The Immigrant

Tapped In at The Immigrant — But Where’s the Passport?

We finally visited The Immigrant, a small and intriguing bar nestled in the heart of the East Village. I’d had my eye on it for quite a while - mainly because of its name, which felt both playful and meaningful. “The Immigrant” conjures up thoughts of stories, journeys, and identities, all of which felt especially appropriate in a city like New York. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of space it would be - was it themed around travel, history, or something else entirely?

Turns out, the name doesn’t directly tie into any grand narrative or theme. Instead, it’s more of a quiet nod to the city’s layered cultural history. The place itself feels like a well-kept local secret rather than a concept bar. It’s understated and intimate, with a split personality that makes it even more interesting.

The Immigrant is actually divided into two separate entrances. One leads into the Wine Bar, while the other takes you into The Tap, which is more beer-focused. From the outside, it’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for it. Each section has its own door and slightly different ambiance, though both carry a similar vintage charm. It’s a cool setup - you can essentially choose your vibe based on your mood. Are you in the mood for hushed wine talk or beer-fueled laughter?

The Tap

On our first visit, we chose The Tap. From the moment we stepped inside, I was struck by the warmth of the space. The lighting was low and mellow, mostly coming from scattered wall sconces and hanging bulbs that gave the place a kind of rustic glow. The bar itself was wooden and slightly worn in a way that added character rather than feeling rundown. Vintage beer signs, framed art, and shelves filled with old books and oddities gave it a curated, old-world vibe.

It felt like the kind of bar that locals love and tourists stumble upon and feel lucky to find. Not trendy or flashy, just timeless and inviting.

Though it’s a fairly small space, it doesn’t feel cramped. There’s bar seating up front, and a cozy little table area toward the back. We ended up finding a spot at one of the small tables, which gave us a bit more room to stretch out and talk without shouting over the bar. Music played softly in the background - just loud enough to create ambiance, but not enough to dominate the experience. It was a perfect balance for conversation.

What We Ordered

• IPA draft beer

The beer list, while not extensive, was carefully curated. It featured a handful of rotating taps - mostly local and craft selections. I tend to go for IPAs when I’m at a new bar, especially to see how they balance the bitterness and aroma. I don’t love the over-the-top bitter ones, so I asked the bartender for a recommendation. They suggested a medium-bodied IPA with citrus notes, and it turned out to be just right.

It had a bright, clean taste with subtle grapefruit and pine undertones, a decent head, and a refreshingly crisp finish. The bitterness was there, but not overwhelming. It was the kind of beer you could drink slowly and still enjoy until the last sip. My partner tasted it and immediately decided to order the same.

They don’t serve food, at least not in a typical menu sense. I think there may have been some snack options like nuts or olives, but this isn’t a dinner-and-drinks type place. It’s more of a “drop in for a drink or two” kind of bar, which suited us just fine. We weren’t hungry—just looking to unwind with something cold in a cozy place, and The Immigrant delivered exactly that.

The Wine Bar (Next Time!)

We didn’t venture into the Wine Bar side this time, but we peeked in briefly, and the difference in atmosphere was noticeable. It was quieter, more intimate, and had a slightly more romantic vibe. The lighting was a bit softer, and the bar was lined with bottles rather than taps. I could easily imagine sitting there on a rainy night, sipping red wine while talking for hours.

That’s on my list for next time. I’m curious to see how different the wine selection is and how the energy compares.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

The Immigrant has a lot going for it. It’s small, but that’s part of its charm. It doesn’t try too hard or push a gimmick. It simply offers two well-designed spaces that cater to slightly different moods, both built around good drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re in the East Village and want a place that feels both low-key and full of character, this is a solid pick. Whether you’re flying solo, catching up with a friend, or heading out on a casual date, it’s the kind of bar that works without having to overthink it.

For a first visit, The Tap was a hit. Next time, I’ll be “immigrating” to the wine side. And maybe then, I’ll finally find that passport the name promised.