Best Bars to get a Cheap Drink in New Bedford

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Noah Griffith
by Noah Griffith

Wanna Cheap Drink? How low do you want to go?

The economy is in the toilet, but that hasn’t stopped people from going out to get some alcoholic beverages.  If you’ve been drinking in New Bedford recently you probably noticed that the night life activity is as active as it’s been in years. Everyone is looking to get their favorite drink for the cheapest possible price yet most people get caught in a routine of visiting the same places. If you are looking for some drinks in New Bedford on a budget, here are three places you should consider:

National Club

22 Union St. New Bedford MA 02740

Even today the National Club is looked at in disgust and even feared by many New Bedford residents. The bar is typically called an “eyesore” and many believe that it is one of the last remaining places that is holding New Bedford’s Downtown back from its full potential. The truth is the National Club has a reputation for bar fights, drugs and violence. While this reputation may be based on some truth, most of the rumors are simply  exaggerated. The truth is that the National is one of the oldest existing bars in the New Bedford and the bartender (which has always been a woman) is extremely welcoming and delightful. Even more delightful is the “five bottles of Bud Light for only $12” special. The next time you are up for a drink, consider the National Club.

Best Drink Special: Five Bud Light Bottles for $12

Soutside Annie's Bar New Bedford MASouthside Annie’s

114 Cove St. New Bedford MA 02744

This second hole in the wall bar lies just outside of the downtown area and right on the forefront of south end of New Bedford. Much like the National Club, South Side Annie’s has a negative reputation and is generally avoided by most of New Bedford. South Side Annie’s is much larger than it appears to be from the outside. The bar is natural wood (stained and urathaned) and its patrons are hard-working people that live in the surrounding neighborhood. If you’ve never been to Annie’s, a head or two may turn when you enter, but that’s mainly due to the tight-knit group of regulars that seem to notice all unfamiliar faces.

Best Drink Specials: $2.50 Miller Light, $3.50 Patron tequila shot

Libad’s Bar & Grille

578 Brock Ave New Bedford MA 02744

Staying in the south end of New Bedford and about a ½ mile from South Side Annie’s lie’s a bar that would be a hot spot if located downtown New Bedford. The biggest day of the year for Libad’s is their annual bike run and summer bash for Lenny Oliviera that takes place at the beginning of August. Libad’s main attraction is the mechanical bull that is available for anyone brave enough to ride. You can also try to win $25 for being the best at Smug Bastards Trivia on Tuesday nights.

Best Drink Special: $6.50 domestic beer pitchers, $1.75 domestic drafts (during all Red Sox games).


Honorable Mention:

The Ice Chest
136 Huttleston Ave. Fairhaven MA 02719
It’s not New Bedford, but can you say $4 for a Bacardi and Coke?

The Catwalk Bar & Grille
34 Union St. New Bedford MA 02740
$3.50 for a Baby Guinness shot (Tia Maria and Bailey’s Irish Cream floated on top)


Always remember to drink safely and responsibly and always tip your bartenders (open bar doesn’t mean you don’t need to tip!).

Feel free to post a reply and suggest your favorite places to get a cheap drink in New Bedford!

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About ngriffith25

An official Tough Mudder. I grew up in New Bedford. Graduated from UMASS Dartmouth with Operations MTG Degree (BA). I'm the Head of Sales for RocketFish Media and New Beford Guide. I've been a Bartending for over 9 years and still love it. I try to stay very active and enjoy being outside. Getting married in September (9/10/11) Hobbies: Snowboarding, MMA, riding motorcycles, going on vacation, SCUBA diving, anything outdoors Favorite Authors/Books: Lee Child, George R. R. Martin, Tim Ferriss, Tucker Max, "The Dragons Path"

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7 comments

  1. C’mon, these bars are okay. But how can you leave out New Bedford’s best deal in the city at Knuckleheads? $3.50 or $3.75 for ice cold 34 oz. beer with a $5 steak dinner? Or $3 martinis? $1.50 PBRs and Rolling Rocks. Lebeau’s is also good and The Garden and Brown Jug and Panthers Club and… lol, and…

    • ya i know James, originally the title of the article was, “Wanna Cheap Drink? How low do you wanna go?” So the article was about these places that were thought of to be “really bad” but really aren’t and have some pretty bad ass drink deals. And honestly I didnt think Knuckleheads fit that “bad bar” stereotype. You’ve been to a lot of bars around the city, playing pool and music, you should write a quick article!!!

  2. The Brown Jug should not be left out,if you want a cheap drink,and priceless friends, the Jug is a good place to go.

    • Thanks Pshelli47, I am planning on writing a follow up article Cheap Drinks New Bedford #2 to spotlight all the places that were left out from this one. I put this article together very quickly, and because I live in the South End, focused on these bars. Don’t worry, there’s more to come.

  3. Another nice place is the Freestone , downtown New Bedford. Nice at atmosphere, very reasonably priced drinks . And also daily specials. Check it out…

    • Actually… we are always looking for more writers…. you seem to know more than the average person as to whats going on with the local bars. Its free to write for us and you get make money off your articles. Check out the “Write for Us” section her on NBG.com… Maybe you can take the reins on Cheap Drinks NB #2?

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