Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Greenwich Village
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Greenwich Village
1. Employees Only
A candlelit, Art Deco cocktail den with a discreet neon psychic sign out front, Employees Only channels Prohibition-era swagger with white-jacketed bartenders and serious mixology.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, it’s the archetype: impeccable classic cocktails, a lively late-night bar scene, and an atmosphere that feels timeless yet electric.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening on weeknights for easier bar seating; after 10 pm on weekends if you like a bustling, nocturnal vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab bar seats for the best view of the craft; ask about off-menu classics or the bartender’s choice if you like a spirit-forward drink.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about polished service and flawless cocktails, calling it a quintessential Village night out.
2. Little Branch
A subterranean, low-lit cocktail bar where hushed conversation and swinging jazz set the scene for meticulously stirred and shaken classics.
✓ Why Go:
Its intimate, minimalist room evokes true speakeasy mystique—perfect for savoring a silky Manhattan or a bracing Daiquiri.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening daily to avoid a line; late night for a moody, mellow crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order spirit-first classics; bartenders are known for flawless balance in simple, elegant builds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the serene vibe and top-tier technique, noting it’s ideal for date night or quiet conversation.
3. The Up & Up
A refined below-street cocktail lounge on MacDougal specializing in inventive drinks and elevated hospitality without losing the Village’s bohemian soul.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy aficionados will appreciate the intimate seating, polished glassware, and a menu that riffs on classics with seasonal flair.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 6–8 pm for relaxed seating; late night for a convivial crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a dealer’s choice based on your favorite base spirit; staff are adept at tailoring profiles to taste.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons highlight thoughtful service and balanced, creative cocktails in a chic yet cozy room.
4. Dante
An iconic Village café turned world-class cocktail bar where Negronis, spritzes, and aperitivo culture meet old New York charm.
✓ Why Go:
While not hidden, its timeless ambiance, classic glassware, and aperitivo focus appeal to speakeasy fans who value heritage and craft.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoon to early evening for aperitivo hour; sunset for golden-hour street-side tables.
✓ Insider Tip:
Explore the Negroni variations flight to sample multiple takes on a classic in one sitting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the lively yet polished atmosphere and call the Negronis among the city’s best.
5. Blue Note
Legendary jazz club where intimate tables crowd near the stage, pairing craft cocktails with world-class live sets.
✓ Why Go:
Prohibition’s spirit lived in jazz—Blue Note delivers that lineage, making it essential for speakeasy fans seeking music-driven nights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late shows on weekends for headliners; early sets midweek for a more relaxed experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a table close to the stage; arrive early to settle in with a classic Old Fashioned before the set begins.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush about unforgettable performances and a bucket-list jazz ambiance.
6. Smalls Jazz Club
A basement jazz room with an after-hours feel—dim lights, close quarters, and blistering improvisation into the night.
✓ Why Go:
It channels the clandestine energy of bygone dens, ideal for speakeasy lovers who crave raw, up-close jazz.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late-night sets for the most atmospheric experience; earlier evenings for easier entry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash for the musician tip jar; it’s part of the culture and supports the scene.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it authentic, intimate, and one of the Village’s purest jazz experiences.
7. Mezzrow
A piano-centric sister club to Smalls with salon-like seating, hushed acoustics, and classic cocktails served at candlelit tables.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the refined counterpart to rowdier jazz spots—perfect for speakeasy admirers who like their music intimate and elegant.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early sets for a listening-room vibe; late shows for a romantic nightcap.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead for table seating; order a martini or Manhattan to match the room’s classic mood.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the sound quality, musicianship, and date-night ambiance.
8. Cellar Dog
A sprawling underground hangout with billiards, ping-pong, live jazz, and cocktails—an updated nod to convivial, basement-level nightlife.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, it scratches the after-hours itch with music, games, and a relaxed, vintage-tinged setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday–Saturday for live bands; weeknights if you prefer room to play and chat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a group and snag a game table before live music starts; rotate orders between classics and house specials.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the playful energy and old-school Village feel.
9. Katana Kitten
A high-energy West Village bar blending Japanese flavors with American dive sensibilities—think highballs, boilermakers, and precision cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
Not hidden, but the craftsmanship, playful retro details, and late-night buzz resonate with speakeasy enthusiasts who value technique with character.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening to secure seats; late night for a lively soundtrack and bar theatrics.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a highball from the dedicated menu and pair it with bar snacks to pace a longer night.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it inventive, fun, and consistently delicious—worth the wait.
10. Analogue
A sleek, softly lit cocktail lounge with a vinyl-friendly soundtrack and bartenders who treat classics with reverence.
✓ Why Go:
It aligns with speakeasy values—quiet sophistication, balanced drinks, and conversation-friendly seating without pretense.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for an unhurried drink; late weekends if you crave a bit more buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Let the team steer you with a dealer’s choice—mention your preferred base and flavor profile.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons appreciate the calm, polished scene and reliably excellent cocktails.
