Located in the heart of East Village, Downtown Social is the latest exciting offering from the experienced Eat Drink & Be Merry hospitality group. Modeled after its trendy sister concept Uptown Social in Charleston, SC, this vibrant spot not only takes pride in featuring electrifying live cover bands every weekend but also boasts an upscale private event space perfect for any gathering. We talked to Downtown Social’s Operating Partner, Chris Kinsel, about the brand-new hotspot.
Behind the Bar at Downtown Social in NYC
With its chic Empire and State Rooms offering full bar service and expandable design, Downtown Social is set to be the crowning jewel of East Village nightlife, welcoming guests to celebrate, unwind, and immerse themselves in this sophisticated yet lively haven.
“Downtown Social is the newest bar, restaurant, and live music venue in the heart of NYC’s East Village,” Kinsel told us of the new spot. “With an entertainment roster encompassing bands and DJs from up and down the East Coast on a weekly basis, an aesthetic that will make your Instagram sing, and two event spaces capable of hosting any event desired, Downtown Social is your one-stop-shop for a night out in New York City.”
The menu is filled with comfort food favorites, bar classics and fun flavors like Fried Buffalo Cauliflower, Giant Bavarian Pretzels, Southern Fried Chicken, nachos, wings, pizzas and more. “It was important for us to stay true to New York City pub fare as that’s truly what we have built our company on,” Kinsel said of the food selection. “We also incorporated a Southern twist into our menu featuring offerings from our sister concept, Uptown Social, and the surrounding restaurants in Charleston, SC.”
Fans of Uptown Social in Charleston should feel right at home. “Starting with our social butterfly mural spanning the entire entrance wall, merchandise mimicking that of Uptown Social, and finishing with our live music programming that will make you feel like you are in the middle of the dance floor at Uptown Social, we truly used our big sister as inspiration when building this concept,” Kinsel explained. “Having so many aspects from Uptown Social to pull inspiration from proved to be exciting yet challenging. There was a plethora of elements we desired to replicate exactly, but we were forced to get creative and consolidate elements from Uptown Social and make them unique to Downtown Social.”
Whether you’re here for the food, the music or just a drink, be prepared for an all-out good time. “Downtown Social’s main room features a 30-foot bar accompanied by a large dance floor and a custom stage for live entertainment. The space also features an entire wall of 27 TVs to cater to all sports fans all year round. The double doors at the rear of the main room will lead you to our two party rooms: The Empire Room and The State Room,” Kinsel told us. “We are eager for our customers to experience the new live band aspect we have brought to the city. It is difficult to find live cover bands in a venue that doesn’t charge a cover, has a full kitchen, and provides a fun and safe atmosphere; Downtown Social is just that.”
