A New York on Tap pick

Sutra

16 1st Ave. · at 1st St
East Village, Manhattan

In 2026

Closed; now Lydia's

Last licensed here under this name: 2013–15. Later here: The Grayson (licensed 2023–25).

Checked October 15, 2026.

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Overview

Sexy candle lit lounge with a bar area upstairs and DJ space below. On weekends it can get so crowded you'll want to step outside for air.

History

A long goodbye on First Avenue

We warned that on weekends Sutra's candlelit lounge got so crowded you'd want to step outside for air. In November 2011 Sutra Lounge, owned by Community Board 3 member Ariel Palitz, went on the market, but it was nearly three years before it closed for good, in September 2014¹. In May 2015 the next venture was announced as Bar Akuda, and today 16 First Avenue is Lydia's^{1, 2}.

Sources

Researched October 2026.

What's nearby

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