Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Chelsea
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Chelsea
1. Bathtub Gin
Step through a coffee shop into a 1920s fantasy: a velvet-draped room anchored by a gleaming copper tub, live jazz or burlesque on select nights, and a gin-forward cocktail list that celebrates Prohibition-era flair.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Chelsea’s quintessential speakeasy experience—immersive decor, showy but serious drinks, and the thrill of finding the hidden door.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sun–Thu 6:00–8:00 pm to skip the late-night queue; Fri–Sat after 11:00 pm if you want the full high-energy vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via the Stone Street coffee storefront; reservations help, but walk-ins can try the list—ask about live jazz and burlesque nights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the transportive setting, polished service, and theatrical energy; waits can be long but most feel the payoff is worth it.
2. Raines Law Room
Ring the buzzer for plush, curtained alcoves, low lighting, and table-side cocktail service that channels vintage New York with modern precision.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy purists who value whisper-level ambiance and impeccably made classics in a hideaway that feels like a secret salon.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mon–Thu 5:00–7:00 pm for a serene experience; late-night after 10:00 pm for date-night intimacy.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s a discreet call-bell service once seated—let the staff guide you; book ahead for weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its hush-hush vibe and flawless cocktails; guests note it’s one of the most romantic lounges in Chelsea.
3. La Noxe
A petite, red-hued speakeasy tucked in the 28th Street subway station corridor, pouring creative cocktails in an intimate, subterranean setting.
✓ Why Go:
Because arriving by subway to a hidden bar feels deliciously clandestine—and the beverages are as compelling as the entrance.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Tue–Thu 7:30–10:00 pm for balanced buzz; arrive early—seating is limited.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the street-level buzzer; the actual entrance is at the door on West 28th Street. Expect a time limit during peak hours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the novelty and craftsmanship in a tiny space; many call it a perfect pre- or post-dinner stop.
4. The Tippler
A cellar bar beneath Chelsea Market with reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, and a menu of cheeky, crowd-pleasing cocktails in a lively, hidden setting.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a classic ‘under the market’ speakeasy vibe—ideal for groups who want atmosphere without sacrificing drink quality.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 5:00–7:00 pm or after 10:30 pm once Chelsea Market quiets down.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the illuminated OPEN marquee on W 15th Street; it’s first come, first served, so off-peak arrivals help.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Energetic, fun, and reliably tasty; can be packed on weekends, but most find the buzz part of the charm.
5. N’Between
A clandestine Japanese-inspired listening bar hidden behind the Maki A’ Mano hand-roll counter in Chelsea Market, pairing hi-fi vinyl vibes with elegant cocktails, sake, and Japanese whisky.
✓ Why Go:
For a Tokyo-style speakeasy experience in Chelsea—moody acoustics, refined drinks, and an insiders-only feel.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Tue–Thu 7:00–10:00 pm for peak atmosphere without long waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Find Maki A’ Mano inside the market and slip behind it; the cocktail list leans Japanese—ask for staff picks if you’re new to shochu or yuzu.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise its hidden-in-plain-sight thrill, balanced drinks, and immersive soundtrack; a favorite among cocktail nerds.
6. LouLou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy
A French bistro upstairs with a playful, secretive lounge downstairs—accessed via a vintage Coca-Cola door—serving creative, camera-ready cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
It blends Parisian charm with speakeasy discovery, making it great for date night or celebratory rounds with friends.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 8:00–10:00 pm to avoid weekend lines; weekends after 10:00 pm for a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the host about the downstairs speakeasy; check schedules for live jazz or special programming in the lounge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners love the whimsical entrance, polished cocktails, and festive mood; it’s a ‘Chelsea-only’ crowd-pleaser.
7. Sid Gold’s Request Room
A retro piano bar with a back-room speakeasy feel where the songbook—and the crowd—steal the show alongside classic cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy fans who love live music get the best of both worlds—singalong nostalgia and martinis in a dim, loungey setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mon–Wed after 9:00 pm for easier song sign-ups; Fri–Sat late for the spirited, packed-house experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to add your name to the piano list and snag a booth; tipping the pianist is customary.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, communal, and delightfully old-school; many call it their most memorable night out in Chelsea.
8. Porchlight
Danny Meyer’s industrial-chic cocktail bar by the West Side rail yards pairs Southern-accented hospitality with serious mixology and a cozy game room.
✓ Why Go:
Though not hidden, it nails the speakeasy mood—dim, loungey corners, attentive service, and cocktails that respect the classics.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour 5:00–7:00 pm for a mellow start; winter evenings for toddies and a snug, low-lit vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about off-menu classics and seasonal specialties; it’s an easy add-on to a High Line stroll.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests applaud the welcoming staff, balanced drinks, and relaxed elegance; a neighborhood staple.
9. Lobby Bar at The Hotel Chelsea
A grand, historic lobby bar with paneled walls, art-lined rooms, and refined cocktails—more salon than scene, steeped in Chelsea lore.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans who appreciate ambiance and craftsmanship over crowds—the romance of old New York without the password.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sun–Wed 6:00–8:00 pm for relaxed seating; late-night nightcaps daily until 2:00 am.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the signature martini and explore adjoining rooms—each nook has its own mood and artwork.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequented for its timeless atmosphere and polished drinks; many call it an elegant Chelsea must.
10. Back Bar
A tucked-away lounge behind Hotel Eventi’s lobby with mid-century styling, live jazz on select nights, and a cocktail program that spotlights seasonal riffs and classics.
✓ Why Go:
It feels like a modern speakeasy—hidden, intimate, and bartender-driven—right on Chelsea’s eastern edge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thu–Sat 8:00–11:00 pm when music or guest-bartender pop-ups lift the mood; early evenings for quieter sips.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight through the lobby to find it; ask about limited-time menus or residencies when you arrive.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the smart cocktails, cozy rooms, and ‘in-the-know’ feel—an under-the-radar favorite.
