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    The Ready Cantina

    3.5 (189 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    The Ready Cantina Photos

    THE READY CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

    Recommended Reviews - The Ready Cantina

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    Reviews With Photos

    Jane B.

    Met up with a few friends for drinks at The Ready Cantina, the rooftop bar and lounge at the Moxy East Village, on a Tuesday evening in June. It was not overly crowded and not too hot, with a nice breeze. We grabbed a high-top table in the center of the venue, and there are various seating options, including bar seats, lounge furniture, and additional tables throughout. My friends ordered margaritas while I opted for a beer (they only serve beer in cans or bottles, nothing on draft) Beers were about $10 while cocktails were around $18, fairly standard pricing for NYC rooftop bars. Our server was attentive and friendly. The menu also includes a small selection of food, although we did not order anything during this visit. The music was at a comfortable volume, making it easy to have a conversation, and the colorful, playful décor gave it a fun vibe. There isn't much of a view, since the rooftop is not especially high, but it's still a good rooftop option in the East Village, especially if you are looking for a casual place to catch up with friends over drinks. While the prices are not cheap, they are in line with what you can expect from both NYC rooftops and the East Village dining scene.

    Jessica R.

    This is the sports watching experience I'm looking for. TVs - but not the main focus of the room DJ - spinning straight hits Food and drink - never ending and tasty Environment - outside with amazing views and great light Pro tip! Get a reservation for larger groups as it gets busy

    Frozen Margarita
    Jando S.

    One of the brighter spots to come out during the pandemic, The Ready Cantina (aka "The Ready Rooftop") became an instant hit in the East Village with cocktails galore, stellar views of Lower Manhattan, and a solid selection of Mexican fare. (#1) A product of the Tao Group, the rooftop was supposed to be a casual place for gatherings, backyard vibes, complete with garden-like aesthetics to keep the floral spirit alive in the EV, typically known for its grit and artistic scene. The retractable roof means this is a year round venue and a space that is ideal for group and date action. The most popular time is the happy hour, which is daily from 4pm-7pm and 12-3pm on weekends. Drink deals include $6 beers, $9 micheladas, $11 margaritas and frozen margaritas for $14. (#2). The Mexican fare isn't mind blowing by any standard, especially given the price. Tacos go for a cool $7 each and the "baja snacks" are bar food appropriate with nachos ($16/$36, quesadillas ($14), chips and salsa ($14), and chicharron ($14). When in doubt, shoot for the chicken tinga, which is really just rotisserie chicken, tomato drenched in a chipotle adobo salsa. Service varies big time. While walk-ins are doable, reservations are the way to go. The larger the group, the more likely one is needed even during their slower days of the week. There is a slight pretension with some of the bartenders, which is why I tend to prefer being served via a cocktail waitress, even if the wait is a tinge longer. Ultimately, the sell is being able to drink, mingle, and eat with a view of the city. It's not the most incredible scene by any means, but for EV standards, this is a reliable and solid option. __________ (#1) For Mexican starved New Yorkers, this is always a pseudo-win. (#2) Only in a place like Manhattan is this considered a good deal. My photos: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-ready-cantina-new-york?userid=ysCBsXWPB-LAiewVS3jZfQ

    Chips
    Nikita K.

    This is a great indoor-ish rooftop so it's not too cold. The view is really pretty and there's lots of tables/seating. The music is nice too. The drinks were yummy! The complimentary chips and salsa they gave us were so good and probably my favorite food item. I also got the burrito and nachos and they were okay. The drinks are the main event here. Service was also good

    Drinks
    Antonia D.

    I really liked this place because they had good happy hour deals but when we got there it was very crowded and it took them a while to take our order. The DJ was playing great music if you like a little bit of everything. I did not taste the food so I cannot talk about that. The drinks were good but we missed happy hour and they were average NYC prices. The views are pretty for a rooftop and it's a nice place to meet people and mingle.

    Hibiscus Margherita
    Carina H.

    My friend and I visited because of the tacos special during Happy Hour, but it looked like that day was when they stopped serving the tacos special. (They had included the $1 tacos in their Instagram biography just the day before.) I ordered a second Hibiscus Margherita during the Happy Hour because the first was so good. It wasn't too strong. The staff was friendly, and the service was prompt. On a Thursday night, there was plenty of seating. It wasn't too loud, which made it a perfect place to catch up.

    Jessica Z.

    $1 tacos and $9 Margaritas The ready rooftop bar is open at 12 on the weekends. It is conveniently located close to the Union square station. I ordered both the chicken Tinga and the mushroom corn. The chicken tinga was by far my favorite. I recommend going early for the seats and the amazing view, otherwise you'd have to stand. Reservations are also preferred. Overall, the experience was great! The tacos were very filling and at the price, it really can't be beat! Inflation, who?

    Chips
    Taylor K.

    This is a fun place but expensive if you don't go during happy hour. Happy hour is an awesome deal here - $9 margs and $1 tacos. The chicken tacos are delicious but I'd skip the other tacos. I also loved the chips here and the churros. The margaritas aren't anything special but they get the job done. This place is fun, they play good music and the service is very friendly!

    Desiree F.

    I was excited to give this rooftop bar and grill a try! When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I was greeted when I walked over by a very nice young lady, Jasmine. I took the elevator up, and the place was gorgeous! I loved the decor! Carlos was my bartender, and he was great! I started with the frozen apple cider, which was ok. I then had the frozen espresso martini, and that was delicious! For my meal, I got the elotes, chips and guacamole, black truffle quesadilla, and the mushroom and corn tacos followed by the chicken tinga tacos The menu is limited fyi. My favorite was the chicken tinga tacos. The experience I had was pretty good, and I would definitely return!

    Corn and Mushroom Tacos
    Marina B.

    3.5 Stars for me. I've been curious about their $1 Tacos during happy hour and finally got a chance to try them today. Here's the run down: Pros: - We we're able to walk in around 5:40pm and get a table for three without a reservation or wait - You can easily place an order from your phone and have as many tacos and drinks as you like - I was able to get my tacos without cilantro even during happy hour - At $1 a pop the tacos are a great deal! Cons: - The rooftop is rather small and doesn't really have much of a view - It's pretty crowded and noisy so the atmosphere is a bit of a mixed bag - The $9 happy hour margaritas are only okay (I'm pretty sure the make them using marg mix) - They only serve the chicken tinga as well as corn mushrooms during happy hour All in all, I think you can have a fun time here if you know what you're getting into!

    Ruby N.

    I visited the Ready Rooftop Bar for the first time and was amazed by how beautifully decorated it was. It was crowded because I went during Happy Hour and a lot of seats were taken. I didn't make a reservation but was glad I still got to stand by the bar. The employees are scattered around and constantly moving and we did have to wait a bit for our order since it was busy. I ordered the chips and guac and it was super delicious and crunchy. We ordered chicken tacos for $1 each during the deal and were blown away by how flavorful they were. Definitely worth the visit!

    Small hot cheese nachos with guac, crema, al.pastor, and jalapenos
    Anita W.

    I came here for their Happy Hour deal, which i s $1 tacos and $9 margaritas. This Happy Hour deal runs Tuesday - Friday, 4pm-6pm and Saturday - Sunday, 12pm-3pm. It's great that the offer exists on the weekend so you're competing with people after work. Logistics: I made a reservation about a week in advance for a 12pm on a sunday and had no problems doing so. They have someone check your ID downstairs and then they direct you down a hallway toward the back where there is an elevator to take to the rooftop. I rode the elevator a few times and no one has ever gotten off on a floor other than lobby and elevator so I'm not sure if this is actually connected to the Moxy. After getting upstairs, we were seated right away. You order and pay from a QR code so there wasn't much interaction with the waitstaff, which is great for people who just want to eat in peace without getting interrupted. It makes leaving easy as well so you don't have to ask for the check and wait for everything to come back as the place does get very busy. Be sure to read the description when ordering. The pictures may show 3 tacos (and it lists it as $7) so it makes sense to assume it's 3 tacos, but the description says " single taco." Decor: The interior looks exactly like the pictures and instagram posts I've seen that charmed me into coming here (along with the great deal on tacos). It's very aesthetic and the couches and pillows lined up against the windows were comfy. The abundant sunshine from the windows was really warm and nice on a cold winter day. It did feel a bit warm after awhile like we were sitting in a greenhouse. Food: The tacos being $1 were very good. It was a bit disappointing that the $1 menu only had the chicken tinga option and the mushroom & corn option to choose from as this was not stated on the website. The regular menu has al pastor and beef brisket barbacoa at the same price. I'm just a bit confused how the regular menus price each single taco at $7. that's a very stark difference than the happy hour prices. I'd come back only at the happy hour price point. Bathroom: They have gender neutral bathrooms one floor down the stairs. I'm sure you can get to it via elevator as well.

    Ready Rooftop Bar
    Leena S.

    This place is all about the Vibe. A rooftop bar with nice views, great personality and hip crowds. There is not really much as far as food offerings and they have one desert on the menu. But, we were here for after dinner drinks and it served our goal. They offer a happy hour from 4-6 which includes $1 Tacos and Margarita specials.

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    2 months ago

    Went on a Sunday night and it was so much fun! Great DJ and drinks! Highly recommend!!

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    2 months ago

    this place was amazing! amazing vibes and such nice people! waiters are very attentive as well

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    Great rooftop for happy hour and it seems like it was great for big groups too! They have $1 tacos and $9 margaritas!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Ready Cantina

    Are you able to only order tacos (no marg/drinks) for the happy hour price?

    Yes

    Is there a full bar?

    Yes

    Are there a lot of standing areas at the rooftop?

    You can stand at the bar or around the bar, but everything else is seating

    View All 9 Questions

    Sunken Harbor Club

    Sunken Harbor Club

    4.5
    (116 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$$

    I've been trying to go to Sunken Harbor for over a year now. I don't know how it's possible but…read moredespite being local it always seems to have a private event whenever we have plans to go. The stars finally aligned this winter and I had the opportunity to try it out. The vibes are perfect. Fog and bubbles, sea noises and all of the art go together seemlessly. Drinks were great. We had three and left suitably sloshed for the night with no aftereffects. We didn't have too many bites but the food was very good for a bar. I'm excited to go back and I hope we have just as much luck getting in next time.

    This is a "speakeasy" above Gage and Tollner. An undersea Tiki style adventure with a sexy mermaid…read moreheading up the bar. Nautical theme throughout with weathered leather, ropes, fish. Cocktails are made with various types of rum and ingredients like grapefruit, maraschino, wormwood amaro, falernum, thyme, Assam tea, spiced lime, allspice, coconut, cucumber, nutmeg, sour orange. All the drinks keep with the tropical, fruity taste with a hint of spice. They are also broken up into categories (dry land = no alcohol, shallows = average amount of alcohol, and abyss (larger amounts of alcohol). The abyss section has some cocktails that are limited to two per customer. They have some bar bites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp toast, broiled oysters, ricotta, dumplings, sliders. I had the French fries with kimchi ranch, which were underwhelming. Bartenders were cool and kept the drinks coming. I got in immediately without an issue or a wait, but it was right after a snowstorm. I've seen some people struggle to get in or have a long wait.

    Photos
    View of the bar
    View of the bar
    Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

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    Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner
    Dear Strangers

    Dear Strangers

    4.3
    (29 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while…read morethe restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back!

    Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded…read morewhen we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished.

    Photos
    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers
    Smoked chicken croquettes

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    Smoked chicken croquettes
    Attaboy

    Attaboy

    4.1
    (872 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Have I found a new favorite bar?! I've heard nothing but good things about this place, and it still…read moreexceeded my expectations. The vibe is super chill, fun, and welcoming. The concept is simple: tell the bartenders what type of liquor and flavors you enjoy, and they create a custom cocktail just for you. I think it helps to go in with a few ideas, but if you give them some creative freedom, they can really surprise you. I honestly cannot remember all the ingredients in my drinks, but I do remember loving every sip. Such a unique spot and a fun experience. Definitely small inside so you may have to wait awhile. I only wish I lived closer!

    Attaboy has my heart and soul, especially after crafting, curating and creating my dream drink that…read morewill live forever in the memory of my taste buds unable to be erased from my brain's footprints. Our friends raved about this place and we of course were excited (and a bit skeptical at first) to try it. The concept: no menu + no lights + a few questions = the ultimate cocktail experience. The speakeasy vibe and the dark ambiance really makes this place feel even more exclusive. With just a few tables and the bar setting, you're in for an experience you won't forget (unless you answer the wrong questions and really end up with a drink you don't like HA). This wasn't my case. Of course I described my two favorite things: Negroni + mezcal. The obvious answer would be a mezcal Negroni, but that's not why one comes to a place like Attaboy. Our amazing curator came by to ask us all a few questions, write down a few words in the napkins, and mix up the perfect drink that our master bartender crafts, curates and creates. My drink came as I couldn't possibly imagine. It looked like a Negroni smelled like Oaxaca, with all the smoke simmering up and preparing my sensory experience, leading to the best first sip. Ladies and gentleman, I introduce you to The Devil's Backbone. A perfectly balanced drink I'll never forget, one that is sipped slowly and enjoyed thoroughly. It's sexy, it's smoky it's sipped. Attaboy gave the best mixology experience and we can't wait to be back. Pro tip: be sure to be as vocal as possible, even with ice, so you don't end up with a tiki drink if that's not your vibe.

    Photos
    Small space but good vibes
    Small space but good vibes
    Paper plane
    Paper plane
    Interior bar seat

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    Interior bar seat
    The Dead Rabbit

    The Dead Rabbit

    4.2
    (2.1k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    The "coconut milk was off" cocktail was soo good. All the cocktails (electric momisette and miso…read morecolada) were fun, creative, and delicious. The food (dingle pie and spice bag chips) were also really good. The spice bag chips seasoning was really good. We walked in Wednesday 8:30 PM and they had a couple of high chair seats at a side bar in the parlor room available. Really fun decorations and ambiance.

    If you're looking for one of the best Irish pubs in Lower Manhattan, The Dead Rabbit absolutely…read morelives up to the hype. Tucked into the Financial District, this spot blends old New York history with some of the best cocktails in the city--and it's easy to see why it's been named "World's Best Bar" more than once. The name itself has a wild backstory, inspired by a notorious 19th-century Irish-American gang from Five Points. It adds a layer of character to the place, but what really keeps people coming back is the atmosphere and the drinks. The space is split into two levels: a two lively, sawdust-floored Taprooms downstairs and a more refined Parlor upstairs if you're in the mood for a quieter, cocktail-focused experience. Drinks are the real highlight here. The Irish Coffee is widely considered one of the best in the world--rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with whiskey, coffee, and fresh cream. They also get creative with variations like a frozen version and even an Irish Coffee martini. If you want something different, the "Act Naturally" is a standout, mixing Irish whiskey with Guinness and fig in a way that works. Food is just as impressive for a bar. The lobster deviled eggs (topped with caviar) are a must-try, and the menu leans into elevated comfort food. Overall, The Dead Rabbit nails the balance between historic charm and modern cocktail excellence. The D.R. is one of those places that is never boring and consistently delivers.

    Photos
    At the bar determining life decisions.
    At the bar determining life decisions.
    Irish Coffee
    Irish Coffee
    Jingle All The Way

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    Jingle All The Way
    Apotheke

    Apotheke

    3.8
    (1.6k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Apotheke was one of my first experiences with a hidden speakeasy a number of years ago, and it…read morestill remains the OG in my vast encyclopedia of experiences. :) Strolling down Chinatown's busy and gritty Doyers Street, looking for any sign of Apotheke is a fond memory, then finally figuring out where it was, and entering through the mysterious and otherworldly threshold resulted a transformative experience that made me feel like I time traveled. Mood lighting, comfortable seating, great drinks in a cozy and Victorian-inspired space are the perfect blend of unique and. I always felt like I was part of something special the few times enjoyed creative, delicious, and strong libations from the pros at the bar. While it has always been pricey, I do feel like the excellent service ambiance, and drink quality warrant this, but may prevent more folks from becoming regulars so to speak. I love the clever and compact bathroom design, too. IYKYK Long live Apotheke!

    Fifteen years later and Apotheke is still one of my favorites!…read more You will walk past this hidden speakeasy several times before finding it. I could tell you to look for the blue beaker sign that says "Chemist" but the better tell is the random guy sitting on a stool outside. He'll be the only person on the street, so no worries about missing him! The menu has changed over the years, but the quality has not. The bartenders are social and personable. And the prices are in line for the area. My bestie and I loved the vibe. One of the best speakeasies she's had the pleasure of experiencing. Don't miss out on this place!

    Photos
    The bar
    The bar
    Live Band
    Live Band
    Beautiful bar

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    Beautiful bar

    The Ready Cantina - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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