Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Midtown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Midtown
1. The Campbell
A restored Gilded Age office-turned-cocktail sanctuary tucked inside Grand Central Terminal, where vaulted ceilings, leaded glass, and dark wood set a transportive, Prohibition-era mood.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the quintessential Midtown rendezvous—opulent, discreet, and steps from the trains—perfect for martinis before or after a Manhattan adventure.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 9 pm once the commuter rush fades; Sundays for a calmer, locals’ vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Skip the terminal crowds by using the Vanderbilt Avenue entrance and aim for a seat at the bar to watch the meticulous builds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the time-capsule glamour and polished classics; expect premium prices that feel justified by the setting.
2. Bar Centrale
An unmarked townhouse hideaway on Restaurant Row where theater insiders whisper over immaculate cocktails in a hushed, living-room setting.
✓ Why Go:
Pre- or post-show, it’s as close as Midtown gets to a true insider speakeasy—intimate, reservation-driven, and steeped in Broadway lore.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late nights after curtain (10 pm–12 am) for that electric, post-theater buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ring the discreet buzzer at street level; book ahead and request a banquette for the most private feel.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons rave about the serenity amid Times Square chaos and the consistently balanced cocktails.
3. Raines Law Room at The William
A plush, lamp-lit parlor bar with velvet seating and table-side service, channeling New York’s temperance-era charm inside a historic Midtown townhouse hotel.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy purists seeking ritual and restraint—no standing, attentive service, and drinks that lean classic yet inventive.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening (5–7 pm) for easier seating; late night for peak hush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Settle into a couch and use the call button to summon your server—then ask for a dealer’s choice built around your favorite spirit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the quiet, date-night ambiance and flawless technique; waits can be long without reservations.
4. Tanner Smith's
A Prohibition-themed bi-level cocktail den with vintage murals, hidden nooks, and a basement bar that feels like a well-kept Midtown secret.
✓ Why Go:
Lively yet atmospheric, it bridges speakeasy aesthetics with a social scene—ideal for groups who still want craft cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 8 pm; Fridays before 7 pm to beat the rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head downstairs to the subterranean bar for a darker, more speakeasy-like vibe and quicker bartender interaction.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd-pleasing spot with strong classics and upbeat energy; can get noisy later in the evening.
5. Bo Peep Cocktail and Highball Store
A plush, red-velvet hideaway beneath The Ragtrader where piano tunes, seamstress-era decor, and highballs create a nostalgic underground retreat.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a legit Midtown speakeasy moment—dimly lit, intimate, and musically inclined—without straying far from Penn Station or Herald Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening (9 pm–12 am) for live music and peak atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter through The Ragtrader host stand and ask for Bo Peep; request bar seats for conversation with the bartenders.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the cozy glamour, live piano, and approachable highball list.
6. Fine & Rare
A refined, jazz-forward lounge showcasing rare spirits and tableside presentations, evoking a 1930s supper club in the heart of Midtown.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans who love live music and rare pours—think vintage rum, aged whiskey, and elegant stirred cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend evenings for live sets; weeknights for quieter, connoisseur-level sipping.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve near the band for the full experience and ask about limited-release pours from the spirit cart.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly regarded for service, musicianship, and an extensive, well-curated backbar.
7. Pebble Bar
A multi-level cocktail hideout perched above Rockefeller Center with mid-century accents, dim lighting, and a semi-secret, stair-access entrance.
✓ Why Go:
A sleek, insider-feeling stop steps from Radio City and the rink—great for elevated classics without the tourist crush below.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for soft light over Rock Center; late nights for a more intimate vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book The Loft for small groups, or sit at the bar to watch the high-polish builds and clarify-based cocktails.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for atmosphere and location; reservations help avoid a wait.
8. The Rum House
A beloved, candlelit piano bar off Times Square where rum-focused classics and nightly music channel old New York energy.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a timeless Midtown staple with speakeasy soul—dark wood, strong daiquiris, and musicians who know how to read the room.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater (5–7 pm) for seats; late night for the liveliest sets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a rum Old Fashioned or an off-menu daiquiri variation; small tables fill quickly, so arrive early.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowded but adored—people come for the live music, stay for the impeccable rum cocktails.
9. Nothing Really Matters
A neon-lit cocktail bar secretly tucked into a Penn Station entrance, serving serious drinks in a whimsically subterranean setting.
✓ Why Go:
It nails the modern speakeasy brief—hidden, playful, and convenient—perfect for a hush-hush round before catching a train.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 8 pm for space at the bar; late afternoons are quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the glowing pink signage near the station entrance; bartender’s-choice requests are happily accommodated.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the secret-find thrill and balanced cocktails; expect a small, buzzy room.
10. Dear Irving on Hudson
A two-level cocktail aerie atop Aliz Hotel with sleek, softly lit rooms and skyline views that lend a glamorous, clandestine feel.
✓ Why Go:
Combines speakeasy-style polish with sweeping Midtown vistas—ideal for a dramatic nightcap near Times Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset to early evening for views without a crush; late night for a calmer lounge atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a window seat and time arrival for golden hour; strict capacity means walk-ins can wait.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors applaud the service, scenery, and refined builds—prices track with the views and vibe.
