Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Chinatown
1. Apotheke
The original Chinatown apothecary-style speakeasy where botanicals, house infusions, and moody lighting turn cocktails into ‘prescriptions’ on a storied alley.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a benchmark for NYC speakeasies—dramatic room, lab‑coat bartenders, and a menu grouped by ‘remedies’ from stress relievers to stimulants.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sun–Thu, 6:30–8:00pm for easier entry; late night after 10:30pm if you don’t mind a line.
✓ Insider Tip:
Opt for Dealer’s Choice and give flavor notes; smart attire helps at the door.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about inventive drinks and the transportive vibe; waits can be long but feel worth it.
2. Peachy’s
A neon-kissed subterranean lounge beneath Chinese Tuxedo where East‑meets‑West flavors, hip‑hop beats, and Chinese motifs set a sultry speakeasy tone.
✓ Why Go:
Signature cocktails lean citrusy, spicy, and tea‑driven—perfect for post‑dinner sips steps from Doyers Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Fri–Sat after 10:00pm for peak energy; Tue–Thu for a chiller scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
House rules apply (no photos, 21+). Reserve late night slots on weekends to skip the queue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its cool‑kid crowd, polished service, and punchy flavors; music can be loud.
3. Chinese Tuxedo
A glamorous restaurant in a former Chinese theater that pairs banquet‑style plates with a serious cocktail program—ideal as a speakeasy‑night anchor.
✓ Why Go:
Pre‑ or post‑bar bites are refined, and the drinks list nods to Chinatown’s past without feeling gimmicky.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daily 5:30–8:00pm for dinner before Doyers bar‑hopping.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book two weeks out for prime slots; ask for a bar seat if the dining room is full.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the dramatic space and balanced cocktails; portions are share‑friendly.
4. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Since 1920, this OG dim sum parlor has anchored Doyers Street—perfect for lining your stomach before a night of speakeasy sips.
✓ Why Go:
Vintage neon, classic snacks, and Chinatown history in one stop; it sets the mood for Prohibition‑era alley wandering.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or early evening (4:00–7:00pm) to avoid peak lunch waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the ‘Original’ egg roll and almond cookies to go for a post‑bar snack.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic, great value, and endlessly photogenic; crowds are part of the charm.
5. Doyers Street
The crooked ‘Bloody Angle’—once a tong battleground—is now a lantern‑strung lane lined with hidden bars and enduring eateries.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, it’s the atmospheric core of Chinatown—history and nightlife collide in a single block.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for photos; after 8:00pm for peak speakeasy buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for unmarked doors and subtle signage; many spots are walk‑in with firm door policies.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it cinematic, safe, and endlessly discoverable—especially at night.
6. Apotheke Academy
Hands‑on cocktail classes from the Apotheke team teach techniques behind their botanical ‘remedies.’
✓ Why Go:
Turn your speakeasy crawl into a skill‑building session—shake, stir, and torch like the pros.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening class times; book a week+ ahead as sessions sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Eat beforehand and wear closed‑toe shoes; you’ll be standing and tasting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fun, informative, and gift‑worthy; guests love leaving with new favorites.
7. Basement
A hidden, game‑forward speakeasy beyond a discreet door on Mott Street—think darts, pong tables, and popcorn‑infused riffs.
✓ Why Go:
Casual, late‑night energy with playful cocktails and space to hang between Doyers stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thu–Sat after 9:00pm; Mon–Wed for shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
The Chinatown Old Fashioned and HK Milk Punch are crowd pleasers; groups should reserve.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Laid‑back and lively; drinks are solid and the hidden entrance is a hit.
8. Saint Tuesday
A candlelit sub‑cellar bar off Cortlandt Alley with nightly live music and classic‑leaning cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
It nails the speakeasy fantasy—ring a bell, descend below street level, and sip to jazz and choro sets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sun–Wed 7:00–10:00pm for seated music; weekends fill fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for bartender’s choice if the menu feels too classic—staff excels at tailoring.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Romantic, intimate, and transportive; a favorite for date nights.
9. Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
Context for the neighborhood you’re drinking through—exhibits trace Chinese American stories, including eras that shaped Chinatown nightlife.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy fans appreciate the backstory: migration, exclusion, and resilience that set the stage for today’s scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 11:00am–2:00pm for quieter galleries; pair with an evening bar crawl.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check for Chinatown history walks that begin at the museum lobby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Thoughtful, moving, and well‑curated; visitors value the added depth to a night out.
10. The Crown
A rooftop perch atop 50 Bowery to cap the night—360° skyline views where Chinatown meets the bridges.
✓ Why Go:
Not a speakeasy, but an unbeatable finale near Doyers Street for sunset spritzes or a late‑night toast.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour to twilight (summer 7:30–9:00pm) for views without a clubby crush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Smart‑casual dress helps at the door; arrive early on weekends to snag terrace seating.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the skyline drama and solid cocktails; expect a scene on peak nights.
