Clockwork Bar: The Dive Bar of Your CBGB Dreams

TeenϟDream

If you’re anything like me, then you probably live and breathe punk rock. Before my trip to NYC, I knew I had to visit a place that screamed old school punk.

When I was 17, my ultimate goal was to feel as close to the punk revolution as humanly possible. For me, that meant seeing an epic rock concert inside one of the most iconic venues in underground music history—CBGB’s. Unfortunately that day never came, due to its permanent shutdown on October 15, 2006. The death of its founder, Hilly Kristal, followed soon after in 2007.

Despite my heartache so many years ago, I was still determined to find even the tiniest substitute for my angsty heart. It was astonishingly easy.

Clockwork Bar

Photo credit: Keisha Hsiao
Pictured: Mannequin decor near the back of Clockwork Bar.

After doing some research, I discovered that in 2013 a dive bar called Clockwork Bar opened up on the Lower East Side. It’s the ideal spot for those in need of cheap drinks, a chill atmosphere, and music that’s not included in a top 40s playlist. I can’t speak on the behalf of its nightlife as I went there at 2 in the afternoon. I will however, speak on everything else.

The interior was everything I imagined CBGB’s to look like. Not only is Clockwork Bar tiny and cramp (like the proper dive bar it is), the aesthetics instantly teleported me back to the early 70s. Graffiti is abundant here. Everywhere you look, explicit sayings cover the jet black interiors. It’s all very visceral. When here, I half-expected to find Sid Vicious doing lines of coke in a dark alcove somewhere.

The back of the bar consists of a smaller sitting area. Just like the rest of the building, it’s decked out in various styles of graffiti. However, there are booths and tables instead of bar stools and counter tops. Definitely more comfortable.

If you’re not just into the decor and theme of the place, you’ll especially enjoy the cheap booze. Beer, shots, and well drinks are $5.00. Although a few sources say if you go during happy hour (11am-7pm) then it’s $3.00. Not a bad deal if you like to get started early.

Location

If you’re interested in checking out this beautifully dingy dive bar yourself, you can head to 21 Essex Street, NYC. If you visit and find yourself in need of drunk food, rest easy. Clockwork is only a 10 minute walk from Chinatown.

If you’re in the area, I would highly recommend it. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is phenomenal, and the music is perfect.