Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in the Bronx
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in the Bronx
1. Port Morris Distillery
A Bronx-born distillery crafting small-batch pitorro (Puerto Rican moonshine) in an industrial corner of Mott Haven. The tasting room’s low lighting and barrel-lined walls channel a hush-hush Prohibition mood.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy fans will appreciate the bootleg-history lineage of pitorro and the intimate, locals-only vibe that feels like a secret haunt.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday evenings for the liveliest crowd and seasonal cocktail flights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the bartender for an off-menu classic—like a stirred, spirit-forward riff using their aged pitorro.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the welcoming staff, authentic Bronx character, and sippable, surprisingly refined spirits.
2. The Bronx Beer Hall
Tucked inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, this communal taproom blends retro market energy with convivial Bronx hospitality.
✓ Why Go:
The old-New York setting and neighborhood crowd evoke a convivial, behind-the-counter camaraderie that speakeasy fans love.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into evening on Fridays and Saturdays when the market buzz turns into a laid-back night out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring charcuterie from nearby market stalls to pair with your flight—staff are happy to recommend matches.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers call it friendly, affordable, and a great way to experience the "real Bronx" social scene.
3. Arthur Avenue Retail Market
A vintage-style indoor bazaar in Belmont where cigar rollers, espresso bars, and Italian specialty shops conjure Old World intrigue.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an atmospheric warm-up for a cocktail night—stock up on amaros, sip a macchiato, and soak in time-capsule vibes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late afternoon for fewer crowds and more time to chat with stall owners.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up an amaro or vermouth from local purveyors to recreate classic Bronx cocktails back at your stay.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the authenticity and say it feels like an unvarnished slice of New York history.
4. Woodlawn Cemetery
A National Historic Landmark with ornate mausoleums and the resting places of jazz legends whose music defined the speakeasy era.
✓ Why Go:
Pay homage to Jazz Age icons and stroll architecturally striking grounds that whisper of New York’s nightlife past.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunny mornings or golden hour for tranquil walks and evocative photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a map at the office to find jazz greats and notable memorials, then cap the day with a classic cocktail nearby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as serene, beautiful, and unexpectedly moving.
5. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
A 19th-century waterfront estate with period rooms and formal gardens that evoke Gatsby-era elegance in Pelham Bay Park.
✓ Why Go:
Its Gilded Age ambience and occasional evening programs pair perfectly with a speakeasy lover’s penchant for timeless style.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall afternoons for garden color and soft light; check the calendar for evening salons.
✓ Insider Tip:
Explore the carriage house and grounds before heading to a nearby lounge for a pre-Prohibition classic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it a peaceful, photogenic gem that feels miles from the city.
6. Zona de Cuba
A glamorous rooftop lounge atop a landmarked post office building serving rum-forward cocktails with skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
The tropical-meets-Art-Deco aesthetic and live music nights strike a perfect chord for speakeasy enthusiasts chasing atmosphere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour through late night for sunsets, live music, and a lively crowd.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress smart and reserve ahead—then order a classic Daiquiri #3 for an era-appropriate sip.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners rave about the views, vibrant scene, and well-balanced cocktails.
7. Mott Haven Bar & Grill
A neighborhood cornerstone with tin ceilings, vintage tile, and a craft-cocktail program that nods to the classics.
✓ Why Go:
Its old-New York bones and bartender-made standards create a low-key speakeasy feel without the password.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight evenings for an intimate seat at the bar; weekends get festive.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a Bronx cocktail (gin, orange juice, sweet vermouth) and ask for it stirred and up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons highlight friendly service, generous pours, and a true neighborhood vibe.
8. The Snug
An intimate City Island pub with low lighting, live sessions, and shelves of whiskey that invite slow sipping.
✓ Why Go:
The cozy, conversation-first atmosphere channels the discretion and warmth beloved by speakeasy devotees.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend nights for live music; earlier evenings for quiet, fireside chats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for an Irish Coffee or a whiskey flight to linger over after a seafood dinner on the island.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars describe it as welcoming, authentic, and a perfect cap to a City Island night.
9. Kingsbridge Social Club
A neighborhood bar with a serious cocktail list, brick-and-wood interiors, and moody lighting—plus standout pies.
✓ Why Go:
It delivers speakeasy-adjacent ambiance and bartenders who love to riff on pre-Prohibition recipes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evenings for a lively bar scene; early weeknights for bartender’s-choice experiments.
✓ Insider Tip:
Let the team build you a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail—then pair it with a truffle pie.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals applaud the balanced drinks, friendly staff, and relaxed, date-night feel.
10. Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler
Housed in a 19th-century fort at SUNY Maritime, this museum explores New York’s seafaring past, from harbor patrols to smuggling lore.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, it offers context—how the waterfront shaped enforcement and evasion during the Prohibition years.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons; verify hours and campus access before you go.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a photo ID for campus entry, and linger on the ramparts for bay views after your visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors find it fascinating, under-the-radar, and rich with maritime stories.
