Dream Baby Bar and Cocktail Parlour

What a find! My friends and I were looking for somewhere more low key to have fun and dance, and stumbled across this spot. Dream Baby looks unassuming from the storefront, and when you go in, it looks like your regular bar. But if you go to the back and make a left, you’ll find a back area designated for dancing, equipped with its own bar, a live dj, and a disco ball! On the night we went, the dj was playing banger after banger, mainly songs from the late 90s to early 2000s-2010s. This spot seems to have a good variety of drinks, from speciality cocktails, to beer, to seltzers. We mainly just stuck to the beer and seltzers because this was the last stop to our bar hopping. We ended up staying until they closed at 2AM, and enjoyed every second of it! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a place to have fun dancing, while not being too packed.

Really relaxed vibe and welcoming bar. Easy and laidback stop for a drink. Nice space, dark with candles and mood lighting and good music. Cocktail menu on the mirror (all $14) a little hard to read from afar. I got the New York Buck with gin and it’s fine, which is a lot better than I can say for a lot of cocktails. Either the name is <secret> outside or I missed it!

I love this bar, its staff, and its regulars. Oh, and the drinks! As a neighborhoody, this is a special kind of place. Want to drop in for a great cocktail for a decent happy hour price? Done. Want to dance on a Friday night? They got you. Need to use the bathroom? They’ve got three. Want to have your birthday party here? Sure, why not! Special shoutouts to Darlene, who is an absolute jewel of a human being and one of the best bartenders in NYC. The space is clean and inviting, the cocktail list is varied and delicious. Pretty good beers on tap. No food, so only come thirsty. Remember to tip your bartenders!

The things they are doing in this bar are illegal. The ‘no tip’ button was just blacked out with tape on their terminals. When I went the second time and somehow managed to press ‘no tip,’ the bartender, a lady with blonde hair, gave me a really ugly comment, making me not want to stay any longer. Oh yes, and by the way, the tip options were 30%, 35%, and 40%. Are you serious? For what? It was a horrible experience, and I would never recommend or go back there again.

After paying for the drinks the machine to tip started at 30%. Which is criminal for just ordering a few beers… should be illegal to try and rip customers off like that. Tipped $1 for 4 beers and this guy cursed me out. Ur lucky i tipped anything. Really rude and awful service. Is this how you treat customers? Never coming back. $10 beers served in plastic cups. Already a rip off.

A fun little spot with some great music and medium priced drinks. It can get a bit loud and for awhile half of the dance space was closed due to Covid. Definitely a fun spot to dance if you don't want to deal with clubs

Mean and lame bad music overpriced also the dj called me annoying for requesting Spanish music. Did not feel accepted as a Latin person in general

It’s the only bar I’m comfortable going to really. All the bartenders are awesome, super chill and easy to talk to. Their service is attentive and always on point. The atmosphere is really laid back during the week and turns up a notch on the weekends of course. They have a back room with disco lights and a awesome DJ. I celebrated my birthday there and had a blast!

Nice dancey vibes. There is an outer room and inner room but it can get quite crowded and stuffed. The music is usually a good mix of current po an throwbacks and a lot of fun to sing and dance to. $5 cover at the door. Gets super crowded and loud on the weekends so not the best if you're trying to talk.

What a find! My friends and I were looking for somewhere more low key to have fun and dance, and stumbled across this spot. Dream Baby looks unassuming from the storefront, and when you go in, it looks like your regular bar. But if you go to the back and make a left, you'll find a back area designated for dancing, equipped with its own bar, a live dj, and a disco ball! On the night we went, the dj was playing banger after banger, mainly songs from the late 90s to early 2000s-2010s. This spot seems to have a good variety of drinks, from speciality cocktails, to beer, to seltzers. We mainly just stuck to the beer and seltzers because this was the last stop to our bar hopping. We ended up staying until they closed at 2AM, and enjoyed every second of it! Definitely recommend if you're looking for a place to have fun dancing, while not being too packed.

"Bar Transformer" This bar goes from dark, moody, quiet cocktail bar to full on dance party at night. It's an interesting combo. It's definitely a little dive-y but in a good Alphabet city way. Cocktails are above average, with just enough flair to be different, but not enough to be pretentious or inaccessible. At night this place rocks a young crowded playing classic pop standards from 70s to date, with an upbeat vibe. Get here early for the night session because by 11.30 or so a line starts to form.

A charming & cozy cocktail bar with a great selection of drinks, all reasonably priced; The bartender was quick in taking our order. The only downside was that the space felt a bit too crowded, but otherwise it was all good vibes.

The woman bar tenders are so nice and competent. The man bar tender is extremely rude do not ever order from him it's the absolute worst customer service interaction

Great place for a night out, never encountered a line to get in. Music is very singable and errs on the side of pop. The inside is actually pretty small and they do crowd people in so there's just a little room to dance. The front area is a bar with some seating and the back is the dance floor with a disco ball. There are bathrooms around the whole establishment. Crowd trends towards younger and white.

Was here for a birthday party and the place was very accommodating The manager with the pink hair was super sweet and personable. I recommend this place!

Love this place! Balanced cocktails and great vibe and the bartenders are fab! Love happy hours here bc the atmosphere is pleasing and there's usually a table open to catch up w/ friends. It's mainly the time I go however on weekends they have a great free dance party in the back

Inviting and exclusive. Mixes a feeling of elitism with an everyone's welcome attitude. You think this place might be hella pretentious, but it's actually super down to earth. Moody and chill. We took advantage of their happy hour which includes $5 draft beers and 1/2 off cocktails (normally $16, so $8). Considering this drink cost as much as a hot dog I ate earlier today, I sipped on it for 20 minutes. Drinks were tasty and strong I've been here so many times and each time is a different experience. Sometimes it's entirely barren and the bartender and you are cracking jokes. Other times it's so packed you would think it was the most popular club in nyc. Altogether Dream Baby brings good vibes and pleasant folks. Can't wait for my next visit.

do not waste your time coming to this bar!!! there are so many other bars in the east village that are worth your time and money!!! wish i could give this place zero stars. came here on a friday night and was asked to pay a cover which isn't usually the norm. whatever, i was willing to pay as i have had a good experience prior to this. however this time, the bouncer, a black man who was smoking a joint, scanned my ID, and denied me even though I am 21 and have a valid ID and it scanned. i asked why he denied me and he asked for a second prof of identification like my passport. who the fuck carry's their passport around in nyc??? i asked again why he wouldn't accept my ID and his response was that "it looked off" bro maybe cause that photo is from when i was 16 and now im 21??? also maybe cause you're smoking weed and high on the job??? so ridiculous and a shitty experience.

Great music, great bartenders, great everything!! East Village mainstay with cool decor, the best music and bartenders who know their stuff. Not to be missed!

I wish I could give zero stars. We had an extremely confrontational server who literally ejected us for not ordering at the speed of her preference (pink hair). The bouncer was visibly uncomfortable with trying make us leave the premises.

Great music and we were served by Maria, a lovely bartender with a great smile and personality! I ordered the Emotional Rescue with gin. It's gin,Aperol, St. Germain, lemon juice and bitters. It was soooo tasty and perfect for the end of the sunny day we enjoyed! Want to return next time I'm in town!

Fine bar but i must say, that manager has a drinking problem and is out of control. She simply is not equipped to handle a bar and causes chaos and ruins the bar honestly in all ways when she inflicts strict rules and causes problems for nice fun bar goers. Honestly not worth your time because there are many bars that are at this level with nice staff, good people, and good attitudes who will not ruin your night with their out of control egos and insane ideas. She is not a good person, very mean, worried for the her. But other staff, not too shabby. But if you want a good night I recommend literally going anywhere else tbh. Most overrated bar in NYC, don't waste your time.

My friends and I reserved the tables in the front room during the day for a big party and had the BEST time! From the get go the staff member I connected with was super communicative when organizing the reservation. Once we got there the employees were all super nice, friendly, and had great energy, the music was perfect and the drinks were good and not expensive at all -- truly the best vibes! We had never been before, but will be back and definitely recommend to anyone looking for a spot to throw a party.

Ok spot to go with friends, the crowd wasn't super diverse and neither was the music. It also felt like there was zero crowd control and the whole place was packed like a can of sardines at one point

Mean staff. I've used to go here all the time and recently revisited last night to celebrate my friend's birthday. My group of five came in around 1 am and got lucky being the only people in there. As the ONLY people at this bar, I asked the DJ if she could play 1 song, to which she replied, "I'm only playing songs from before you were born." I asked her why because no one else was there. She then told me it was because we only tipped the bartended $2. The bill was $12... I went back to the bar to apologize and asked for another round for my 5 friends who are still their ONLY customers! I tipped her 25% then went back to the DJ whos name is JENNIFER and asked for my song. She again told me no because I was too entitled. I grabbed my friends and left, also asked for my money back for the drinks we didnt finished because we were more or less harassed out. Will tell all my friends not to come here. No one deserves to be talked to or treated that way.

Came here on a Thursday night and had a great time. The drinks are average but I believe their best selling point is the nonstop 80s hits. They played such great songs and everyone I was with had a great time!

The DJs and bartenders are great. The blonde manager, however, was such an aggressive, belligerent drunk when I celebrated Halloween here. She was quite literally falling on patrons and stumbling around the bar. I only knew she was the manager because she was shining a flashlight in people's eyes, drunkenly yelling about how she's "the f****** manager" when she was confronted for shoving on the dance floor. It hopefully she's replaced because otherwise a great bar!

Love the music, friendly staff, and overall vibe. It's a must place to stop by when visiting NYC for a dance with music from the earlier times. The genre varies from 70s to early 2000s depending on the DJ. Would be even more fun to dance under some disco colorful lights. It could definitely add to the ambience.

Past 11/12 this spot becomes a dance/hotspot. Overcrowded and full of early 20s. Interesting music selection mostly from top hits (pop). I personally wouldn't come again but there's no cover and drinks are cheap.

Been coming here for years, still never disappoints. Happy hour especially... Dani is the best.

This place is awesome! Danni and Reginald are the best bartenders ever. They make the bar scene so much fun. We should totally hang out here sometime!

Great bar with throwback hits that are guaranteed to make your entire group want to dance. Venue is on the smaller side and tends to get crowded fast so make sure to get there on the early side to avoid lines.

Straight to the facts... menu is to small, bartend was standoffish and people were smoking heaters basically inside so it reeked of cigs. Only redeeming quality is half price happy hour on their mediocre tasting drinks if that's something you're into

Went Thursday night. The bartenders were Reginald and Danielle they were so amazing and welcoming had such a great time and the music was hitting.

If you love good music, spectacular vibes, and a fun crowd - this is the spot. I celebrated my 25th birthday here and I couldn't have been happier with my choice! Maria is the best in the business and she was so easy to coordinate with. Truly an Angel sent from above! I'll be back again soon - one of my favorite bars in NYC

Fun place to come on weekends if you want to dance. There's a great DJ in the back room. Even during the week days if you want a chiller vibe the AC is nice, the cocktails are delicious and the bartenders are super friendly. Plus it's a nice clean bar, good vibes and lovely decor. The inside is perfect for bringing a date for drinks, to book a table for any celebration or just chill at the booth w/some friends. It's the best bar on the block.

White girl dancing bar. Super crowded and packed. Very little room to move around but songs are fun. A little too squished for me but good times overall

An amazing late night bar for dancing. Gets a little hot in the back room but other than that great place. Nice beer selection for a late night spot

Me and the flannel gang were out in the East Village on a Friday night when last call hit. We thought the night was over, but our new friends said they knew a spot open til 4:00am, and we soon found ourselves at Dream Baby. It's a small dive bar, but it seems a bit more...fancy? It's a two room place, with a bar in each room. The DJ is in the second room and there are booths and couches along the wall. The real reason this place is awesome is because of the music. The girls that dragged us here told us this place was known for playing songs that are fun as shit to sing along to. Classics such as Wannabe, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Quit Playing Games, Mambo No. 5, Build Me A Buttercup, and even Mr. Brightside were played, and much fun was had.

Bouncer harassed multiple people in line. Absolutely disgusting. Wish I could add a video on review because he literally bulldozed through people and pushed multiple girls. But, here's a photo of him screaming after he pushed multiple girls - seemed like he was enjoying himself treating people awful. Go to Dream Bar if you want to be mistreated and pushed!!! I along with others left the line after I saw this awful behavior from the bouncer.

I've been coming to this bar for 10 years and now way is it repetitive or boring! They give you free water and free limes with every drink, you don't even have to request them. The bartenders are all gorgeous and look really young for their age(s)! The drinks are pretty cheap which allows you to tip a lot ! I always drop a $100 tip (sometimes more) when I'm here and they give me great service! They work hard and they deserve it !

This bar makes me feel like I'm roughly 85 years old. Came by around midnightish on a Friday and we waited briefly in line because the bar was at capacity. I'm not sure what Dream Baby's definition of "at capacity" is, because it was so packed inside you could barely move without jostling five other people, especially in the back room. Honestly felt like an actual fire safety hazard back there. The front space was a little better, but still impossible to stand anywhere without getting beer spilled on you/stepped on/elbowed in the back (my tall friend claims to have not had this problem... I'm skeptical of that assertion, but sure). That said, everyone else here seemed to be having the time of their lives despite all of the above, so maybe it's just me. They play a lot of throwback dance music which people were going wild for. I will also give them props for serving Austin Eastciders on tap (hands down best cider ever).

Tried to tell them there was broken glass on the floor of the restroom and they got mad at me for writing it out (which I did because it was so loud they couldn't hear me...) Glass was stuck in my shoe. :/

Dope place. Jamal's the man! Good drinks, good conversations, good vibes. And great prices (esp for manhattan) Can't ask for more.

Came here on a Monday night with my boyfriend and the vibes were great. The layout here is great for groups on a busy night and nice for small groups on less busy nights since there are only a few big booths and bar seating. The cocktails are only okay imo. The beer is relatively priced and the bartender was nice/quick.

Danny is the best bouncer I've ever met. He was responsible but kind and his energy is 10/10. If I started my own bar I'd hire him in a second

Pricey drinks, crowded, young crowd. Awkward space, lots of hallways / tough spaces to pass others Calling this a Lounge is giving it too much credit

Spot wasn't really my speed. It seems like a overflow of hipsters from Willamsburg spilled over to this place. Nothing stood out here that was different or particular. Drinks so-so. Maybe I'll try another night when it's more intimate.

Dream baby is everything you want and more! The bartenders are so sweet and caring, they are incredibly accommodating and truly care about you. I love this place !!! Michael and Maria are the absolute best ! 10/10 !

This place needs to rethink its reservation policy. On a recent Saturday night, four of us came to Dream Baby for after-dinner drinks. All of the tables up front were reserved, and every single one of the parties were late. Basically, everyone in the joint was crammed at the small bar. It was DUMB. The Gary Clark Junior-wannabe bouncer (cool hat, dude) was extremely snotty about us trying to sit at one of the "reserved" tables, even though it was a full hour past the time noted on the table sign. We ended up leaving, and going to a better spot. Bottom line: This bar has potential (the drinks are above average, it's not a dive, and I loved the Blur and Smiths tunes), but needs to lose the attitude, and prioritize drinking, paying customers who are actually AT said bar.

Came in after playing the "too crowded, not crowded enough" game of picking a bar on a Friday night. The bar area was hopping but we were lucky and got a big leather booth by the window that freed up right when we walked in around midnight. It was loud but not unbearable, and music was a top hits of 2012 situation. This place has a refined dive kind of atmosphere, though they have a cocktail list with a pick-your-poison (or rather, base liquor) gimmick at ~$12 each. We had to fight to get a spot at the bar but both bartenders were efficient and professional (a feat at these late hours). I got something with mezcal and chartreuse in it. I liked it since I'm a sucker for agave, though I thought the alcohol tasted a little cheap. This feels like more of a well drink spot rather than a craft cocktail place, but they do know what they're doing. My friend's gimlet had the perfect proportions. Everyone else enjoyed their drinks but agreed nothing special. I would place this place somewhere between Lovers of Today and Holiday Cocktail Lounge in terms of the vibe and execution. I can see this making for a fun night, but we weren't really feeling it. It's a handy backup if you find yourself in Alphabet City.

this bar is almost it. the music is perfect. however, it is body to body in here on a saturday night, literally impossible to move. additionally, they have lit candles everywhere and my roommates hair literally caught fire and the bartender said it was her fault for having hair. literally. i am not making this up.

TLDR: crowded and rowdy; drinks spilling likely; good music Came here on a Saturday night around 12:45am. Getting in was pretty straightforward (no line, no cover) and ordering drinks at the bar didn't take too much time. Since we couldn't find a coat check anywhere (still not sure if this place has one), we put our coats down in a random booth nearby. I later regretted this, as I found my scarf damp and smelling of beer. Although there was good music playing (top 40), it was difficult to dance given how crowded it was and people constantly pushing past you in every which way. Given that crowds are inevitable on a Saturday night in EV though, I wouldn't write this place off the next time I go out in EV.

Small, intimate spot that fills with people who are ready to dance and have a good time.There are two rooms--one in the front, which is less loud and good for talking, and one in the back, which is more open, loud and full of dancers. The drinks are good and the music is even better. I visit this spot every time I'm in NYC.

This place is always crowded in a good way on a Saturday night and they have a great DJ who plays really fun music. The craft cocktails are good too. Guaranteed to be a great time, if... your cell phone isn't stolen. Complaint - my cell phone was stolen from my jacket pocket this past Saturday night. There is a large sign on the front door that days Dream Baby is not responsible for lost or stolen items (but it says the entire place is under video surveillance so you would think it shouldn't be too hard to see who was stealing phones). Additionally, I went outside to talk to the bouncer about my stolen phone and two other girls were also out there because their phones were also stolen. Clearly, someone was targeting patrons in the bar and was able to swipe the phones in a matter of minutes. Called my phone within 5 minutes and it was already off and Find my iPhone was disabled. Shady stuff.

I was at this bar this past Saturday night. My friends and I frequent the bar often and always enjoy time there. Sadly, this Saturday has completely changed my opinion of the establishment and the employees they choose to hire. During our night, my female friend was approached by a man in the bar and after engaging in initial conversation, she noted she was not interest in him, however he proceeded to attempt to kiss her on the neck - she then more forcefully asked him to get away, which he did. Throughout the night he continued to lurk very closely to my friend and our entire group and the entire interaction was unsettling an creepy. We relied on our other male friends in the group to act as a deterrent and essential body guards to create a barrier between us and this man. After noticing this, he made his way to the bar an approached another woman. This was in our line of vision so we observed what was happening. He was very forceful towards another woman, and it was so visible to us that she was drunk and not interested that my male friend asked this lurking man to "back off" and said "hey, she is not interested, please leave her alone". *note we do not know this woman but we saw she may need assistance standing up to the man. After leaving the bar, my female friend (noted in the interaction above) advised the Bouncer outside of what had happened, and simply cautioned that there was a man inside the bar making woman feel uncomfortable. The Bouncer's response was, "are you sure? Did he grope you?" - to which my friend responded "yes" and our entire group backed her up (this includes men and women). His next response was "well it's a bar, people are drunk, what do you expect" .. this ignited extreme frustration within myself and my entire group of friends - which he, the employee of the bar, whose job is to illicit safety and order within the establishment chose to raise his voice and yell, "go to any bar in America and this will happen". I would caution anyone to go to (/support) this establishment due to the lack of social and moral responsibility they exhibit torwards assault and inappropriate behavior by their patrons.

I'm like ashamed of myself for not reviewing Dream Baby earlier. It's become my go-to destination when I want to plan a happy hour, host a get-together, or find a spot to meet up with friends. Maria (owner) is fast to respond via email, eternally accommodating, and has the best bangs in the East Village (awe-inspiring). Plus, the space is so cute but the drinks are well-priced. I'm a fan of the cocktails especially! Nothing like a good happy hour cocktail. And the bartenders are always friendly and the music is always poppin'. I spent New Year's Eve here and was taken care of splendidly without having to fight my way through millions of people to get to the bar. Literally so blessed Dream Baby is nearby my work but Maria, thoughts on opening a bar in South Slope? Love to have you be my neighborhood bar too!