Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Speakeasy Fans in Times Square
1. The Rum House
Tucked inside the art deco Hotel Edison, The Rum House glows with copper bar tops, dark wood, and candlelit tables. Classic cocktails and live piano or jazz most evenings make it feel like a Prohibition-era refuge steps from Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy fans, this is a quintessential Theater District hideaway with serious bartending and vintage atmosphere without the pretense of a secret password.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater from 5–7 pm for easier seating, or after curtain call (10–11 pm) when the room fills with showgoers and live music.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a seat at the bar and ask for a spirit-forward riff on a Manhattan—the bartenders excel at off-menu classics.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the moody vibe, strong classics, and intimate music; it can get crowded but feels timeless once you’re settled in.
2. Bar Centrale
An unmarked brownstone landing opens to a serene, low-lit salon frequented by theater insiders. It’s whisper-quiet chic with martinis served in vintage glassware.
✓ Why Go:
This is the platonic ideal of a Theater District speakeasy—hidden, reservation-friendly, and perfect for post-show whispers over immaculate cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night, 10:30 pm–12:30 am, after the Broadway rush subsides.
✓ Insider Tip:
Buzz the discrete doorbell and book ahead; ask about the day’s spirit or vermouth selections for a bespoke martini.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars love the hush, the discretion, and the precision pours—expect premium prices and a civilized pace.
3. Tanner Smith's
A bi-level cocktail den nodding to pre-Prohibition New York, with a hidden-feeling downstairs and a menu rich in house infusions and classic builds.
✓ Why Go:
It blends speakeasy atmosphere with lively Midtown energy, ideal for groups who still want craft-level cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 6–8 pm for space to explore the menu; late night Friday for a buzzier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head downstairs for the most speakeasy vibe and ask for a bartender’s choice using their barrel-aged spirits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight creative drinks, friendly staff, and Instagrammable interiors; it’s popular, so expect a wait at peak hours.
4. Dear Irving on Hudson
Perched atop the Aliz Hotel, this elegant lounge channels vintage glamour with skyline views. Think plush seating, dim lamps, and expertly stirred cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
For speakeasy lovers who also want a dramatic Midtown vista, it marries classic technique with a hideaway feel above the street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour to early evening (5–7:30 pm) for sunset views; later for a quieter, more intimate mood.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window banquette and order a stirred whiskey cocktail—bartenders here shine with spirit-forward classics.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the views, refined service, and balanced drinks; reservations help avoid elevator lines at peak times.
5. Dutch Fred's
A Theater District cocktail bar inspired by a Prohibition-era cop, with red-brick walls, Edison bulbs, and a menu heavy on early 20th-century flavors.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a fun, accessible gateway to speakeasy-style mixology right off 8th Avenue—perfect before or after a show.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater 5–7 pm or late night after 10:30 pm when turnover from Broadway picks up.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a classic with modern bitters—staff love customizing to your base spirit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons appreciate the fast service, robust cocktails, and lively atmosphere; noise levels rise at peak times.
6. Swing
A supper club on Restaurant Row where big band and swing reign, complete with dance floor and vintage vibes that echo the speakeasy era.
✓ Why Go:
If your idea of a speakeasy includes live swing and dancing, this is the Theater District’s time machine.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings 7–10 pm for live band sets; weekends feature the most energetic crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a table near the dance floor if you plan to step out—staff can guide beginners on where to start.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the upbeat bands and throwback ambiance; food is solid, but the music and mood steal the show.
7. Birdland Jazz Club
A legendary jazz room with nightly sets, cabaret corners, and the kind of low light that flatters a classic cocktail.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy aficionados seeking live jazz heritage will find a polished but cozy club steeped in Midtown history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Catch the early set for dinner-and-music or the late set for a darker, clubbier feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit mid-room for balanced sound; order a classic highball so you can sip easily during solos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers praise world-class musicianship and attentive service; popular headliners sell out, so book ahead.
8. Blue Bar
Inside the Algonquin Hotel, Blue Bar pairs literary lore with an art deco setting and a focus on martinis, Manhattans, and timeless tipples.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a refined, old-New-York cocktail sanctuary minutes from the neon, ideal for a quiet, speakeasy-adjacent nightcap.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for an unhurried drink before the dinner rush, or late night after 10 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic martini and ask about the bar’s historic portraits—staff often share great Algonquin tales.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the calm, conversation-friendly room and deftly made classics; prices reflect the historic setting.
9. On The Rocks
A compact Hell’s Kitchen whiskey den with low lighting, shelves of rare bottles, and bartenders who love a neat pour or a minimalist old fashioned.
✓ Why Go:
Speakeasy purists who prize spirits over spectacle will love this intimate, no-fuss cocktail sanctuary.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 8 pm for a quieter counter seat; weekends fill quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Let the bartender choose a flight based on your preferred region or proof—great for exploring new pours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars call it a neighborhood gem with serious whiskey chops; seating is limited, so arrive early.
10. The Lambs Club
Housed in a landmarked art deco space, The Lambs Club bar glows with red leather banquettes and a fireplace—perfect for a polished classic cocktail.
✓ Why Go:
It channels Golden Age elegance a block from Times Square, ideal for speakeasy fans who enjoy refined surrounds and impeccable technique.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After-theater hours (10–11:30 pm) for a sophisticated nightcap without the pre-theater crush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a house take on the Boulevardier and settle near the fireplace for peak ambiance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors applaud the glamorous room, balanced drinks, and professional service; a splurge that feels special.
