Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans
1. Please Don't Tell
A hush-hush East Village hideaway reached through a vintage phone booth inside a hot dog shop, serving precise, spirit-forward cocktails in a dim, cozy room.
✓ Why Go:
It nails the classic speakeasy fantasy—secret entrance, intimate seating, and bartenders who can riff on any preference without a printed menu.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weeknights for shorter waits; late-night visits feel most cinematic after 10 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your drink with a hot dog next door before you enter; it’s part of the ritual and keeps the night balanced.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the playful entrance and polished drinks, calling it a must for first-time speakeasy explorers.
2. The Back Room
One of NYC’s true Prohibition-era survivors, this Lower East Side bar pours cocktails in teacups amid vintage lamps, velvet sofas, and a tucked-away balcony.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the rare speakeasy with authentic 1920s roots—atmosphere and storytelling come built in.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go right at opening or after the late-night rush (post-11 pm) on weekdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the unassuming gate and sign; once inside, aim for the upstairs nook for a quieter conversation.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the theatricality—teacups and period décor make it feel like stepping back in time.
3. Attaboy
A minimalist LES room where bespoke cocktails are the rule—tell the bartender your mood and let them craft something spot-on.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans who prize bartending mastery over showy entrances, this is the gold standard.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Line up a little before opening or try late night on weeknights to reduce your wait.
✓ Insider Tip:
Come with flavor notes (citrusy, herbal, smoky); the team excels when you give them direction.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly praised for tailored drinks and hospitality—many call it their favorite cocktail bar in NYC.
4. Employees Only
A West Village institution with a lively bar, white-jacketed bartenders, and a menu of refined classics in a sultry, art deco space.
✓ Why Go:
It blends speakeasy mystique with a high-energy scene—great for groups who still want top-tier cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for a relaxed vibe; after 10 pm for a buzzing late-night crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a house classic and consider a savory bite—the kitchen keeps night owls happy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for consistent cocktails and professional service; many return for the atmosphere alone.
5. Death & Co
A candlelit East Village pioneer that helped define modern cocktail culture with meticulous technique and seasonal menus.
✓ Why Go:
For serious cocktail enthusiasts, this is a pilgrimage—history, craft, and ambiance in one room.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go right when doors open or late on weeknights; weekends fill fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with a house favorite, then ask for a bartender’s choice based on your spirit and style.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise balanced, inventive drinks and a serene, date-friendly setting.
6. Raines Law Room
A plush Flatiron hideaway inspired by NYC’s bygone temperance laws—ring the buzzer, sink into sofas, and enjoy table-side cocktail service.
✓ Why Go:
It captures the private-parlor feel many speakeasy fans seek, complete with hushed lighting and attentive service.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening or late-night on weekdays for the most relaxed experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about spirit-forward classics; the staff excels at stirred, elegant serves.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the unhurried, romantic mood and knowledgeable staff.
7. Bathtub Gin
Hidden behind a coffee shop in Chelsea, this lively speakeasy spotlights gin cocktails, vintage bathtubs, and occasional live jazz or burlesque.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans who want a party vibe without sacrificing well-made drinks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for manageable waits; arrive early on show nights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the gin-focused menu and snag bar seats to watch the action.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd-pleasing and photogenic—guests love the energy and themed décor.
8. Apothéke
A Chinatown apothecary-themed den with botanically driven cocktails presented in glassware that nods to old-world pharmacies.
✓ Why Go:
Themed without being gimmicky—complex infusions and dramatic presentation thrill cocktail geeks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive early evening or late on weekdays; weekends are spirited and busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Explore herbal or spice-forward drinks; the bar’s strengths shine in adventurous profiles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for imaginative menus and moody ambience—perfect for a memorable night out.
9. Patent Pending
A moody NoMad speakeasy tucked behind a coffee shop, with a science-and-electricity theme and meticulously garnished cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
It blends story-driven design with serious mixology, ideal for fans who love concept bars done right.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weeknights or late after the dinner rush for smoother entry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the coffee shop’s sign and ask the host for the bar; try a spirit-forward number before moving to lighter sours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight polished service, creative menus, and a romantic, low-lit vibe.
10. Le Boudoir
An ornate, Marie Antoinette–inspired speakeasy hidden beneath a Brooklyn bistro, complete with secret entrance and gilded touches.
✓ Why Go:
For a borough-hopping twist on the speakeasy crawl—decadent décor meets balanced, classic-leaning cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for intimate seating; later hours on Fridays for a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter through the restaurant upstairs; ask staff to guide you to the hidden door.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the theatrical setting and polished drinks—a standout for date nights across the river.
