Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in SoHo
1. Guild Bar
Tucked inside Roman and Williams Guild, this five-seat counter feels like a jewel box—cocktails are tailored to exquisite, artisan glassware amid a moody mural and candlelight. It’s an intimate, design-forward sip that channels the exclusivity of a true speakeasy.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, the secrecy and scale are irresistible: a whisper-small bar, bespoke service, and martinis that rival NYC’s best.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Tuesday–Thursday after 5:30pm for easier seats; later evenings if you want a buzzier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the Guild Martini and the story behind the glass—it’s part of the experience.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the theatricality and craftsmanship, calling it “tiny but transcendent.” The size means waits at peak hours.
2. SoHo Cigar Bar
A time-warp to the 1920s with art deco details, leather banquettes, and a low-lit bar program built around classics and brown spirits. One of the city’s rare indoor cigar lounges, it blends smoke, jazz, and speakeasy swagger.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the full Prohibition fantasy—Old Fashioneds, plush booths, and a room that feels illicit in the best way.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 6–8pm for a mellow glow; late Friday and Saturday for lively energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress smart and ask staff for cigar-and-whiskey pairings to elevate the experience.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the transportive vibe and ventilation; occasional comments note weekend crowds and wait times.
3. Ear Inn
Housed in the landmark James Brown House, this storied tavern has centuries of lore and Prohibition-era cred. Inside, a creaky wooden bar, vintage ephemera, and candlelight deliver a true old-New-York hideaway.
✓ Why Go:
To drink in living history just steps from the Hudson—perfect for speakeasy romantics who love patina and pints.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into early evening (4–7pm) for a relaxed pint before the night rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the iconic red “EAR” sign and grab a seat at the bar for maximum atmosphere.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors cherish the unpretentious charm and history-first feel; service is friendly, space is cozy.
4. Fanelli Cafe
A SoHo institution with roots stretching back to the 19th century, Fanelli’s fuses café grit with barroom glow. The tin ceiling, neon sign, and old photos make every Negroni feel like a page from downtown history.
✓ Why Go:
For a classic SoHo bar that lived through changing eras—and still pours a mean cocktail in a timeless setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midweek evenings 6–9pm; weekend afternoons for people-watching with a side of nostalgia.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a straightforward classic—this is where simple, well-made drinks shine.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its authentic, no-fuss vibe; can be packed at peak shopping hours.
5. The Blond
A sultry lounge at 11 Howard with dim lighting, gold accents, and a soundtrack that swells as the night deepens. It’s a modern, velvet-rope nod to hidden hotel bars of the past.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy fans appreciate the moody lighting, banquette seating, and well-built cocktails served with a dash of downtown glamour.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive by 9:30pm Thursday–Saturday; later entry is at doorman’s discretion and the room shifts into a lively scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress the part—smart attire helps after 10pm when access tightens.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the seductive ambiance and DJ sets; some note door policies can be selective late-night.
6. Club Room at Soho Grand
A lavish, two-room cocktail den with peacock murals, mirrored ceilings, and live jazz that morphs into DJ-driven nights. Think supper-club elegance filtered through downtown cool.
✓ Why Go:
For a dressed-up night of classic cocktails and music—perfect for speakeasy lovers who want a stage-lit, vintage feel.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Wednesday–Saturday 8–10:30pm for live sets; post-11pm for DJs and dancing.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s often a cover for live jazz; bar seats are great if dinner tables are booked.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for ambiance and musicianship; can be pricey but feels special-occasion worthy.
7. Raoul’s
This legendary, dimly lit bistro is as much about the bar as the steak au poivre. A narrow front room with an art-studded wall and a classic zinc bar summons late-night SoHo from the ’70s onward.
✓ Why Go:
For a martini under old mirrors and a seat steeped in downtown lore—perfect for a romantic, speakeasy-leaning dinner.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late dinner (after 9pm) midweek for a hushed glow; weekends book well ahead.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bar seats are coveted—arrive early to request them and linger over a French 75.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the sultry atmosphere and consistent classics; it’s a perennial favorite that still feels insider.
8. JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo
An intimate rooftop cocktail lounge with a fireplace and wraparound views—an elegant capstone to a clandestine SoHo crawl. By night, the skyline becomes part of the décor.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy fans appreciate the refined classics and conversation-level music early, with energy rising late on weekends.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset through 9pm for views and a seat; later for a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Inquire about seasonal specialties and grab a window perch—city lights elevate any classic cocktail.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the panoramas and polished service; note that lines form on peak nights.
9. Milady’s
A beloved neighborhood name reborn as a serious cocktail bar, Milady’s mixes dive-bar nostalgia with top-tier technique. Expect playful signatures alongside textbook-perfect classics.
✓ Why Go:
For inventive yet grounded drinks from industry pros—ideal for speakeasy devotees who value craft and comfort.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Happy hour Monday–Thursday, or late evenings for a lively crowd without shoulder-to-shoulder crush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the bartender for a recommendation based on your spirit and style—they excel at bespoke pours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Applauded for hospitality and balanced cocktails; peak times can be standing-room only.
10. Spring Lounge
A downtown stalwart with a storied past, this corner bar pairs no-frills charm with an easygoing tap list and strong highballs. Neon glows, locals mingle, and the atmosphere stays delightfully unpolished.
✓ Why Go:
For a democratic, old-New-York nightcap that complements SoHo’s sleeker speakeasy stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to early evening for seats; late nights for classic dive energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
First-come, first-served—grab the window ledge for prime people-watching on Spring Street.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it a ‘true neighborhood bar’—friendly, lively, and refreshingly unpretentious.
