Filming Location Spotlight | Double Down Saloon
/Broadway Stages takes pride in supporting our vibrant local communities. Our Filming Location Spotlight series highlights local shops, restaurants, landmarks, and venues where productions that call Broadway Stages home have filmed "on location." We encourage our readers to explore and support these unique spots and join the film and television industry in helping sustain our neighborhoods' economies and culture! In this edition, we take a walk on the wild side to the rebellious dive with legendary drinks – the Double Down Saloon in the East Village.
Last fall, Broadway Stages hosted visionary director Darren Aronofsky as he filmed the upcoming film “Caught Stealing.” This high-stakes crime thriller, featuring an all-star cast, including Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, and Liev Schreiber, plunges audiences into the gritty, adrenaline-fueled streets of 1990s New York. The film, set in the heart of the city, required real, authentic locations, and one of the most unforgettable spots featured in the film is the legendary Double Down Saloon in the East Village, a dive bar known for its rebellious energy, cheap drinks, and punk-rock soul.
Welcome to the Wild Side: Double Down Saloon NYC
Double Down Saloon is a no-nonsense dive bar that has become an institution in NYC's nightlife scene. Originally an offshoot of the infamous Las Vegas bar of the same name, this East Coast outpost has taken on a life of its own, attracting a mix of locals, artists, musicians, and curious nightcrawlers looking for an unfiltered, raw experience. Forget craft cocktails and velvet ropes — this is a place for strong drinks, loud music, and an atmosphere that refuses to be tamed.
The Vibe: Pure East Village Energy
Walking into Double Down Saloon is like stepping into a time capsule of gritty, rebellious New York. The walls are plastered with graffiti, stickers, and eclectic memorabilia, creating a visual overload that feels like pure punk-rock energy. A dimly lit room hums with the sound of classic metal, garage rock, and punk anthems, setting the perfect tone for a wild, unpredictable night. The bar's infamous rules reinforce its no-nonsense, anything-goes attitude, including the classic "You Puke, You Clean" sign. Need a breather? Head to the outdoor patio, where you can grab some fresh air and take in the late-night chaos of Avenue A.
Drinks You Won't Forget (Even If You Try)
The menu at Double Down Saloon is as legendary as the bar itself. Their "Ass Juice" shot has reached cult status among regulars and newcomers alike. Served in a plastic cup, this mysterious concoction changes from night to night, but one thing stays the same: it's dangerously strong. Feeling adventurous? The bacon martini blends savory, smoky flavors with a stiff pour of vodka, creating a drink as unforgettable as the night you're about to have. And if you just want an ice-cold beer or a classic whiskey shot, you'll find prices that won't make your wallet cry.
Service With a Side of Sass
The bartenders at Double Down Saloon are part of the experience. Known for their sharp wit, fast pours, and a zero-tolerance policy for nonsense, they keep the bar running like a well-oiled machine. Reviews highlight the staff's ability to handle a rowdy crowd with ease while making sure everyone has a good time. One enthusiastic Yelp reviewer summed it up perfectly: "No frills, no pretense — just good drinks, great service, and a vibe you won't find anywhere else."
What the People Say
The fans don't lie. Double Down Saloon has built a devoted following; the reviews speak for themselves.
● "This is the last real dive bar in NYC." – Yelp reviewer
● "No fancy cocktails, no overpriced nonsense — just strong drinks, great music, and a killer vibe." – Google review
● "The kind of place you stumble into at 10 p.m. and leave at 4 a.m. with a few new friends and a fuzzy memory." – Bar regular
When to Go & How to Keep Up
Double Down Saloon NYC is open daily from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m., making it the perfect destination for an afternoon drink or a late-night adventure. Want to stay in the loop? Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, wild event announcements, and a glimpse into the bar's unapologetically raw aesthetic.
Double Down Saloon is more than just a bar — it's a piece of New York history, and we're thrilled to see it take center stage in “Caught Stealing.” Its rebellious energy, cheap drinks, and punk-rock soul have added a unique flavor to the film, making it a must-see for all film enthusiasts and nightlife seekers.
Institutions like the Double Down Saloon are part of New York's magic, adding authentic character to the city's cultural landscape and making them ideal filming locations. By partnering with independent restaurants, bars, shops, and other businesses across the city, the film and TV industry is able to enhance the authenticity of its productions and also contribute to the success of these businesses that make New York special. Whether it's a pivotal scene in a television show or a quiet moment in a feature film, these locations offer a unique sense of the city we love, and the Double Down Saloon is a perfect example of this.
At Broadway Stages, we are committed to supporting the small businesses that make New York City's neighborhoods thrive. Experience this business for yourself. Grab a drink at Double Down Saloon, and don't miss "Caught Stealing" when it hits theaters later this summer! And when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!
One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service studio production companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.
With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.
Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.
