night. Super friendly people with positive attitudes ready to dance. Unforgettable nights. read more

Had a little bit of creepy patron vibes when I walked in but it got better through the night. Happy hour had good prices and the decor is pretty cute. Bartender was nice. Decent spot in LES! read more

- Nice, quiet, intimate secluded bar in the LES - The music was good and the decor was interesting - The cocktails weren't great - Not very busy on the weekend - We didn't go during their weekly shows so maybe I'm missing part of the experience - Better to go somewhere else read more

Wow great spot on the LES but super, super small. This spot would be best enjoyed by a party of two or less. It is not good for groups, but that's definitely a good thing! After a recent dinner in the area, a friend and I wanted to keep the conversation going with some cocktails. I had bookmarked this place, and you should, too. This intimate bar has a stage and free burlesque show that starts at 10pm. That's like 3 hours after my bedtime on a work night, so I cannot personally attest. But it seems cool. Happy hour runs late with very reasonable drinks. I like their beer selection and my friend liked their hard stuff. They have mixology type drinks with all the bells and whistles. You can keep me from a craft beer once I have my heart set. I will be back for sure Pro Tip: check in during happy hour to get your second drink free! Awesome deal. Tip well on both rounds. read more

Nurse Bettie - Free second drink with check in - awesome deal - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

So here is the real scoop. Did my research ahead, so I know there was no food on the premise . Sadly, as a foodie I need that . Vibes- ambiance is amazing , low light , beautiful eccentric art work, bartenders super sweet, definitely trained mixologists. It crowds fast , seems with regulars , new patrons will get lost quickly . Overall I would come back, maybe earlier in the day ! read more

The hostess was such a charismatic character that even during the intermission, she made certain that the audience was well entertained. The show itself was fun to watch, the drinks were wonderfully refreshing, the staff was delightfully friendly and very accommodating, and the bars atmosphere was warm and inviting. Even my 80 year old Aunt and my 82 year old Mother enjoyed themselves. Going to the Burlesque show really was a new adventure for my Aunt who has been a long time resident of the big apple, and was most certainly a new experience for my sisters, Mother and I - as out of town visiters from California. It truly was so much fun. read more

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The last and final train stop on the Yelp Drinks Ultimate East Crawl route! I freaking looooooooved Nurse Bettie! It is a 1950's style pin-up burlesque bar complete with live shows and awesome drink specials. This place makes me want to don my finest Dita Von Teese ensemble and grab some girlfriends and head here for a ridiculously fun evening. I never even knew a place like this existed in New York. Mind blown! The Yelp group trudged in here after 11. At least I think it was after 11. Things are a little fuzzy at this point as I had seriously underestimated the strength of the drinks at our previous bar (which was Hotel Chantelle in case you wanted to know). All I do know is, there was a naked woman singing "When You're Good to Mama" on a stage in the back using a giant feather fan to taunt and tease the crowd as she flashed us her perfectly tweaked nipples. Around the room were other burlesque dancers who weren't completely naked, i.e. they wore panties and sequin tassels. I apparently made a comment to one of these dancers as they were making their way to the stage. This caused her to stop, talk to me, and then proceed to tell the naked dancer on stage what I had just said... who THEN repeated it over the microphone and pointed at me in the audience. Uhhhhh... honestly I still don't remember what I said to this woman but the resulting look she gave me will be etched in my memory forever. I couldn't tell if she wanted to passionately strangle me or have sex with me. Either way, I'm coming back to Nurse Bettie for my next checkup. read more

Nurse Bettie - Front door at Nurse Bettie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Nurse Bettie brings to my mind how a small place can be so optimally utilized. Trust me this place was a complete surprise to me when I visited it first time. Located on a tiny bylane of LES, this place lives it upto all the hype and excitement around it. The first time I went here was with a group of yelpers during our crawl session in LES. This was our last spot of the day, by that time many people had dropped out of our group. We walked in here expecting nothing on a Wednesday night but were surprised to see a live burlesque show going on. The performers were sweet, naughty, humorous and made sure everybody out in the audience had a nice time. Second time I went here on a Thrusday evening but reached very late but still didn't pay cover to get in. I guess they don't have any cover on Burlesque show nights. The place was buzzing with people, mostly were LES hood regulars. The presenter for the night gave a really nice performance. Yelp check in got me a free drink!! Moscow mule was really awesome. It is now one of my favorite bars nestled in the Lower East Side. They have some great specialty cocktails and fun music. read more

Nurse Bettie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Amazing scenery, very charming and what you would expect to see at a New York bar. Bartenders aren't the friendliest tho. Took forever to get service. I guess you get what you pay for. read more

Fun show. Chill vibe. Great bartenders. Even the bouncer was totally cool. Minus 1 star for uncomfortable bar stools. I'll be back, but I'll sit at a table. read more

The owner responded professionally and promptly to an issue I had there, updating my review to reflect that to reflect that it still remains one of my favorite bars :) read more