The Wayland East Village: Live Music, Killer Cocktails & Chill Downtown Vibes
Store Overview
The Wayland, located at 700 E 9th Street in the East Village, is one of those rare NYC cocktail bars that manages to feel both effortlessly cool and genuinely welcoming. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, warm ambiance, live music, and rustic-meets-modern interior, this bar has become a neighborhood staple for locals, musicians, artists, and cocktail lovers from across the city.
Inside, you’ll find reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, candle-lit tables, and a bar team that treats craft cocktails like an art form without ever losing the casual, laid-back East Village charm. The crowd ranges from happy hour regulars grabbing oysters at the bar, to couples out for a cozy date, to groups settling in for live piano or singer-songwriter sets on Wednesdays and weekends.
The staff consistently earns high praise for friendly service, great recommendations, and maintaining a relaxed, inviting atmosphere whether it's 6 PM or 2 AM. And with the bar staying open until 4 AM, The Wayland has become a reliable late-night destination with real soul.
The Wayland, 700 E 9th St New York, NY 10009
Menu & Services
The Wayland is known for cocktail excellence, with a menu that rotates seasonally and always includes inventive drinks made with house-infused spirits, fresh herbs, and creative flavor profiles. Their “Garden Variety Margarita” has a cult following, and the brunch drinks are equally beloved.
Food goes beyond typical bar fare, offering well-executed small plates and comfort dishes with quality ingredients. Highlights include:
• Happy Hour Oysters
• Burrata & Ricotta Plates
• Fried Fingerling Potatoes
• Pulled Bacon Sandwich
• Breakfast Tacos & Blueberry Pancakes (for brunch)
• Collaboration Cocktails crafted by guest bartenders
• House-made juices, shrubs, and garnishes
Services include dine-in, outdoor seating, live music nights, happy hour specials, event hosting, and easy reservations via Resy.
Review Summary
The Wayland enjoys an impressive 4.6-star rating with nearly 900 Google reviews—proof of its strong neighborhood reputation. Guests praise the creative cocktails, relaxed vibe, live music, and attentive service. Many mention that it’s one of their “go-to bars in the East Village” for both drinks and food, especially happy hour oysters and weekend brunch.
Some note that the space can get tight during peak hours, which is expected for a popular EV bar, but the atmosphere remains warm and enjoyable regardless.
Human Commentary: The Wayland represents the best of the East Village: creativity, authenticity, and a sense of community. In a neighborhood with countless cocktail bars, it stands out because it balances craft and comfort—where you can sip something beautifully made while listening to live music without feeling like you’re in a “scene.” This is the kind of bar New Yorkers end up adopting as their personal spot.
Location & Accessibility
The bar sits on the corner of Avenue C and East 9th Street—a beloved pocket of the East Village surrounded by eclectic restaurants, indie coffee shops, music venues, and late-night neighborhood favorites.
Nearby subway options include:
• L train at 1st Avenue
• F train at 2nd Avenue
• Multiple MTA buses running along Avenue C and Houston Street
Nearby landmarks and attractions:
• Tompkins Square Park
• East River Park
• Nublu Classic & Nublu 151
• Somtum Der
• Miss Lily’s 7A Café
The area is known for its creative energy—artists, musicians, and students from nearby universities frequent this corner of the neighborhood, giving The Wayland a steady flow of regulars who appreciate good drinks and good vibes in equal measure.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight): The Wayland is more than a cocktail bar—it’s an East Village cultural hub. Its charm comes from the fusion of live music, craft cocktails, and an ambience that makes every guest feel like a local.
MDA (Marketing Action): Launch a “Wayland Sessions” monthly live music showcase, recording short video highlights to post on Instagram and TikTok. This strengthens the brand’s identity as a music-forward bar and boosts social media engagement organically.
Genius Ideas (10)
Seasonal Cocktail Lab Nights – Invite regulars to taste-test new drinks before they hit the menu.
Tompkins Happy Hour Picnic Kits – Cocktails-to-go paired with snacks for park hangouts.
Local Artist Glassware Collabs – Limited-edition cocktail glasses designed by East Village artists.
Live Music Loyalty Card – Attend 5 shows, get a free drink or discounted small plate.
“Wayland Brunch Club” Pass – Monthly membership for one free brunch drink per visit.
Behind-the-Bar Workshops – Cocktail classes focused on syrups, infusions, and seasonal ingredients.
Neighborhood Industry Night – Discounted drinks for service-industry workers every Monday.
Wayland Vinyl Nights – Guests or local DJs spin all-vinyl sets on slow nights.
Collaborative Chef Pop-Ups – Partner with local chefs for rotating small plates.
Candlelit Acoustic Sundays – A softer alternative to the high-energy weekday music lineup.
Conclusion
The Wayland is the kind of cocktail bar that makes the East Village feel like home—a place where creativity thrives, where the drinks are memorable, and where the music always feels perfectly matched to the night. Whether you’re stopping in for oysters and margaritas at happy hour, brunch with friends, or late-night live music, this bar consistently delivers warmth, flavor, and that unmistakable downtown magic.
Q & A
Q: Does The Wayland offer live music?
A: Yes—live performances take place regularly, including a Wednesday night series and weekend shows.
Q: Is there outdoor seating?
A: Yes, outdoor seating is available seasonally.
Q: Do they take reservations?
A: Yes—reservations can be made through Resy.
Q: What’s the most popular drink?
A: The Garden Variety Margarita is a fan favorite.
Q: Are food options available late?
A: Yes, they serve small bites and bar food well into the evening.
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ACBM TECH
184 Bowery New York, NY 10012
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